Family Holiday in South Africa

What are the best family road trips in South Africa?

South Africa is a vast country; perfect for family road trips. Road trips promise a more immersive adventure. With excellent highways, ever-changing landscapes and plenty of stopovers, the country is great for self-drive adventures with kids in tow.

The Garden Route is a great option. Situated between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), this coastal region boasts beautiful beaches, has numerous outdoor activities and whale watching.

If you’re after a world-class, malaria-free, wildlife experience, a road trip to the game reserves of the Northwest Province is just the ticket. Both Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve have child-friendly lodges and activities. Both are within easy reach of Johannesburg.

For a shorter road trip, consider driving around the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town. You’ll find an abundance of beaches in addition to the chance to see rare penguins and maybe spot a few whales along this scenic drive.

KwaZulu-Natal boasts great winter weather, making it an ideal option for families seeking a mix of beaches, wildlife, Zulu culture, and mountain scenery.

Whatever your preference: beaches, wildlife or culture, a family road trip in South Africa means freedom, flexibility and plenty of time to nurture family bonds in beautiful surroundings.

Get in touch with our travel experts to put together your perfect family Road trip.

What are the best family-friendly beaches in South Africa?

South Africa’s 2500-kilometre coastline is dotted with child-friendly beaches. The Cape Town beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, Llandudno and Muizenberg offer beautiful beaches but mostly chilly swimming, while the penguins at Boulders Beach will keep the whole family entertained.

Along the Garden Route, the beaches of Plettenberg Bay and Buffels Bay offer a mix of warmer swimming and nearby nature reserves.

For those with smaller kids, there are a few calm, shallow lagoons in which to splash around. The warmest waters are in KwaZulu-Natal.

Try Durban’s Golden Mile, where lifeguards, surf schools and beachfront entertainment keep everyone happy.

Are there family-friendly safaris in South Africa?

Yes, absolutely! South Africa is one of the best places in Africa for a family-friendly safari. There are several malaria-free reserves, with child-friendly lodges, and programs designed to appeal to kids of all ages.

For families with younger children, malaria-free safari destinations such as Madikwe Game Reserve, Addo Elephant Park, Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province, and Eastern Cape reserves like Shamwari and Amakhala are especially appealing.

Not every lodge though is equally suited for families. Some have age restrictions, others offer only limited activities for younger children, and family-friendly options like shorter game drives often need to be booked privately at an extra cost. Some lodges have family suites or interconnecting rooms, as well as mealtimes.

To ensure the right fit for your family, our travel experts offer a non-obligatory consultation to help you find accommodation that matches your needs and expectations.

For those with older children, the most accessible and popular destination is the Kruger National Park. Visitors can choose between self-drive or guided safaris, including bush walks.

There’s an abundance of fenced rest camps, giving kid’s the space to safely burn off excess energy. There are also a host of private game lodges in the adjacent Greater Kruger, many of which have family accommodations and tailored programs for the youngsters.

How to plan a family trip in South Africa

As exciting as it is to plan a family holiday in South Africa, a little preparation goes a long way to its success. 

Choose regions that suit your family’s interests and energy levels. For families whose young children are obsessed with wildlife, you can’t go wrong with the malaria-free reserves of Norhwest Province, Eastern and Western Cape.

For a mix of beaches, nature, culture and fun activities, Cape Town and the Garden Route are excellent choices.

Consider your daily schedule.  South Africa is huge, so avoid doing too much in one trip. Rather than focus on two or three destinations, allowing time for relaxation.

Find accommodation with child-friendly features like kids’ programs, swimming pools and family suites.

Keep your luggage to a minimum. Pack clothing that can be layered to adjust for temperature, and don’t forget sun protection.

Lastly, give some thought to whether you’d prefer the flexibility of a self-drive holiday or the convenience of a guided tour. Most South African roads are easily navigated, while a private guide relieves you of logistical considerations.

The effort you put into planning your itinerary will go a long way to ensuring your family holiday is memorable for all the right reasons. But, if you’d rather leave the planning entirely up to the experts, do not despair. We are here to talk you through every option.

Our travel experts are based in South Africa and will gladly assist with the planning and organisation of your family holiday, no matter if it is a self-drive trip or a guided tour you are after. So just get in touch for your non obligatory consultation today.