MUMBAI, 14 NOVEMBER, 2022 (GPN): Children’s Day is around the corner, and if you are looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for your children, we have got your back! There’s nothing better than gifting them with memorable, fun, and entertaining experiences that they will cherish throughout. 

This Children’s Day, a family getaway to South Africa might be a perfect time to bond with your kids. Not only a trip to South Africa will be filled with excitement and all things fun but it will also be a great edutainment opportunity for your children! The Rainbow Nation of South Africa has always been immensely popular with Indian parents, especially since the destination offers safe, entertaining, and educative experiences for all age groups. Families utilize the festive season of November-December to go on their annual vacation to South Africa, the land of adventure, rich history, and multiple cultures. Moreover, a trip to the Rainbow Nation won’t be too heavy on your pockets – attractive currency exchange rates make South Africa a lucrative, value for money long-haul destination.

Take a look at edutaining activities to enjoy with your children in South Africa: 

Take the Big 5 African Safari

The Big 5 African Safari is a must have experience in the Rainbow Nation. It will be a thrilling yet an insightful adventure activity for children as they will learn about flora and fauna of the land while visually experiencing it in real-time! Limpopo is one of the most interesting, and abundant provinces in South Africa. Known for its huge rivers, splashing hippos and immersive culture, here you will find vast open spaces with wildlife galore and breath-taking mountainous landscapes covered in mist. With seven of South Africa’s eleven official languages being spoken here, children stand a good chance of meeting and knowing more about people from most of the country’s ethnic groupings.

With Kruger National Park – the largest national park in Africa – situated here, this province can easily be termed the ‘mecca of wildlife’. It is South Africa’s most exciting African safari destination and offers a variety of experiences such as wilderness trails, self-drive adventures, and safaris.

Explore South Africa’s Cultural Heritage at Inanda Heritage Route

The eThekwini Inanda Heritage Route in the Inanda Valley, located in north Durban, will give children a chance to explore the noteworthy historic legacy that shaped the future of South Africa. The Inanda Heritage Trail houses some very critical components of not just South African history but of India’s past too. So much so, that Inanda is widely dubbed the ‘cradle of South African democracy’. From this valley, Nelson Mandela cast the first vote as a black person in South Africa’s first democratic elections. The famous satyagraha movement by Gandhi was conceptualized here as well. The tour also provides insights into the rich culture and beliefs held by local Durban communities.

Discover the Marine Life at Two Oceans Aquarium 

An award-winning aquarium, Two Oceans Aquarium situated in Cape Town offers great opportunities to explore and discover the amazing marine life that habitats in the warm Indian Ocean and in the cold waters of Atlantic Ocean. From giant sea turtles, clownfish, crabs as big as toddlers to waddling African penguins – children will be mesmerized with this beautiful underwater world. They can even learn scuba diving and take ‘behind the scenes’ tour at the aquarium to learn more about the marine life in an interactive manner. The aquarium also has a dedicated centre for kids called the I&J Children’s Play Centre where they can enjoy educational puppet shows, arts and crafts with a marine theme. 

Commemorate the Great Madiba at Robben Island 

Nelson Mandela – one of the greatest leaders in the world who relentlessly fought for equality, justice, and peace, spent 18 immensely challenging years in prison on this little island situated less than 5 miles off the coast of Cape Town. Robben Island is now a World Heritage site and museum. Although from the 17th to the 20th century the island was a place of imprisonment – today it is a beacon of hope. Here, children can gain some insight into the life and times of Nelson Mandela and fellow freedom fighters. He dearly cared about children and strongly believed that children are a nation’s greatest treasure. He said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children”. While serving as the President of South Africa, Mandela donated half his salary to support children in need. 

Witness the History Coming Alive at Apartheid Museum

Apartheid – a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, had infiltrated every nerve of the country. These dogmas (or the resistance towards them) helped shape Mandela’s entire life and nowhere can you get a better grip on what transpired during the proceeding struggle than at the Apartheid Museum, situated south of Johannesburg. The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged throughout the world for its illustrious display of the rise and fall of Apartheid. A one of its kind museum, it tells the story of triumph of human spirit over adversity.