Zebra, South Africa
Whales, South Africa
cape winelands, south africa
cape town, south africa
penguins, boulders beach, cape town, south africa
elephants, eastern cape, south africa

...Trip idea

South Africa for Families

Family adventures don’t come much more thrilling than among the mountains, oceans and wilds of South Africa.

Highlights

  • Cosmopolitan Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’ where the mountains meet the sea
  • Private guided day tours of Cape Town and the Winelands
  • Pristine sandy beaches with prime southern right whale-watching
  • Family-friendly big five safari in a malaria-free private game reserve

For a taste of this enthralling country, we recommend this simplified itinerary. Incorporating exciting city adventures, space, mountains and scenery…not to mention wildlife, all wrapped up in some spectacular scenery but without too much moving around.

What:

A 12-day exploration of South Africa, including Cape Town, the Winelands, coastal Walker Bay and the Eastern Cape.

Best for:

South Africa is a playground for all ages and works especially well for younger kids as there’s no jet lag.

When to go:

Year-round sunshine but for the best chance of spotting whales, visit in October half term.

cape town, south africa
cape town, south africa
Scenic landscape of Llandudno Beach with white sand and turquoise water in Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain, Cape town, South Africa

DAY 1-4: CAPTIVATING CAPE TOWN

Arrive in South Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Cape Town, where you will stay in the perfect family-friendly base from which to explore all that the thriving city has to offer. South Africa’s finest city is packed with things to see and do: not only is a family friendly day out with a private guide built into your itinerary, but you have the option to tailor this as you wish, according to the likes of your little adventurers. Expect treasure hunts in the Botanical Gardens, canopy walks, forest hikes, rogue penguins and secret beaches to be part of the fun, as well as a family-friendly visit to the Winelands where kids can have fun exploring while parents enjoy a glass of wine or two!

Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa

Belmond Mount Nelson

The pink-hued ‘Nellie’ is a great spot for families with its expansive lawns. It has perfect central positioning too – in front of Company’s Gardens with Table Mountain as its stunning backdrop. Opt for a family suite or splash out and book Honeysuckle Cottage which is a real home away from home. With swimming, tennis, babysitting, kids’ menus and even a teen lounge, everyone will be happy.

southern right whales, hermanus, south africa
Grootbos. Hermanus, South Africa
Grootbos. Hermanus, South Africa
South Africa Cape fynbos flowers

DAY 5-8: WHALES OF WALKER BAY

Next, a short transfer takes you to a private reserve near South Africa’s whale watching haven of Walker Bay. This is arguably the best place in the world to see humpback and southern right whales as well as seals, dolphins, sharks and penguins. There is guided horse riding (or pony treks for smaller kids), guided walks through the milkwood forest, 4×4 flower safaris to gain insight into the Cape Floral Kingdom plus of course the opportunity to head out by boat on a Big 5 marine safari for encounters with southern right whales in the bay. It’s also the perfect place to relax and have a beach picnic while the kids are taken out to explore the caves.

Grootbos, Hermanus, South Africa

Grootbos

There isn’t an award Grootbos hasn’t won for being a firm family favourite. Comfortable and yet undeniably luxurious, the suites here are surrounded by fragrant fynbos gardens and feature spacious decks with sweeping views over the bay. Bespoke nature activities encourage learning about the symbiotic relationship between animals and plants and the staff are great with kids.

elephants, eastern cape, south africa
Kwandwe, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Kwandwe, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Giraffe looking over tree

DAY 9-12: MALARIA-FREE BIG FIVE

Its then on to the Eastern Cape to complete your South African adventure with a stay at a private game reserve. Being malaria-free, the area is particularly family- friendly as well as a perfect spot for prime game viewing. Specially designed accommodation comes complete with private vehicle, ranger and tracker so that you have the flexibility to arrange game drives around your own schedule. Dawn and dusk are the perfect times to spot lion, elephant and other animals – and to see the look on a little one’s face when they see their first giraffe is just priceless.

Kwandwe Ecca, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Set in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve which sprawls many thousands of acres either side of the Great Fish River, Ecca Lodge is a chic base from which to explore this game rich area. With just six suites, including three extra-large family suites, the lodge offers true flexibility when it comes to game drives and mealtimes. Their kids’ safari programme is just superb.

Summary

South Africa offers a wealth of experiences for families, under an ever-blue sky. It’s a fuss-free holiday that makes a big impact. If more time allows, you can easily combine the above with some time in Plettenberg Bay or even Mauritius for some beach bliss.

Ben Oxley-Brown

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Read Ben’s profile
Ben Oxley-Brown

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