Family Holidays & Safaris in South Africa

When it comes to finding a family holiday that has it all, with the added charm of no jetlag, South Africa is hard to beat. A 12-hour flight from London will transport you to the southernmost tip of Africa, where Cape Town's distinctive beach, city, and mountainous combination makes it one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. From there, select your adventure depending on the age of your children. There are the famous driving routes along the Western Cape, glorious countryside in the wine regions or game drives in the likes of Kruger National Park. Family holidays in South Africa are enriching, educational and eye-opening for all ages.

Is South Africa a good family holiday?

Aside from the almost-year-round sunshine and no jetlag, South Africa has game-rich parks, relaxing white-sand beaches, and adventure aplenty for families. Whether your kids would love an adventure with wildlife staying in exciting safari camps and experiencing life like a local or spending the day chasing the sun on the beach, surfing on world-renowned waves, there’s something for every member of the family here.

Direct flights from London make the travel as pain-free as possible, while the sparkling hotels are as welcoming as can be to children. Some private game reserves will only allow kids over the age of 8 but there are always options around for younger children too. These include several stunning private houses to rent, which are fantastic for multigenerational holidays or two families travelling together.

South Africa is a safe, fun-filled option, where you’re sure to create unforgettable memories.

Family Safaris in South Africa

Children as young as three or four will love family safaris in South Africa. While they might not be able to sit still for as long as older children, the sight of a giraffe chomping on a tree or an elephant splashing its baby with water will delight them. With almost guaranteed game viewing, many malaria-free reserves, plus educational and fun children’s programmes for all ages, South Africa is one of the best places for a family safari holiday.

Combining a few days in the wilderness with a few nights in another location makes for a truly memorable family holiday. You might like to start in Cape Town, and then head to the Eastern Cape, where you’ll find the closest safari parks to the city, including Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, a great option for families. Equally, Madikwe, a 90-minute flight from Johannesburg, is another excellent family-friendly safari location. Both game reserves are malaria-free, however, if you want to go to Kruger National Park, you will want to consider malaria tablets, depending on the time of year you travel.

South Africa has a reputation for its luxurious, forward-thinking safari lodges, which combine conservation and tourism. They have some of the best rangers, trackers, and guides in the world who are passionate about teaching your kids about eco-initiatives, local wildlife, and the natural surroundings. Activities like tracking rhinos, inspecting dung, and going on treasure hunts will bring the lessons to life for children. Meanwhile, you can enjoy sundowners in the bush, spa treatments in your room and incredible meals. All of this makes South Africa an ideal destination for first-time safari goers to experience the magic of the African wilderness.

Top tip: Find out what to pack for a South Africa family holiday.

Things to Do in South Africa With Kids

A safari might be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a family holiday in South Africa but look beyond the incredible wildlife and there’s even more to keep your kids enthralled.

Whale watching

Spying a whale leap out of the water and back in with an almighty splash has to be one of the most exciting wildlife-watching experiences someone can have. South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see whales, particularly from land. Head to Hermanus, De Hoop, Plettenberg Bay or the Eastern Cape to watch your kids’ faces light up when they see the incredible animals. The season runs from June to December.

Paddleboard or kayak with penguins

Teens and older kids will love paddling the cool waters around Boulders Beach and Simon’s Town near , looking out for penguins. Along with the sweet, feathered friends, you might also spot seals while out on the sea. If being on water isn’t for you, check out the penguins from land on Boulders’ Beach.

Culture in Cape Town

Cape Town is a fantastic family holiday destination in South Africa, it has so much to offer, from beach life to its flourishing art and culture scene. There’s of course the poignant Robben Island, reached by boat, which children will enjoy. Then there is the District Six Museum, a memorial to the neighbourhood and what it endured during apartheid and the historic Muslim enclave and rainbow-coloured houses of Bo-Kaap. Lastly, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, filled with sculptures, is an ideal place for kids to run around while you take in the 7,000 plant species.

Surfing

South Africa’s waves make it a haven for keen surfers, from the coves outside Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay on the Garden Route. There are beginner’s surf schools in places like Muizenberg and Big Bay, both of which are 20-30 minutes from Cape Town.

Hiking

Depending on the age of your children, you could call this activity hiking or walking. Whether you want to climb up to the top of Cable Mountain or Lion’s Head or stroll gently along the beaches that line the Garden Route, South Africa is made for being outdoors. The backdrop for any walk will keep even the most reluctant of walkers from declaring they’re bored, while paths and trails make it easy to navigate.

Sleep under the Stars

Many of the fantastic hotels and reserves that we work with have beautiful, luxurious, camping options, which children love. Sleep out under a blanket of stars at the top of a tree house or inside a tent (with all the comforts of a five-star hotel). This is one activity that will go down as the most exciting experience on a family holiday in South Africa.

Wine tasting

Bear with us here, wine tasting might not sound like the most family-friendly activity, but with our expert guidance and planning, we will ensure the children are occupied and having fun, while you get to sample all the delights that Franschhoek and Stellenbosch have to offer.

Quad biking

Thrill teens by jumping on a quad bike in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to explore the beautiful surroundings. Whizz up and down scenic valleys, through the fynbos and past dramatic viewpoints.

Best Places to Stay in South Africa with Family

Whether you are looking for a chic, city boutique hotel, an ultra-luxurious safari lodge or a relaxing beach holiday in South Africa immersed in nature, Scott Dunn will find the right family-friendly property for you.