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!

Located in Camperdown, a 50-minute drive from Durban central, Tala has welcomed its first local and international visitors for 2019 after a soft reopening last year.

Dream Hotels & Resorts which currently operates 22 mixed-use properties across South Africa and Mozambique, says the future of Tala Game Reserve is now secure.

“While Tala has been given a new lease on life, we have been careful to ensure that it has retained an authentic wilderness character,” adds Sharmila Ragunanan, Dream Hotels & Resorts Marketing Manager. “It is a place that is close to our hearts, and we are proud to continue its long-standing legacy.”

The reserve spans a 3000-hectare malaria-free area and features a mix of accommodation, wedding and conferencing options catering to different markets, budgets and group sizes.

Leadwood Lodge features six luxury stand-alone cottages, and will soon launch four luxury rooms at the newly renovated Manor house, while Aloe Lodge has seven comfortable rooms. There are 12 deluxe rooms at Tala’s Paperbark Lodge, six en-suite rooms at Mahogany House, and a seventh unique private rondavel which opens onto the swimming pool.

Overnight guests also have the option to self-cater at the Fisherman’s Cottage located near one of the reserve’s dams or enjoy a family getaway in the 5 bedroom Figtree house, a beautifully restored farmhouse set under beautiful fig trees with serene vistas.

“Day visitors are welcome at Tala, and there are picnic & braai areas surrounding the impressive Rockpools swimming area,” says Ragunanan. “Meals are served at La Tala Restaurant, which has stunning views on both sides, a cosy fireplace and is regularly visited by both giraffe and nyala.”

Tala School Camps

Tala has been hosting school groups for the last 10 years, with kids from all over coming to enjoy nature, animals and the outdoors.

Says Ragunanan: “Outdoor education is extremely important for any child at school – this builds leadership qualities and creates an opportunity to learn about nature and all its creatures. Together with the current school curriculum, we create the perfect camping experience that will stay with each child for life!. A full itinerary can be personalised for each school.”

She advises a two, three, or four night sleepover. “We accommodate the teachers at Figtree Barn, bus drivers at Fisherman’s Cottage and the students in our brand new permanent canvas tented campsite. It’s a complete package that includes all meals, a range of great activities and more.”

Activities

Birding: More than 380 bird species are found at Tala, with numerous dams, perfect for the avid birdwatcher.

Game viewing: Game drives are held throughout the day, led by experienced trackers. You are almost guaranteed sightings of rhino, hippo, giraffe, nyala, zebra and numerous other Antelope and game. Self-drive is also an option but it is preferable to use a 4×4 vehicle as some areas are not reachable by regular vehicles
There are currently no large predators on the reserve, apart from jackals and caracals, which hunt across the plains at night. “Wildlife viewing is relaxed and easy at any time of the day. This also makes Tala safe for families and visitors who want to explore on their private self-drives,” says Ragunanan.

4×4 Tours: Whether you are an experienced 4×4 driver or a novice needing to learn, tala has the facilities you are looking for. There is an extensive 4×4 trail along with a training area with obstacles for practice and testing.

Adventure bikes: Tala also offers an adventure bike training facility and guided tours available only via prior arrangement.

Mountain biking: Tala is also ideal for mountain bikers who only need to pay a R70 conservation fee to enter the reserve. Bike rentals are available for the day. Cycling routes range from a 5-kilometre novice loop, to a 13-kilometre intermediate loop with mostly well-maintained single tracks, steep climbs and exciting descents. An advanced 27-kilometre circuit boasts 600 metres of climbing, bridges and rolling drop-offs.

Paintballing & Archery: New additions to the activity list, Tala also now offers groups these adrenaline high activities set in the natural bush.

Weddings & Conferences

Tala is already a well-known wedding and conference destination in KwaZulu-Natal, with state-of-the-art venues such as:

Acacia Venue: A private and popular wedding venue, Acacia accommodates up to 120 guests with scenic views through the large glass doors and windows that surround this open-plan structure and open out onto the great wooden deck that stretches out towards the watering hole. The perfect venue to watch Tala sunsets.

Figtree Barn: The large farmstead building has been creatively restored to create a magnificent wedding venue perfect for large weddings of up to 250 guests. It also features a Stone Chapel for wedding ceremonies, opening out onto a manicured lawn, perfect for pre-wedding drinks or sun-downers.

Leadwood Lodge: At this five-star lodge, a dedicated chef will cater for small and exclusive functions and wedding ceremonies of up to 60 guests. Leadwood Lodge is a place of relaxation and tranquillity and more of an intimate venue available for your special day.

iDube Conference Room: Accommodates up to 20 people in a u-shape configuration and 50 cinema-style. Venue hire includes bottled, water, notepads, pens and data projector. Ask us about other equipment.

Figtree Auditorium: Fixed concentric desks accommodate 60 delegates. The auditorium is ideal for presentations and meetings with exclusivity and very little distractions other than the sounds of nature. Venue hire includes bottled, water, notepads, pens and data projector.

Paperbark Conference Room: Accommodates a maximum of 50 guests cinema-style for conferencing and can be converted to a function room for smaller functions wanting privacy. Paperbark’s manicured lawns are also ideal for outdoor garden functions and ceremonies, perfect for a picnic. Venue hire includes bottled water, notepads, pens and data projector