1. Family Holidays
All of us with children know that it’s not always easy to give our kids all the attention we would like to. Life gets in
the way doesn’t it? A family holiday can give us the time we need to re-engage in a positive way, and to enjoy
each other’s company. It also gives us a chance to get the kids away from the X-Box or computer games; encourage
them to see the big wide world in real life; and allow them to try new or possibly life-changing experiences.
Family holidays planned by people with children
Amanda and Guy Marks are the founders of Tribes, but more importantly parents of two boys. They have travelled
with their boys from a young age, so are very aware of the kind of things that a family needs to consider when
travelling with children of different ages. They and all the Tribes consultants are very happy to share their
knowledge and experience of family travel.
Tailor Made Family Holidays
As with most of our services, the family holidays that we organise are tailor made. Working closely with you, we
really can come up with a fantastic trip that the whole family will enjoy – whatever the ages and whatever the
interests. Our itinerary suggestions would generally be classed as a luxury family holiday, though we feel that they
are good value for money.
2. Family Safaris
Family safari holidays get you and the family out into the wilds of Africa for a real adventure, and, of course, to
see some magnificent wildlife.
Tribes directors Amanda & Guy know how much children love going on safari if they are at all interested in wild
animals - and which children aren't? Getting them (and you) out into the middle of the African bush, with no
'virtual' distractions (!), is a fabulous way to spend time on holiday as a family.
If you have a young family you will probably want a shorter and more gentle experience than if you have older
children or teenagers. Not a problem, we can tailor the right experience to what is right for your tribe. This
might even mean sticking to places where there is no malaria. Yes, this cuts down your choices somewhat, but
there are still some exciting places to go.
There are some itinerary ideas below, but as always, talk to us if you would like us to plan something specifically
for you.
Family Adventure Holidays
The right kind of family holiday enables you to discover another country, experience a different culture, or enjoy
a new experience. There are so many possibilities out there, though of course it depends on the age of your
children as to what family adventure we’d probably recommend.
By all means talk to Amanda & Guy about their various travels with their boys, from wildlife and beach holidays in
South Africa, to adventures in Nepal, and wildlife holidays in Brazil. If it is useful to you to have someone to talk
to who understands what it is like travelling to such places with young children, we are happy to advise.
3. Family Beach Holidays
Sometimes you just need time on the beach to relax and let the kids play. However it is also nice to know that
there are other options close by if you decide to be a bit more active, or if you want to show the children
something of a different culture and environment. So if you want to go a bit further afield than Europe to get
your bucket and spade out or to enjoy relaxation and water sports, let us help you find a family beach holiday
that will tick all your boxes.
Below are a few ideas of holidays you may want to consider for your family, but the very best thing you can do
is call and chat to us about what might be your perfect trip.
Honeymoons
Your Luxury Tailor Made Honeymoon
We are delighted that many couples come to us for their honeymoon arrangements. We love helping plan luxury
tailor made honeymoons. Some of the countries we work with even allow you to have the wedding ceremony
there, so combine the wedding and honeymoon! We can also arrange for renewal of wedding vows on holiday.
We’ve been party to various subterfuges and exciting secret plans, as well as some very last minute cries for
help from couples who suddenly remembered that the honeymoon wasn’t planned at all.
Honeymoon Destinations
We have been asked for several honeymoon treks up Mount Kilimanjaro (which went very well), but usually the
requests are of a more recognisably romantic nature! Luxury safari and beach honeymoons are of course popular
but there are some exciting, unique and romantic bush lodges, tree houses and private villas around the world
which are also perfect for your luxury tailor made honeymoon.
Below are a few honeymoon holiday ideas to give you food for thought for your special tailor made honeymoon
holiday. However, the best way to really get what you want is to call us for a chat.
4. Honeymoon Gift Vouchers
As well as arranging your honeymoon we can also offer a Gift Voucher service, so that family and friends can
contribute towards the cost of the honeymoon.
We try to keep it as simple as possible for you. When the honeymoon has been booked we will send you an
information sheet about how the service works, including our contact details and your chosen cut-off date for
contributions. This information can be passed on to family and friends.
Anyone wanting to make a contribution can contact us directly. We take their payment, issue a voucher which
can go to them or directly to you, and we take off this amount from the balance payment due on your trip. If
you get more than the trip cost, you’ll get a cheque for the difference.
That’s it in essence, but, being a small company, we can adapt this service to suit individual circumstances, so
we welcome any comments and suggestions and will try to incorporate these.
5. DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN
When you arrive at Cape Town airport you will be met and assisted, and given documents for your trip. You will
then be shown to the vehicle rental collection office to collect your hire car. It is just a short drive to the V&A
Waterfront Apartments where you are based for 3 nights.
Enjoy walking around the Waterfront area this afternoon, and having a good meal in this exciting city.
DAY 2: CAPE TOWN
V&A Waterfront Apartments are in the heart of the Waterfront basin, with the dramatic Table Mountain as a
backdrop. Aside from the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there is a more cultural side to the Waterfront,
focused around the historic Clock Tower.It is near here that the ferries depart for Robben Island, while the Two
Oceans Aquarium is just a short walk away. With ferries and boats continuously on the go, Cape Fur Seals playing
in the harbour, and a mix of both locals and international visitors, the Waterfront is a wonderful place to soak up
some typical Cape Town vibe.
Based on room only.
6. DAY 3: CAPE TOWN
There is so much to do in and around the city, from cultural activities such as museums, visits to different areas
of the city (eg townships), visiting famous landmarks such as Table Mountain, chilling out on the beach of Camps
Bay or slightly further in the Cape Peninsula, visiting the Winelands, going whale watching or visiting the
penguins at Boulders Beach. With your hire car at your disposal the options are almost endless. DAY 4: TO
OUDTSHOORN
Leave the city behind and drive into the Western Cape. You stay in a country lodge near Oudtshoorn for the next
2 nights. This family-owned property is now in its eighth generation of tobacco, fruit, vegetables and ostriches
farming in this fertile valley. Go on hiking trails, take in the many highlights of the region, or simply relax at the
salt water swimming pool which is set in the lush and welcoming gardens.
7. DAY 5: OUDTSHOORN
You can visit an ostrich show farm, take a township tour, explore hiking trails, mountain biking, caving, abseiling,
rock climbing, quad biking, visit the meerkat colony and enjoy the craft markets and art galleries. A 'must' is
surely the Cango Caves, one of the great natural wonders of the world, with several systems of spectacular
limestone caverns which have been discovered. All are filled with a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and
helictites. Breakfast
DAY 6: GARDEN ROUTE
Today you set out on the world-famous Garden Route, a 300km area of natural beauty with Indian Ocean
coastline, dense indigenous forests, dramatic ravines, lagoons and the Outeniqua Mountains. This region
encompasses the picturesque towns of George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Arrive at
Fairview Cottage on a 68 acre headland at The Craggs near Plettenberg Bay. You will have the next 3 nights
based in this great spot which is small homely cottage. Breakfast
8. DAY 7: GARDEN ROUTE
Fairview Cottage is a home from home and is within close proximity of whale watching at Keurbooms Beach,
Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg Peninsular and the forest walks of Nature's Valley. There is a lovely swimming
pool set in the fynbos (indigenous plantlife) and you can also enjoy fantastic bike trails, bird watching, fishing,
golf and hiking.
We'd highy recommend taking in an eco-marine boat trip to see the marine wildlife here.
Breakfast
DAY 8: GARDEN ROUTE
There's really so much to do here. Enjoy a choice of excellent golf courses, watch whales, eat oysters and
cholesterol-free ostrich meat, do a tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, abseil, bungee jump, glide between
platforms on a treetop canopy tour, hike, mountain bike and round it all off with an unforgettable sunset cruise.
Breakfast
9. DAY 9: TO THE EASTERN CAPE
Leave the Garden Route and head to the Eastern Cape. This is known as the Sunshine Coast and it has miles of
stunning beach, gorgeous bays and some excellent game reserves. Your destination is Kariega Game Reserve. The
main lodge borders the upper reaches of the Kariega River. This is an ideal setting for families wanting a relaxed
and friendly environment in the African bush.
Breakfast, dinner
DAY 10: GAMEVIEWING IN EASTERN CAPE
Daily activities are included in your stay. On a typical day, you might have an early morning game drive, then
enjoy a large breakfast back at the lodge followed by a choice of activities or relaxation by the pool. Lunch and
a siesta follow. In the late afternoon there is another game drive culminating in sundowners out on the reserve,
returning to the lodge for dinner, which will be served either in the restaurant or in the boma area around the
camp fire.
Full board.
10. DAY 11: GAMEVIEWING IN EASTERN CAPE
Make your last day on safari here at Kariega as exciting as the first. Perhaps try your hand at canoeing today for a
change, but whatever you choose you have another day in the African wild. Enjoy!
Full board.
DAY 12: TO PORT ELIZABETH AND HOME
Today you need to drive back to Port Elizabeth where you drop your hire car. From here we can arrange for you to
fly home or you can continue with onward arrangements.
Breakfast.
11. Eye protection
Suncream and lipcream
Water (minimum 3L)
Hill food and energy snacks
Spare windproof clothing
35 to 50 litre rucksack
Wide brimmed sun hat
Lightweight trousers (shorts not recommended due to sunburn and spiky terrain!)
Lightweight boots or trail shoes
Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
Lightweight thermal base layer
Socks
Lightweight fleece or softshell gilet
Thermal gloves (yes, even in summer we have needed these up high!)
Digital camera
12. “First aid” Ibuprofen (Nurofen) or other anti‐inflammatory drugs, other painkillers bandaids, sports tape or
water‐proof dressings Lomotil and Stemetil (if going to a place like India) medications (and prescriptions)
knee braces Zovirax (coldsore) lip cream vitamins such as A,C,E, zinc, Echinacea (preferably combined in one
tablet) Toiletries nail scissors face moisturiser hair conditioner shampoo deodorant massage oil
toothpaste and toothbrush (if not in cabin luggage) comb or hair brush and hair accessories hair product
shaving gear cosmetics Luggage boot bag (may need to take this on as cabin luggage) suitcase or bag (if
able to take 2 bags on the plane) luggage locks luggage tags Electronics mobile phone and charger still
camera and charger video camera and charger spare battery for camera/video tri‐pod spare memory
cards for cameras memory stick to back‐up photos/videos electrical adapters GPS transponder (if not on
your phone) walkie talkies (can’t use them in Japan) iPod, charger cord and radio adapter for car (if not on
your phone) iPad or laptop and charger power board for all these chargers travel alarm if not taking mobile
phone hairdryer (check if voltage appropriate for the country) Other portable clothes line spare credit card
phrase book notes off Powderhounds website sunglasses.
13. photocopy of passport, visa and airline ticket travel insurance information octopus straps if likely to travel
in a taxi or a train drivers license playing cards cotton and thread bag for wet ski gear and/or dirty
clothing Cabin luggage passport and visa if required airline tickets itinerary and reservation confirmations
maps and directions toiletries for cabin luggage in small sealed plastic bag including toothbrush & small
toothpaste sleeping tablets/pain medication ear plugs blow up cushion eye shades book, kindle or
equivalent wallet, credit card & cash eye glasses or contact lenses (and accessories in main luggage) don’t
pack razors, scissors, matches etc – check for prohibited items Things to do before travel: make sure passport
is valid for at least 6 months organise any visas required get any necessary vaccinations (e.g. if travelling to
India) organise international drivers license if necessary (e.g. Japan, South America) email your itinerary to
yourself in case you lose it set mobile phone to international roam check electrical adapters required for
the country photocopy passport, visa and tickets leave itinerary/contact information with family member
and leave photocopy of passport consider currency exchange for at least a small amount of cash pay off
credit card pay bills organise mail to be collected or “stopped” organise travel insurance
14. THANK YOU FOR PAYING ATTENTION.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE PRESENTATION!!
THE END