Whilst it can be complicated, planning a luxury intergenerational family trip and satisfying all their interests and preferences is a challenge that the best travel planners love to handle. Today, in our third installment, we take a look at South Africa, a fascinating country with so much to explore, and inspiring ways to give back and make a difference.
In Cape Town the stunning Table Mountain overlooks one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. You can hike to the top with a local guide, pause for a picnic or save your energy and ascend via cable car which rotates 360 degrees to make sure everyone can take in the views. Do this early and enjoy a champagne breakfast on top.
We can also arrange a 4WD safari in Table Mountain National Park, and another bucket list experience to round out the day is to have a private dinner with Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard, and hear incredible stories of what life was like on Robben Island, gaining more insights into this wonderful man.
Take helicopters south of the city to Cape Peninsula and the small and sandy Boulders Beach which serves as a haven for African penguins – you can actually watch them while you’re resting in a beach and enjoying the white sand. Children can paddle in the calm waters while you enjoy good food and drinks on restaurants along the coastline.You can also kayak alongside the penguins if you wish.
Board your helicopters another day and head to the wine country – Stellenbosch or Franschhoek being the leading areas, and its not all about the wine; there are playgrounds for kids, train rides, and even an eagle encounter. If you have the time, La Cle des Montagnes is one of our favorite villas in the world, and is the ideal base to explore Franschhoek!
Making a difference on a luxury intergenerational family trip to South Africa
In and around Cape Town, you can make a difference in the following ways:
- Help renovate a day care center in a township
- Care for, exercise and socialize dogs at a rescue center
- Teach at an after-school education facility
- Preparing and serving meals
- Assisting at a community garden
Cape Town has some of the best hotels in the world, such as the One & Only as well as a growing number of villas that are ideal for luxury intergenerational family trips.
A trip along South Africa’s Garden Route will give you and your family the chance to discover the wild coastline, charming boutique luxury hotels, superb hiking trails, ostrich farms, and the Big Five reserves of the Eastern Cape. There are daily activities for young and old to match interests for an awesome luxury intergenerational family trip.
We can arrange helicopter flights along the coast, dropping in to meet with and learn from expert marine biologists and other nature experts, and if not staying there (though we strongly suggest you do!), at least have lunch at the wonderful eco-luxe Grootbos Lodge.
In season (August to October) whales are abundant, and a heli-flight above them is a bucket list experience, as is shark cage diving, which can be experienced in Agulhas.
Last stop is the malaria free, Eastern Cape safari which is known for its scenic views and adventure. It is overflowing with natural beauty from dense green forests to dry dessert with interesting highlights in every region.
There’s a wide range of activities tailored fit for you and your family’s interests, from arts and crafts, planting native vegetation and taking part in gardening projects in the local Mgcamabele community, fishing trips, baking classes and scavenger hunts. There’s a lot to explore with your family!
The Eastern Cape isn’t the only malaria-free safari zone in South Africa: there is also Madikwe National Park (we love the family friendly Morukuru Family Lodge) and Tswalu Lodge in the Kalahari is one of our all time favorites
Get in touch about luxury intergenerational family trips
Are you interested in a meaningful luxury intergenerational family trip to South Africa, Peru, New Zealand or elsewhere? Get in touch with one of our specialist advisors for a no-obligation consultation.
Or view the 2019 Family Travel Brochure for more inspiration, or take a look at our website.
Join us – you will love it!
