Family Holidays South Africa

South Africa Family Holidays

With a myriad of child-friendly destinations, suitable accommodations, and various climates, South Africa is a great option for a family holiday. For those travelling when pregnant or with younger children in particular, South Africa offers several fantastic malaria-free game reserves, ideal for the whole family.

Often described as ‘a world in one country', South Africa is home to some of Africa's top destinations, which not only combine well but offer a kaleidoscope of fantastic experiences. Take the opportunity to discover the Big 5 on safari, swim with penguins on one of Cape Town's world-class beaches, sample internationally-renowned food and wine, or cruise up the Garden Route on a scenic self-drive. Family holidays in South Africa are also perfect for beach and safari combinations.

We highly recommend a South Africa family holiday if you:

• Wish to see the Big 5 and other iconic wildlife
• Value the opportunity for a malaria-free safari experience
• Would like to do a self-drive road trip
• Are doing multi-generational travel or flying in from various countries
• Enjoy adventurous activities
• Ideally want to experience more than one destination
• Want a choice of budget-friendly & luxury accommodation options

The Most Popular South Africa Family Holiday Destinations

Having fun at the pool | Singita, Kruger

When planning a to visit South Africa, it's important to identify what you're hoping to get out of the experience – are you a family of adventurers who want activities galore, or do you have slightly older children who also value some down time amidst other experiences? Whatever it is you're looking for, we can almost guarantee South Africa has something to offer within one, or several, of its top holiday destinations:

Kruger National Park

For a classic safari experience, look no further than Kruger National Park. With a healthy mix of private reserves and the national park, it's easy to find your families' perfect safari spot. Not only is Kruger home to the Big 5 and other safari staples, it also houses some of the top family friendly safari lodges in South Africa – some of which even offer interactive kid's programmes that focus on entertaining and age-appropriate activities.

Malaria-Free Safari Destinations

When it comes to malaria-free game reserves, there's no need to look outside of South Africa's borders. From various options in the Eastern Cape to the easily accessible Pilanesberg National Park near Johannesburg – a place that effortlessly combines with the fun-filled Sun City. Also easily accessible from the capital city is Madikwe, one of South Africa's largest, yet least known, Big 5 reserves found near the Botswana border.

The ‘Mother City' of Cape Town

A total paradox, Cape Town offers the best of vibrant cityscapes and tranquil beach and mountain settings. Home to the iconic Table Mountain, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and a host of Blue Flag Beaches, the city and its surrounds effortlessly combine urban bustle and verdant paradise. Sprawling world-renowned vineyards and top restaurants beckon while penguin-filled beaches and the dynamic V&A Waterfront call to little explorers.

The Garden Route

For an unforgettable road trip, the Garden Route is a must for families looking to enjoy a self-drive adventure. Pass quaint towns filled with charming cafés, stop in at breathtaking beaches, adventure along picturesque trails, and even spot some whales (between June and October).

Sunrise safari stop, the perfect destination for multi-gen family travel | Kapama

Ready To Plan The Perfect Family Holiday To South Africa?

Feeling inspired? Connect with one of our well-travelled Africa Safari Experts to help you curate the ideal tailor-made itinerary for your South Africa family holiday.

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Best South Africa Family Tours & Safaris

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger

From R96,115 to R103,045 pps
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
The pool at Winchester Boutique Hotel. Exterior view of hotel | The Winchester Hotel The penguin colonies of Boulders Beach in Cape Town. Cape Town has a selection of incredible beaches. The French countryside inspired Franschhoek Country House & Villas. Relax by the swimming pool in the winelands. Aerial view of Rockfig Safari Lodge. An evening out in the bush under the stars.
Highlights

Explore the city & surrounds at your own pace. Drink in the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

Destinations visited
Cape Town Cape Winelands Kruger National Park South Africa

Family Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

From R155,635 to R179,235 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Cape Cadogan exterior. Swimming pool | Cape Cadogan. The penguin colonies of Boulders Beach in Cape Town. Explore all the activities and experiences that Cape Town has to offer. End your day off around the campfire at Lion Sands River Lodge. Aerial view | Lion Sands River Lodge Exploring Kruger National Park | Lions Sands River Lodge Exterior of Stanley & Livingstone.
Highlights

An excellent introductory, family or honeymoon trip to Africa. Explore Cape Town's beaches, Winelands and famous tourist attractions.

Destinations visited
Cape Town Kruger National Park South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route

From R334,870 to R463,485 pps
12 days
Enjoy a luxury stay at Cape Grace with views of Table Mountain. Suite at Cape Grace, ideal for the most discerning guests. Cape Town mountains and ocean vistas at sunset. Le Quartier Francais wine cellar. The Grande room at Le Quartier. Exterior of Le Quartier Francais. Swimming pool at Le Quartier Francais. Designed with active families in mind, Kwandwe Fort House sits surrounded by rolling lawns & broad views.
Highlights

Full-day family fun tour in Franschhoek. Explore Cape Town & the scenic Winelands.

Destinations visited
Cape Town Cape Winelands Eastern Cape South Africa

South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Beach & Safari

From R92,185 to R99,965 pps
9 days
Gather around the fire pit | Phinda Forest Lodge Experience the lodge's renowned bush banquets. Phinda Forest Lodge glass-fronted suite. Cheetahs spotted on a game drive | Phinda Forest Lodge Rock pools and beach.
Highlights

A fantastic combination with easy travelling. Experience the amazing Phinda reserve with its abundance of animals.

Destinations visited
KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

Family South Africa's Cape Town & Madikwe

From R67,130 to R79,355 pps
6 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Madikwe Safari Lodge. Enjoy game drives and safari activities as a family | Madikwe Safari Lodge Family suite lounge area at Madikwe Safari Lodge. Bedroom suite at Madikwe Safari Lodge. En suite bathroom at Madikwe Safari Lodge. Staying in Green Point provides a great base from which to explore Cape Town. Hike through Cape Town's botanical gardens. Romney Park offer private apartments with luxury hotel services.
Highlights

Combine 2 great family destinations. Be at the heart of Cape Town, just off the trendy Kloof street.

Destinations visited
Cape Town Madikwe South Africa

Family Private Safari Whale Coast & Madikwe

From R292,370 to R535,400 pps
10 days
Morukuru Ocean House with its swimming pool, exterior. Explore the reserve on foot. Plenty to keep the little ones delighted and creative. Whale watching. Mountain biking. Saxon Hotel Villa and Spa. Morukuru Farm House entrance. African wild dogs.
Highlights

Private villa accommodations throughout. Private chefs & dedicated staff.

Destinations visited
Johannesburg Madikwe South Africa Whale Coast

Family Cape Town, Kruger & Mozambique

From R159,055 to R193,260 pps
14 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Boma dining at Ngala Safari Lodge. Exciting dining at Ngala Safari Lodge. Luxury bedrooms at Ngala Safari Lodge. The Peech Hotel. The Peech Hotel swimming pool. Welcome to Anantara Bazaruto. Pristine beaches. Aerial view of Bazaruto Island Resort.
Highlights

Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.

Destinations visited
Bazaruto Archipelago Cape Town Johannesburg Kruger National Park Mozambique