Overlooking the awesome plains of the malaria free Shamwari Private Game Reserve, you’ll find the exquisite Long Lee Manor – rates and offers
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.
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.