South Africa Family Holiday

Welcome to Cape Town! After touching down in South Africa, you'll pick up your hire car or be met by one of our friendly team at the airport. You'll then head into Cape Town for your three-night stay. Cape Town has some brilliant family-friendly hotels, all packed with the sort of fun, interesting things to do that kids will love (and so will the parents!) Many of our team have families themselves, so we'll make sure we know exactly what you need, whether that be interconnecting rooms or a top-notch kids' club!

There's plenty to entertain the kids on a Cape Point adventure. They'll love the funicular railway, climbing to the top of the Cape Point Lighthouse and stopping off at the little beaches along the way. But, without doubt, the highlight will be the penguins of Boulder's Beach. There are too many of them to count, we recommend spending a good hour here watching them splash, waddle and play in the sun.

Your day in Cape Town today will be spent visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. This huge underwater world perfectly showcases the diverse marine life found off the southern tip of Africa. From sharks to sea turtles, there's so much to see. Plus, their ethos is always to be ethical and responsible, so you can visit safe in the knowledge that the wildlife is well cared for and happy. This afternoon we recommend heading up to the top of Table Mountain, or crossing the shark-infested waters to Robben Island, if your children are old enough to benefit from a history lesson!

You'll leave the city today and head to the tranquil and remote De Hoop Nature Reserve, where you'll stay for two nights. There's so much wildlife to spot in this underrated coastal region, from herds of bontebok, eland and zebra, to the marine life that you might just be lucky enough to spot jumping above the waves. Top tip: If you're visiting between June and November, you'll be there at the prime time for whale watching. Keep your eyes peeled on the water for the chance to spot these huge creatures of the deep breaching the waves.

You'll jump in the car this morning and head towards the lesser-visited Klein Karoo region. The drive is a beautiful and scenic one, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. Oudtshoorn doesn't often feature on South African holiday itineraries, but we think it's the perfect addition to a family adventure, with plenty of experiences to be had. 

We've left today clear for you to do whatever you family pleases in the Klein Karoo. We'd recommend a visit to one of the local ostrich farms to meet South Africa's tallest bird, before venturing underground to explore the dramatic Cango Caves. If you're looking for something extra special, there's a local 'Meerkat Adventure' experience that would fit the bill. It's an early start, but the chance to meet and learn about these fascinating creatures is well worth it. 

You'll head back to the coast today for the start of your four-day adventure along the Garden Route. This road is frequently mentioned in 'top road trips of the world' lists, and it won't take you long to understand why. The road is sandwiched between the ocean and the imposing mountains, and winds through forests, past hidden lagoons and white sand beaches. There's no end to the quaint towns, quirky excursions, and worthwhile stop-offs here. We'll be sure to recommend the best options for you and your family, based on your ages, interests and what you want from your adventure.

We highly recommend spending a day at the Crags near Plettenberg Bay if you're visiting South Africa with your family. With the brilliant Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and the Tenikwa Big Cat Experience all here, there are countless wildlife encounters to be had. Of course, we've ensured that all of these sanctuaries are ethical, so you can visit safely in the knowledge that the sanctuaries always prioritise the well-being of the animals above all else.

If you're planning to head off on your South Africa family holiday between the months of June and November, you're in luck. This is the perfect time of year to spot seals, dolphins and even whales off the coast of the Garden Route. South Africa is so well known for its traditional safari experiences, but head off on an ocean safari today, where you'll see that its marine life offering is every bit as special.

There are stunning beaches to tempt your toes around every corner of the Garden Route. All are great for long walks, beach games, and family fun. After a few days of adventures, take a bit of time to unwind in the sunshine together before heading off on safari. Chat to us about where might be the best place to base yourself for some beach time on the Garden Route.

Today, you'll be heading to your last unforgettable stop, some time on safari. The Eastern Cape, easily reachable from the end of the Garden Route without having to take any additional flights or spend too long in the car, is the perfect spot for a family safari. It boasts huge numbers of Big Five wildlife and it's a malaria-free zone, so there's no need to worry about anti-malarial tablets before your holiday. A blessing with a young family! We'll make sure we choose the perfect safari lodge for you. One that offers plenty of fun and varied activities for you and your children to enjoy between safari adventures. 

Today, your South Africa family holiday is nearly done. You'll head back to Port Elizabeth Airport for an overnight flight home via Johannesburg.