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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RiyadZahran • traveled in March
One 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 Geographic Journeys - D
Debbie • traveled in December, 2025
I have travelled with Viva Safaris twice and it was amazing both times. In particular the 2nd trip was the best as we managed to see every animal possible and the guides went above and beyond to ensure that this happened. I would like to thank Victor and Smiley for making our trip the best experience. Also, thanks to Marco for ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Hope to make it again in the future. Best wishes to everyone at Viva! Debbie
5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari - E
Ezekiel • traveled in February, 2025
It was good for some reason had to pay extra but the overall trip was good. South Africa is really beautiful
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
Our traveler's Moments
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
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Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National Geographic Journeys
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10 Best South Africa Family vacation packages
Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure
- Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National Geographic Journeys
- 12-Day Family-Friendly Group Tour – Cape Town & Garden Route Explorer
- 5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
- 5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Cape Town and Garden Route Adventure Tour
- Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
- 11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The game viewing was great as was the accommodation. The whole group providing a great opportunity getting to know fellow travelers.”
Fiona, traveled in August
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, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, St Lucia, Durban Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Explore! From
- US$2,800
Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five National Geographic Journeys
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They care about every details to make your trip fantastic. Professional, expert, amazing and much more.”
RiyadZahran, traveled in February
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
- US$4,899
Watch meerkats wake up at sunrise in Oudtshoorn, walk suspension bridges at Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park, and meet African penguins at Boulders Beach. Kids 9+ stay at The President Hotel in Cape Town, Simola Golf & Country Estate in Knysma, and De Opstal Country Lodge.
Duration 12 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, GeorgeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 9+ Operator T.S TOURS From
- US$3,400
5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accomm was basic but clean and comfortable, scheduling ran like clockwork, food was excellent.”
Marshall, traveled in October
South African wildlife tour features comfortable stays at Tremisana Game Lodge. Children over age 1 join open vehicle safaris in Kruger's Orpen-Satara region, watching zebras and giraffes. Evening highlights include sunsets and bush BBQs at Marula Tree Boma.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Viva Safaris From
- US$1,287
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing 5 day tour in a beautiful lodge with very friendly staff. Food was delicious, drivers were very punctual.”
Elisabeth, traveled in October
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, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Graskop Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$962
Family tour welcomes ages 1+. Attractions include Shell Museum in Jeffrey's Bay and ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. Family-friendly lodging at Caledon Hotel offers outdoor pools, with additional stays at Wilderness Hotel.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- US$1,990
Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All of the accommodation and experiences that he booked were excellent & thoroughly enjoyable.”
Matthew, traveled in February
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, George, Wilderness National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- US$2,390
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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