South Africa Family Safari

View our recommended South Africa safari tours

For a truly stress-free South Africa family safari, the Eastern Cape is hard to beat: stay in family-friendly lodges in malaria-free Big 5 reserves, all within driving distance of the beautiful beaches, lagoons and forests of South Africa's world-famous Garden Route.

Another great malaria-free option is a Madikwe family safari. Madikwe is a top big game reserve, under two hour's drive from the fun family playground of Sun City. Our recommended lodges also have specialized family safari guides, with heaps of fun activities tucked up their khaki sleeves.

Even closer to Sun City, and well outside the malarial belt, lie the wetlands and grassy hills of the Pilansberg Game Reserve; imagine a morning game drive followed by an afternoon at Valley of the Waves - it's a family holiday your kids will never forget!

Then there's South Africa's top reserve; the Kruger National Park. Although not all Kruger lodges cater for children, those that do, do it exceptionally well. In addition to the family-friendly lodges, you can also stay in a Kruger safari villa - it's like having your own home in the African bush (only you won't be expected to lift a finger).

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Our Recommended South Africa Family Safari Lodges:

Uplands Homestead

Uplands Homestead is a 4-bedroom farmhouse with beautiful lawns and a pool in Kwandwe, a Big 5 reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

Location: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Style: Exclusive-Use Lodge
Comfort Level: Lavish
Rooms: 4 Read More >>

Royal Madikwe

Royal Madikwe is a luxurious private safari camp, with a 2-bedroom family suite opening onto a large viewing deck overlooking the Madikwe.

Location: Madikwe Game Reserve
Style: Exclusive-Use Lodge
Comfort Level: Lavish
Rooms: 5 Read More >>

Kwa Maritane

Kwa Maritane is in the malaria-free Pilansberg, just 10 mins from Sun City. This 90-room lodge has both family rooms and self-catering chalets.

Location: Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Style: Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Comfortable
Rooms: 90 Read More >>

Thornybush Main Lodge

Thornybush Main Lodge, in a private reserve next to the Kruger Park, welcomes children of all ages, and is well known for its kids' programme.

Location: Thornybush Private Reserve
Style: Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Deluxe
Rooms: 20 Read More >>

Our Recommended South Africa Family Safaris:

Best of South Africa's Coast: A Family Adventure

Best of SA's Coast: A Family Adventure

This family safari takes you from Cape Town, to Spier in the Cape Winelands, an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, some beach time on the Garden Route and game viewing in Addo Elephant Park.

Rating: Luxury
Length of Trip: 14 days Read More >>

Our Travellers' Reviews of South Africa Family Safari Lodges:

"We felt we had stepped into fantasy island and every day, every minute there was was a new experience. Thornybush Main Lodge staff and life made our trip so memorable. We will be back!"

Pat Murphy, Go2Africa Traveller (Feb 2010)

"The first week at Pinansberg National Park was just beautiful, no end of wild life and game drives, the accommodation was perfect and Kwa Maritane set the scene perfectly."

Christopher Nelson, Go2Africa Traveller Aug 2008

A review of one of the lodges in Best of South Africa's Coast: A Family Adventure -

"River Bend Lodge is an incredible place and it really takes a day to settle into the way of life there - we had a great guide and when we arrive the elephant herd which hadn't been seen near the lodge for a couple of weeks decided to pay a visit so we really were there at a great time.

"The food is fantastic and we didn't want to leave there and return to civilisation!"

Patrick Governey, Go2Africa Traveller (Feb 2008)

Go2Africa Travel Articles:

"Young children often get bored on long, quiet drives in the bush so many places, like Kariega Family Lodge, River Bend Country Lodge and Kwandwe - Ecca Lodge offer fun activities like insect collecting, cooking classes, fishing trips and short walks with one of the rangers for the young and curious, and mountain bikes, swimming pools and horse riding for the teenagers."

Emma Gass, Go2Africa Travel Writer, 'Eastern Cape Safaris' (Oct 2009)

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Our Recommended South Africa Family Safari Lodges:

Our Recommended South Africa Family Safaris:

Our Travellers' Reviews of South Africa Family Safari Lodges:

Go2Africa Travel Articles:

South Africa Safari