After a couple of challenging months, this somewhat stalled travelling circus was in ready to shake things up a bit. In desperate need for a change of scenery, Raffles suggested camping while Sugarpuff suggested we go ‘everywhere ever’. Me? I just wanted to breathe in a little fresh country air.  Which is how we found ourselves spending a week chugging around Central NSW in a JUCY Condo, our lime green home on wheels.

The JUCY Condo is a two-litre, five-seater, automatic Toyota Hiace, adapted into a four-berth, self-contained campervan. Incredibly easy to manoeuvre, the JUCY Condo’s smaller size but cleverly designed interior offered a winning combination of driving ease and space.

And while in Bathurst we discovered it certainly wont be winning the Bathurst 1000 any time soon, our Condo did itself proud tackling the hills and fast corners of the Mount Panorama Circuit.

Room on the road

While the JUCY Condo doesn’t come with an internal shower or toilet, the smaller campervan style vehicle provides an affordable, and perfectly comfortable, alternative to a larger motorhome. Van park communal facilities are perfectly pleasant (a big shout out to Jenolan Caravan Park in magical Oberon who have a particularly modern amenities block with lovely showers and an accessible bathroom) though upgrading to powered ensuite sites at some parks provided privacy and a little added convenience. If a loo is a deal breaker, JUCY does offer an optional cassette toilet that is easily stored for use in the event that there are no public amenities.

Sleeping four people, there’s a double bed in the elevated roof. This pulled out in seconds to create the perfect sleeping nook for the kids. I’m sure it would be fine for adults too but we were unable to test the theory as the kids quickly declared it their “cubby” and off limits to adults. Luckily, the day couch in the main cabin converted into a rather comfy double bed that said adults were more than happy with. The Condo comes stocked with toasty warm bedding for both beds, as well as a set of towels, which is hugely convenient as we forgot to pack ours in the excitement of finally getting back out on the road.

The fold out table between the sofa and passenger seats in the main cabin made for a perfect spot for us to play board games with the kids on colder nights. The kids also decided to hang a disco light they’d picked up at Parkes Observatory in our Condo for added atmosphere, though any actual dancing action was restricted to outside the van.

The JUCY Condo was also stocked with folding camp tables and chairs for use outside, which we took full advantage of on warmer nights.

The kids both adore the novelty factor of a campervan, while I love that everything we need is permanently in place inside and all we need to do is pull up at our allocated site at each van park and plug ourselves into the power. There’s no setting or packing up camp, no searching for a place to cook and clean – it’s all ready to go.

Stash and stow

We are notoriously light packers and had enough space for everything we needed, but the compact size means storage is a little light on in the JUCY Condo. If you tend to overpack, you might need to rethink your packing strategy. It did take us a day or two to get our heads around maximising our storage space and making sure things were easily accessible, but packing our gear into several smaller bags meant we could easily store it all in the compartments under the sofa/bed, which is accessible simply by lifting up the seat.

A space to store the outside table and chairs would have been ideal but we were able to just pop them on the floor in the back when not in use.

When not driving, the Condo can be powered via a power cable at powered sites, and there are plenty of internal power points and USB ports for charging all the kids devices. Super convenient.

What’s cooking in the Condo?

Self-catering in the our JUCY Condo worked out well. While we stayed in caravan parks which had camp kitchens, we mostly cooked over the gas cooker supplied in the Condo. There’s also a kitchen sink fed by a 55-litre fresh water tank and 60-litre grey water tank, a small but useful fridge, and a table that folds down to make prepping meals easy.

The kitchen has ample storage too with JUCY providing as standard a kitchen kit including plates, cups, cutlery, pots, pans and most cooking utensils one might need. Zippered pockets along the walls of the kitchen provided us with additional room for non-perishable groceries, meaning we were able to stock up on groceries for a few days meals.

If you want to keep things simple, we’d suggest just grabbing the basics and plan meals that require minimal fuss. Of course, fanatical foodies that we are, we ignored our own advice. We love to cook, wherever we are, and it was actually pretty easy to whip up gourmet treats on the go, with a sizzling egg dappled shakshuka and a fragrant prawn and chorizo studded paella drawing crowds of campers and proving definitively it really isn’t the size but what you do with it that counts (your kitchen that is).

Just remember to pack washing up liquid and dish cloths because you’re going to want to keep the small space as tidy as possible.

So, what’s the verdict on our JUCY Condo adventure?

Well, Raff and Sugarpuff are already begging for us to hit repeat and given the affordability and undeniable convenience of campervan travel, who are we to say no?

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“Whoa, what even is this place?” asks my awestruck daughter as we walk past the hulking industrial remains of a grain silo on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. “Are we sleeping in a factory?”

The short answer is yes. Well, at least it used to be. Once an ugly industrial complex of derelict concrete grain silos, the reinvented, and now entirely glamorous, structure is the home of the extraordinary Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA),

It’s also houses The Silo Hotel Cape Town, a sparkling 28-bedroom boutique beauty that inhabits its upper floors, offering visitors a unique luxury experience, and some of the most outstanding views in all of kid-friendly Cape Town.

Conveniently located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, the hotel is just minutes from the area’s dining and shopping action and the Robben Island Ferry wharf, and is ideally situated to explore Cape Town’s popular attractions, including the colourful Cape Malay quarter, Table Mountain and Boulders Beach.

The striking, family friendly hotel is a five star celebration of art, architecture, sustainability and style.

Bulging, multi-panelled diamond windows invite Table Mountain and Table Bay Harbour inside, in spectacular style. And the interiors are as splendid as the views, decorated in an opulent bower bird style, with an eclectic mix of furniture and artworks adding a hefty shot of colour and warmth.

Old school chesterfields, Egyptian-crystal chandeliers and Persian rugs meet bright modern canvases, quirky African collectibles and an assortment of colourful artefacts from across the globe, to create an exciting space that the kids and I fall head over heels in love with before we even leave the 6th floor reception.

The kids have also formed a bit of a crush on the charming Irene who, hand-in-hand with her new BFF Sugarpuff (who is positively swooning with delight), takes us on a giggle-packed tour of the hotel, before escorting us to our magnificent suite.

The Silo Hotel Cape Town – Family Suites

“What is your favourite colour?” asks Irene. Luckily their answer is red, because she opens the door to reveal, our startling, stunning multi-level suite, decked out in razzmatazz shades of red and orange. “I love it,” whispers an awed Sugarpuff, who receives a delighted hug from Irene in return. I think we’re going to like it here.

Family suites, like ours, make a stay at The Silo Hotel Cape Town with kids easy. Every room in the hotel is unique and beautiful in equal measure, but we feel like we’ve won the hotel room lottery as our two-bedroom family suite is without question the most dazzling we’ve had the fortune to encounter. Located on the 7th floor,  more of those ingenious pillow-like windows offer extraordinary views out over Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and there’s a lovely balcony from which to sit and watch the sparkling city lights by night.

Part art gallery, part luxury home, the suite is packed with a tonne of personality. The first floor has a private dining area, where a big bowl of fresh fruit, berries and hand made chocolates await the kids, and an ice bucket with a bottle of chilled champagne is singing my name.

The building’s original steel industrial beams peek into the lounge, which is packed with fat sofas, inviting armchairs and original, modern artworks. Indeed, there are so many amazing artworks scattered throughout the suite that a curated art guide has been left for us to familiarise ourselves with each of the pieces on display, as well as the talented artists who created them.

A second lounge area with an equally inviting sofa has been set up for use as a media room, with a huge TV for those who can tear their eyes off stunning Table Mountain. Under the stairs is a magical mirrored cabinet filled with the prettiest porcelain tea cups, a selection of coffee and tea, and a cutting board with fresh lime and ginger to add a hint of zest. There’s also a couple of complimentary bottles of wine, a choice of spirits, and a bespoke box of house made savoury and sweet snacks, just begging us to eat them.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, the main boasting an enormous king-sized bed with an enormous textural red headboard, spunky red faux lizard skin side tables and more of those floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains and the city.

There’s also a decadent red walled dressing room with fluffy robes and slippers, and a ballroom sized bathroom with a huge free-standing tub, a sassy leopard print chaise and a ravishingly red, Asian-style side table.

The twin beds in the kids’ room also boast giant red headboards and there are gift-wrapped surprises at the foot of each… a tribal necklace for Raff, a pretty purse for Sugarpuff, and a couple of arty activity books for them both to complete. They’re suitable chuffed.

Like the rest of our suite, the kids’ room has its own eclectic collection of art, including a funky red ceramic chicken and a painting of lazy zebra lolling on a chaise lounge that the kids take quite a fancy to. They too have their own enormous bathroom, with twin sinks, a freestanding tub and the most divinely fragranced amenities.

The Silo Hotel  – Pool

I find myself wondering if there’s a hardware store nearby, so we can board up the door, because our entire suite is so perfect they may have to forcibly remove us at checkout time.  But the kids scupper that plan when they announce they want a dip in the pool.

Open only to hotel guests, this has to be one of the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools, with towering concrete columns that give off a Grecian vibe, see through glass walls, and dazzling 360-degree vistas over beautiful Cape Town.

Another stroke of genius is the Rooftop Bar, next to the pool, and a gin cocktail they whipped up is as picture perfect as the sunset views. While I sip on my drink, the kids float away on fluffy floating bean bags, giant grins splashed across their faces.

The Silo Hotel – Food

To my galloping gluttons, food is one of the most important elements of any hotel experience. Fortunately, The Silo Hotel Cape Town nails that too.  Their gorgeous Granary Café delivers modern cuisine that showcases the best seasonal, local ingredients.  Breakfast is a splendiferous thing of freshly squeezed juice made to order and an extensive a la carte breakfast menu. The kids order brioche stacked with smoked salmon and hollandaise and I opt for a vegetarian breakfast of eggs, avocado, haloumi, tomato, mushrooms and rosti potato.

Instead of the usual hotel buffet, along with our hot breakfast, a “Harvest Table” is delivered directly to us. Essentially a high tea tower, it’s stacked with local charcuterie meats and cheeses, jars of fresh fruit and berries, decadently creamy potted yoghurt and nutty granola, plus a bulging basket of pastries.

Lunch by the pool is always a good idea, and the kids pick over a cheese sharing plate and some truffle chips on the rooftop, while I devour a delightful wood roasted root vegetable salad topped with tangy labneh, almonds and honey.

At dinner I dive into a spicy Cape Seafood Curry, fragrant with coconut and lemongrass rice and served with cooling cubes of green tea- infused cucumber and a zingy lemon yoghurt. Raff goes to town on the hotel’s signature steak tartare with hand cut chips, while an exhausted Sugarpuff falls asleep in a bowl of noodles.

Every dish is such a winner that we hit repeat the following night. The kids are so happy they suggest we should extend our stay…. by at least a year or two.

The Silo Hotel Cape Town – Sustainability

The Silo Hotel Cape Town’s conversion from derelict concrete eye saw to world-class five-star hotel is the ultimate in up cycling, but the hotel’s sustainability efforts don’t stop there. The plastic-free hotel’s impressive commitment to saving energy and water is just the start.

Their sustainable business ethos is holistic, focusing not only on job creation and training internally, but looking outward to local communities, sourcing local goods and inviting guests to support community initiatives through respectful, authentic and non-invasive tours and programmes.

Produce is sourced from local small-scale suppliers, as are handmade gifts and treats, and many of the curated artworks throughout the hotel are sourced locally to further support and empower local artists and artisans.

Which is why it is the heart behind this hotel, not just its stunning style, makes it such a special place for its guests and the community around it.

The Silo Hotel Cape Town
Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,
Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town with kids – Need to know before you go

When to visit
Great weather makes Cape Town a great year-round destination.
Language
While English is widely spoken, especially in the city, there are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa and the most commonly spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans.
Currency
The Rand (R)
Power
Voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Power outlets are round three pin sockets.
Visa & Passport Requirements
A South African tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 90 days.  South Africa requires that all children entering or leaving the country carry an unabridged birth certificate and parental consent affidavits if they are travelling with only one parent. All visitors will require a passport valid for at least six (6) months.
Health
Cape Town is free from malaria and safe for travellers of all age. While there are no essential vaccinations for travellers to South Africa at the time of publication, we advise visiting your family GP at least six weeks before travel for up to date advice on the latest recommendations and necessary immunisations.
Crime
Crime is an issue throughout South Africa. And in Cape Town, like any city, crime does exist but 95% of serious crime occurs in the communities of the Cape Flats area, where it is not advised to go. Pick pockets can be an issue in the city centre and muggings are known to occur in Table Mountain National Park so it’s best to go with a guide and always keep cash and valuables such as flashy jewellery, cameras and phones out of sight. It is not recommended to catch public transport or walk after dark. If you do need to go out at night, UBERs are the safest option.

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The shimmering Grand Palace in Bangkok. © Aleney de Winter

While the garden of earthly delights that is Thailand used to be just a plane ride away, it is sadly out of reach for the immediate future. But the kids and I are hankering after the scent of temples filled with burning incense sticks and fragrant flower garlands. Oh, what we wouldn’t do for a whiff of pungent shrimp paste sizzling in a smoky wok, and the olfactory respite as fresh ginger, galangal and lemongrass hit same said wok.

In the silence of isolation, we’re even missing the beeping and honking of chaotic traffic and the cry of Thai market traders hawking everything from silk scarves to seafood on a stick.

We’re craving the bedazzlement of the glorious golds, reds and greens of the temples and the shimmering blues of the islands. And, of course, the smiles. How we miss Thailand’s smiles.

Exploring Wat Karon in Phuket © Aleney de Winter

And while we know they’ll still be waiting for us when the time is right,

And while we know that these things and more will still be waiting for us in dazzling Thailand when the time is right to travel, there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying all the colour, culture and cuisine that incredible Thailand has to offer, virtually. Here are seven ways to see and experience Thailand from your Sofa.

1. Take a virtual tour

Bangkok Food Markets © Aleney de Winter

Keep the cabin fever at bay with a 3D Virtual Tour of 10 fascinating provincial destinations around Thailand, including Wat Si Chum, one of the largest and most mysterious temples on Ancient Sukhothai, the delightful ginger bread house that is the Khum Chao Luang Museum in Phrae, and Wat Bang Kung, an ancient temple in Samut Songkrahm Province, built in the Ayutthaya period.

Or experience the highlights of Thailand on an immersive adventure with Contiki. Grab a coconut water (or a Mai Tai) and snuggle up on the sofa for a tour across the country, embarking on a food safari in tastebud-tingling Chiang Mai and tackling the street food markets of Bangkok before exploring leafy Kanchanaburi and the turquoise pools of Erawan waterfalls.

2. Learn the lingo

Get ready for your next visit by learning the lingo. You can download Thai language apps including the excellent Thai by Nemo, or head to l-lingo.com for a week of free Thai reading, writing and speaking lessons.

3. Order in

Thai Green Curry © Aleney de Winter

Speaking of food… While not all Australians are dining out again yet, and not every restaurant is open with the restrictions still in place, there’s no shortage of great Thai food available to eat at home. For Sydneysiders, Thai Town (in Haymarket) has a fantastic range of regional culinary specialties from the spicy Khao Soi and fresh and fragrant green papaya salad, to the ever-popular Pad Thai, to sweet Thai desserts available for takeaways and home delivery.

4. Cook up a taste of Thailand

Better yet, why not whip up your own Thai feast at home. Most Aussie supermarkets stock all the ingredients you need for authentic cuisine, and with plenty of inspiration to be found as Thai chefs have taken to teaching their tricks online. Our favourite virtual lessons are with Aroi at Home with Chat Thai x Hug Thailand, and not only because Chat Thai is our favourite Thai in Sydney. We’ve learned to whip up restaurant quality Thai dishes including pad krapao gai (stir fried minced chicken), yum nuea yaang (grilled beef salad with chilli jam), fried snapper with green mango salad, pineapple fried rice with prawns and more. The lessons have been streaming live on the official Hug Thailand FB page for the past eight weeks, but you can still find all the recipes and videos online! You can also try our own easy recipes for Thai Red Duck Curry or Mhu Grob Padt Prik Khing.

5. Learn the basics of Thai dancing

Thai Dancing © Aleney de Winter

Get immersed in Thai culture with a traditional Thai dancing session in your living room. Thai dance troupe, SiamSmile Group are introducing the elegant and expressive movements of Thai dance for kids online, with easy to follow instruction of a variety of Thai dances.

6. Master Muay Thai 

Muay Thai training with kids © Aleney de Winter

Get fighting fit with Muay Thai!  Thai boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand, developed hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat using the body as a weapon. Sydney’s own MuayThai Gym, PTJ – Photajaroen Muaythai Gym, is offering online training for those people who want to kick ISO’s butt!

7. Enjoy a spa sanctuary at home

Wellness team at Chiva Som Hua Hin. Image © Chiva Som

While I’m sure like me, you’d like to actually be in Thailand being massaged by some skilful soul at at the sublime Chiva-Som Hua Hin, you can invite their wellness advisors, practitioners and experts into your home with some of Chiva-Som’s most popular sessions, including one-on-one yoga and meditation sessions, Natural Fertility Consultation and naturopathic consultations, now available via Zoom.

And if you’re still craving that massage, get your partner (or the kids) to master the art of Thai Massage via the online tutorials at Thai Massage Training.

8. Win a trip for later

Longboat on a Phuket beach © Aleney de Winter

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International are both celebrating their 60th Anniversary and are offering the chance for Thailand fans to Win a Thailand Holiday Now and travel later. The prize includes a return flight from Sydney to Bangkok with Thai Airways International or a luxury stay with one of their hotel partners in Phuket, Samui, Krabi or Bangkok. Entries are open until Sunday 31st May 2020 

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While we may not be able to visit South Africa in the immediate future, there’s nothing stopping us from inviting South Africa to visit us! There are dozens of new and interactive ways to enjoy all the riches that incredible South Africa has to offer from your sofa.

It’s no secret my kids fell head over heels in love with South Africa on their recent  conservation based adventures. You can enjoy a little peak of that here!

But right now anyone can enjoy a little taste of South Africa’s many temptations, without a plane ticket. From museum visits and cooking lessons with top chefs to spotting the ‘Big 5’ in real-time on a virtual South African safari, these virtual experiences are sure to help scratch your itchy feet until you #meetsouthafricaLATER.

Making history

Delve deep into South African history at the world-famous Robben Island Museum (RIM) – the former prison where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years of incarceration, and later went on to make his first speech as South Africa’s president. It is a must-see for anyone visiting South Africa and now, for the first time ever, guests can take a virtual stroll through the World Heritage Site, learning all about the history of the island and its famous prisoners.

In and Art

Cape Town’s centre for art and cultural expression, The Norval Foundation, has launched #60SecondArt for kids video clips via their Instagram account, focusing on one artwork or artist per day from the Homestead Collection or what’s currently on display.

South Africa’s first contemporary art museum – the incredible Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town is one of our favourite galleries in the world. And you can see it from the comfort of your quarantine couch through a series of 3D virtual tours as well as a collection of audio tours across the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Big and buzzy Johannesburg has plenty of art to experiences online too, with the city’s ABSA Art Gallery also shining the spotlight on the works of young African artists as well as pioneering art masters through special 3D tours.

Tickle your taste buds

For a true taste of South Africa at home, renowned South African-born chef and food editor, Warren Mendes, has partnered with South African Tourism to create a series of virtual cooking classes showcasing popular South African dishes including Bunny Chow and Malva Pudding. Running across South African Tourism’s Facebook and Instagram channels from May 25, the six-part video-recipe series is specially curated to take home cooks on a culinary journey as Warren explains how to whip up some of the country’s best-loved dishes to give audiences a taste of South Africa. Followers will be encouraged to share their own re-creations for a chance to win an isolation care pack filled with South African wines, treats and ingredients.  Warren’s first recipe, for Bobotie, the national dish, can also be viewed here on South African Tourism’s YouTube channel.

And, of course, you can check out our tried and tested recipes for South African favourites including Bunny Chow, Samoosa, Hertzoggies and Melktert, right here on BoyEatsWorld. They’re sure to whet your appetite for future South African forays.

The great outdoors, indoors

For those keen on exploring South Africa’s stunning coastlines and mountains, especially those around the West Cape, there are plenty of high-quality live streams to give you a scenic fix. The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town has a static webcam that showcases the hotel’s exquisite views over the Atlantic Ocean coastline and Lion’s Head. And Wavescape has ocean-side webcams scattered across the Cape Peninsula including at Muizenberg, Noordhoek and Kalk Bay, a place we love as much for its snorting sealions as its golden beach.

If you’d rather a live peek at jaw dropping Table Mountain, there’s also a webcam that streams live across the Rietvlei Nature Reserve all the way to the magic mountain itself.

Sofa safari

To provide further inspiration for future travels and provide kids with some education from home on the majesty of nature and wildlife, you can don your khakis at home to catch a glimpse of some of South Africa’s incredible wildlife, including the Big 5 –– lion, leopard, rhino,  elephant and Cape Buffalo –– in real time on an interactive game drive.

Couch cruisers can join the rangers at Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve for a daily life virtual safari with the chance to spot the big five in real-time. If the timing isn’t right, you can catch watch the whole safari experience later on their YouTube channel.

Ngala Private Game Reserve and Djuma Private game reserves offer a daily sunrise safari from 2.00pm AEST, while luxury safari hotel group, andBeyond have teamed up with wildlife broadcasting experts WildEarth to live stream personalised game drives twice a day, with direct interaction with their safari guides, just as if they were in the safari vehicle with them.

But the kids favourite sofa safari experience is revisiting their adored Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve via their new series of educational videos called EleFun Escapes in the Wild. These fantastic safari sessions follow the wild daily happenings on the reserve whilst sharing fun and engaging facts about the fauna and flora of the African bush. Their aim of creating a new generation of conservationists appears to be a big success if my two wannabe rangers are anything to go by.

    Moving pictures

The Sydney South African Film Festival (SSAFF) is going online in 2020, screening nationwide from 16 to 26 May, with four feature films, four documentaries and one short film. Question and answer sessions, and interviews with the directors, are planned to run in conjunction with the films. The single premiere screenings are just $8.00 each or you can see all 10 films for $60.00. Tickets can be booked online.

Raise a glass

While the kids soak up South Africa’s art, eats and animals, mum and dad can get their wine on! Waterkloof wines, perched on the slopes of the Schapenberg in the Helderbergare are live streaming sessions on Facebook and Instagram covering winemaking, farming and tasting. While Aussies may not be able to access their wines in readiness, there’s still plenty to be learned from their experts.

Holden Manz Wine Estate  in stunning Franschhoek wine country is all centuries-old vineyards and picture book Cape Dutch architecture. But with lockdown locking us out of experiencing the-22 hectare wine estate for ourselves, the Holden Manz team are also inviting wine lovers to get comfy and enjoy a drop over virtual tastings and Q&As on wine and what it takes to run a winery live on FB.

The post How to enjoy South Africa from your sofa appeared first on boyeatsworld.

Leopard at Sabi Sabi Image © Aleney de Winter

South Africa is a nation that ignites the senses. It’s a place that you smell, taste, touch, hear, see and feel. So much so that after several visits, I’ve become somewhat hooked on South Africa.  And by somewhat, I mean I love it with a fervour bordering on the obsessive. But while I’ve explored its culture and history on previous visits, its celebrated wildlife has thus far eluded me.

This omission is not because of any ninja-like flair Africa’s critters have for hiding. It is 100% down to my offspring threatening to divorce me if I ever dared to set foot on a game reserve without them.

Once the domain of khaki-clad, pith-helmeted adventurers, more and more safari lodges are recognising the benefits of introducing children as early as possible to the natural world to foster environmental responsibility, making the safari experience a more accessible and attractive proposition for families. So, when the stars align and we find ourselves winging our way to South Africa en famille, there is no way we are going to miss getting our game on.

Loved up lions at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. Image © Aleney de Winter

Top of my South African safari lodge wish list is what must be the most family friendly of them all, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge – one of four ultra-luxurious game lodges in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a 65,000 hectare oasis of unspoilt, wildlife-packed bush located at the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Image © Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve/Richard de Gouveia

We’d heard that a stay at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with kids would be the ultimate introduction to South Africa’s incredible wildlife. But though our imaginations are vast, nothing in our wildest dreams could have prepared us for the true splendour of Sabi Sabi’s incredible wildlife and wilderness, or the incredible opportunities it would present for us to connect as a family through shared learning.

Here are just 9 of the reasons I’ll be returning, as soon as possible, for a bigger dose of the  wonderful Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with kids.

1. The Big Five

Blessed as it is with a great biodiversity of habitat, and zero fences between the reserve and the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi’s biggest stars are the Big Five: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo, the only member of the Big Five not endangered or threatened. Incidentally, the term Big Five is derived not from their size. It’s history is more grim, coming from19th century big-game hunters, when these animals were considered the most dangerous, ergo the most coveted as trophies.

Elephant at Sabi Sabi. Image © Aleney de Winter

Thankfully, for the past 40 years, Sabi Sabi’s strict conservation policy and dedicated anti-poaching unit have been providing protection and sanctuary for wildlife from predatory hunters. Only rangers are permitted to drive off-road here, and a strict ‘non-interference’ policy is in place, making for happy animals.

Rhino at Sabi Sabi. Image © Aleney de Winter

Needless to say, sightings of the Big Five are frequent. So much so that we’re told we have a great chance of spotting all of its members within two to three safari days.

Lions preening. Image © Aleney de Winter

But being the top shelf wildlife warriors we are, we manage it in the first two to three hours. Okay, so we can’t take any credit for this at all. Our success is all down to our safari crew, legends that they are.

Cape Buffalo. Image © Aleney de Winter

On our very first safari drive, close encounters with lions, rhino, Cape Buffalo and elephant are all ticked off in quick succession. But it is the sighting of a rather miffed leopard, watching from the trees as a pack of opportunistic hyenas devour his kill, that has us calling bingo on the Big Five, at least once we scrape our jaws up off the floor.

This winning streak continues over our next three safaris, with astounding sightings of each of the five wildlife superstars, on every safari, all thanks to the efforts of Ranger Dan and Tracker Crimson, who, according to wannabe ranger Raff, are two of the coolest dudes in all of South Africa.

Beyond the Big Five

Curly-horned Kudu. Image © Aleney de Winter

But its not all just about the headline acts at Sabi Sabi. Due to its diversity of habitats, the reserve supports 47 large mammal species, 57 species of reptile, over 300 species of birds plus a cornucopia of other critters including bats, rodents, amphibians and insects.

Waterbuck at sunset. Image © Aleney de Winter

Thanks to the eagle eyes and remarkable tracking skills of Dan and Crimson, we witness a wildlife spectacular with a cast of thousands. The Big Five may be the leads, but there’s also a constant chorus line of impala, steenbok, waterbuck, nyala and curly-horned kudu.

Twittering birds provide the soundtrack, distant vultures, eagles and raptors lending a little orchestral support, as happy hornbills dance close by.

Zebra foal. Image © Aleney de Winter

There are frequent flashy sightings of lean limbed and lovely cheetah, dazzling zebras and elegant giraffes, and a hefty dose of drama is added by a supporting cast of wild dogs, warthogs, wildebeest and snarling spotted hyena.

Warthogs by a waterhole at Sabi Sabi. Image © Aleney de Winter

A prickly porcupine and wallowing hippos peeping from a waterhole make guest appearances, while bolshy baboons and a mob of skittish mongoose add a little comic relief.

Directed by mother nature, it’s a triumph of choreography, colour and chaos.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Bush Lodge Villa Lounge. Image © Aleney de Winter

The grand spectacle doesn’t stop with the wildlife. Another highlight of our visit to Sabi Sabi  is the family friendly accommodation at Bush Lodge. Our lavish two-bedroom luxury villa elicits gasps of delight at first sight. The lounge is a confection of comfy sofas and carefully curated, and extremely covetable, collections of bush trinkets and African artefacts, all overlooked by a mammoth chandelier crafted from gnarled twigs. The dreamy master bedroom boasts an enormous canopied bed, while the main bathroom is accessorised with twin freestanding tubs, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bushveld and a cavernous dressing room that makes our light on luggage look more than a little lost.

Luxury Villa Bathroom at Bush Lodge. Image © Aleney de Winter

There’s also an indoor shower plus an insane outdoor shower where my kids take the stage, frolicking buck naked in the spray while actual (water)bucks saunter by.

The kids’ bedroom is equally fabulous, boasting twin canopied four poster beds, an en suite bathroom and a seriously cute tee pee play space.

Watching wildlife from the villa plunge pool. Image © Aleney de Winter

But it is the outdoor lounge, with its private plunge pool overlooking a waterhole frequented by Eland and Impala, that’s our favourite spot to relax and play in our luxurious African home.  A place so perfect that we all agree we’d quite like to make it our permanent residence.

A feast of African food

Deconstructed crocodile and chicken pie at Sabi Sabi. Image © Aleney de Winter

Food is an integral part of everything my very hungry travellers do and, happily, it’s also an intrinsic part of the Bush Lodge experience. Menus curated by the brilliant Chef Wilfred Mtshali celebrate the freshest local organic produce and the best of contemporary African cuisine.

We’re served morning pastries and steaming tea, and sassy sundowners and snacks during game drives in the bush.

Afternoon tea at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Image © Aleney de Winter

Back at Bush Lodge, bountiful breakfast buffets, a la carte al fresco luncheons overlooking a busy waterhole, and afternoon tea towers of freshly baked cakes and biscuits, await.

As night falls, it is all about the seductively smoky braai (barbecue) in the boma and lantern lit culinary creations served under the stars.

Dining by lantern light at Sabi Sabi. Image © Aleney de Winter

But what really makes Chef Wilfred’s kitchen shine is how it gives back to neighbouring communities through a 12-month culinary programme that’s training a new generation of chefs.  For a taste of Sabi Sabi without leaving home, try this no fail recipe for mouthwatering South African melktert (milk tart) from their ‘Bringing Home The Bush’ cookbook.

The EleFun kids club

EleFun Centre Hand prints. Image © Aleney de Winter

When my kids actually ask to attend a kids’ club, you know it’s got to be good, because they usually fight going. But part of the charm of visiting Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with kids is its EleFun Center (for kids aged 4 to 12) which Sugarpuff can’t get enough of. Even Raff has a ball at the fun and educational indoor/outdoor facility, though he is admittedly more taken with leaping around the obstacle course like an action hero and zooming Tarzan-like across the zip line while Sugarpuff bush crafts up a storm.

Obstacle course at EleFun Centre. Image © Aleney de Winter

Both kids love learning all about Sabi Sabi’s wildlife, bugs and birds in the Introduction to Junior Ranger Programme, with its ranger led walks and educational drives into the bushveld. They’re also pretty happy to leave their messy mark amongst the colourful hand prints in Bush Lodge’s take on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, like hundreds of kids before them.

The spotlight on sustainability

Zebra at Sabi Sabi. Image @ Aleney de Winter

The Sabi Sabi team’s dedication to balancing the ecological needs of South Africa’s precious flora and fauna with those of the Shangaan communities leaves us mightily impressed. Passionate eco warrior Raff makes it his mission to find out more, questioning guides, trackers and rangers at every opportunity.

Critically endangered African wild dog. Image © Aleney de Winter

What he discovers is an inspiring commitment to preserving the surrounding bushveld through dedicated Habitat Management and the work of highly trained and qualified rangers, who act as environmental educators. Sustainability efforts go beyond the protection of the park’s wildlife, with the application of environmental controls to remove threats to indigenous plant life, fire management, waste management and a clever sustainable wastewater management system that filters water to create wetlands for wildlife, all part of their continued efforts to provide an environmentally sustainable safari experience.

The connection to community

Making friends at a Shangaan community. Image © Aleney de Winter

More than 80% of Sabi Sabi Private game reserve’s employees, including our awesome tracker, Crimson, hail from neighbouring Shangaan communities. Sabi Sabi’s community efforts include hospitality training initiatives as well as development projects for education and healthcare, and cultural and sporting facilities to support the communities more holistically. We’re thrilled to be introduced to the culture and history of authentic village life by a local guide, with proceeds from the tour fee all fed directly back to the community.

The village sangoma (healer). Image © Aleney de Winter

We visit a school, dance with the local ladies gathered outside the Village Elder’s home, meet a myriad of characters with stories to share, and enjoy an audience with a village sangoma (healer) who reads “bones” – an eclectic collection of bone fragments, shells, coins, seeds and dice – which leaves the kids both bewildered and enchanted in equal measure.

The Amani Day Spa

Amani Day Spa at Bush Lodge. Image © Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

It’s not only mum and dad who can indulge in holistic rituals, massages and treatments at Amani Spa at Bush Lodge – a tranquil haven with water features and a secluded outlook onto the bush – kids are welcome too. In fact, I barely even get a look in, though a certain 8-year old diva gets to test drive a Paw Pedi and an Elephant Foot Print Massage, which leave her floating and me just a little miffed at missing out.

The people

Ranger Dan and Tracker Crimson with the kids at Bush Lodge

You might think it would be hard to beat the wow factor of Sabi Sabi’s wildlife, but the thing that truly elevates our stay at Bush Lodge is its incomparable hospitality.

Afternoon tea at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Image © Aleney de Winter

From the warm and welcoming reception team, the sweet crew at the Elefun centre, the chatty barmen and waiters, and the always smiling chefs through to our brilliant ranger/tracker team of Dan and Crimson, it is the the amazing people of Sabi Sabi who truly leave us starstruck.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with kids – need to know before you go

When to visit
Sabi Sabi is a year-round destination but the dry season, from May to October, is considered the best time for game spotting. It’s also more comfortably cool and the risk of malaria, slight though it is, is also at its lowest.
Getting there
South African Airways flies from Sydney to Johannesburg via Perth with easy connections available to Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park through South African Airways’ regional airline, Airlink.
Language
Though there are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa, including Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, Shangaan is the language of the people of the Mpumalanga province, in which Sabi Sabi is located. Resort staff and rangers are fluent in English as well as a selection of other foreign languages.
Currency
The Rand (R)
Power
Voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Power outlets are round three pin sockets.
Visa & Passport Requirements
A South African tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 90 days.  South Africa requires that all children entering or leaving the country carry an unabridged birth certificate and parental consent affidavits if they are travelling with only one parent. All visitors will require a passport valid for at least six (6) months.
Health
Mosquito borne diseases including malaria are a risk in Kruger National Park. While the Sabi Sands Game Reserve does lie in a low risk malarial zone, only one case diagnosed at Sabi Sabi since 1970, we recommend protecting your family by applying child-safe insect repellent (with no more 20% DEET) at regular intervals and make sure they are dressed in long but light clothing at all times. It is also worth up to date advice on other immunisations, including the use of antimalarials, with your family GP at least six weeks before travel.
Food Safety
Waterborne and food borne diseases are prevalent throughout South Africa. While tap water in major cities is generally safe to drink, it is best to avoid it in any rural and regional areas.
Water is provided in recyclable bottles to guests in suites, on game drives and by request in communal areas. Any unfinished water left in bottles is collected and used for laundry and watering plants, ensuring not a drop is wasted.  

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Written by Raff – Aged 11

This Australian summer has been a bit of a shocker. Mostly because of a horrific fire season that’s been made worse by an ongoing drought and unusually warm conditions that expert research suggests are the result of climate change.

While there are fires still burning, I can’t help thinking about the brave firefighters and organisations and individuals doing so much to help people who have lost their homes, people who have lost family and friends and also our injured wildlife. And I feel like I should be doing more.

So, I started thinking and did a little research about the kind of things a kid like me could do to help aid Australia’s bushfire recovery. And it turns out there’s stacks.

From donating a little pocket money and planting a tree to travelling to support regional towns and businesses, here’s my list of ways kids (and their adults) can help.

1. Educate yourself

It’s not only grown ups who need to keep up to date with news. It’s also important for us kids to learn about the fires and the communities that have been affected by them, from reliable sources, so we can use that information to help and to do the right thing.

2. Educate others

Talk it up. Use the knowledge you’ve gained through solid research to teach others how they can help affected communities. If every noisy kid uses their voice to spread the word on what we can all do to help, regardless of age, imagine how much we can achieve.

3. If you’re old enough to use social media, use it for good

Not only can you share the word on the best charities and organisations to donate money to, you can let people from overseas know that making a trip to Australia is always a good idea by shutting down all the fake news and sharing all the good stuff about the many awesome places that are open for business.

4. If you’re not old enough to use social media, go old-school

If you’re looking for things kids can do to help Australia’s bushfire recovery and you don’t have social media, go old-school. My sister spent a whole week of school holidays hand drawing posters to encourage people to donate and help save koalas. She used a stack of  old recycled paper and, with mum’s help, distributed them all over town. They’re all still there and she was stoked that some have been moved into prominent positions on community noticeboards. So a little act can make a difference. Pro tip: Don’t attempt to post them on the wall of the police station outside the PM’s House … in front of a patrolling police officer. But definitely hand the police officer one and let him decide whether he wants to put it up for you.

5. Donate some of your stuff

How excited would your parents be if you actually volunteered to clean up your room and clear out the stuff you no longer used or needed. Now, imagine how excited a kid who has lost everything would be if you donated your toys, clothes and books to them. This one is a win win for everyone. Just remember to donate via a reputable organisation like GIVIT who have the resources to distribute items directly to those most at need.

6. Support our firies

Can you imagine what a difference we could make if every kid donated just one week’s pocket money to our amazing volunteer fire fighters who have been risking their lives in the fires to save homes, wildlife and people? Seriously guys, what’s a few bucks between friends? You can, and should, donate here NSW Rural Fire Service ; VIC Country Fire Authority; SA Country Fire Service; QLD Rural Fire Brigades and WA Volunteer Fire Service

7. Help those who’ve lost their homes and love ones

Raise some money for the people who most need it via a lemonade or cupcake stand in your neighbourhood. We chose to sell some home grown veggies and a few jars of my special homemade kimchi to raise a few dollars for the awesome people at the Red Cross.

8. Help our wildlife

Love Aussie animals? Me too. So don’t forget to save a bit of pocket money to help out all our furry and feathered critters – from koalas and kangaroos and wombats to flying foxes and wild birds – who’ve been injured in the fires. Some of the best places to donate are The Rescue Collective and WIRES.

9. Adopt an animal

Why not take it even further and adopt an animal for yourself or as a gift for a friend to help  some of our threatened species. We adopted wild koalas for our teachers for Christmas from Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and there are several other great charities offering you the chance to help a wild animal in care.

10. Visit an animal sanctuary

Help those amazing wildlife workers who are supporting and caring for our injured wildlife by visiting and supporting their facilities. Just a few of those providing housing and care to our injured wildlife include Australia Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

11. Leave out a little water

Leave out shallow bowls of water for animals and birds escaping from the fires and those dehydrated from heat and smoke.

12. Keep a rescue kit in your car.

Carry a cardboard box and towel in your car just in case you come across an injured animal that you can safely transport to the nearest vet (avoid snakes and other critters that might not be as grateful for the assist and instead report their location to WIRES so the experts can do their thing).

13. Encourage your parents to swap an overseas trip with a local one.

There’s never been a more important time to see Australia. Encourage your parents to swap an overseas trip to explore all the amazing places and experiences we have right here in our beautiful country instead. Many Australians rely on tourism for their livelihood, and 99% of the country hasn’t been affected by fires, so support them by exploring home. What about here or here or here?

14. Visit a fire affected town

Go one step further and skip town for a couple of days to support one of the many fire affected towns who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.

15. Skip breakfast 

Wait, what? As if. What I mean is skip the buffet at your hotel and pop into a local cafe or restaurant instead to help spread the love and support local businesses that are struggling. Better still, support the hotel and the local cafes and have two breakfasts. You know you want to.

16. Travel light

Turn your local trip into a treat and stock up on new toys, new books and new clothes, and even produce and presents for friends from local community businesses.

17. Bring an empty esky

That way you can fill up on all the food and supplies you need from local supermarkets, farmers markets and farm gates to support them as they rebuild.

18. Get fruity

Is there anything more delicious than fruit picked straight from the vine or tree? Yep. Fruit picked straight from the vine or tree at local farms that rely on passing trade. While you’re there, fill your Esky full of all the shelves full of yummy jams and marinades.

19. Visit and support Indigenous communities and businesses

First Nations people are very connected to the land and the mistreatment and neglect of our country, and the lack of consideration of their centuries of knowledge when it comes to sustainably caring for it, has caused deep hurt. Support them. Listen to them. Learn from them. The ancient knowledge of their ancestors is the future of ours.

20. Support responsible tourism

We need to get hands on and help out for the long-term benefit of our people, our wildlife, and the environment that sustains us all. So we should try to support responsible tourism projects that assist in the long-term sustainability of communities and the local environment.

21. Plant a tree

The number of trees we have lost that produce oxygen, provide shelter for native wildlife, as well as absorbing planet warming carbon emissions from the atmosphere, is beyond my comprehension. We need trees. So plant one. But not just any tree. Plant a koala compatible eucalyptus tree. Uncle Google tells me some of the more common ones are Tallowood, Swamp Mahogany and Forest Red Gum (I’ll have to trust him as I’m no tree expert). Or plant a whole forest of them, like my amazing friend’s Narelle and Tiah.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_lIJSnS8K

If, like us, you live in an apartment and don’t have the space to plant one (I don’t think mum’s gonna approve of me growing a tree in our living room), just get someone like the Australian Koala Foundation or the Koala Hospital to plant one, or more, on your behalf.

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Hair blowing in the breeze, my beaming water sprite flits fairylike from rock to rock, her white dress billowing behind her as her gaze is drawn over and again to the foaming ocean lapping at the shore.

It calls her, as always, but she manages to resist giving in to her usual trick of leaping in fully clothed, the bronze-tipped kelp forest that peaks its way through the churning waters of the chilly Atlantic best left to the  cacophony of sea creatures that call it home.

Instead, she focuses on following the scuttling crabs darting in and out of the smooth boulders that form the beach, stopping only to mewl out an occasional inhuman noise, her efforts at chatting with the whales that swim into the bay to breed.

Yes, she is quite mad. And no, we wouldn’t want her any other way.

Beachside bliss at Tintswalo Atlantic 

Our whimsical wee ocean angel is in her element here at Tintswalo Atlantic Boutique Lodge, a heavenly slice of sustainable boutique luxury nestled on a pebbled beach at the foot of the fynbos-clad slopes of Table Mountain National Park, just 40 minutes from the all the action of the Cape Town CBD.

Blessed with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic Sentinel mountain peak, just 10 Suites and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite, each named and themed around iconic islands, perch on stilts under milkwood trees, just metres from the crashing ocean waves , which provide the enchanting soundtrack to our stay.

Sugarpuff sits cross legged on a lone hammock above the pebbled beach and Raff rocks back and forth on a nearby swing while I watch on from the expansive deck of our lovely Lamu suite, themed around the Kenyan island of the same name,  with carefully selected objects d’art and a fabulous vintage travel trunk that I’d love to follow me home.

Inside is an enormous king-sized bed, a seamlessly placed roll out bed and an inviting lounge space, just inside the large sliding doors, that invites the outside in.

I call out to my wildlings to see if they’d like a dip in Tintswalo Atlantic’s heated pool before dinner.

They’re through the ornate antique and in their swimming costumes before I can even finish my sentence and I’m left in the dust as they race down the timber walkway towards the pool.

“I love it here, mama” are my daughters last words as she leaps into the warm water. And I have to concur.  This is not the place for families seeking kids’ clubs, endless entertainment or white sand beaches. Visiting Tintswalo Atlantic with kids offers a more precious kind of holiday. This is a place of nature and nurture, where every pebble has a story and the fun is limited only by our imaginations.

It is a place so enchanting that my nature loving crew don’t even notice the large TV screen in our room because they’re too caught up naming every rock on the beach and dancing under the sea spray that makes its way on to our deck.

Rooms with a view

We watch the sun set from the floor to ceiling window of our enormous shell bedecked bathroom, my daughter wallowing in the large freestanding tub as she washes off the day’s adventures, my son trying to solve the riddle of the bidet, a creation he’s struggling to come to terms with.

“You do what with it?” he squeals, passing on a test run.

We head to the spacious wooden deck off the communal lounge and dining room for the signature Sundowner Cocktail of the Day and a selection of seriously tasty canapés with our fellow guests.

The space is stunning.  Rising Phoenix like from the ashes of a catastrophic fire that destroyed the main section of the lodge in 2018, the resort’s public areas have been completely rebuilt, and the iconic hotel had re-opened just a week prior to our arrival.

The result is a sparkling fusion of homely shell-strewn beach house and bejewelled mansion, with plush, frosted blue lounges, slivers of glistening silver, charming antiques, quirky seaside object d’art and diaphanous chandeliers.

Fine dining at Tintswalo Atlantic 

Just when we think things couldn’t get any more perfect, it’s time for dinner in the splendid Tintswalo Atlantic dining room.

The creative kitchen team, led by head chef and Raff’s new BFF, Thando, serve up a series of sublime culinary creations from fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, leaving us wowed. From a gorgeous green salad with torn buffalo mozzarella to crisp skinned pork belly and perfectly pink duck, we have to resist licking our plates clean.

Lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves and the dying crackles of the toasty fire in our potbelly fireplace, we awake invigorated. The kids leap out of bed, rushing to get dressed. “What’s the hurry,” I ask?

Food is the answer. They can’t wait to see what magic Thando can conjure for breakfast.

Sugarpuff devours a tower of French Toast while Raff moans over a perfect Eggs Benedict and I nibble on ostrich sausage. When a tower of pastries and cold cuts appears to complement their a la carte selections, the kids politely inform me they are home. I can’t bear to remind them that we’re checking out shortly.

It is this feeling of belonging that sets this resort apart, and when it’s finally time for us say goodbye to this special place, we follow Tintswalo tradition by casting a pebble over our shoulders into the ocean and making a wish.

We all wish for exactly the same thing, a swift return to this extraordinary place.

TINTSWALO ATLANTIC
Chapmans Peak Drive,
Hout Bay, 7806, South Africa
Tel:+27 11 300 8888
W: tintswalo.com/atlantic/

Cape Town with kids – Need to know before you go

When to visit
 Cape Town is a great destination all year around.
Language
Though there are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa – most commonly  Zulu,    Xhosa, and Afrikaans – English is widely spoken in Cape Town.
Currency
The Rand (R)
Power
Voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Power outlets are round three pin sockets.
Visa & Passport Requirements
A South African tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 90 days.  South Africa requires all children entering or leaving the country carry a certified birth certificate and parental consent affidavits if they are travelling with only one parent. Visitors require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six (6) months.
Health
Cape Town is free from malaria and safe for travellers of all age. While there are no essential vaccinations for travellers at the time of publication, we advise visiting your family GP a minimum of six weeks before travel for up to date health recommendations.
Crime
Crime is high, but 95% of serious crime occurs in the communities of the Cape Flats area, where it is not advised to travel. Pick pockets can be an issue in the city centre so it’s best to visit with a guide and always keep cash and valuables out of sight. It is not recommended to catch public transport or walk after dark, UBERs are the safest option.

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Written by Raffles – Aged 11

“It’s a turtle”, I excitedly try to tell my Dad. The only catch is we are in snorkels and under the water, so I’m trying to tell him via crazy pointing and interpretive underwater dance. He looks a little shocked. I think he thinks I’m giving him the finger and he gestures back with two of his own. How rude, I think, until I realise he’s actually pointing out a second turtle! And then a third one. And I almost burst from happiness.

You see, I didn’t really know what to expect when I headed back to the Great Barrier Reef after a big break of around four years. But I did know that the vibrant, active ecosystem I’d visited three times was in a crisis. Would it be a ghostlike land of dead coral, bleached into oblivion? Or would I find a plastic strewn wasteland? I was truly terrified at the prospect of both.

What I didn’t expect was to find an an epic underwater world full of brightly coloured soft and hard coral and a bazillion busy fish. Yep, that’s right my friends. The Reef is alive and pretty darned well. Actually, it’s thriving, with rich coral growth supporting a menagerie of marine life. At least that’s the story at Agincourt Reef, a pretty ribbon reef off Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, where I don’t just get to swim with my favourites, the Green Sea Turtles, but come face to face with a many a finned and flippered friend in the coral gardens.

That’s not to say the catastrophic threats to the Reef aren’t real. Thanks to climate change and pollution, over half of the corals in this awesome ecosystem have been lost or critically damaged in the past 40 years. The Great Barrier Reef is still in grave danger and if our ocean temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, the ancient ecosystem will become history within our lifetime.

I’m so lucky  to be visiting Agincourt Reef with Quicksilver, an ecotourism innovator who has helped pave the way for responsible and sustainable tourism in Australia. And they offer easy access to the Great Barrier Reef for Kids from Port Douglas, a place packed with great stuff for families.

But even better is the company of a couple of very special people. The first of these is Quicksilver’s own marine biologist, Hayley, who absolutely rocks! Not only does she know all there is to know about the marine life and health of the Reef, she guides us to all the best spots on Agincourt Reef for spotting the most insane sea creatures and guides us straight to those amazing green sea turtles, as well as massive metre long parrot fish, cute clown fish swirling about their anemone homes and even a Spanish dancer (which is less dancer and more fancy sea slug).

My other snorkelling buddy is Andy Ridley, co-founder of Earth Hour and founding CEO of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, a program that’s aiming to get a worldwide community of regular people like you and I to support positive action for the Reef.

The best thing about Andy though is that when he’s not out saving some colossal ecosystem or doing something amazing for the planet, he’s just a straight up funny and cool dude who I reckon is about as awesome as they come

Andy has also joined forces with Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants (yeah, he’s that cool) to launch Junior Citizens of the Reef, which is all about educating children about the threats facing our reef and ocean and the everyday actions we can take to help it. Told you he was awesome.

Fifteen minutes of floating amongst a garden of turtles later and we’re back on-board Quicksilver grinning as we peel off our soggy wetsuits ready to return to town and our epic conscious hotel, The Riley Cairns.

Experiencing the reef with Andy and Hayley has been such a privilege and has left me in utter awe of the genius of mother nature.

I am now not only enchanted by this underwater wonderland but educated, knowing that while the Reef may be OK today, it is tomorrow we need to worry about. No amount of “blah blah blah” by climate deniers can change the science that proves climate change is real. And no amount of complaining by those of us who do care is going to help either, if we don’t actually DO something about it.

But when it come Great Barrier Reef for kids the big question is how?

Obviously the solution isn’t as easy as slip slop slapping sunscreen over the hole in the ozone layer. So, what can we do?

Here are my top tips for kids to reduce tehir climate impact and keep the Great Barrier Reef rocking…

1. Kids can start by joining Junior Citizens of the Reef – whether they’re planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef or are staying home – by making the pledge to take everyday actions for the environment. Make the pledge to become part of the #SpongeBobReefSquad here http://www.nick.com.au/sreefsquad
2. The biggest threat to our oceans is indifference, so visit the reef yourself because every single visitor is contributing financially to the care of the Great Barrier Reef. Just remember to only support eco certified tourism businesses so you know that the utmost care is being taken of our Reef.
3. Ditch single use plastic everything and always carry reusable bags, straws, drink bottles and utensils, including cutlery. 
4. Reduce carbon emissions by walking, scootering or riding our bikes to school, having shorter showers and switching off lights to save electricity. And if you fly anywhere, make sure your parents buy carbon offsets.
5. Choose to eat only sustainable seafood.
6. Grow your own. My sister and I have planted our own veggie garden and harvesting most of our fresh vegetables, which is not only creating a habitat for important insects like bees, it’s reducing the foot print of our food.
7. Make a whole lot of noise to help educate others about climate change and the effects on our oceans.

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With Raff about to make the leap to high school, and the invisible string that binds us continuing to stretch a little thinner as he navigates his own independence, it’s time for him to make the leap into the world of the mobile phone owner. But high school or not, he’s still a kid, and with his age comes the propensity to lose everything from his lunchbox to his pants (don’t ask). So, we’re going budget for his first phone. And in a case of impeccable timing, Alcatel have just launched two new smartphones with JB HiFi.

I have to say we have hunted high and low for a budget smartphone that looks cool enough for a high school kid to flash proudly about and that has all the things a pre-teen could desire in a device – in other words, a decent screen for streaming movies and web browsing plus a good camera and plenty of storage for games.  The actual communication bit? I don’t even know if he rates that as a consideration. But we certainly do.

Enter the Alcatel 3X

At just $299 the Alcatel 3X is a great low-cost option for a first smartphone, but is still packed with all the essentials including 64GN of storage, a triple rear camera plus Face Key and fingerprint security.

The Alcatel 3X measures in at 6.5 inches. Slightly taller and a touch narrower than some of its higher end equivalents, it fits more comfortably in a smaller hand.  Set up straight out of the box is so simple 11-year old Raff was able to do it himself, unaided, in about five-minutes.

And then he’s straight to the fun part! It’s HD+ Super Full View display is perfect for photos, streaming movies, playing games, and browsing the web. Speaking of photos, the Alcatel 3X has a 16MP + 8MP + 5MP triple rear camera, which is a huge hit. Equipped with smart scene detection for 21 subjects, all he has to do is point and click for the snappiest of snaps.

But in addition to the standard camera, there’s a super wide-angle lens spanning 102 degrees, and a portrait lens so he can get a little arty with his shots.

Alcatel 3X auto mode

Alcatel 3X portrait mode

Alcatel 3X wide mode

Best of all, the portrait mode is available in back and front camera mode so he can sass up his selfies with a little real-time bokeh action.

Alcatel 3X smartphone selfie portrait mode

A bunch of extra camera features like panorama, time-lapse and colour filters up the ante and when the lights go down, the low-light cameras also do a pretty good job. A light trace feature also offers more creative options with draw light, for capturing light painting, and capture light for city lights and stars, meaning more groovy night shots for creative kid snappers. The light trace feature also comes with a capture movement mode for cool waterfall effects that look like they’re straight off a DSLR. IN fact the camera features make it so versatile, it is the ideal device for Raff to capture all those magic moments on our travels. 

User experience

Menus boast a fairly standard Android look, with icons that are easy to identify. Though he can skip those altogether as the Alcatel 3X offers a silver Google Assistant Button, that enables him to access apps, search Google, set reminders and send text messages by voice, which he has done relentlessly since he got the phone, all in the name of research, of course. If by research, you mean asking for it to make donkey noises or tell fart jokes. In fact, we’ve been hearing Google Assistant’s dulcet tones so often, she’s like a part of the family.

Surfing the Alcatel 3X smartphone

Oh, and as for the actual phone bit, turns out that it works pretty well too. It should be noted that when it comes to calls and data, the Alcatel 3X at JB HiFi is locked to Telstra. But it boasts good audio quality and sound. In fact, it’s better than my own smartphone, which came in at three times the price.

For a first mobile, it appears Raff has won the smartphone lottery with the Alcatel 3X as it packs plenty of punch for its price.

Disclosure: We received a review unit for this Alcatel 3X smartphone review, but all selfie-snapping, Google Assistant abuse and opinions are our own.

The post Travel tech for kids: Alcatel 3X smartphone review appeared first on boyeatsworld.

My childhood consisted mostly of me tearing around my inner-city neighbourhood with the other local kids, free to roam and explore on our bikes and scooters. I walked to and from school and ran errands for my parents, all utterly unsupervised. And I lived!

Flash forward something something years and my kids have a childhood that’s quite the opposite. Sure, I take them adventuring around the world to off the beaten track destinations, but I don’t let them out of my sight. Regardless of the locale.

My name is Aleney and I’m an unapologetic helicopter mama. It’s been 30 minutes since my last helicoptering, but this time it was met with a defiant glare that screamed “back off” by my 11-year-old son.

I must clarify here. I’m not talking about hover over them when they eat or do their homework. And I don’t try to control their choices or desires. In fact, independent thinking has been encouraged since they were born. What I mean is allowing the kind of independence where I can’t control their environment, and I really struggle to strike the right balance between safety and freedom for my kids.

Maybe it’s the eight rounds of IVF it took to get them, maybe I’m just paranoid. But we do, after all, live in a dangerous world and barely a day goes by without news of child molesters, school shootings and bullying. A lot can go wrong without grown-up supervision and the fear that something bad will happen the second I look away is real, especially when we’re travelling.

Herein lays the irony. You see, travelling has turned both my kids into freedom seeking missiles… putting this mum’s helicopter out of service, so to speak.  The invisible string that binds my son and I is stretching to breaking point so as he navigates his own independence, I’m navigating the boundaries of letting go, just the right amount, so he stays safe, but also feels loved, protected and trusted in equal measure.

The former is a no brainer. Both my kids are more than secure in the knowledge that their hovering mama adores them. Thankfully, the wads of time we’ve spent together on the road has also gone a long way in helping with the latter because they know I trust them and believe in their fundamental goodness and maturity.

By my side they’ve gained the right tools to navigate complex maps, order food and use local transport in foreign languages, find their way out of challenging situations and work out what to do and where to go should they get lost.

They’ve learned not to take unnecessary risks and that talking to strangers isn’t always avoidable but should be done with proper care and consideration, and to be frank they’re better judges of character than their mother. These little chicks of mine are street wise.

And now they want to start flying the coop a little. And by following my helicopter mama 12 step plan, they (and their paranoid parent) are doing fine indeed.

12 steps to independence for your travelling tween

Step 1. Begin with trust. It’s the very foundation of every good relationship, regardless of age and kids need ours as much as we need theirs.

Step 2. Build their self-esteem. Raise them to believe in themselves and their own decision making. Confidence is the greatest gift.

Step 3. Let them choose The freedom of choice allows kids to feel they have control. Allow your travelling tween to make simple decisions related to you adventures … whether that’s letting them help choose your destination, where and what to eat, and even allowing them to pack their own luggage (just be prepared for them to end up with nothing but a couple of ill-fitting t-shirts, a single sock and a suitcase full of soccer balls at the other end).

Step 4. Teach them how to handle problems. If you do everything for your child, they will never learn to work their problems out for themselves, so involve your travelling tween in decision making and managing solutions when a problem arises on the road – like let them help with the navigating if you get lost (just be prepared to get a little more lost, without placing blame).

Step 5. Teach them how to cross the road. I know it seems like a no brainer, but I’m seriously gobsmacked at the number of kids I see running out into roads without looking.

Step 7. Have a plan. In every single city, we come up with a safety plan together should either of the kids (or their parents) get lost. That includes ensuring they know our phone numbers (if we’re on different sims) and the hotel name and phone number. Or having a definitive meeting place or go to in the event of getting lost.

Step 7. Teach them to talk to strangers. No that’s not a typo. It’s important to teach kids that they can indeed talk to strangers (if and when they may need help) but never to go off with them. They also need to know that a stranger behind a counter in a store is a safer bet than some random on the street.

Step 8. Establish the rules. It is imperative to set limits and basic requirements before you release your kids in to the wild. Skiing is a perfect example. My son is already a better skier than I am, and I can’t keep up with him on the slopes. So, we have rules in place where I must know what specific ski run he’s taking and he has to check in with me at the end of every run. There’s a little waiting involved but he gets the freedom to freak me out on black runs while I stick to the green and blue with his little sister. He knows his boundaries and if he brakes them, mama’s invisible leash will go straight back on and he’ll be doomed to green run hell.

Step 9. Ease into it at home. Letting your kids go out alone, even to the local store, is a gradual process and privileges should be learned and earned. Let your school aged child start by walking to school or to the local store with a friend. Then consider letting them do it on their own. Then, when it’s safe and appropriate, you’ll feel more confident to let them off the leash a little on your travels.

Step 9. Show them the way. If they do want to do something on their own, like head off to play in the games room, free of parental watchdoggery, make sure they know the way back. It’s not hard to get lost in a massive hotel where every floor looks the same.

Step 11. Get them a mobile phone. If they’re old enough to be allowed to take a walk somewhere on their own, they’re old enough for a phone. It’s amazing how much helicoptering can be done by text!

Step 12. Trust yourself. You’ll know when they’re ready and while you’ll never stop worrying, the more we teach them to be responsible now the more sensible they will be when they hit their teens. I hope.

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