South Africa

South Africa family holiday

South Africa is the ideal destination for a family holiday, with year-round sunshine, fantastic beaches, thrilling safari opportunities and minimal jetlag from the UK. The glorious outdoor lifestyle of the Cape Peninsula, with its stunning Table Mountain backdrop, is perfect with children of all ages. Parents appreciate the local produce of the Winelands, while everyone enjoys the fabulous coastal scenery, gorgeous hotels and array of activities on offer along the Garden Route.

Further north, the wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park is superb. Here you can stay in wonderfully remote tented camps that enable you to enjoy the wide skies and dramatic African landscapes. Nearer Durban, there are wetland reserves where you can spy crocs and hippos. The kids will also be intrigued by the traditional African cultures in Eswatini and KwaZulu-Natal and inspired by the phenomenal scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Family safari in South Africa - February half term option

Spot the Big Five and an abundance of wildlife on safari in Kruger

Why take the kids to South Africa?

South Africa offers an enviable range of activities that are brilliant for families, whether travelling with teens or toddlers.

Some of our favourite activities to include on a South Africa family holiday are:

Seeing the Big Five on a Kruger National Park safari
Hiking up Table Mountain for superb views
Dodging penguins on Boulders Beach
Sipping local wine amidst stunning scenery
Listening to tales of Zulu battles at Rorke’s Drift
Witnessing an unforgettable sunrise over the Drakensberg Mountains
Learning to surf on glorious beaches
Whale-watching at Hermanus

South Africa family holidays - teenager body boarding

Learn to surf in the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu Natal

Which area to visit on a South Africa family holiday?

South Africa has such diversity that people come here time and again to visit different parts of the country. The weather patterns vary widely across different areas, and we will advise you on the best areas to visit given the time of year that you are travelling.

In the north, Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves offer particularly good game viewing thanks to some of the densest wildlife populations in Africa. Enjoy seeing your children as they gasp in awe at close encounters with elephants, lions, rhinos, and other big game.

Along the south coast (ideal from October to March), both Cape Town and the Garden Route are wonderful. In Cape Town, you can hike up Table Mountain, kayak past penguins at Boulders Beach, and shop ‘til you drop at the Waterfront. Robben Island is also a thought-provoking excursion for the children, with former prisoners accompanying you on a guided tour. Moving along the Garden Route there are endless activities against a backdrop of jaw-dropping coastal scenery.

See our blog post for more ideas and photos of the best activities when holidaying in South Africa with kids.

Boys sand boarding in South Africa, on Garden Route

A lively harbour town on the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is a great base for family adventure

South Africa family holiday itineraries

All of our South Africa family holidays are bespoke which means that they are tailor-made for your own specific family, taking into account the ages of your children, your interests, your budget, and so on. However, to give you an idea of what you could do on a South Africa family holiday, have a look at our sample itineraries: Classic Cape & Garden Route, Kruger & Beach Family Safari, and Luxury KwaZulu-Natal.

Also, check out some of the other places that you might like to visit on your family holiday to South Africa, and if you need further inspiration, have a look at our South Africa photo gallery. Lastly, see what the weather will be like at the time that you want to travel.

Or simply give us a ring and we’ll be delighted to advise you on the best South Africa family holiday for you and the children.

Mother and son kayaking in South Africa, blue sky

There’s a huge range of outdoor activities for families in South Africa

Will all children enjoy a South Africa family safari?

For expert advice on family-friendly safaris in South Africa, and to compare with other safari destinations, check out our family safari holidays section.