Why travel is good for kids' education – here are 13 SA spots that should be on every youth tour itinerary.

PPanorama Route, Mpumalanga
For many people Mpumalanga is synonymous with wildlife experiences - however there’s a lot more to the province than you might think. Incredible vistas, spectacular waterfalls, intriguing villages and rushing rivers. The Panorama Route basically takes you right along all Mpumalanga’s most spectacular spots - God's Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels. You will also be able to see an array of waterfalls, including Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls, as well as the gold-rush town of Pilgrim's Rest.  

Be sure to: Have an old-fashioned family shot taken at Pilgrim’s Rest and have a copy made for each of you to cherish as memories.

The Amphitheatre, Drakensberg
The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff-faces on earth. If you think your kids need a bit of perspective about their place in the world, this is one of the best spots to take them… and they’ll remember it forever. 

Be sure to: Do the hiking trail to the foot of the magnificent Tugela Falls. The easy seven-kilometre hike will take you right to the base of the world's second tallest falls, which plunge over 948 metres.

Augrabies Falls, Northern Cape
While it may not be one of the highest waterfalls in the world, like the Tugela, the Augrabies Waterfalls provide something of a contrast to its arid Northern Cape surrounds.

The falls form part of the Orange River and provide an impressive example of granite erosion, as it has cut a gorge of 240m deep and 18km long over time.

Be sure to: Go after a good batch of rain or when SANParks lights them up at night. Also remember to tell your kids that the name Augrabies was derived from the Khoikhoi word Ankoerebis, which can roughly be translated as "place of big noises."  

Hector Pieterson Memorial, Soweto
Chances are good that your kid would visit the museum at some point as part of an educational trip, especially if you live in Gauteng.

However, sharing your personal experiences of our country’s tumultuous history and the atrocities of Apartheid will add value to the experience. 

Be sure to: Point out the fact that Pieterson and those involved in the 1976 Soweto uprising were school kids and that no one is too young to stand up for their rights.  

Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn
Fuel your youngsters’ imaginations by taking them to one of South Africa’s most fantastical sights – the Cango Caves. Located in the foothills of the Swartberg near the town of Oudtshoorn, this extensive system of tunnels and chambers goes on for over four kilometres, of which only a quarter are open to visitors.   

Tours are conducted at regular intervals on most days - there is a 'Standard Tour' which takes an hour and an 'Adventure Tour' which takes an hour and a half.  

Be sure to: Look out for the fascinating nativity scene formation known as Madonna and Child. Mary cradles the baby Jesus in her arms. The Three Wise Men stand alongside her and, with a little more imagination, two shepherds kneel in silent adoration to her right. 

JJacaranda trees and the Union Buildings in October, Pretoria
As far as tourism goes, Pretoria hardly has the magnetic attraction that Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg have. However, visiting the city at the height of Jacaranda season (October and November) is an absolute MUST! 

It is estimated that there are between 40 000 and 70 000 Jacaranda trees in Pretoria, which provide a breathtaking purple display over roughly an eight-week period in late spring each year. There are also almost 100 rare white Jacarandas that can be found in Herbert Baker Street in Groenkloof. 

Be sure to: Start off your Jacaranda tour by walking the streets and showing the trees and their delicate flowers off to your kid’s close-up, then take them up to the Union Buildings to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. It’s also worth mentioning that Jacarandas are considered an exotic species, and while the existing trees have been allowed to flourish, no new trees may be planted.

Victoria Street Market, Durban
A colourful and spicy splash of India in South Africa – that’s Durban’s Victoria Street Market for you! However modern it might appear, the 'Vic' houses the beating heart of traditional Indian culture in Durban. Men in their traditional kurtas and women in their saris sell their wares to local and foreign visitors alike at this extensive bazaar. 

While the downstairs section is mainly focused on foodstuffs – fish, spices, meat and veggies, the top floor is filled with pretty trinkets, crafts and fabrics, and right next door is the city's famous Muti Market. 

Be sure to: Tell your children that Durban is home to the largest population of Indians outside Asia and is even known as ‘the most Indian city outside of India.’ Also see if you can wangle a delicious curry recipe out of a vendor, buy the suitable spices and make an event of preparing it.  

Namaqualand in Spring
Probably one of the most magical natural events to take place on an annual basis, seeing the usually arid Northern Cape region of Namaqualand covered in a lush carpet of colourful flowers is something each South African should experience at least once in their lives.  

Depending on a variety of factors, Namaqualand flower season normally reaches its peak sometime during the months of August or September. Towns notable for flower viewing include Garies, Kamieskroon, Springbok, West Coast National Park and Port Nolloth, all located about five hours’ drive from Cape Town. 

Be sure to: Simply frolic in the magnificent beauty… also snap a shot or two for posterity. 

Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route
Spending time in the Tsitsikamma National Park will give your kids an excellent overview of the lush, green Garden Route Experience, covering sea and forest.  

Do the 5.5km Blue Duiker trail which will take you through scrub forest, alongside the ocean (where you may even spot a whale or some dolphins), through fynbos and finally into the magical forests where elephants once dwelt… and may even still roam.

Be sure to: Visit the famous Tsitsikamma suspension bridge which stretches across the Storms River mouth – it’s the park’s key feature and will get the adrenaline pumping!

Robben Island, Cape Town
The island where the late Nelson Mandela and many other struggle stalwarts spent more than two decades of their lives is a must-visit for all South Africans.

Your island visit could be the starting point of a host of other Madiba-inspired travel moments around Cape Town.

Be sure to: Print the kids a copy of William Ernest Henley's Invictus, which Mandela made his own personal mantra, and recite it with them as you stand in the tiny confines of his cell, but also remember to tell them about the other ex-prisoners of Robben Island that helped shape our country.