Scope out warmer temperatures on the KZN South Coast

Who says you can’t grab your surfboard or take dad diving just because it’s wintertime? The sunny South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal is well known for its pleasant year-round temperatures, making it possible to enjoy a beach holiday whenever you fancy one.

Be sure to plan a stay at the Blue Marlin Hotel – and perhaps take advantage of their new all-inclusive packages, too – and you and dad can look forward to a pamper session at the onsite spa. The ‘Build a Hero’ Father’s Day special allows you to choose 3 treatments and pay just R580! Alternatively, make your way to the onsite Lighthouse Restaurant for a mouth-watering buffet braai at just R275 per person.

Spoil dad on the Dolphin Coast

The KZN North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, is another fantastic option for escaping the freezing temperatures that are currently sweeping through the rest of the country. The popular holiday town of Ballito, in particular, promises everything that you could want from a beach vacation, especially if dad has an adventurous side.

Book a stay at Zimbali Lodge and you’ll both be treated to a decadent carvery lunch at Thandi Restaurant, priced at R360 per person. The set menu is chockfull of winter-warmers, from butternut soup served with warm bread to lemon and thyme roast chicken and homemade malva pudding.

Spend time getting closer to nature outside Pietermaritzburg

South Africa is swarming with incredible national parks and game reserves, all of which are practically bursting at the seams with wildlife and birdlife. The great news is that there is no better time than now to head out on a safari. Due to the drier, cooler weather, the grass will be short and sparse, and the animals will be on the move rather than seeking shelter beneath the trees. In short, you’re sure to spot plenty more than you probably would during spring or summertime.

Why not opt to visit Pietermaritzburg and stay at the Tala Collection Game Reserve? It’s far off the well-beaten track, allowing you to steer clear of crowds, it’s 100% malaria-free, and it’s home to plenty of big game, such hippo, giraffe, kudu, and eland.

The reserve’s lodge is also providing the chance to have some memorable family fun with your nearest and dearest. Adults pay R350 each and kids between 4 – 12 years old pay R175. This fee is inclusive of a small gift pack and a free Segway ride for dad, and he can also opt to take part in a paintball and target shooting competition if he has a competitive streak. The fee is also inclusive of a tasty buffet lunch following all of the festivities. Furthermore, tethered hot air balloon experiences will be available at an additional R300 per person.

Go big in the Greater Pilanesberg

The Greater Pilanesberg is a firm favourite amongst families who love being outdoors and exploring the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. From long, breezy hikes and guided bush walks to scenic bike rides and sunny afternoons spent fishing beside the lake, there’s no doubt that this is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts who are desperate to get away from noisy city streets.

If this sounds a lot like dad, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Finfoot Lake Reserve. During your visit, you’ll be able to treat your old man to a memorable meat-lovers’ meal, including a starter of grilled buffalo wings with a trio of sauces, a choice of surf and turf or chicken schnitzel and a variety of delicious sides as the main, and a decadent chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Escape to the mountains in Citrusdal

If a mountain escape is at the top of dad’s wish list, Citrusdal is the place to be. This charming town is small and promises plenty of peace, quiet, and breath-taking views. Dad is sure to enjoy horseback riding through the valley, cycling along winding bike routes, mountain bike trails, hiking and stocking up on yummy snacks at the local farm stalls.

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, which is perched neatly at the top of the Piekenierskloof Pass a 10 minute drive from Citrusdal, is offering its guests a scrumptious Father’s Day lunch and a versatile set menu. Dad can choose from a sizeable selection of starters, mains, and desserts. Think biltong tartlets, sticky BBQ wings, T-bone steak, seafood chowder, Peppermint Crisp tart, and more – all at discount prices.

Go hiking with dad in the Drakensberg

If both you and dad are avid hikers, you’ll be well aware that winter provides some of the best conditions in which to enjoy your favourite outdoor activity. The dry weather means that a downpour is unlikely to put a damper on your adventure. Plus, with subtly snow-dusted mountain peaks, the Drakensberg is absolutely beautiful at this time of year.

Choose Little Switzerland Resort as your base for your getaway and you can sit down with dad and savour a braai buffet lunch at just R250 per adult and R125 per child under the age of 12. Treat him to a bowl or two of flavourful soup, fresh salads and classic braai sides, and every meat lover’s braai favourites – from lamb chops to boerewors and everything in between. Finally, make the meal even sweeter with a broad selection of indulgent desserts.

Don’t forget to book in advance for all of the experiences highlighted above to avoid disappointment.

This is the year to go all out. After all, dad deserves the best!

We have listened to our loyal guests’ feedback over the years and wanted to make their holidays here even more care-free. By becoming an all-inclusive resort, we can provide our guests with a truly hassle-free, and affordable holiday experience for families, couples, singles and groups.”

The Blue Marlin’s all-inclusive rates are priced from just R2700 per room per night and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, and beverages.

“We’re always looking to offer our holidaymakers maximum convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. After all, the primary benefit of an all-inclusive holiday is that travellers will know exactly what they need to budget for ahead of their getaway, so that when they’re here they can really relax and enjoy the experience without any worries.”

The Blue Marlin Hotel’s all-inclusive offering includes a daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beverages are also included, with a choice between a diverse selection of soft drinks, local wines, beers, and spirits.

The hotel’s location and easy access to the area’s most famous attractions make it a sought-after base for a holiday in Scottburgh.

“Guests rave about the exquisite sea views and particularly enjoy soaking up the sun and atmosphere at our Big Blu pool bar which overlooks the bay. Another favourite is a diving expedition to the world-famous Aliwal Shoal, a short boat ride away and easily organised by our in-house dive centre.”

The Crystal Scuba Academy, based at the hotel, offers all PADI diving courses levels and the T.C. Robertson Reserve is just a 5-minute walk away. “Generations of families have enjoyed beach holidays at the Blue Marlin. By transforming into the first all-inclusive resort on the South Coast, we hope to inspire another generation of holidaymakers to discover what the area has to offer with the utmost ease and value,” concludes Ncobeni.

Kids of all ages visiting Finfoot Lake Reserve, the Blue Marlin Hotel, Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Avalon Springs, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, The Peninsula AllSuite Hotel, Stonehill River Lodge and Jackalberry Ridge can become a Dream Xplorer just like Kamo the Chameleon, who is the mascot of the new programme.

Kamo is a fun character, with which children can interact, and also reflects the wider values of Dream Hotels & Resorts’ brand of environmental commitment.

The Dream Xplorers kids journey begins upon arrival at the resort, where little explorers can pick up their passport from reception. Passports contain fun and exciting activities in which children can partake during their holidays at that specific resort under the guidance of an activities champion. Each resort has a different passport with a wide variety of activities.

Activities are divided into four categories: Active Explorer, Family Fun, Treasure Hunter and Kamo Challenge.

Under the Activity Explorer category, children can participate in activities such as ziplining, target shooting, hiking or mountain biking. The Family Fun category consists of fun family activities from a marshmallow braai, family bingo, games to mini golf. Treasure Hunter will see children exploring the resort’s environment, while the Kamo Challenge introduces children to activities such as a talent night, trampoline or arts and crafts.

For every activity completed, participants will receive a sticker as well as stand the chance to win great prizes. Once they’ve collected enough stickers to complete a category, they receive a badge for that category. If they collect two badges, they’re treated to a free kids’ meal, and once all four badges are collected, they’ll receive their very own Dream Xplorers hat to pin their badges on.

Sharmila Ragunanan, Group Marketing Manager for Dream Hotels and Resorts, says: “Every Dream guest is important no matter how big or small. That is why we have created a dedicated activities programme for our little VIPs that will encourage them to explore the great outdoors instead of the virtual worlds of their electronic devices. Many parents today are desperate to reduce their children’s screen time, especially during the holidays. Our new activities programme will keep the kids so active, they won’t even think about their devices!”