FAMILY HOLIDAYS AT THE STEENBERG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Situated on the Cape’s oldest farm, only 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town, the five-star Steenberg offers an activity-packed package for the whole family. The hotel has conjured plenty of fun things to do at the hotel and nearby to keep everyone busy while enjoying the Constantia area, one of the most beautiful on the Western Cape. Accommodation for a family is in the two-bedroom Khoi Khoi Suite duplex at R14,850 (approximately $1,750) per night per family.

Upon arrival, each child under the age of two will find a soft toy in their room and children over two receive a treat-filled gift packet. Kids enjoy meals from the kiddie menus and are free to play with the pool items and games at the pool.  DVDs for children are available and there are croquet and boules on the lawns. Two mountain bikes for adults and one for a child are available for complimentary use. A trunk of toys and craft items that guests may use is also available and nannies are on call 24 hours so parents may have a little down time too.

Near the Steenberg is Planet Kids, a large indoor/outdoor activity center catering to all children. The Porter Estate Market held every Saturday is family friendly and offers kids activities. Boulder’s Beach at Simon’s Town is a great place to swim with the penguins. There are also sandboarding lessons in Fish Hoek and Atlantic Rail train rides from Cape Town to Kalk Bay to Simon’s Town daily. Kite watching is great on Muizenberg Beach where an annual Kite Festival is held every October. Excursions to Cape Peninsula National Park take guests to Cape Point where they can view bocks, baboons, ostriches and a wide range of bird life. Whale watching season is between August and December and can be experienced from the shore. Dolphins can be viewed all year round.

Adults have their activities at the Steenberg, too. Wine tastings are held every day in the new winery tasting room either inside or on the outside with reflecting pools overlooking the gardens.  Dining is either in BistroSixteen82 in the winery or in the more formal Catharina’s.  A championship 18-hole golf course, spa, walking trails and nearby shopping keep parents busy and happy.

Accommodations at the Steenberg are luxurious but very comfortable for families with children. The Khoi Khoi Suite is lavished with amenities. It covers 1,753 sq. ft. and contains artifacts and original illustrations depicting the Khoi-Khoi tribe’s marvelous animal paintings found on rocks and cave walls throughout South Africa. Like all three Heritage Suites, the Khoi Khoi Suite offers butler service, in-room complimentary refreshment bar, complimentary laundry service, complimentary wi-fi and internet service, and an audio entertainment system.  There is a working fireplace for nippy Cape nights, big thirsty bathrobes, indulgent sleeping on Egyptian cotton sheets and a soft duvet, flat screen TV in bedroom, I-pod station, large work desk, extra-length King-Size beds, professional hair-dryer, original art work, separate bedroom, living room and dining room.  The bathrooms hold a walk-in shower, large separate tub, mini TV and mist-free mirrors. 

The family package includes breakfast, complimentary use of the mini-bar, butler service and babysitting. A family is considered a maximum of two adults and three children.

For further information or reservations at the Steenberg Hotel and its spa, please visit the web site at www.steenberghotel.com.

CHRISTMAS IN PATAGONIA: CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS OFFERS DEALS FOR THE SEASON

While there won’t be reindeer, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to a Christmas with Santa Claus and penguins this winter. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis conveys peace on earth with the natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. A big bonus for families looking for quality time together: kids cruise free.

These two four-night expedition cruises depart December 21, 2012 and December 22, 2012 with your choice of Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Either way, the route involves Patagonia’s signature wildlife and environment: fjords, canals and glaciers.

While on board, revel in the season as you pass by the raised Christmas tree, enjoy a special Christmas dinner and meet with Santa who will make an appearance with gifts for the children.

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $2,187 per adult for these departures, and children 15 and under will sail free (one child per adult).

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY WITH FAMILY SAFARI PACKAGE

SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA (04/10) - To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Robin Pope Safaris, the classical safari company based in Zambia, is offering a Family Safari Package where every second child, or the youngest, depending on the number involved, is free of charge.

The package, which will be available until the end of this year, is offered at three of the Pope properties – Nkwali Camp, Robin’s House and award-winning Luangwa Safari House. All three welcome families and tailor a plethora of activities for children of all ages, from game drives and nature walks to birding for beginners, identifying animal spoor and droppings, and learning to use spotlights at night.

After family time together, parents and children can take “time out.” Children are looked after and entertained with safari packs containing fun quizzes and puzzles; trips to Kawaza School to meet Zambian children; helping out in camp or playing games in the house. Older boys love going to the workshop for the morning, playing beach cricket or even enjoying a lazy sleep-in and fry up by the pool.

Because the three Robin Pope Safari houses are totally private, the family will be utterly relaxed and “at home.” Robin’s House boasts a wide range of children’s books and games including puzzles, cards, swing ball, paints and a sand pit. The swimming pool is nearby to cool off after safari. For groups larger than five, Luangwa Safari House with its eight beds is ideal.

Activities and services for children:

• Child minding during the day and in the evening
• Special meal times and food that is age-appropriate
• Nature walks to collect pods, seeds and feathers
• Visits to the camp kitchen, helping chefs make cakes and biscuits
• Paper and greeting card making
• Fishing
• Painting and drawing
• Face painting
• Swimming games and races
• Visits to Kawaza Village and Chimpembele Wildlife Education Centre

For families with older children (12 years plus), the safari continues with a few days at either Tena Tena (an open-sided tented camp with verandah for 10 guests that some consider the best safari camp in Africa) or Nsefu camp (six thatched rondavals housing up to 12 guests), the oldest camp in Zambia, updated by the Popes.

These Family Packages will be available until the end of 2010. Rates are dependent on which safari house or camp is chosen, length of stay and the number of family members in the group.

For rates and reservations: info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit: www.robinpopesafaris.net.