South Africa, brimming with wild adventures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences, is an ultimate family dream destination.
However, planning a family trip to a country so rich in offerings can sometimes be daunting, particularly when it comes to deciding what destinations offer the best experiences for all family members, spanning different age groups and interests.
Our South Africa specialists, who have thoroughly explored this country from the lively north to the stunning Cape Peninsula, can offer expert advice on top family-friendly destinations, optimal travel time, personalized itineraries, etc., ensuring your family enjoys a memorable and seamless South African adventure.
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Top 5 Things to Do in South Africa for Families with Kids
There's no shortage of fantastic family-friendly activities in South Africa.
Here are our top picks, which are not only engaging and entertaining for all ages but also safe and appropriate for younger members of the family.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Excellent experience in Bangkok
Ying was our guide in Bangkok. She was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She knew exactly how to move us through crowds quickly so that we could see all we wanted to say and made good recommendations for other things we were interested in. I would not hesitate to recommend Ying or anyone that helped us at Asia highlights More
Dr. Meshagae Hunte-Brown, Aug 2024
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Excellent travel advisor, itinerary and tour guides
Miss Tanny, our guide in Bangkok, was personable and very patient. She kept us informed of the day's activities and kept us entertained with her sense of humor. Miss Lisa, our Phuket guide, was very polite and soft spoken. The young people in our group relate well with her. More
susan edwards, Jul 2024
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Our guide went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable
We met our guide BANG at the airport for a very brief Bangkok stay as part of our overall SEA trip. He went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable and informational. 10/10! More
customer, Jul 2024
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1. Explore Cape Town: Table Mountain and Robben Island
Cape Town, South Africa's mother city, offers abundant activities for families.
One of the highlights is being swept away by the majestic Table Mountain as you soar to its summit in a breathtaking cable car ride.
For older children, take a boat cruise to Robben Island for a history lesson about apartheid and the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela.
But wait, there's more! You and your kids can explore the city on a cycling tour, enjoy a guided culinary tour to sample unique dishes, or simply soak up the sunshine on the golden shores of Camps Bay Beach.
2. Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is one of the few places in the world where you can easily see penguins in the wild without much effort.
You can get up close and personal with adorable penguins! On this golden sand shore, prepare to be enchanted by their playful antics. Watch as they waddle and dive, exuding boundless energy and charm.
3. Go on a Safari
Although Kruger National Park is the most renowned safari destination, for families with kids, we recommend the Eastern Cape as an ideal wildlife spotting location.
The malaria-free Eastern Cape offers a fantastic safari experience, with a choice of game reserves, such as Shamwari, Kwandwe, and Amakhala. These reserves provide family-friendly lodges with specially-designed children's safaris and game-viewing programs. With experienced rangers guiding the activities, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are well taken care of.
If you're looking for an amazing African safari vacation where everything is taken care of, don't hesitate to contact one of our South Africa specialists.
4. Go Whale Watching in Hermanus
From June to November, the town of Hermanus offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Spotting these magnificent creatures breaching just off the coast can be a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike.
You could choose to enjoy a boat trip to get close to the whales.
5. Explore the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most beautiful areas, offering plenty for families to do outdoors.
You and your kids can spend 4–5 days there to venture into the mystical Cango Caves, where ancient secrets await. Feel the thrill as you glide along the tranquil Knysna Lagoon, soaking in the sun-kissed beauty that surrounds you. And for the adrenaline junkies, brace yourselves for an epic canopy tour, soaring through Tsitsikamma National Park like majestic birds of prey.
How Long to Spend in South Africa
If this is your first family trip to South Africa, we would like to recommend these three areas: Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and the Garden Route. In most instances, families opt for one of two combination options:
If you would like to visit Cape Town and Kruger National Park, a minimum of 7–10 days is recommended. You can stay for 3–5 days in Cape Town and 3–4 days in Kruger National Park.
If you would like to explore Cape Town and the Garden Route, 10–14 days are recommended. Besides Cape Town, it allows you to spend a couple of days in Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands, before driving up the coast along the Garden Route.
Of course, it is no problem to visit the three areas in one trip, but we advise that you arrange about 3 weeks to have a full experience.
South Africa is a fantastic gateway for families eager to explore the broader southern Africa region. Johannesburg, a family-friendly hub, provides frequent flights to family-appropriate destinations, such as Victoria Falls, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique. Seamlessly adding these to your South African itinerary couldn't be easier.
Contact one of our travel specialists to tailor-make an enriching tour specifically designed to meet your needs, including the duration of your vacation.
The Top 2 Family-Friendly South Africa Itineraries
As South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for kids, many parents choose a trip to South Africa as a birthday gift or graduation present.
Here, we introduce two itineraries to provide you with inspiration. All schedules can be customized to suit your family's travel goals, preferred travel days and dates, as well as any other specific requirements you may have.
1. 12-Day Trip to Cape Town and the Garden Route
This family-friendly itinerary is crafted to provide an unforgettable experience in South Africa's Western Cape. Experience the wonders of Cape Town, including Table Mountain from different viewpoints. Encounter great white sharks and whales. Journey along the picturesque Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife encounters.
| Days | City/Area | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Cape Town | Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach, and Robben Island |
| Day 4 | Cape Winelands | Lush mountains and large grape fields, wine estates |
| Days 5–6 | Hermanus | Garden Route, Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, African penguins, whale watching |
| Day 7 | Oudtshoorn | Cango Caves, Karoo Ostrich Farm |
| Day 8 | Knysna | Knysna Lagoon, Featherbed Nature Reserve |
| Day 9 | Plettenberg Bay | Ocean safari, Bloukrans Bridge |
| Days 10–11 | Tsitsikamma | Tsitsikamma National Park |
| Day 12 | Port Elizabeth | Departure |
2. Summer Vacation to Cape Town and Kruger National Park
If Kruger National Park is a must for your family trip, this 7-day adventure is perfect. It ensures a perfect balance of breathtaking sights and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Experience the magic of Cape Town and the majestic wonders of Kruger National Park together as a family, creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever.
| Day | City/Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–4 | Cape Town | Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach, and Robben Island |
| Days 5–7 | Kruger National Park | Game drives, African Big Five safari, bush walking tour |
| Day 8 | Kruger–Johannesburg | Departure |
Want an exclusive itinerary for your family? Contact us to tailor-make one! Our South Africa expert will contact you within 24 hours and customize an itinerary for you!
How Much Does It Cost for a Family Trip to South Africa?
For a high-quality travel experience in South Africa, we recommend booking a private tour for your family trip. A private tour with a local guide and a private vehicle offers a more personalized, flexible, and immersive experience, and maximizes your chances of encountering a wide variety of wildlife.
Usually, a 10-day private tour for a family of four can cost between US$8,000 and US$15,000 per family. This cost typically includes lodgings at quality 4- or 5-star hotels, domestic transportation, guided tours, and some meals.
With our expertise in customizing private tours in South Africa, we can offer you unique experiences, such as indulging in a fireside boma dinner under the canopy of stars, and diving and snorkeling in Indian Ocean waters.
South Africa's most expensive period is typically during the peak summer months of December to February. If you're looking to visit during this peak season, book your hotels and tours half a year in advance!
The winter from June to August brings lower prices (except for safaris) and smaller crowds.
How to Select a Family-Friendly Hotel in South Africa
In Cape Town, we recommend that you stay in the V&A Waterfront area, which has lots of good hotels, shops, and restaurants. You can find some luxury resort-style hotels that feature a fantastic children's club.
For a safari experience, whether the game reserve is in Kruger National Park or Eastern Cape, various accommodation options that cater to families are offered, ranging from luxury lodges to self-catering camps. These types of accommodations often provide family-friendly facilities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and game drives suitable for children.
Contact us for customized recommendations. We'll help you to maximize your budget without compromising on quality.
Best Times for a Family Trip to South Africa
The summer months from December to February form the peak tourist season in South Africa. During these months, you can expect warm-to-hot weather and longer daylight hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. However, popular destinations can be crowded and prices may be higher. During the Christmas period, it is possible for hotel prices to skyrocket by 2–3 times their normal rates.
Winter months from June to August are excellent for game viewing as animals gather around watering holes.
For more weather info, you could read Best (and Worst) Times to Visit South Africa>>>
How to Travel around South Africa
For long-distance travel between cities, domestic flights are often the quickest and most convenient option.
Train travel is also available in South Africa, with long-distance services linking many cities and towns. The Blue Train and Rovos Rail offer luxurious multi-day journeys that provide an excellent way to see the countryside while enjoying a first-class service.
But for regions such as the Garden Route or game drive experiences in Kruger National Park, there can be extended driving distances. To ensure comfort and make the most of your time, it is recommended to book a private tour inclusive of a private vehicle.
If you plan to extend your trip to nearby countries, such as Botswana or Zimbabwe, it is convenient to take flights from either Johannesburg or Cape Town. These major airports in South Africa offer numerous flight options to various destinations within the region.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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