South African Family Vacations

South Africa is the ultimate family vacation destination. Nowhere else can families enjoy such a fine combination of safe swimming beaches, malaria-free safari areas, outdoor adventures, and family-oriented resorts.

Enjoyable, Educational Adventures

In this diverse country, you can teach your children about the value of conservation in an authentic yet fun and safe environment.

Luxury Family Tour

14 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal Code: T07

This luxury family tour visits Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, the Garden Route, and Cape Town, partly accompanied by a private guide.

Southern Cape Trail

8 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: FV05

This package is a week spent savoring the delights of Cape Town and surrounding destinations.

Cape Coast Family Vacation & Safari

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal Code: FV04

Two wildlife reserves will delight your family during this week-long vacation focused on the coastline and wildlife.

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Top Family Vacation Destinations

South Africa is a very inviting family destination. The country offers many attractions and activities that appeal to kids of all ages. From the wide-eyed toddler to the adventure-seeking teen, we have something that will entertain the curiosities of all young travelers.

Cape Town

Garden Route

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

Addo Elephant National Park

Drakensberg

Reasons to choose South Africa

Malaria-Free Safari Reserves

With its abundance of malaria-free safari areas, South Africa is the ideal destination for a family safari. Private game reserves like Madikwe, Shamwari, Marataba, and Welgevonden offer luxurious lodgings. In contrast, Pilanesberg and Addo offer more affordable yet fruitful and rewarding safari experiences with prime Big 5 game viewing.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Many safari lodges in the mentioned reserves cater to families and offer special programs for children. Elsewhere in the country, many hotels and guest houses in the Garden Route and Cape Town provide family-oriented accommodations. At the same time, Sun City is a veritable paradise for children to have fun and parents to unwind.

Unforgettable Adventures

There are so many adventures to enjoy with your family in South Africa. Observe the wonder on your child's face as they meet an elephant up close, and learn about marine life while exploring the underwater magic of the Two Oceans Aquarium. Wander into the subterranean depths of the Cango Caves, spot dolphins at sea, or learn how to track animals by following their 'spoor.'

Experiences to Savor

Observing Wildlife with Your Children

Enjoying a safari with your children is not only memorable—it is important. Having the next generation learn to respect and appreciate the value of our wildlife will ensure that it endures for generations to come. Beyond that, the awe on their faces during these encounters will capture your heart.

Family Time Spent at the Beach

Beach time appeals to the entire family. Braving the waves, stretching out on the shore, building sandcastles, and tossing or kicking around a ball may seem basic, but often, it is the simplest, most organic moments that provide the most lasting memories.

Educational Endeavors

Most adventures in South Africa will provide unforgettable fun and learning opportunities for your children, for example, wildlife and the environment while on safari, the sea and its mesmerizing creatures at the aquarium, and the geological structures of the earth in the Cango Caves.

FAQ

Are reduced rates available for children?

Each property and attraction determines its discount for children. Rates are, therefore, subject to fluctuate based on the child's age and the properties included in your itinerary.

Why should families avoid traveling to safari areas where malaria is prevalent?

This recommendation is aimed at families traveling with small children, toddlers, or babies who are still too young to be administered anti-malarial prophylactics. These safari areas still offer incredible safari experiences and plush lodgings.

Are children allowed on game drives?

Most family-friendly lodges will not allow children under six on open-air vehicle game drives. Reasons include the safety of the child and those in the vehicle, as animals may be either disturbed or dangerously intrigued by certain noises or sudden movements. Families with children under a certain age will be required to pay additional rates for a private safari vehicle at some lodges.

Are there family-friendly beaches?

Yes - South Africa currently has 45 beaches with official Blue Flag status, which makes them safe for swimming and family enjoyment.

Are there special programs for children?

Yes, many lodges and specific resort-style accommodations will have programs to keep children entertained while their parents enjoy leisure time.

Are child-minding services available?

Most family-friendly accommodations offer child-minding services at an additional rate. Be sure to check beforehand.

Would children be able to enjoy wildlife encounters?

All wildlife encounters are age-dependent for the safety of the child. Be sure to ask beforehand.

Would our child be able to share a room with us?

Should family rooms not be available or pressure the budget, many accommodations will accommodate one child in the same room as their parents on a cot or sofa-bed.

Are other Southern African countries child-friendly?

South Africa is the most child-friendly travel destination in Southern Africa, particularly for families with very young children. While many lodges and hotels in other countries are happy to accommodate children, remember that travel may often take the form of charter flights, boat transfers, and long overland trips, which may be tiresome for young children. Malaria is also a risk in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Is there a preferred time to travel with children?

If you have older children and would like to visit areas where malaria is a risk, it is best to stay in the winter months between May and August, when it is drier, and mosquitoes are less prevalent. If you plan to visit the Cape and the Garden Route, aim for summer or spring - while adults may not mind a bit of rain, children may be greatly disappointed if their activities and beach time are affected by the weather.

Other Destinations

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is also an excellent destination for families who enjoy outdoor adventures. While wine tasting may be limited to the adults in your party, many esteemed wine farms offer grape juice, chocolate, or cheese tastings for the little ones - an acceptable way to foster young connoisseurs! Strawberry picking is also popular in summer, and scenic hiking trails abound.

Sun City

South Africa's 'Kingdom of Pleasure' is a paradise for children - particularly those with wild imaginations! Based on a mythical legend of an ancient lost city. Sun City's unique architecture, water parks, game arcades, petting zoos, and exhilarating outdoor activities will satisfy every child's entertainment demands and ensure that parents have ample leisure time.

Pilanesberg

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve in South Africa's North West province comprises a malaria-free wilderness ideal for family safaris. In addition, it is but a stone's throw from the Sun City Resort, making it a fine complement to a tour that combines family fun with Big 5 game viewing. Pilanesberg offers both budget-friendly and more luxurious family-appropriate accommodations.