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Tailor Made Family Holidays to South Africa

‘From the thrill of spotting the Big Five on a luxury private safari to exploring Cape Town’s iconic coastline, this is the ultimate journey for families seeking connection, discovery and unforgettable memories”

Discover the excitement of a South Africa family safari, where unforgettable wildlife encounters meet vibrant city life and stunning coastal beauty. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, exploring golden beaches, the iconic Table Mountain and the scenic Cape Winelands. For those who love road trips, the Garden Route family holiday offers breathtaking coastal views, outdoor activities and plenty of child-friendly adventures along the way. Then, swap the coast for the African bush, spotting the Big Five on thrilling safaris in either the malaria-free reserves of Madikwe or the Eastern Cape, or in the world-renowned private reserves surrounding Kruger National Park.

Our carefully designed South Africa family itineraries balance excitement, relaxation and discovery, making them ideal for multi-generational travel. With handpicked family-friendly safari lodges, luxury villas and flexible experiences, we create luxury family holidays in South Africa that every generation will treasure.

Photos of up close Giraffe, leopard and elephants

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” — Edward Abbey

Why South Africa is Perfect for Families

With its wide open spaces, diverse experiences and family-friendly safari lodges, South Africa is a destination that brings generations together like no other. A family safari in South Africa offers private and flexible game drives at your own pace, guided by expert rangers who make every sighting exciting and educational for children and adults alike. These adventures spark curiosity across all ages – from children seeing elephants for the first time to grandparents watching a lion in the wild – creating memories that last a lifetime.

For families with younger children, malaria-free safaris in South Africa – such as Madikwe or the private reserves near Port Elizabeth – offer peace of mind without compromising on wildlife encounters. Those seeking the ultimate experience may prefer a family safari in one of the private reserves surrounding Kruger National Park, where sightings of the Big Five are among the best in Africa. Whether you choose a malaria-free reserve or Kruger’s private concessions, the variety of child-friendly options makes South Africa a top choice for luxury family holidays.

Photos of Cape Town, the Cape winelands and two african children with South African masks

Sample Family Itineraries in South Africa

A South Africa family itinerary can be shaped around the unique needs of your group, balancing adventure with comfort and relaxation. Our itineraries often begin in Cape Town, where families can ride the cable car up Table Mountain, meet the penguins at Boulders Beach, or enjoy hands-on experiences at the V&A Waterfront. The nearby Winelands add a touch of indulgence, with estates that welcome children with open lawns, gardens and grape juice tastings while adults enjoy world-class wines.

For those who enjoy road trips, the Garden Route family holiday is a highlight – a stretch of coastline filled with beaches, forests and lagoons. Here, families can enjoy whale watching, zip-lining, kayaking and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a playground for all ages. To round off the adventure, add a safari: choose from malaria-free reserves like Madikwe and the Eastern Cape, or experience the legendary wildlife of Kruger’s private game reserves. With handpicked family-friendly safari lodges offering space, comfort and child-focused amenities, every part of the journey is designed to ensure both adventure and ease.

Family Itinerary 1: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Port Elizabeth Safari

photo of vineyard in south africa, boulders beach and family on safari looking at elephants at watering hole

Day 1–4: Cape Town
Arrive in Cape Town and settle into a luxury family hotel overlooking the ocean or Table Mountain. Highlights for children include the cable car up Table Mountain, meeting the penguins at Boulders Beach, and the aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. Parents can enjoy fine dining, vineyard lunches and coastal drives.

Day 5–6: Hermanus (2-hour drive from Cape Town)
Travel two hours along the coast to Hermanus, a charming seaside town known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching (June to November). Families can enjoy boat trips to see whales, dolphins and seals, as well as cliffside walks with breathtaking ocean views. Outside of whale season, Hermanus offers beaches, nature reserves and family-friendly restaurants, making it a great stop year-round.

Day 7–8: Cape Winelands (1hr 15 min drive from Hermanus)
Just over an hour from Hermanus, the Winelands offer rolling vineyards and family-friendly estates. Children can enjoy spacious gardens and grape juice tastings, while parents savour world-class wines and relaxed gourmet meals.

Day 9–10: Garden Route (4-5 hr drive to Knysna or Plettenberg Bay)
Continue along one of the world’s most scenic drives, stopping at Knysna, Plettenberg Bay or Tsitsikamma National Park. Families can enjoy boat trips to spot dolphins, zip-lining through forest canopies, or visiting monkey and bird sanctuaries.

Day 11–13: Malaria-Free Safari near Port Elizabeth (3-4 hr drive from Plettenberg Bay/1 hr flight from Cape Town)
End your journey with a stay in a private reserve such as Shamwari or Kwandwe, just outside Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). These malaria-free safaris are ideal for families, with lodges offering children’s programmes, junior ranger activities and flexible game drives. Spot the Big Five in comfort, and enjoy evenings around the fire under starry skies.

Family Itinerary 2: Cape Town & Sabi Sands Safari (Kruger Region)

photo of children in safari jeep, a lion cub and cape town coastline.

Day 1–4: Cape Town
Begin in Cape Town, where you can explore Table Mountain, enjoy beach time at Camps Bay and discover the city’s cultural highlights. Children will love the penguins at Boulders Beach, while parents can unwind with world-class cuisine and wine tastings.

Day 5–6: Cape Winelands (1 hr drive from Cape Town)
Stay in a family villa among vineyards in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. The Winelands offer a relaxed pace, with picnics, nature trails and even chocolate tastings for younger travellers.

Day 7–10: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve (2 hr flight Cape Town-Skukuza or Nelspruit, plus 1-2 hr lodge transfer)
Fly to Kruger and transfer to one of the private reserves adjoining the park, such as Sabi Sands. Renowned for some of the best Big Five sightings in Africa, Sabi Sands offers thrilling safari drives, often with leopard encounters. Families can enjoy private vehicles, experienced rangers and luxury lodges with family suites. While Kruger is a malarial area, precautions ensure a safe and memorable adventure for those with older children.

Family Itinerary 3: Cape Town & Madikwe Safari (Malaria-Free)

photo of cape town harbour, penguins at boulders beach and zebras on safari

Day 1–4: Cape Town
Spend the first few days exploring Cape Town. Highlights include a ride up Table Mountain, a day trip to Cape Point and meeting the penguins at Boulders Beach. Family-friendly hotels and seaside dining make this an easy start to your holiday.

Day 5–6: Cape Winelands (1 hr drive from Cape Town)
Enjoy two days in the Winelands, where families can cycle between vineyards, enjoy picnics in the countryside and stay at boutique estates that welcome children.

OR

Day 5–6: Hermanus (2 hr drive from Cape Town)
Head along the coast to Hermanus, one of the best whale-watching spots in the world (June–November). Families can enjoy boat trips to see whales, dolphins and seals, as well as cliffside walks with sweeping ocean views. Outside whale season, Hermanus offers beaches, hiking trails and family-friendly restaurants — a relaxing seaside interlude before safari.

Day 7–10: Madikwe Game Reserve (2 hr flight Cape Town–Johannesburg, then 1 hr light aircraft flight or 4–5 hr road transfer)
Fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg, then transfer to Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s best malaria-free safari destinations. Here, families can enjoy sightings of the Big Five as well as wild dogs, with lodges that specialise in child-friendly safaris. Many offer junior ranger programmes, family chalets and flexible game drives to suit little adventurers. With no malaria risk, Madikwe is an ideal choice for families with younger children.

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Best Time to Go

May to September (winter/dry season): Best for safari (Kruger, game reserves) — animals gather around waterholes, vegetation is thinner, so easier to spot wildlife. Cooler, dry days.

November to March (summer): Best for Cape Town, Garden Route, beaches — warm, sunny, great for hiking and coastlines.

April & October: Shoulder months with mixed but usually pleasant weather, fewer crowds.

Flight Time from UK

Direct London Heathrow → Johannesburg / Cape Town: 11–12

Indirect (1 stop): ~13–17 hours (depending on route/layover).

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Difference

UK winter (GMT): +2 hours ahead.
UK summer (BST): +1 hour ahead

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