This 10 night itinerary forms a wonderful introduction for families with children of all ages to South Africa including Cape Town, Beach and a family-friendly safari on your holiday. Travel times are kept to a minimum.
Travelling through malaria-free locations, it offers ‘realistic adventure’ combining wildlife, beach and culture to keep all family members enthralled. You can expect a very warm welcome when travelling with children to South Africa.
Suggested family itinerary:
Overnight direct flight to Cape Town
Days 1-4
Upon arrival collect your hire car and drive to Camps Bay (or private transfer can be arranged) for 4 nights at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. From here you can discover the wonders of Cape Point, the Penguins at Boulders, the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain as well as activities further afield such as whale watching in Hermanus (June – November) and the Cheetah Outreach project in the Winelands. Alternatively just chill at the hotel, enjoy the great ‘rock hewn’ swimming pool, views over the Atlantic Ocean or even a trip to the fantastic Spa for grown ups!
Day 5 - 7
Set off early for the Garden Route (approx 5 – 6 hours, suggestions for a stop night can be made if necessary). Here you will be welcomed at Hog Hollow Country Lodge for 3 nights. Comfortable rooms nestle among the gardens while the main house has the dining areas, pool and a nightly fire is lit. Locally explore the animal sanctuaries for elephants and monkeys to name but a few, as well as stunning beaches such as Nature’s Valley and the ancient Tsitsikamma Forest. Staff at the Lodge will help you plan your fun filled day and supply boogie boards and picnics if required!
Day 8 - 10
Depart for Eastern Cape (approx 4 hours) and Kwandwe Private Game Reserve where you will be welcomed at the luxurious Ecca Lodge for your safari in the heart of the Bush. Game drives take place in open 4 x 4s at Dawn and Dusk in search of Lion, Elephant and other members of the Big Five! Rangers and Lodge Staff will also help entertain younger guests during the day as part of the Beyond ‘Planet Manager’ programme with bug hunts and baking.
Day 11
Drive back to Port Elizabeth Airport, return your hire car and take your flight to Johannesburg, connecting with your flight home.
More time?
Extend your itinerary with stays in the Winelands, Overberg, Sun City Resort and the Waterberg.
Best time to go
May - September offers good value accommodation and some of best game viewing. This is generally dry season (although South Africa has a number of climates dependent on the region) and that means less vegetation for the animals to hide nehindbehindore congregation around water holes. It also corresponds to whale watching season.
October - April corresponds with the South African Summer and is popular with families seeking to combine a South African adventure with time by the pool or beach.
What age should children be?
To make the most of the safari then we recommend that children are age 4 or 5 plus but there are excellent lodges that have no age limits on activities, so it is when you think they are ready.
As the time difference is only 1 or 2 hours and there is no jetlag it is an excellent destination for children, even for a short break.
Child related supplies are widely available in local shops around Cape Town and Plattenberg Bay.
For the family safari trip of a lifetime, fill out an enquiry form on the left and our dedicated family holiday designers will help to plan the holiday of your dreams...
