Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is a luxury 5-star Big 5 lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Perfect safari for families and couples
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge (Madikwe)
South Africa Family Vacation
A South Africa family vacation is probably one of the best safari choices available and much more. South Africa offers incredible scenery, culture, and wildlife. This makes it very educational for the children too. There is a range of options available and always family-friendly facilities.
Please remember to check the requirements to travel with children to South Africa. Currently, they need an unabridged birth certificate or an equivalent document. This forms part of South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.
The most popular South African family vacation is combining Cape Town with a safari at Kruger National Park. This city and safari package is a fantastic introduction to South Africa for the little ones.
South Africa Family Safari Vacation
South Africa has many game reserves that cater to children of all ages. This is a highlight of any family vacation as children see the animals they have only ever read about in books or watched on TV. This is momentous for kids as they learn about nature and its incredible cycle of life. Plus, often get the opportunity to visit community projects like schools or animal welfare.
The most obvious choice for families on a safari vacation in South Africa is Kruger National Park. However, Madikwe, Pilanesberg National Park, and the Eastern Cape Game Reserves are big 5 malaria-free game reserves. The Eastern Cape Game Reserves include Shamwari, Amakhala, and Addo and are perfect to combine with the Garden Route.
Please note:
Unless you book a private game vehicle, game drives can last up to three hours. Younger children may find it difficult to sit for this long. Some of the lodges have shorter game drives just for kids so that is a good place to start for the younger children. Or else, a private vehicle means you can determine the length of your safari and the tolerance of the children.
Cape Town Family Holiday
Cape Town sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain and is one of the best vacation spots for families, friends, and couples. It offers a wide range of scenic highlights and diverse activities. Learn about the history of apartheid by visiting Robben Island (an eye-opener for everyone). Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. Take the cable car up Table Mountain or for slightly older kids, walk one way and cable car the other. Go whale watching in Hermanus (between June and November) or just see the beautiful town and beaches. See nature at its finest at Cape Point or the Cape Floral Kingdom (August and September are in full bloom so it will catch the attention of even the smallest child).
We can’t miss mentioning the Cape Winelands. This is also a family-friendly activity with many of the wine farms having animals and fun things to do for children.
Accommodation in Cape Town for families is varied from self-catering apartments to luxury 5* hotels. Many families choose to stay in the V&A Waterfront as there are many shops and restaurants and a great view of Table Mountain.
South Africa family vacation on the Garden Route
The Garden Route has the most beautiful coastline stretching 300 km (185 miles). Its incredible scenery and diverse activities make it one of the best options for families. Some highlights of the Garden Route include miles of gorgeous beaches with mountains, and forests to explore. Ziplining, bungee jumping, hiking, cycling, boating, whale watching, and nature reserves are some of the diverse activities. There are several Rehabilitation Centres near Plettenberg Bay to visit. Tenikwa (local wild cat conservation), Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland to name a few.
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean climate; with moderately warm summers; and mild to chilly winters. It is the perfect South African self-drive holiday for visitors; with something to offer all ages.
South Africa family vacation in KwaZulu Natal
Many of our families return and start to explore the fascinating other options around South Africa and KwaZulu Natal is one of them.
You have the Midlands Meander, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Anglo-Zulu battlefields. Safaris in the Zulu Kingdom are Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park and beautiful game reserves such as Phinda and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Topped off with golden beaches and warm weather throughout the year.
The best time to vacation in South Africa with your family
South Africa is a great all year destination but the springtime is the most popular time to visit. This is between September and November in South Africa. The weather warms from north to south so you will find the northern parts like Madikwe get warmer temperatures, before the southern parts. Spring means the flower season and the deserts are in full bloom.
March, April, and early May are also good months to travel to South Africa to avoid the crowds. South Africa’s winter is from June to August. The northern region gets little rain in winter but the southern does get quite a bit of rain.
Summer is from December to March so great for the Christmas holidays. This is the busiest time, especially in the Cape so it is best to book well in advance.
Click on the below blue box if you don’t fancy scrolling down too far to find a family-friendly lodge.
Where to stay on your South Africa family vacation ↓
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge (Madikwe)
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is a luxury 5-star Big 5 lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Perfect safari for families and couples
Tuningi Safari Lodge (Madikwe)
The Colonial African Chic Tuningi Safari Lodge is in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, providing Big 5 safaris and wild dog territory
Marataba (Waterberg)
Marataba Safari and Mountain Lodges and Marataba exclusive use Residence are in the Marakele National Park (Waterberg) offer malaria free safaris
Ngala Safari Lodge (Timbavati)
Rates and safari discounts at Ngala Safari Lodge, in the Kruger National Park – South Africa Holiday and honeymoon Safari Specials.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp (Timbavati)
The luxury Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati (Kruger) offers Big 5 safaris for honeymooners, families (kids 6+) and photographers
Lion Sands River Lodge (Sabi)
Luxury Lion Sands River Lodge is in the southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park). Ideal for families and honeymooners
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge (Sabi)
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is in the southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve with fully inclusive luxury villas and a 2-bed residence with private pools
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a luxurious accommodation safari lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park
MalaMala Camp (Sabi)
MalaMala Camp in the MalaMala Game Reserve; which consistently produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator!
Ulusaba Rock Lodge (Sabi)
Luxury South African safari at Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Rock Lodge overlooking the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, in Greater Kruger National Park
Singita Ebony Lodge (Sabi)
Singita Ebony Lodge combines the romance of a tented camp and bush lodge providing the utmost luxury in the heart of the Sabi Sand.
Singita Castleton (Sabi – Exclusive-Use)
Singita Castleton is a family friendly exclusive-use safari lodge in the Sabi Sand with 6 cottages accommodating up to 12 guests
Singita Boulders Lodge (Sabi)
Singita Boulders Safari Lodge is in the Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger National Park. The ultimate safari in South Africa – rates and offers
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge (Sabi)
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge situated in the Sabi Sands It welcomes families and has a private villa
Kirkman’s Kamp (Sabi)
South Africa Holiday Safari Specials – Discounted rates for the ultimate South African safari at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger National Park).
Dulini River (Sabi)
Dulini River is a luxury 5 star lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger). Ultimate honeymoon safari destination. Kids 8 +
Savanna Private Game Lodge (Sabi)
Savanna Private Game Reserve is a 5-star lodge in the Sabi Sands (Kruger National Park) with 9 luxury suites with private heated plunge pools
Singita Sweni Lodge (Kruger)
Singita Sweni Lodge is one of the best Kruger luxury safaris. An intimate lodge (7 suites) with contemporary design, architecture and cuisine
Pafuri Camp (Kruger)
In the far north of Kruger National Park is the magical Pafuri Camp with an abundance of wildlife and unique activities including walking
Singita Lebombo Lodge (Kruger)
Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park offers accommodation in romantic glassed suites. Safaris don’t get better than this. Best rates
Jabulani (Kapama, Kruger)
Jabulani is a 5* soulful safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, offering not only safaris but unique elephant and sustainable experiences – rates and offers
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge (Kruger)
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge in the Kruger National Park offers 9 x suites and an exclusive-use 2-bedroom Villa for families or friends
Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp (Kruger)
Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp is a child-friendly authentic tented safari camp in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park
Last Word Kitara (Klaserie, Kruger)
Last Word Kitara offers luxury suites in the Greater Kruger National Park. The epitome of ‘beyond boutique’ and many conservation initiatives
Rhino Post Safari Lodge (Kruger)
Rhino Post Safari Lodge is in a private concession of the Kruger National Park. An authentic 4 star lodge with 8 suites. Rates and offers
Imbali Safari Lodge (Kruger)
Imbali Safari Lodge is steeped in modern day opulence and luxury. 12 suites with private plunge pools and excellent game viewing safaris
Jock Safari Lodge (Kruger)
Jock Safari Lodge is in a private concession in the Kruger National Park (near Skukuza). With an exclusive-use villa for families too
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat (Cederberg)
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is In Cederberg Mountains, Northern Cape. 5-star spiritual retreat in exquisite nature
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Camps
Tswalu Motse, Tarkuni, or Loapi Camps are in the malaria-free southern Kalahari in the Northern Cape; a unique, luxury, must-see destination
Mont Rochelle and Manor House Villa (Franschhoek)
Mont Rochelle and Manor House is Richard Branson’s luxury hotel and villa in Franschhoek. This wine estate is less than an hour from Cape Town and offers fine dining experiences.
The Cellars-Hohenort (Constantia, Cape Town)
The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa rests on the slopes of Table Mountain and is in “Cape Town’s Vineyard”; the Constantia Valley. Best rates and special offers.
Steenberg Hotel (Constantia Winelands)
The 5* Steenberg Hotel, Spa, Golf Resort and Vineyards – Steenberg Farm. Special offers and play golf and stay packages at reduced rates.
Last Word Constantia (Constantia Winelands)
Last Word Constantia is the ideal base from which to explore Cape Town while being in the heart of South Africa’s wine farms + golf courses
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (Cape Town)
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa situated near Camps Bay offers the best romantic accommodation in Cape Town. Also ideal for families, weddings
Last Word Long Beach (Cape Town)
Last Word Long Beach – a 5 star boutique beach hotel in Cape Town. A surfers paradise, honeymoon hot spot and ideal family holiday paradise
One&Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town is at the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and framed by Table Mountain; an oasis of elegance amid the vibrant playground of one of the world’s most loved cities
Mount Nelson Hotel (Cape Town)
The iconic Mount Nelson Hotel is well-positioned in Cape Town for beaches, city, and nightlife – an old dame who’s had guests such as Winston Churchill, John Lennon, and Nelson Mandela. Best rates offerred.
Cape Grace Hotel (Cape Town)
Luxury 5* accommodation at the Cape Grace Hotel on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Honeymoons, anniversaries, other offers to get the best rates
More Quarters Hotel (Cape Town)
More Quarters Hotel is a collection of converted heritage townhouses/apartments and the 4-bedroom Residence (Villa) in Cape Town for holidays
Fancourt Hotel and Manor House (Garden Route)
Fancourt Hotel and Manor House is South Africa’s premier lifestyle golf resort nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor (Eastern Cape)
Overlooking the awesome plains of the malaria free Shamwari Private Game Reserve, you’ll find the exquisite Long Lee Manor – rates and offers
Amakhala Safari Lodge (Eastern Cape)
Amakhala Safari Lodge, just 70 Km from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), is a malaria-free Big 5 safari. A perfect end to your Garden Route trip
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge and Villas (Eastern Cape)
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge offers luxury malaria-free safaris in the Eastern Cape. Making it ideally suited for families. And also the young at heart
Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge (Eastern Cape)
Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge is a malaria-free luxury lodge from where you and your family and friends can watch Africa’s iconic Big Five – Exclusive Use safari
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge (Eastern Cape)
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge is the ideal place for families to bond with a Kids on Safari program to keep children of all ages entertained
Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga)
Enjoy the luxury seaside Oyster Box Hotel and Spa in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban. Best rates and offers for holidays, weddings, and honeymoons
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge rests on a ridge overlooking Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Enjoy big 5 safaris and exceptional birding
Phinda Vlei Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
Great rates and offers at Phinda Vlei Lodge in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (Zululand) for your family holiday or romantic safari.
Phinda Zuka Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge can be booked either for sole-use or by room basis. A small luxury lodge only sleeping 8 guests (luxury safari)
Phinda Mountain Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
Great accommodation rates at Phinda Mountain Lodge in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal for your family holiday or romantic safari.
Phinda Homestead (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
andBeyond Phinda Homestead is the best family safari destination in South Africa with it’s sole-use villa sleeping up to 12 guests including children.
Tuningi Safari Lodge (Madikwe)
The Colonial African Chic Tuningi Safari Lodge is in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, providing Big 5 safaris and wild dog territory
Marataba (Waterberg)
Marataba Safari and Mountain Lodges and Marataba exclusive use Residence are in the Marakele National Park (Waterberg) offer malaria free safaris
Ngala Safari Lodge (Timbavati)
Rates and safari discounts at Ngala Safari Lodge, in the Kruger National Park – South Africa Holiday and honeymoon Safari Specials.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp (Timbavati)
The luxury Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati (Kruger) offers Big 5 safaris for honeymooners, families (kids 6+) and photographers
Lion Sands River Lodge (Sabi)
Luxury Lion Sands River Lodge is in the southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park). Ideal for families and honeymooners
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge (Sabi)
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is in the southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve with fully inclusive luxury villas and a 2-bed residence with private pools
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a luxurious accommodation safari lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park
MalaMala Camp (Sabi)
MalaMala Camp in the MalaMala Game Reserve; which consistently produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator!
Ulusaba Rock Lodge (Sabi)
Luxury South African safari at Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Rock Lodge overlooking the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, in Greater Kruger National Park
Singita Ebony Lodge (Sabi)
Singita Ebony Lodge combines the romance of a tented camp and bush lodge providing the utmost luxury in the heart of the Sabi Sand.
Singita Castleton (Sabi – Exclusive-Use)
Singita Castleton is a family friendly exclusive-use safari lodge in the Sabi Sand with 6 cottages accommodating up to 12 guests
Singita Boulders Lodge (Sabi)
Singita Boulders Safari Lodge is in the Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger National Park. The ultimate safari in South Africa – rates and offers
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge (Sabi)
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge situated in the Sabi Sands It welcomes families and has a private villa
Kirkman’s Kamp (Sabi)
South Africa Holiday Safari Specials – Discounted rates for the ultimate South African safari at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger National Park).
Dulini River (Sabi)
Dulini River is a luxury 5 star lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger). Ultimate honeymoon safari destination. Kids 8 +
Savanna Private Game Lodge (Sabi)
Savanna Private Game Reserve is a 5-star lodge in the Sabi Sands (Kruger National Park) with 9 luxury suites with private heated plunge pools
Singita Sweni Lodge (Kruger)
Singita Sweni Lodge is one of the best Kruger luxury safaris. An intimate lodge (7 suites) with contemporary design, architecture and cuisine
Pafuri Camp (Kruger)
In the far north of Kruger National Park is the magical Pafuri Camp with an abundance of wildlife and unique activities including walking
Singita Lebombo Lodge (Kruger)
Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park offers accommodation in romantic glassed suites. Safaris don’t get better than this. Best rates