Family-Friendly Adventures in Hartbeespoort!

Harties Aerial Cableway

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family adventure at the Harties Aerial Cableway, located just an hour"s drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. This breathtaking experience offers stunning views of the Hartbeespoort Dam and the surrounding Magaliesberg mountains.

Starting the Day

Kick off your journey early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You can drive directly to the site where ample parking is available. Purchase your tickets online in advance to ensure a smooth start - family packages are available at a discounted rate.

The Cableway Ride

The adventure begins with a thrilling cable car ride, which was revamped in 2010 to provide a comfortable and safe experience. Each cable car is fully enclosed and safe for children. As you ascend, keep an eye out for points of interest, including the dam and the ancient Magaliesberg range, which is over 2 billion years old!

At the Top

Once at the summit, explore the Dassie Loop walkway, a short path perfect for kids, where you can spot local flora and fauna. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap family photos with the panoramic backdrop.

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a family meal at the self-service express restaurant at the top, which offers a range of kid-friendly options along with breathtaking views.

Additional Activities

For the adventurous, there are paragliding and zip-lining facilities nearby. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park, just a short drive from the cableway, where children can learn about and interact with various animals.

Wrapping up the Day

Conclude your day with a gentle ride down in the cable car, soaking up the last scenic views before heading back to your car.

A visit to Harties Aerial Cableway is not just about the ride but making lasting memories above and below the clouds!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kruger Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on an educational adventure at the Kruger Museum in Pretoria, South Africa! Perfect for families, this historic site offers a captivating glimpse into the life and times of Paul Kruger, the former President of the South African Republic.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of your visit. The Kruger Museum is located in central Pretoria, easily accessible by car or public transport. If you"re driving, there is parking available near the museum. For those using public transport, the Gautrain offers a convenient option with the Pretoria Station nearby, and a short taxi or bus ride will take you directly to the museum.

Touring the Kruger House

Begin your tour at the Kruger House, the historical residence of Paul Kruger. As you step inside, you"ll be transported back to the late 19th century. The house is preserved just as it was during Kruger"s time, complete with original furnishings and personal belongings. Children will be fascinated by the old-world charm and the tales of Kruger"s leadership during pivotal moments in South Africa"s history.

Interactive Exhibits

Explore the interactive displays that detail Kruger’s contributions and the socio-political context of his presidency. These exhibits are both educational and engaging for children, with touchscreens and multimedia presentations that bring history to life.

Lunch Break

Take a break and enjoy a picnic in the museum’s garden. It"s a great spot for kids to play and for adults to relax under the shade of the trees.

Wrap up at the Gift Shop

Conclude your visit at the museum"s giftshop, where you can pick up souvenoirs like books, postcards, or replicas of artifacts seen in the museum. It"s a perfect way to remember your journey through South African history.

Visiting the Kruger Museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Voortrekker Monument

Why Visit?

Embark on a historical adventure with your family at the Voortrekker Monument, located in the southern part of Pretoria, South Africa. This massive granite structure stands proudly atop a hill, offering not only a deep dive into the country"s past but also panoramic views of the surrounding area.

### Morning Arrival

Start your day early by driving to the monument, easily accessible via the M1 highway connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria. There’s ample parking, and the site is also reachable via public transport—buses run regularly from Pretoria Central.

### Explore the Monument

Begin at the Visitor Centre where you can pick up audio guides that are family-friendly and provide engaging historical insights. The monument itself is an impressive sight, standing 40 meters high. Inside, you can explore the Hall of Heroes, adorned with a marvelous marble frieze depicting the Voortrekkers’ journey from the Cape Colony in the 1830s. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the concept of storytelling through art.

### Historical Fun Facts

As you wander, share fun facts with the kids:

- The monument is aligned so that every year on December 16, sunlight shines directly onto the Cenotaph, highlighting the words "Ons vir Jou, Suid-Afrika" (We for Thee, South Africa).

- The building’s base is encircled by a wagon laager, an historically accurate representation of a defensive formation.

### Picnic and Play

Around noon, enjoy a family picnic in the surrounding nature reserve. There are designated picnic areas where you can relax and the kids can play. Don’t forget to explore the onsite museum, which features artifacts and exhibits about the Great Trek.

### Afternoon Wrap-Up

Conclude your visit at the gift shop, perfect for picking up educational books and souvenirs to remember your day of historical exploration. By late afternoon, head back to Pretoria or onward to Johannesburg, filled with new knowledge and happy memories.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Union Buildings

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Visit to Union Buildings, Pretoria

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early at the Union Buildings, the official seat of South Africa"s government and a key historical site. Located on Government Avenue, it is easily accessible by car or public transport from central Pretoria. Parking is available on site for those driving. Begin with a stroll through the immaculately maintained gardens. The terraced gardens are not only a delight but also offer many perfect spots for family photos with the majestic buildings in the background.

Monument & Memorials

Head over to the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings. Unveiled in December 2013, this 9-meter bronze statue commemorates the beloved former president and global icon of peace. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about Mandela’s significant role in South Africa"s history. Nearby, you’ll also find the South African Police Memorial, which honors fallen officers, providing a poignant lesson on the sacrifices made for national safety.

Picnic Lunch

Around noon, enjoy a picnic lunch on the lush lawns. The panoramic view of Pretoria makes for a serene dining spot. Pack your own or grab some snacks from local vendors outside the grounds.

Afternoon at the Museum

After lunch, take a short drive or a leisurely walk to the nearby National Museum of Natural History on Paul Kruger Street. Engage with South Africa’s rich natural heritage and explore engaging exhibits, from dinosaur fossils to vibrant marine displays, which are perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Wrap up the day

End your day with some local treats from nearby cafes or a quick visit to the Sunnyside shopping district to pick up souvenents. Before leaving, make sure to catch the sunset from the Union Buildings’ upper terraces, a perfect end to a memorable day.

This itinerary mixes education, nature, and relaxation, making it ideal for a family outing at the Union Buildings.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mandela House

Why Visit?

Embark on an enriching family day out at Mandela House, located in the vibrant Soweto township of Johannesburg. Here"s a carefully crafted itinerary to ensure an enjoyable and educational experience:

Morning: Arrival at Mandela House

- Location: 8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg.

- Getting there: Opt for a taxi or a guided tour bus from central Johannesburg, which is about 40 minutes drive. This ensures ease and safety.

- Interesting Fact: The house is where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962 and has been restored to reflect the family"s life during that period.

Explore Mandela House (1-2 hours)

- Start your tour at the humble abode turned museum, which celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela with artifacts and photographs. The house itself offers a poignant glimpse into his remarkable journey from freedom fighter to president.

- Engage with interactive exhibits perfect for children to understand Mandela"s legacy of peace and reconciliation.

- Highlight for Kids: Look for the bullet holes in the walls, a stark reminder of the turbulent times and the struggles endured by Mandela.

Lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant

- Location: Just a short walk down Vilakali Street.

- Cuisine: Enjoy local South African dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.

- Fun Fact: Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Afternoon: Hector Pieterson Museum (1 hour)

- Getting there: A 10-minute walk from Mandela House.

- Explore: Learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the pivotal role played by the youth. The museum is both educational and moving, detailing historical events through visuals and stories.

- Interactive Element: The museum offers children-focused activities that explain history in an engaging way.

Wrap up the day with a walk back to Vilakazi Street for ice cream and some souvenir shopping, capturing the spirit of Soweto’s lively community.

This itinerary promises a memorable day steeped in history while also catering to the curiosity and energy of children, making it a perfect family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.