We know the feeling.
Day 3 of the school holidays. The WiFi is slow, someone's crying, another is "bored" even though the house is packed with toys and snacks. There are snack wrappers on the couch, a sibling squabble in the hallway, and you've had the "screen time" chat twice before 9am.
With school holidays around the corner we've got good news, it doesn't have to feel like a survival mission. With a little planning (and the right getaway), it can be the most fun your family has all year. Time for memories, laughter, and a few adventures that everyone will actually enjoy.
Stay local or get out of dodge
First decision every parent faces: do we stay home, or actuallygo somewhere? Quick answer:
Stay home if:
- Kids are under 3 and will be happy in the garden
- The budget is genuinely tight this round
- You need a truly low-key reset with zero driving
Book a resort if:
- The kids are bouncing off every wall in the house
- You haven't had a proper break in longer than you'd care to admit
- You want memories that actually stick, not just another holiday that blurs into the next
5 budget tips that actuallly work
Travelling has never been easier
- Book embarrassingly early. December spots atgreat resorts fill up by June. Set that reminder now. Click here to see what's available.
- Go self-catering. Three restaurant meals a day for a family of four adds up to a small fortune. Braai instead.
- Travel mid-week. Monday - Thursday is quieter, cheaper, and involves zero Friday N1 traffic. Visit our offers page to see what we have available.
- Book direct. www.myresorts.co.za offers rates you won't find on third-party platforms.
- Choose resorts with onsite activities. When the resort is the entertainment, you spend far less outside the gate.
The myresorts match: find your family's perfect getaway
Beach: KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Warm Indian Ocean water, safe beaches, tidal pools, and proper summer sunshine. Uvongo River Resort and Sandy Place are made for families with younger kids. Salty air and sandy feet, the original holiday formula.
Bush: Mabalingwe Nature Reserve & Ngwenya Lodge
A child's first Big 5 sighting is something they carry for life. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve in Limpopo and Ngwenya Lodge near the Kruger make it accessible, affordable, and unforgettable.
Mountain: Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge & Sudwala Lodge
Caves, waterfalls, the Panorama Route, and cool Highveld air. Perfect for families who want actually to do things on holiday, Mpumalanga delivers every time.
Close to Home: Gauteng Escape
Monateng Safari Lodge, Little Eden, and Manzi Monate offer proper bush vibes just a short drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Ideal for a long weekend when you need out, fast.
Quick School holiday packing checklist
Beach:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Rash vests & UV swimwear for kids
- 2x beach towels per person (one is always wet)
-
Reef-safe insect repellent for evenings
-
Snorkelling mask for rock pool adventures
BUSH:
- Neutral clothing (khaki, olive, brown)
- Long sleeves for evening drives
- Binoculars transforms the game drive for kids • Closed-toe shoes for any walking
- Insect repellent
MOUNTAIN:
- Layers of clothing
- Waterproof jacket (Mpumalanga storms are real and dramatic)
- Hiking shoes for the whole family
- Braai essentials if self-catering
DON’T FORGET:
- The kid’s comfort item
- Car activity bag (cards, colouring books, snacks)
- Travel first aid kit (Panado, plasters, antihistamine)
- Your sense of humour. Something will go sideways. Pack accordingly.
Ready to Make This Holiday One They’ll Remember?
We have just what you need!
Browse through our amazing family holiday destinations, beach, bush, mountain, and everything in between. Because the best school holidays don’t happen at home. They start with MyResorts.
Book today!
012 492 4809 | hello@myresorts.co.za