For many years, the classic “family holiday” has meant a week in the sunshine at a beach resort with all inclusive. Sun, sea, pools, cocktails, kids’ clubs – it ticked a lot of boxes. And let’s be clear: that’s still a hugely popular choice with our clients. But there’s also a growing number of our families who are coming to us as they want to explore something different. Instead of a week or two on the sun lounger, they’re looking for adventure, exploration and new experiences.

For this family, a traditional all-inclusive by the pool wasn’t enough this year. Instead, they set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through South Africa — a two-week mix of mountains, history, safari, and coast.

The Journey

Flying via Dubai into Durban, they collected their hire car and began a carefully crafted road trip through KwaZulu-Natal. Each stop offered something unique:

  • Summerhill Estate: a relaxed boutique base near Durban, perfect for a soft landing after the long flight.

  • Montusi Mountain Lodge: set in the Drakensberg mountains, with hiking trails and dramatic scenery on the doorstep.

  • Fugitives’ Drift Guest House: a historic retreat near Rorke’s Drift, where storytelling and battlefield tours brought South Africa’s past vividly to life.

  • Thanda Safari Lodge: the highlight of the trip — luxury tented suites with daily game drives, expert guides, and evenings under the stars.

  • The Oyster Box: a grand finale on the coast at Umhlanga Rocks, with colonial charm, warm service, and time to unwind by the ocean.

Why This Holiday Felt Different

Instead of staying in one place, this journey flowed from mountains to plains to ocean, offering constant variety. Days shifted from guided hikes to wildlife drives to cultural tours, before ending with time on the beach. Each lodge had its own character — from rustic-chic suites to luxurious safari tents — and together they created a rhythm that balanced exploration with relaxation.

Careful planning made it seamless: drives were scenic rather than stressful, accommodations were well matched to the family’s needs, and inclusions such as meals, guided hikes, and safari activities meant there was always something memorable on the agenda.

Final Thoughts

This South African adventure proved that a family holiday doesn’t need to mean “staying put.” By blending mountains, culture, safari and coast, it delivered the excitement of discovery without losing the ease of a well-planned itinerary. For families ready to trade the familiar all-inclusive for something unforgettable, South Africa offers an extraordinary alternative.

Find out what other adventures our families had this summer!

Thinking of reimagining your family’s all-inclusive next summer? We’ll help you choose the right destination, the right room, and the right rhythm — so you come home feeling like you truly went somewhere.

Call us on 01902 288104, drop us a message, or book an appointment — and let’s plan your kind of different!