The wait is almost over — the 2025 Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights is a few weeks away!

What’s New This Year:

💫New lighting displays – surprises around every corner

🎠 Mini Golf – a playful new family favourite
🎅 Santa’s Workshop Upgrade – we’ve teamed up with our friends at Build A Bear South Africa and Toy Kingdom to bring you a Workshop zone bustling with fun.
🌌Forest Walk – explore even more illuminated beauty across the Gardens along our low sensory forest walk.
🍫 Ms Claus Craft Café – indulge in holiday crafts with Ms Claus and her team of merry elves.

🍔 Expanded food garden serving up festive treats for every taste and budget

Why You’ll Love It:
✨ Durban’s No. 1 festive family event
🌿 Set in Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden
🎶 Wholesome entertainment, food, and joyful atmosphere
❤️ Supports the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust & local charities

The Best Part?
🎟️ Flexible Ticketing!
Plans change — we get that. With our flexible ticket system, you can reschedule your ticket up to 24 hours before your booked date at no additional cost making sure your festive season stays stress-free. T&Cs apply.

🎟️ Book your tickets here — popular dates sell out fast!

Get ready for  SA’s biggest family festival concert and get your tickets today!
Saturday 30 August at NU Driving Range Fields Hillcrest

Join Familie Fest on 30 August for a vibrant live music concert celebrating the joy of family and friends!  Featuring a stellar lineup of South African bands, this all ages event promises unforgettable tunes, lekker vibes, and a day of togetherness under the open sky. B
ring your loved ones and make memories at Familie Fest!

  – Details –

Date : Sat 30 August 2025
Venue : NU Driving Range Fields Hillcrest
Time : 10am to Midnight
Age : All ages – Over 18s at bar area only

  – Line Up –

10AM – GATES OPEN
2PM – LION & BEAR
3PM – THE PHIL TAYLOR BAND
4PM – DIE HEUWELS FANTASTIES
5PM – WILL LINLEY
6PM – APPEL
7PM – TBA
8PM – VERANDA PANDA
9PM – JACK PAROW
10PM – DJ CLOSING SET

  – What’s On –

Live Music Stage with SA’s Best Artists
Massive Bar Tent
Camping Available
Arts & Craft Stalls
Driving range
Paint ball
Go karting
Putt putt
Kids play area

– EVENT RULES –

Allowed: Umbrellas, Gazebos, Camp chairs, Blankets, Caravans & Tents

Not Allowed: Alcohol, Fireworks, Sound Systems, Weapons & Drugs

For vendor & general info contact : info@familiefest.co.za

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1565690274

We’ve just returned from the most unforgettable family getaway at The Springbok Lodge nestled deep in the breathtaking Nambiti Private Game Reserve. And honestly, we’re still daydreaming about it.

Since it was our first time visiting Nambiti, we didn’t quite know what to expect. But from the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just any weekend away. We were greeted with warm smiles, chilled welcome drinks (yes, please!), and immediately made to feel like part of the Springbok Lodge family. The luxurious tented suites struck the perfect balance between safari adventure and cosy comfort.

No sooner had we settled in than we were whisked off for lunch and then straight into the wilderness for a three-hour game drive. And what a way to kick things off! Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras – we saw it all, and then some. Our 3 year-old was in absolute awe, lighting up with every sighting. The lodge even gifted her the sweetest wildlife checklist book, which she took very seriously – future ranger in the making, perhaps?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we paused in the middle of the bush for sundowners. There’s something deeply magical about sipping your drink as the sky turns gold and the sounds of nature hum all around you. A memory we will cherish forever.

Back at the lodge, we were treated to a mouthwatering three-course dinner: think delicate salmon roses, melt-in-your-mouth beef fillet, and indulgent desserts that had us speechless. Our room was toasty warm thanks to heaters and heated bedding – the kind of comfort that makes you sink into sleep with a happy sigh.

The next morning started early with another game drive, followed by a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day was a blissful mix of poolside lounging, drinks in hand, and our 3 year old fearlessly swimming – yes, in the middle of winter! Braver than me, for sure

We squeezed in one more afternoon game drive before winding down with another incredible dinner and a peaceful night in our perfectly prepped suite. It was the ideal balance of adventure and pure relaxation.

Why Springbok Lodge is a Family Favourite:

Springbok Lodge truly blew us away. The staff were warm, attentive, and went above and beyond to make our stay special. The setting was out of a dream, and as a family-friendly destination, it checked every box. Being in a smaller, malaria-free reserve like Nambiti meant we felt safe while enjoying a more intimate and uncrowded wildlife experience – a huge win for us.

Thinking of Booking? Now’s the Time!

They’re offering 20% off any day of the week until the end of August 2025! 😍
Visit their website for more info and specials.

www.thespringboklodge.co.za

If you’ve been craving a soul-soothing nature escape with all the luxury and none of the stress, Springbok Lodge should be at the top of your list. We made unforgettable memories – and we’re already planning our return.

💛 Until next time, Nambiti.