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KIDS OF NATURE DIRECTORY OF USEFUL CONTACTS   

The idea behind the directory is to list places where children can connect with nature.  Campings, cottages or guesthouses must be located in settings with a good degree of wilderness, where immediate interaction with nature happens as you step out of your tent or room.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

TOURISM

PLACES OF INTEREST

SOUTH AFRICA

• Aerial Boardwalk - Dlinza Forest, Eshowe (KwaZulu Natal)
  Nature route. Experience Butterflies, Birds and Animals.
  


• Butterfly World, Klapmuts (Western Cape)
  The largest tropical butterfly park in Africa where the butterflies fly freely in a covered garden.
  


• Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn (Little Karoo)
  Ecologically significant and impressively beautiful, the Cango Caves are one of Africa's largest show cave operations. It is an archeological and historical highlight of the Little Karoo and Garden Route.
  


• Cango Wildlife Ranch & Valley of Ancients , Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves (Little Karoo)
  Enjoy natural encounters at Cango Wildlife Ranch, which not only offers the world's first Croc Cage Diving Encounter, but also a world-class facility where visitors can get very close to a select few ambassador species.
  


• Croc World, Scottburgh (KwaZulu Natal - South Coast)
  


• De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, Hartbeespoortdam (Gauteng)
  Renowned for its breeding success of rare and endangered species. King cheetah, Wild dog, Brown Hyaena, Blue Duiker, Suni Antelope and various other. Tours are conducted in the morning and afternoon.
  


• Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
  The focus is on education through interaction. Learn about elephants, get to touch, walk trunk-in-hand and feed them.
  


• Elephant Sanctuary Hazyview, Hazyview (Mpumalanga)
  Learn about elephants.
  


• Flag Farm Animal Farm, Salt Rock (KwaZulu Natal)
  


• Hartbeespoort Aquarium and Makalani Bird Park, Hartbeespoortdam (Gauteng)
  Regular shows.Crocodiles, Seals, Penguins, Pelicans, Leguaans, Alligators and variety of fish. More than 50 species of indigenous and exotic birds in walk-through aviaries. Bookings for groups.
  


• Imhoff Farm, Noordhoek (Western Cape)
  


• Inyoni Crocodile Ranch, Hartbeespoortdam (Gauteng)
  One of the finest commercial crocodile breeding facilities in Africa. Restaurant and curio shop. Feeding time on Sundays 14:00 make for spectacular scenes.
  


• Monkey Land, Somerset West (Western Cape)
  Primate conservation centre offers educational presentations, guided tours, at Pre-School, Foundation, Gr 1-3, Gr 4-7, Gr 8-9, Gr 19-12.
  


• Monkey Land, Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape)
  Primate conservation centre offers educational presentations, guided tours, at Pre-School, Foundation, Gr 1-3, Gr 4-7, Gr 8-9, Gr 19-12.
  


• Sugarbird Manor, Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
  Protea Heights Farm, Devon Valley. Hiking trails - 3,3km to 14,3km through 3 wine estates. Fun for children. While parents can sip their bubbly JC le Roux.
  


• Swartberg Adventures, Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves (Little Karoo)
  Crawl trough narrow spaces to the treasure at the end of the cave - beautiful limestone formations including dripstone, cave straws, stalagmites, stalactites and comlumns.
  


• Table Mountain Cable Way (Western Cape)
  


• The Elephant Sanctuary, Hartbeespoortdam (Gauteng)
  Magaliesburg mountains. The sanctuary is home to orphaned elephants. On a guided tour you will learn about each elephant while interacting with them. Touch, feel, walk trun-in-hand and even ride them.
  


• The Lake Predator Park, Skeerpoort (Gauteng)
  Different predators - including lions, white tigers, cheetahs & hyenas. Group tours - expert guides. Restaurant & pub available.
  


• The Planetarium, Johannesburg (Gauteng)
  Unravel the mysteries of the solar system and Milky Way
  


• World of Birds, Hout Bay (Western Cape)
  

TOUR OPERATORS

BOTSWANA

• Audi Camp, Maun
  Tented accommodation and camp. Mobile safari's to Moremi, Chobe etc. Fly-in, ride-in the Okavango Delta. Groups taken to Zambia. Private Mobile Safari's.Tented accommodation. Mobile safari's to Moremi, Chobe etc. Fly-in, ride-in the Okavango Delta. Private Mobile Safari's.
  


• Island Safari, Moremi
  An unspoilt land of timeless beauty which is teeming with game and bird-life, The Moremi Game Reserve justly deserves its reputation as one of Africa's premiere Wildlife Reserves.
  


• Penduka Safaris, Central Kalahari
  8 days Safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. 10 days safari in the game parks in Botswana.
  

LESOTHO

• Mamohase Cultural Activity Centre, Khukhune (Butha Buthe)
  Offers a true African experience. Walks and pony rides take you to caves, rock art sites, schools, permaculture gardens, and on a visit to the local chief and sangoma. Traditional food, dance and music on request.
  


• Mohale Boating Adventure, Mohale Dam (Lesotho)
  The Mohale Village and sparkling dam are home to Mohale Boating Adventure. Characterised by mountain scenery of passes and gorges, capped by a boat ride. Accommodation available.
  

MOZAMBIQUE

• Transfrontier Trails do Limpopo
  Bush-, 4x4- and hiking trails as well as custom designed trails in the Limpopo National Park. Covane Lodge for a visit to a local small town and trip on a fishing boat.
  

SWAZILAND

• Chubeka Trails, Piggs Peak Road (Hawane)
  Overnight and day trails, single bush tracks, off road. Bring your own or hire bikes. Accommodation in tents, cave and bushcamps. Catered or self-catered, guided or self-guided trails.
  


• Chubeka Trails and Rhino tracking, Matenga Craft Centre (Ezulwini Valley)
  Rafting on the Great Usutu River. Mountain biking with wildlife and adventure caving in Ezulwinin. Tubing abseiling, rap jumping and kloofing are all options. Relaxed canoe safaris. Guided hikes. Rhino walk.
  


• Enkhaba Adventure Centre, Enkhaba (North-Eastern Swaziland)
  Guided paragliding tours, tandem flights and training. Intro scuba diving courses to prepare for PADI qualification. Camping and caravaning. Basic facilities include water, toilets and BBQ area. High clearance vehicle recommended.
  

SOUTH AFRICA

• 2/4 Nature Discovery Tours, Grabouw (Western Cape)
  Enjoy the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve on off-road motorbike tours. Variable habitats highlight the biodiversity of the area. Bikes and equipment are provided. Accommodation and meals included.
  


• 36 Degrees, Durban (KwaZulu Natal)
  Scuba Diving. Explore the ocean and see dolphins, whales, turtles and sharks in their own environment. On offer is a variety of ocean excursions to suit your needs. Diving charters to Durban's famous wrecks.
  


• Abseil Africa, Cape Town (Western Cape)
  Abseil off Table Mountain as well as kloofing in the surrounding mountains.
  


• Active Escapes, Hilton (KwaZulu Natal)
  Experience single track, picturesque farmlands and cool forest riding in KZN Midlands. From leisurely day rides to fully supported multi-day cycle tours to maintenance workshops to endurance training camps. Cater for all levels of cyclists.
  


• Adventure Dynamics International, Parkhurst (Gauteng)
  Climb Kilimanjaro. Six- and seven-day packages including guides and porters.
  


• Adventure's Edge Dive & Outdoor Centre, Mossel Bay (Garden Route)
  Scenic abseiling on the Garden Route. From 20 meters to 40 meters. All confidence levels.
  


• African Queen Sailing Cruises, Durban - Yacht Mall (KwaZulu Natal)
  Offshore sea cruises. Salt spray on your lips and dolphins playing in the surf, soak up the panorama of Durban and the Dolphin Coast. Real sailing adventure.
  


• African Water Wanderers, Breede River (Western Cape)
  Breede River rafting. Personalised scenic trips filled with adventure.
  


• African Wings, Hermanus (Overberg)
  Flying safaris. Views of whales, Great White sharks and dolphins. See Big Five in a day. Cater for disabled passengers.
  


• Aquatrails, Fish Hoek (Western Cape)
  River rafting down Orange, Doring and Breede Rivers. Customized trips to suit your group's needs. Wilderness trips. White water excitement on the Gorge or laid back Raap en Skraap.
  


• Aquila Safari (Western Cape)
  The BIG 5! Day safari's, Horse-riding safari's, quad bike safari's. Rock art tours. Special school holiday packages.
  


• Astro Tours, Prince Albert (Karoo)
  See the stars. Stargazing has become one of the hottest activities on planet Earth. Enjoy the starry splendour over Prince Albert or anywhere in the Great Karoo and satisfy the inquisitive mind as you are shown the Celestial Big Five.
  


• Astronomy Africa, Midrand - Johannesburg (Gauteng)
  Amazing stargazing. Astronomers entertain groups with talks and viewing through large portable telescopes at any destination - in the city, in the mountains, in the bush, in the desert or at the coast - across Africa.
  


• Bicycle Tours SA, Midlands Meander (KwaZulu Natal)
  Explore Midlands. Halfday. Full day. Multi-day tours. Accommodation. Supplied: Quality bicycles, tour guides, equipped support vehicles.
  


• Billeon, Mossel Bay (Garden Route)
  Dune-riding. Tame the dragon on one of SA's biggest dunes... Dragon Dune. Exclusive tours from beginners to advanced knights.
  


• Bluwater Charters, Jeffreys Bay (Eastern Cape)
  Deep-sea fishing. Be exposed not only to great fishing but also diverse eco system that hosts from dolphins, sharks, whales and the odd marlin to albatross and a vast array of birdlife.
  


• Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre, Blyde River (Limpopo)
  Enjoy an interpretation tour to Kadishi Tufa Waterfall and Three Rondawels. Hippos and crocodiles, fish eagles are among the wildlife to be seen.
  


• Break Away Trails, Rouxville (Free State)
  En-suite chalets in the Orange River Valley. They offer river rafting, up to 40km hiking and horse-riding trails, 70km mountain-bike trails, rock art, beach games and fishing.
  


• Buffalo Hills Lodges & Safaris, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
  An African Safari on the Garden Route. Safari game drives, guided game walks. 1 to 3 nights portered hikes. Safari type tented accomodation.
  


• Calabash Cycling Safaris and Tours, Hammanskraal (Gauteng)
  Experience the bushveld on a bicycle. Full day and half-day tours with experienced guides or self-guided tours. Cycle through tourist attractions and historical landmarks. Ideal for all ages.
  


• Canoe & Kayak World, Rivonia (Gauteng)
  Guided kayak tours in Southern Africa. Kayak weekends. Tuition, importers and retailers of local and leading international brands.
  


• Capri Tours & Helicopters, Tsitsikamma (Garden Route)
  Various scenic flights from a number of bases along the beautiful Garden Route/Tsitsikamma area. View the garden of the Garden Route by air.
  


• Clarens Adventures, Clares (Free State)
  Organised cycle and trout fishing tours in the Eastern Free State. Wild trout on dam or river. Cycle off-road or tarred roads, single tracks on farms. Guides and accommodation can be included.
  


• Clearwater Trail Centre, Port Edward (KwaZulu Natal)
  Experience an exciting Mountain Bike trail network in the beautiful Umtavuna region. Facilities for the whole family. Multi-day MTB tours into the Wild Coast and South Coast hinterland. SATOUR registered guides
  


• Cruise Sub Aqua, Fish Hoek (Western Cape)
  Scuba diving in Cape Town. Shark-cage diving. PADI 5-star Gold Palm Resort. PADI courses: Beginner to experienced.
  


• Da Blu Juice Dive & Surf Adventures, Sodwana (KwaZulu Natal)
  Dive the warm and tropical waters of Sodwana Bay. Rated one of the top dive sites of the world. Guided dives to the reefs and spectacular sharks, dolphin and fish life. Gear hire, child minding and accommodation available.
  


• DolphinAdventures Sea Kayaking, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
  Explore wildlife and nature up close. The fun and adventure of a paddle is a ultimate freedom activity and provides you with a feeling of personal control and adventure.
  


• Dome Adventures, Venterskroon (North-West)
  Explore the largest meteorite impact crater in the world. Hiking and mountain-biking trails. Flat and white-river safaris. Geological and heritage tours.
  


• Eden Adventures, Wilderness National Park (Wilderness - Garden Route)
  Scenic abseiling on the Garden Route. From 20 meters to 40 meters. All confidence levels.Abseil next to a waterfall and land in a boat below. Or try Eden Alley Kloofing tour and abseil down waterfalls in a gorge.Canoe on quite waterways, through the indigenous forest of the Park. Once at the end of the river, leave your canoe and walk on a forest trail to a waterfall for a picnic and a refreshing swim.
  


• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Park (KwaZulu Natal)
  Walking among Africa's big game since 1960's. Various types of trail options on offer. Walk in company of knowledgeable rangers. Sleep out in the wilderness.
  


• Fahad Private Game Reserve, Ellisras/Lephalale (Limpopo)
  Quad bike trails very popular. River cruises on the banks of the Limpopo River. Game viewing 20 species of antelope, more than 400 listed bird species, hippo and the famous Nile crocodile. Bush walks - bird watching. Photographic Safaris.
  


• Felix Unite River Adventures, Noordoewer (Northern Cape)
  Camp Provenance. Canoe adventures on Namibia's Orange and Kunene Rivers. 4-6 day Orange River trips. Day trips. Accomodation available.
  


• Fishingski Adventures, Durban (KwaZulu Natal)
  On offfer: day tours, trips and boat repair centre. Manufacturers of Tom Ski, BIG-Tom and Tom Ski Mark Two fishing kayaks.
  


• Four Rivers Rafting and Adventure, Winterton (KwaZulu Natal)
  River Rafting. One- two- and three-day rafting trips for small groups on the Tugela River. Based in Central Drakensberg. Also on offer many more adventure activities.
  


• Frixion Adventures, Paarl (Western Cape)
  Waterfall Abseiling. Cliff Jumping. Smalblaar Canyon.
  


• Govertical Mountaineering Adventures, Drakensberg, Magaliesberg (KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo)
  Mountaineering in the Drakensberg. To suit any pace or passion for the mountains, from guided day hikes, weekend trails and peak climbs, to challenging treks trough Lesotho or a Drakensberg traverse.Kloofing! Explore this pristine gorge in the Magaliesberg, first up the watercourse, scrambling, climbing and clambering. After lunch the vertical adventures of abseiling, sliding, swimming and boulder hopping.
  


• Gravity Adventures, Kleinmond (Overberg)
  White-water rafting during winter - Palmiet River in Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. White-water tubing in warmer months, Abseiling, hiking and overnight trips.
  


• Green Adventures, Port Elizabeth (Wild Coast)
  Trips are guided, safe and organised. Situated at Bushmansands where clients can ride among game. Routes in the Baviaans, Wild Coast and Addo areas, ranging from 2hrs to 3 days.
  


• Hiking Africa Safaris & Tours, Sandton (Gauteng)
  Guided hikes or tours will restore the soul. Specialities Magaliesberg and Fanie Botha.
  


• Horizon Horseback Adventures & Safaris, Vaalwater (Limpopo)
  Offering a combination of riding with game, cattle mustering, polocrosse, cross-country jumping, swimming with horses, western games, round pen reasoning and of course outrides over 15000 hectares. Novice and experienced riders.
  


• i-Adventures.co.za, Stil Bay (Garden Route)
  Quad Biking trails in the Riverdale and Stil Bay area. Suzuki quads. Also on offer sea-kayaking, tubing, river and ocean cruises.
  


• Induna Adventures, Hazyview (Mpumalanga)
  Geckoing (Tubing) rocks! Probably the best way to descend a low-volume river like the Sabie. A Gecko is a very small raft that you steer with webbed gloves, no paddles needed. Very safe - while you relax and enjoy the natural beauty of nature around you.The trails run through scenic Sabie River Valley, winding along the Sabana River, idigenous vegetation, mountain hills and streams. Trails vary from technical to easy to accommodate the most novice and expreienced riders.Mountain Boarding. Beautiful forestry roads down to the Sabie River. Enjoy the views and tranquility of the forest.Enjoy the beautiful Sabana River, indigenous bush and fruit orchards on horseback. Small game and hippo may be spotted while watching abundant birdlife.Takes place at Mahuhlu a 27m high granite rock overlooking the Kruger National Park. Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
  


• Jackazz Eco-Adventures, Betty's Bay (Overberg)
  Dune Boarding. Blesberg dune. 200m atop dune one can reach great speeds and enjoy the feel of sea sand on your heels.
  


• Karkloof Canopy Tours, Midlands Meander - Karkloof Valley (KwaZulu Natal)
  Indigenous Karkloof Forest. Foefie-slide between viewpoints. Or abseil down 54m waterfall. Trained guides. Light lunch included.
  


• Karoo River Rafting, Middelburg (Eastern Cape)
  Located between Middelburg and Cradock at de Keur. Offers year-round river rafting. Rapids range from grade one to four. Perfect for families looking for adventure and a fun-filled weekend while exploring the area.
  


• Keurbooms River Ferries, Keurbooms Nature Reserve (Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route)
  Experience views of lush indigenous forest, soaring gorges, lirical birdcalls. Qualified guides will identify the intricate workings of the unspoilt Keurbooms Nature Reserve. Or hire self-drive motorboat and explore at your leisure.
  


• Kromme River Expeditions, St Francis Bay (Wild Coast)
  Kayak the scenic bay while looking out for otters, whales & penguins. Cruise The Bay Marina and Krommer River on a pleasure boat or try river fishing. They also offer beach hikes, bike, hydrobikes and canoes.
  


• Land Rover Centurion Adventures, Centurion (Gauteng)
  On offer self-drive adventures, introducing you to a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and quality adventure. To explore Africa's unspoilt wilderness, visit highlights but stay off the beaten track.
  


• live2ride - mountain bike experience, Langebaan (West Coast)
  Ocean views, farm tracks and mountain paths. Weekend packages and overnight mountain bike experiences.
  


• Magalies Canopy Tours, Magaliesberg (North-West)
  1,5 hours from JHB. Eco-friendly adventure activity. Trained guides describing interesting facts about the ancient mountains, surrounding ecology, bird and animal life.
  


• Major Adventures, Underberg (KwaZulu Natal)
  4x4 Tours. Day tour of the Sani Pass through a World Heritage Site into Lesotho. Valid passports are essential.
  


• Max X Adventure Centre & Keryn's Dive School, Port Alfred (Wild Coast)
  Scuba Diving, River and sea cruises, Kowie Canoe Trail, canoe and paddle ski rental, dune-boarding, power kites, fishing charters, horse trails, houseboats, hydrobikes, quad biking, paintball plus many more.
  


• Mehloding Adventure Trail, Matatiele (KwaZulu Natal)
  Situated at the foothills of the Drakensberg. Authentic hospitality and traditional meals on offer. The trail is a one- to four day hike with overnight chalets that can also be booked individually.
  


• Mkulu Kei Horse Trails, Morgan Bay (Wild Coast)
  Whether you dream of horse riding along the open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests or unspoilt Wild Coast beaches, there's a trail that suit your available time and riding level.
  


• Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga (KwaZulu Natal)
  Hour long programme. Multi-screen audio-visual presentation and shark dissection with lectures. Morning trip on tour boat to view the meshing crew checking the shark nets. One can view sharks and dolphins and other marine life.
  


• Nature Guide, Midlands Meander (KwaZulu Natal)
  Guided walks - Misty Hills Forest Trails. Experience spirit of nature in Karkloof. By appointment only.
  


• Nuy River Gorge Adventures, Montagu - Koo Valley (Little Karoo)
  One to three days of kloofing: bushwacking, abseiling, boulder hopping, bivouaking and swimming in icy rock pools. Plus over 50km of adventure hiking trails. Wilderness therapy.
  


• Ocean Blue Adventures, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
  Exciting boat-based tours for close encounters with whales, dolphins, seals and sharks. Guided sea-kayaking also available. Realising our dream of real conservation and community upliftment. Safe township tours.
  


• Ocean Safaris, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
  Eco-marine boat-based whale and dolphin watching. Visit the seals and check out any sea-birds, sharks and other species that may be around. The guides give insight into the wide spectrum of marine life and geology of the area.
  


• Ocean Safaris Durban, Durban (KwaZulu Natal)
  Daily boat rides from uShaka Marine World in a fast open boat. Cruises along Durban's Golden Mile. Sightings may include dolphins, whales, whale sharks, sea birds, shark nets, the whaling station, current line and more...
  


• Over The Top Adventures, Drakensberg (KwaZulu Natal)
  Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, untouched and uncrowded. Experience pure fresh water. Be restored by tranquility. On offer, day hikes, overnights in caves, or long treks for ANY group. Most equipment provided.You can abseil with your partner/child/friend to share the excitement as you descend into our boat at the base of Howick Falls. Rock climbing.Rap Jumping. Have you ever faced into your fear of heights? Conquer your fear as you experience the thrill of running face forward down a rock in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
  


• Oystercatcher Trail, Boggomsbaai - Mossel Bay (Garden Route)
  3 to 5 days along the Mossel Bay coast. Dolphins, whales, oystercatchers of ancient Strandloper middens. Safe area, swimming beaches. Cape cottage styl accomodation. Fully catered.
  


• Paddle Power, Crocodile River (Gauteng)
  Rafting down the Crocodile River. Only 35min from JHB and PTA. in inflatable two-man canoe. Fun! On offer as well, tubing, hiking, mountain biking, abseiling.
  


• Paddle Power River Rafting, Hartbeespoortdam (Gauteng)
  Canoeing, Withe water rafting. Other adventure activities : quad bikes; hikes; mountain bike trail; crossbow archery and paint-ball. on riverbank. Tel Nr : 012-2051278
  


• QuadGarden Route, Mossel Bay (Garden Route)
  No experience necessary - qualified guides. Eco- and family-friendly tours & quads. Short, day and overnight adventures. Ride on a Private Eco Game Reserve, enjoy hisoric Montagu Pass Adventure or explore a beautiful part of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve.
  


• Quantum Adventures, Cape Town (Western Cape)
  Real Adventure with Ugene Nel. Hidden treasures. Day and weekend trips.
  


• Raggy Charters, Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
  All welcome - tourists, TV crews and marine wildlife enthusiasts. View whales, dolphins and other natural wonders of the Eastern Cape bay of plenty. Day trip getaways available.
  


• Romonza Boat Trips, Mossel Bay (Garden Route)
  Whale watching June to October. Sightings of the Southern Right whale are 99% guaranteed. Seal Island trips all year round. Depart every hour on the hour - weather permitting.
  


• SA Adventure Trails, Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)
  Trails organised along lower Wild Coast between Port St Johns and Kei River Mouth. Option of backpacking or "hotel hopping" with full board accommodation, luggage transfers, etc. All trails with maps, guide and shuttle service.
  


• SA Horse Trails, Lanseria - Johannesburg (Gauteng)
  Explore the 1600ha Northern Nature Reserve on well-trained horses. Full training provided. No experience necessary. Various trails available. Wheelchair friendly.
  

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