South African winter family breaks that don’t involve screens

The winter holidays are the perfect time to slow down, reconnect, and warm up with something other than a screen. For many families, the glow of devices has started to eclipse the glow of the fireplace. But when the signal drops and the boots go on, magic happens — shared meals, muddy adventures, and laughter that doesn’t need to be charged.

Across South Africa, a range of family-friendly escapes are offering exactly that: a chance to unplug and rediscover what a real break feels like.

Forests and fairytales in Hogsback, Eastern Cape

Tucked away in the Amathole Mountains, Hogsback is the kind of place where children half expect to see elves in the trees. Winter brings misty mornings, forest walks, and warm fireside storytelling.

Where to stay:
Away with the Fairies offers family cottages and easy access to trails like the magical 39 Steps Waterfall and the Madonna and Child Waterfall.

Unplugged activities:
Build fairy houses, forage for mushrooms, hike with a picnic, visit the Arboretum, and warm up with hot chocolate while reading a Narnia book aloud.

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Farm life at its cosy best: Elgin, Western Cape

Just an hour from Cape Town, Elgin’s apple farms and vineyards double as dreamy winter escapes. Think tree swings, farm animals, and wood-fired ovens.

Where to stay:
South Hill Vineyards has a family-friendly guesthouse with sprawling gardens and plenty of room to roam. Wildekrans Country House, a charming 1811 homestead in Houw Hoek, Wildekrans, offers a tranquil escape just an hour from Cape Town. Surrounded by a rambling garden and mountain views, the house blends antiques with contemporary South African art. Guests can choose between catered stays or a self-catering cottage—ideal for families.

Unplugged activities:

Pick apples, bake bread together, explore the forest on foot, or set up a board game on the stoep while watching the mist roll in. Pop into beloved local farm stalls and markets like Peregrine, Orchard Farm Stall, Houw Hoek, and the Elgin Railway Market — a family favourite with food, crafts, and live music.

For more active families, the Elgin Valley is also a playground for outdoor adventure. Tackle mountain biking routes through Lebanon, Paul Cluver, and Oak Valley estates; go zip lining through the treetops; or try trail running, quad biking, golfing, and horse riding in the fresh country air.

Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal

The Midlands are a natural playground for children — think pony rides, glass-blowing studios, and cheese farms. Winter means cosy interiors and frosty walks.

Where to stay: Granny Mouse Country House has large family suites and lots of other amenities, while Sierra Family Resort offers a wide range of activities for all ages — from horse riding and paintball to squash, tennis, putt-putt, and an adventure golf course. There’s also a large swimming pool and indoor games like pool and snooker.

Unplugged activities:
Visit the candle-dipping centre, take a chocolate-making class, explore artist studios, visit The National Botanical Garden, Karkloof Farmer’s Market, Karkloof Canopy Tour

Caves and fossils in Clarens, Free State

Clarens offers a Jurassic break from modern life. The surrounding mountains hold fossils, rock art, and plenty of room to stomp and climb.

Where to stay: The Golden Gate Hotel inside the national park gives you front-row seats to snow-dusted peaks. St Fort Country House offers self-catering options with plenty of space.

Unplugged activities:
Visit The Golden Gate National Park, join a fossil tour, explore the park’s trails, try rock climbing with a guide, visit Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary, and Geppetto’s World

Safari without the screen: Dinokeng & Addo

Winter is prime time for game-viewing and safari lodges are increasingly catering to families who want a more immersive experience.

Where to stay: Mongena Game Lodge in Dinokeng offers guided bush walks and storytelling around the fire. In Addo, Addo Wildlife Lodge is ideal for young kids with tame wildlife and open space.

Unplugged activities:
Animal tracking, guided nature walks, campfire stories, and junior ranger activities replace cartoons with kudu sightings.

Desert skies and storytelling in the Northern Cape

With wide open spaces, star-filled skies, and a pace that invites real connection, the Northern Cape is perfect for families seeking stillness, warmth, and wonder.

Where to stay: Stuurmansfontein Guesthouse near the Karoo Gariep Conservancy offers family-friendly farm-style hospitality in a traditional corbelled house. Tswalu Kalahari (for those wanting a luxury splurge) offers child-centred safari experiences grounded in conservation and culture.

Unplugged activities: Explore ancient rock engravings at Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre or Wonderwerk Cave, stargaze with a telescope under some of the clearest skies on Earth, and learn about San stories around a fire. Day hikes, windmill spotting, and learning to bake roosterkoek all make for memorable moments — no devices needed.

Tips for a successful screen-free holiday

• Pack intentionally: Board games, glow sticks, card decks, kids’ binoculars, and headlamps go a long way.
• Make it a game: Create a scavenger hunt, nature bingo, or memory jar challenge.
• Choose the right spot: Pick places with patchy WiFi or no TVs to make screen-free the default.
• Set a fun routine: Fireside storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and quiet drawing time help anchor the day.

Screen-free doesn’t mean boring — it means a return to something slower, messier, and more memorable. This winter, swap pixels for pinecones and algorithms for adventures. South Africa has the perfect unplugged escape waiting for your family.

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