Are you looking for affordable ways to keep the kids entertained in the school holidays? These are our top picks for family outings.
Pietermaritzburg Model Engineering Society: Every first Sunday of the month, the PMES opens its gates to young and old to travel back in time on a real working steam locomotive, just on a smaller scale. Contact Andries: 082 557 2119, www.pmes.co.za.
KwaZulu-Natal Museum: One of South Africa’s oldest major regional museums, hosting several of South Africa’s most important heritage collections. There is always something new to see at KwaZulu-Natal Museum! Contact: 033 – 3410536, www.nmsa.org.za.
African Bird of Prey Sanctuary: a safe-haven to the widest selection of indigenous raptors in southern Africa. Aerial predators can be seen in action during interactive, free-flying shows which are conducted daily from an open-air amphitheatre. Contact: 031 – 785 4382, www.africanraptor.co.za.
The Mandela Capture Site along the Midlands Meander offers an educational experience. You can learn how Mandela was captured and then have a bite to eat at Truth Café. Cost: R20 for adults and R15 for children. Visit www.thecapturesite.co.za.
Butterflies for Africa: Walk amongst butterflies in a lush tropical environment which also houses fish, birds, monkeys and other critters. Guides ensure that this is a fun, educational experience. Call: 033 – 3871 356, www.butterflies.co.za.
Midmar Dam Nature Reserve: This 1 000-hectare game park has red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, black wildebeest, oribi and zebra. Day visitors can find shady picnic spots along the shoreline of the dam and braai facilities. Contact: 033 – 330 2067/8/9 or www.kznwildlife.com/midmar.