Family holidays in South Africa

What is the point of a holiday? Yes, it is about relaxing and recharging, but it is also about strengthening bonds between loved ones, experiencing new things, and ultimately creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Travelling with the family can be tricky since there are many members to keep happy, so it is imperative to choose a destination that offers a diverse range of activities and experiences. Family holiday destinations in South Africa are many. From the bush to the beach, South Africa delivers in spades.

Family holiday destinations in South Africa

There are many affordable family holiday packages in South Africa encompassing all corners of the country. When one thinks of South Africa, one thinks of its rich and diversified wildlife; and many lodges situated in and around game reserves cater for families with children. But South Africa has so much more to offer.

From the beautiful city of Cape Town with its myriad of interesting activities close by, to the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, opportunities for memorable family holidays in South Africa are almost endless. Some of the main highlights include:

Safari luxury family holidays, South Africa

If you are searching for a luxury family holiday in South Africa, you need to look no further than the private reserves surrounding the world-famous Kruger National Park. South Africa is home to a multitude of lodges that will accept children, although some do have an age limitation so it is advisable to check this with your agent or the lodge before booking.

A family holiday destination in South Africa should allow you to share an experience, and to learn about the inner workings of the bushveld is a fascinating topic to both young and old. Nature transcends age groups and its appeal is timeless.

Many lodges offer junior ranger programs that are a great way to keep the young ones entertained while you enjoy a well-earned rest during the heat of the day. The team is usually great and the kids will soon feel like a South Africa safari family member.

From animal-themed art classes, to crash courses in tracking and searching for creepy crawlies around the lodge, these activities are always a smash hit on a family holiday to South Africa!

Whether you stay in a luxury lodge, or embark on a self-driving camping adventure, if you are looking for an affordable family holiday package or a bespoke luxury family holiday in South Africa, spending time in the bush is bucket list experience.

Family beach holidays, South Africa

When one thinks of family holiday destinations in South Africa, one’s mind is perforated with images of wildlife and culture, but there is another, often overlooked facet. South Africa’s east cost is home to the rich, tepid waters of the Indian Ocean. Family beach holidays in South Africa are the perfect way to explore this often forgotten, yet vibrant ecosystem.

Kilometres of white sandy beaches snake their way up the coastline from Kwa Zulu Natal all the way into Mozambique. The warm, calm waters are home to countless rich reefs that contain an astounding cacophony of aquatic life.

The snorkelling is amazing but other adventures await the more intrepid. The east coast is famous for whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, and there are organised trips to view and even swim with these placid leviathans. Add scuba diving and a host of watersports into the mix, and a family beach holiday in South Africa is guaranteed to be memorable!

It should be noted however, that there are few luxury family beach resorts in South Africa. The majority of offerings involve rentals or chalets on or, close to the coast. Whilst this may not be to everyone’s liking, it does preserve the ambiance and privacy of the experience and allows you to immerse yourself in the purity of South Africa’s coast line, without getting lost in the usual ‘touristy’ offerings.

Family holidays, South Africa (Cape Town & surroundings)

Cape Town is a must visit on any family holiday to South Africa. Not only is the city bustling with culture and heritage, but there is a wealth of fantastic activities to be found close by.

The scenery is simply spectacular, with coastal roads cut into the cliffs inspiring both awe and wonder as you marvel at the landscape. Of course, no view matches that from the summit of Cape Town’s very own geological guardian, Table Mountain.

Botanical gardens, planetariums and wine country also await those willing to explore. For the more culturally inclined, why not take a boat trip out to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and learn about some of the more unsavoury events that helped shape the nation’s history.

Coupled with a vibrant shopping and restaurant scene, Cape Town offer plenty of scope as a family holiday destination in South Africa.

Family holidays, South Africa – Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose South Africa for a family holiday?

South Africa is perhaps the most diverse country in Africa in terms of its offerings. From its pristine wilderness areas, to the tropical waters on the east coast, South Africa has something for everyone. Thanks to a solid infrastructure, it is easy to design an itinerary that can encompassing lots of different experiences.

There are so many family holiday destinations in South Africa that careful consideration must be taken when booking to get the most out of your requirements. Thankfully, most agents are well versed in this regard and will help you streamline the trip.

A large portion of the country’s revenue is generated through tourism and therefore hospitality standards are generally very high, especially if you are considering splashing out on a luxury family holiday to South Africa.

Is South Africa safe for a family holiday?

South Africa receives a lot of negative press with regard to its travel safety. However, in reality, as long as you stick to the main tourist areas, and stay vigilant, you should encounter no problems. The hospitality sector especially, prides itself on its track record of safety and customer satisfaction, and is considered its most important requirement.

Thousands of family holidays to South Africa are booked each year and one only has to speak to anyone that has been privy to the hospitality and sheer wonder of its cultural and natural diversity, to understand why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent!  To become a member of the South African safari family is an experience to remember for a lifetime.

As with any destinations, there are areas to avoid but these are generally places way off the beaten track, far away from the influence of conventional tourism. If you are planning a family holiday to South Africa, one option is to hire a private guide to travel with you. This is a great way to not only safely navigate the country, but also to learn some of the South Africa’s cultural secrets from a qualified local guide.

All tour operators will use preferred suppliers with proven track records, but should you be looking for a more affordable family holiday package in South Africa, and want to explore options such as camping and self-drive expeditions on your own, checking reviews, and doing some research on the area is recommended.