South Africa Family Tours
The Garden Route 6-day family tours really shine with those treehouse stays where kids wake up to birdsong. Parents tell us how well it mixes learning with pure fun - watching their little ones light up at elephant and lion sightings in Addo National Park while picking up conservation knowledge. Families love kayaking together near Knysna, often spotting dolphins and seals along the coast. The Cango Caves and ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn keep children busy with hands-on activities, while Wilderness National Park offers gentle canoe trips and easy walks to waterfalls. The penguin colonies at Boulders Beach turn into perfect family photo sessions that kids just can't get enough of.
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A wonderful family adventure. The variety kept the kids entertained and the staff went above and beyond to make sure our trip was unforgettable. Highly recommended
South Africa Family Safari with TeenagersOne of the best trip ever! Professional, expert , amazing and much more They care about every details to make your trip fantastic
Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National GeographicJust returned from this Safari as a group of 6 including our two granddaughters aged 9 and 12. Never been on a Safari and didn’t know what to expect we all returned with unforgettable memories. Well organised like an army expedition from pick up in Johannesburg by charming Solo 1 who halfway to the Tremisana lodge handed us over to Solo2. The lodge was very nice, friendly staff and we would like to thank all but especially Smiley always smiling and joking who named us the “big six” , Ve and Carl who were especially nice to our granddaughters. Someone back home asked me what type of animals did you see? My answer to it, everything except a honey badger. After if I remember correctly 3 days of roaming, bushwalking and driving mornings and evenings through the adjourning game reserves we were transferred to the Tree house. Same perfect precision organisation in beautiful surroundings. On our trip the next day as we entered the Kruger National Park a Cheetah greeted us on the left side of the road on the embankment. As if to welcome us he performed for us for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the wilderness. On this first day being in the National Park we encountered so many animals but a few standing out was a pack of wild dogs, the pack unfazed by our presence running along the road for quite a while. A Hyena cub sun bathing outside the den waiting for its mother. The visitor to the animal rescue centre was very educational and we had a lovely guide. We enjoyed 2 sundowners, unforgettable sunsets in the breathtaking landscape taking in the sun setting over the horizon turning from yellow to red. To be 💯% honest I was scared just looking into the bush and just hoping nothing was coming our way. On our last day we drove into Kruger for the whole day and besides spotting again a Leopard, lions and more on our way out a ball Elephant right next to the road munching away on the leaves of a branch unfazed at our presence. Naturally the driver stopped, turned off the engine and we just waited for his reaction. Munching away he slowly came closer to the open jeep. All of us sat mesmerised by the sheer size of the Elephant. He came so close that we could have easily touched him. All I could see was that big head of him, his eyes looking us over and playing with his trunk, sniffing around and finally after a few minutes which seemed an eternity he just walked away. I had the feeling that he just wanted to say “see ya again “ Next day sadly we had to leave back to Johannesburg where we stopped at a place unfortunately I don’t remember the name but with just mind blowing scenery. The only complaint I have is and nobody could fix that, it was bitterly cold in the mornings and evenings. We including our granddaughters learned so much and I’m sure they remember even the name of the many birds we saw. All I remember is one called banana bird. Easy to remember eh🤣
6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
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10 Best South Africa Family vacation packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers
- Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National Geographic
- Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure
- 6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
- 5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
- Kruger National Park Safari from Kruger Mpumalanga Int. Airport (KMI/MQP) and Panorama Route
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South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers
“The variety kept the kids entertained and the staff went above and beyond to make sure our trip was unforgettable.”
Tamera, traveled in June
South African family tour combines Soweto cycling with wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park. Children aged 10+ participate in camping activities, kayak in Kosi Bay, and observe elephants and lions during guided game drives.
Duration 12 days Destinations Johannesburg, Soweto, Hluhluwe, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, Hlane Royal National Park, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,850
10% Off- US$2,565
Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National Geographic
“It was amazing. I highly recommend to everyone.”
Shelly, traveled in August
South African family tour showcases kid-friendly lodging and activities. Highlights include penguin watching at Boulders Beach, interactive time at Chimp Eden, and safe safari drives in Kruger Park. Activities available: Tree-top Challenge (160-190 ZAR) and guided kayak adventures (450 ZAR).
Duration 11 days Destinations Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls Age Range Ages 7+ Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From
10% Off- US$4,999
Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure
“Walks in Tshukudu were very good, plus two game drives led by Richard.”
Tessa, traveled in April
Families splash in pools at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, roam beaches at Kosi Bay, and meet wildlife at Tshukudu's rehabilitation center. Activities suited for ages 7+, including snorkeling and game drives.
Duration 13 days Destinations Johannesburg, Sandton, White River, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, Hazyview, Ezulwini, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, EswatiniSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$3,180
6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
“The lodge was nice along with the food. We saw lots of animals thanks to our tour guides.”
Patrick, traveled in September
Tremisana Lodge's air-conditioned chalets welcome families in South Africa. Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre offers educational wildlife encounters, while bush BBQs and Blyde River Canyon tours create lasting memories. Expert guides ensure safe experiences.
Duration 6 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Viva Safaris From
10% Off- US$1,450
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
“Each day we got to see so much and we were so lucky to get to see the Big 5! The food was generous and the staff were very friendly and accomodating.”
Sally, traveled in March
Family-oriented safari provides air-conditioned lodge rooms near Phabeni Gate. Big 5 viewing in Skukuza area suits younger travelers, while the Panorama Route features stops at Bourke's Luck Potholes and Berlin Falls.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Mbombela Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
10% Off- US$1,180
Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
“Excellent 5 day tour from Cape Town, driving 1000km to the east along the Garden Route. The hotels he chose were top notch.”
Ann, traveled in March
South African family adventures unfold with interactive ostrich encounters in Oudtshoorn, whale watching from Plettenberg Bay, and kid-friendly elephant viewing at Addo. Beachfront accommodations in Jeffreys Bay provide comfortable family stays.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, OudtshoornSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour From
10% Off- US$2,650
Kruger National Park Safari from Kruger Mpumalanga Int. Airport (KMI/MQP) and Panorama Route
“Accommodation at Hazyview was of a high standard. Safaris and panorama tour was excellent.”
Paul, traveled in August
Big Five viewing combines with scenic stops at Bourke's Luck Potholes and Berlin Falls. Young children under 6 travel in air-conditioned comfort, while families relax on private lodge balconies and enjoy traditional boma dinners.
Duration 5 days Destinations Mbombela, Skukuza, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour From
10% Off- US$1,890
What our customers ask about South Africa Family Tours
What are the best family-friendly activities and attractions in South Africa?
South Africa's landscape provides a natural playground for families with children of all ages. Kruger National Park's game drives let families spot lions elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat while the beaches of Simon's Town host colonies of African penguins that waddle just feet away from visitors. The Garden Route combines outdoor adventures like the zip-line courses of Tsitsikamma Forest with gentle boat rides in Knysna's lagoon. For families concerned about malaria Mabula Game Lodge offers safari experiences in a malaria-free zone. A recent visitor noted: "Our family always had an ensuite bathroom which was a plus. The activities were a good mix of things to do in Africa. We went canoeing zip lining on a game drive walking with elephants and feeding them meeting ostriches and just enjoying the coast."
What types of accommodation are available for families in South Africa?
Family accommodations in South Africa range from basic to luxurious with options to suit every budget. Kruger Adventure Lodge offers practical family rooms configured with one double and two single beds. In Cape Town Protea Hotels provide connecting rooms ideal for keeping children close but maintaining privacy. Along the riverside Madikwe River Lodge's family suites come with private viewing decks where families can watch wildlife together. According to guest feedback: "The accommodation had everything we needed. Breakfast were delicious too. We had a great time staying at the lodge with our children!"
What activities are available for children on the Garden Route?
The Garden Route serves as a natural adventure park. Children can watch penguins at Boulders Beach take boat rides to see seals in Hout Bay catch their first wave during surf lessons at Muizenberg Beach or explore the trails of Tsitsikamma National Park. The Valley of Waves at Sun City adds artificial thrills with its water parks and slides. As one traveler noted: "We got to see so many different aspects of South Africa from Safari animals to stunning nature and landscapes to coastline."
What is the best time of year for a family trip to South Africa?
South Africa's diverse regions create different optimal travel windows. Kruger National Park sees the best wildlife viewing from May to September when the dry winter brings animals to waterholes. The Cape Town region and Garden Route shine from December to February with warm beach-friendly weather. Mabula Game Lodge in Waterberg welcomes families year-round thanks to its moderate climate. School holidays in December-January and June-July bring larger crowds making advance bookings essential.
How long are the driving times between destinations on family tours?
Road trips between South African destinations typically take 3-6 hours with built-in breaks for sightseeing and rest stops. The route from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn covers about 5 hours while Knysna to Addo takes roughly 4 hours. Tour operators plan stops at family-friendly locations. One traveler shared: "The guide made sure all our needs were met and made regular stops to keep everyone comfortable."
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