Top Adventure Spots in South Africa with Self-Catering Accommodation for the Whole Family.


Imagine stepping into a world where every day is an invitation to adventure, where each morning brings the freedom to explore and the comfort of your own private oasis. At Beekman Holidays, we want you to enjoy more than self-catering accommodation, here we craft experiences that ignite the spirit and create lifelong memories.

Forget cookie-cutter holidays, our handpicked escapes are all about exhilaration, discovery and pure family fun. Whether it’s beach, berg or the wild call of the untamed bush, our destinations promise more than a break – they’re your ticket to an extraordinary adventure that the whole family will relish.

Experience Safari Magic and Scenic Beauty in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Wake up to birdsong and misty valleys as you set off for a day where the wild comes to life. In Mpumalanga, nature is bold, beautiful and unforgettable. At Hazyview Cabanas, our self-catering lodges give you the space to unwind, recharge and plan your next big outing.

Whether that’s a safari through Kruger or exploring the eerie beauty of the Sudwala Caves. You can take the kids on a thrilling game drive where they can spot the Big Five or find yourselves awestruck by the views from God’s Window. And when it’s time to kick back? Your lodge is right there waiting – private, peaceful and ready for the next day’s discoveries.

Tip: Plan a picnic at one of the scenic lookouts along the Panorama Route and discover wonders like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels.

Soak Up the South Coast Sunshine and Adventure

KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, South Africa

Life’s a beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast – but not just any beach. This stretch of coastline is made for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and sandy-footed explorers. Stay at Illovo Beach Club or Margate Beach Club and you’ll have your own fully equipped self-catering space just minutes from the action.

From croc encounters at Crocworld to ziplining over gorges and braving the waves with shark cage diving, this is where memories are made. And when you’re ready for a slower pace, local markets, beach walks and ocean views set the scene for sun-soaked serenity.

Tip: Be sure to visit the local weekly farmers markets for fresh local produce, artisanal crafts and live music.

Meander the Mountains and Stay Warm this Winter

Cathkin Park and Clarens, Drakensberg, South Africa

If you’re craving misty mornings, towering peaks and the kind of quiet that soothes the soul, the Drakensberg delivers. Whether it’s adventure, artistry, or simply space to breathe, Cayley Mountain Resort and Kiara Lodge invite you to take it in, look up and lose track of time.

Cayley Mountain Resort offers stunning views, self-catering comfort, and easy access to hiking, kayaking and nearby attractions like Birds of Prey and Drakensberg Ballooning. Kiara Lodge, close to Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands, puts you within reach of white-water rafting and on-site abseiling. Wherever you choose, you’ll find space to roam, time to reconnect and a place to truly unwind.

Tip: Hike Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve and take in the majestic cliffs and scenic views.

Relax and Retreat to the Garden Route

Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is where the wild meets the whimsical. With endless forests, winding trails and pristine beaches, it’s a place that invites curiosity. Base yourself at Formosa Bay Resort, where spacious self-catering accommodation offers the flexibility to plan your days your way.

Want to meet elephants, zipline through tree canopies or plunge into canyon adventures with Africanyon? It’s all here. Prefer a peaceful walk in Robberg Nature Reserve or a lazy afternoon by the pool? You’ve got that too. Every family finds their rhythm here – fast, slow or somewhere in between.

Tip: Visit Bloukrans Bungee only a few minutes away to get your adventure kick.

Run into Rare Game in the North West

North West, South Africa

If your idea of a perfect getaway includes giraffes by your window and adrenaline around every corner, North West is where your family’s wildest stories begin. Wake up to the sights and sounds of the bush at Dikhololo or dive into heart-racing fun at The Kingdom Resort, home to the exclusive Rare Game Experience that brings you face-to-face with majestic and rare wildlife.

Stay in spacious self-catering lodges that blend comfort with adventure. From splash waterparks and adventure golf to guided game drives, every day offers something to spark curiosity. Step beyond the resort to explore the Lion & Safari Park and Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre or soak up cultural discoveries at Lesedi Cultural Village. This is more than a holiday. It’s a front-row seat to the untamed beauty of South Africa.

Tip: Enjoy unforgettable encounters that nurture your spirit at the Elephant Sanctuary.

Why Families Choose Beekman Holidays for Their South African Adventures

At Beekman Holidays, we believe that where you stay should be just as memorable as where you go. Our self-catering resorts are designed for freedom and flexibility, to encourage shared moments that turn into lifelong memories, from unexpected laughs to must-dos, discoveries and quality time.

Whether you’re waking to wild horizons, chasing waves or wandering mountain trails, we’ve got the perfect base for your next big family adventure.

So, pack your bags, gather your people and let Beekman Holidays take you somewhere unforgettable, across the berg, bush or beach.