This perfectly curated two-week trip to South Africa blends a mix of sunshine-filled family downtime with ample opportunity to experience the country's highlights. Discover playful penguins, thrilling cable car rides, and a memorable African dinner as you get to know Cape Town. See lions and elephants on safari in Pilanesberg National Park, then head to Sun City for family fun and relaxation. A visit to vibrant Johannesburg and an unforgettable trip to Soweto complete this family adventure.

Highlights

  • Take a guided walk through the iconic Cape Town
  • Tour the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
  • Enjoy an evening of African food, theater, and puppetry
  • Discover the seal colony at Dyer Island
  • See the Big Five at Pilanesberg National Park

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town, Explore Cape Town
Day 2 Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape Town Tour, Escape Room Cape Town
Day 3 Bloemendal Wine Estate Family Day, Pizza Making at Strolla Cape Town
Day 4 Tour Cape Point, Boulders Beach African Penguins Cape Town
Day 5 Two Oceans Aquarium, Traditional African Dinner Cape Town
Day 6 Dyer Island Wildlife Tour Cape Town
Day 7 Fly to Pilanesberg National Park, Big Five Safari Pilanesberg National Park
Day 8 Sunrise Game Drive, Transfer to Sun City Sun City
Day 9 Relaxed Family Day in Sun City Sun City
Days 10-11 Additional Activities at Sun City Sun City
Day 12 Transfer to Johannesburg Johannesburg
Day 13 Soweto Guided Visit & Storytelling Dinner Johannesburg
Day 14 Depart Johannesburg  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Explore

Welcome to Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town!

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your Cape Town hotel, your base, for the next six nights. Settle in before heading out with the kids to explore. The town's many historical parks are perfect for little legs to run around after a long flight. Afterward, head to the famous V&A Waterfront—an ideal spot to catch the Cape Town vibe while relaxing with a drink and savoring the waterfront views against the epic Table Mountain backdrop.

Day 2: Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape Town Tour, Escape Room

Cable car to Table Mountain
Enjoy the views from the top of Table Mountain

It's your first full day in South Africa! After breakfast, meet your guide and soar up Table Mountain by cable car. Kids will have heaps of fun in the rotating carriage that gives spectacular views over Robben Island and Signal Hill. Treat the little ones to ice cream when you reach the top, and enjoy a walk around the summit before taking the cable car back down. 

Back on terra firma, find your legs with a guided tour of the city. Explore Cape Town's different historical periods as you visit some of the city's most famous sites, including Company's Garden, the Houses of Parliament, the 17th Century Castle of Good Hope, and the Slave Lodge Museum. Along the way, you'll learn about South Africa's extraordinary history and the people who shaped it. Afterward, head to the waterfront and dine at one of the many child-friendly restaurants overlooking the ocean. 

With appetites satisfied, you have several options for the rest of the day. Challenge older kids to a game of "hint hunt," an adrenaline-fuelled sixty minutes inside a locked theme room as you race against time to beat the clock. For younger ones, a cruise on the Jolly Roger pirate ship is sure to be a hit.

Day 3: Bloemendal Wine Estate Family Day, Pizza Making at Strolla

Enjoy an ice cream tasting!
Kids can have fun at a wine tasting too!

Take a family-friendly wine tour with a difference today as you head to the Bloemendal Estate winery in the heart of the famous Durbanville Wine Valley, just outside Cape Town. As you sit down to taste some of the region's excellent wines, discerning, sweet-toothed little ones are in for a special treat. Enjoy platters of sparkling fresh sushi as the kids try pairings such as apple juice with strawberry and bubblegum ice cream, accompanied by smarties.

If the kids are on a sugar rush, steer them toward the enormous sand pit while older kids can participate in various outdoor activities. In the evening, continue the fun foodie theme and book a table at Strolla Restaurant & Bar. This seaside eatery has a fab Kiddies' Corner where younger ones can become pizza makers and create their own edible masterpieces. Treat yourselves to a cocktail or two as you toast your holiday adventures while the kids relax in the restaurant's kid-themed games room.

Day 4: Tour Cape Point, Boulders Beach African Penguins

Kirstenbosch walkway
Enjoy the view at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

This morning, embark on an unforgettable tour as you and the family head on a scenic drive south around Chapman's Peak and down to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Point. Here on the tip of the famous Cape Peninsula, discover fabulous beaches, lighthouses, and magnificent views across the ocean. Kids will adore a Flying Dutchman funicular railway trip, where the vantage point from the iconic lighthouse at the top offers stunning views across both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

If the younger ones thought the funicular was fun, wait until they see the adorable penguins at the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary. View the tuxedoed waddle up close via a network of wooden walkways before heading to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With a world-famous reputation, the gardens' setting against the grandeur of Table Mountain is hard to beat. With over 1,303 acres (528 ha) to explore, take one of the trails and admire the colorful flora and fauna as you stroll among the collections of over 7,000 plant species.

Day 5: Two Oceans Aquarium, Traditional African Dinner

Djembe drummers
Watch the fantastic djembe drummers during tonight's dinner

Spend a relaxed day in Cape Town, soaking up the relaxed vibe and exploring one of the city's top family-friendly attractions. Located on the waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium showcases a vast selection of marine life from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, including sharks, penguins, turtles, and octopuses. Kids will love getting up close and personal with these incredible species from behind the glass, viewing windows, and discovering the lesser-known species, such as the Knysna seahorses, cryptic klipfish, and sea stars. 

As evening falls, you and your family are in for a treat as you head to one of Cape Town's celebrated restaurants for an immersive African gastronomic experience. Sit down to a 14-course tasting menu served in a communal atmosphere and designed to be shared. As you savor each course, you and the kids will be entertained by a troop of African singers and dancers. If the kids are inspired to join in, watch their faces light up as they learn how to play the djembe drums, enjoy traditional Mali puppetry, and are encouraged to hop on stage and dance with the performers. 

Day 6: Dyer Island Wildlife Tour

South African Seal
Ok, I'm ready for my close-up...the seals on Geyser Rock
Plan your trip to South Africa
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Leave Cape Town today for a spectacular day on Dyer Island—a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) home to many avian species, including African penguins. Spend time on the island getting to know these adorable creatures while the natural comedic seals will keep the little ones entertained with their cute faces and playful antics. Then, it's time to hop on a boat and take a 2.5-hour cruise as you explore the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000-strong Cape fur seal colony.

Keep your cameras close, and your eyes peeled as you cruise the section of water known as Shark Alley. The area is well-known for spotting the Western Cape's Big Five marine animals—alongside the penguins and seals, you and the kids will likely see great white sharks, whales, and dolphins! Return to the harbor and transfer back to Cape Town, where the rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish. 

Day 7: Fly to Pilanesberg National Park, Big Five Safari

Africa Safari
Meet the irresistible elephants on today's safari 

As you prepare for the next leg of your family adventure, it's an early start this morning. After breakfast, you'll catch a flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport and transfer to Pilanesberg National Park. South Africa is synonymous with safaris, and Pilanesberg has a particularly unique setting. Perched on the remains of a 1,200 million-year-old volcanic crater (one of only three in the world) in the Bojanala Region, the park's 136,000 acres (55,000 ha) covers some of South Africa's most extraordinary landscapes. 

Settle into your accommodation on the reserve and head out with an expert guide as you and the kids search for the Big Five. Capture the kids' faces as they spot their first lion, cheetah, and elephant, and hear stories from your guide about the habits and environment of these magnificent animals. Back at the lodge, take a dip in one of the secluded pools, head to the tennis courts, or explore the various Stone Age and Iron Age archaeological sites. A gourmet dinner at one of the on-site restaurants and an evening of complete relaxation await. 

Day 8: Sunrise Game Drive, Transfer to Sun City

Pride of Lions
Say hello to the big cats

Wake up early this morning to the unmistakable sounds of the African bush coming to life, and set out for one of the highlights of your stay; a three-hour sunrise game drive in the reserve. Sleepy little ones will soon be wide-eyed and full of wonder as they spot the magnificent lions and big cats in the beautiful morning light. Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast before saying goodbye to Pilanesberg. If the kids are sad to leave the reserve, console them with the promise of plenty of theme park fun as you head to Sun City.

Day 9: Relaxed Family Day in Sun City

Full Day at Sun City
There's plenty of aquatic fun at Sun City

Take some time with the family today as you relax and explore Sun City. Tailor-made for families of all ages, the resort is full of activities to keep the kids entertained. Head to the Valley of the Waves with its world-class water slides before navigating the archaeologically themed Maze of the Lost City. Younger kids will love a ride on the miniature Stimela Train or Finders Keepers, where they can dig for treasure.

After lunch, there's still plenty more to explore. Opt for a mental challenge at BreakOut as you and the kids work together to solve a series of puzzles and problems to escape a locked room or head to Crocodile Village to watch the spectacle of feeding time. There's even an on-site cinema where you and the kids can enjoy some downtime in the company of the latest blockbusters. 

Days 10-11: Additional Activities at Sun City

Additional Activities at Sun City
Discover fun for kids of all ages at Sun City

The following two days are yours to relax and unwind fully. Water babies can enjoy a range of activities, from gliding along the relaxing Lazy River to the adrenaline rush of the Roaring Lagoon wave pool, with its 6-foot (2 m) waves every 90 seconds. Take a spin on Viper and Mamba tube rides, or take a deep breath and brave the Temple of Courage, with its 56-foot (17 m) near vertical drop. If that sounds too strenuous, amble to the beach bar for a cool drink and post-swim snack. 

Families seeking adventure on land should head to the Chimp & Zee rope adventure park. Soar across ziplines, navigate rope bridges, and tackle the balance beams and hanging spider nets for an adrenaline rush in the treetops. Alternatively, challenge the family to a mini golf tournament, get muddy at the mini quad biking track, or head to the on-site spa and make use of the resort's creche facilities.

A visit to the Forest of Lights is a must in the evening. Discover twinkling lights and hidden pathways as you stroll among the beautiful light installation that will captivate kids, both big and small. Afterward, either enjoy one of the nightly spectacular live shows or head to one of the resort's many family-friendly restaurants and recount your favorite trip experiences so far.

Day 12: Transfer to Johannesburg

Braamfontein, a central suburb of Johannesburg
Explore the child-friendly parks and activities in Johannesburg

Say goodbye to Sun City this morning as you drive three hours southeast to Johannesburg, South Africa's most diverse, vibrant, progressive, and welcoming city. With a fantastic dining, music, and arts scene, its family-friendly Gold Reef City Theme Park, and proximity to Soweto, South Africa's largest township, the city wears its culture, activism, and optimism with pride. 

Check in at your hotel, and then, depending on the kid's ages, you have several options. Families with younger children in need of burning off some energy, and seeking fun rides and activities, should head to Gold Reef City. Spend a thrilling few hours as you try out the numerous rides and jump to your heart's content in the trampoline park before dining at one of the nearby family-friendly restaurants.

If the kids are a little older, go for a walking tour of the Maboneng Precinct, a former industrial zone that has been transformed into a vibrant part of the city. Maboneng, a Sotho word for "Place of Light," is a fitting name for a neighborhood that has quickly become a center for creative urban artists. There are plenty of art galleries and historical museums, perfect for curious older kids. Afterward, head to the 50-story Carlton Center for a bird's eye view of the city. 

Day 13: Soweto Guided Tour & Storytelling Dinner

Outside Nelson Mandela's House
Market stall outside Nelson Mandela's Soweto home 
Families with older kids who want a better understanding of South Africa's Apartheid era and the struggle to end segregation should take a guided visit to the nearby township of Soweto. Discover the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and the Hector Pieterson Memorial as you learn about the township's importance as a center of civil unrest. In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars as you and the kids share food and hear stories from former students, artists, and musicians who lived through and were part of the 1976 uprisings. 

Day 14: Depart Johannesburg

Depart South Africa
Until the next time, South Africa!

Sadly today marks you and your family's last day in South Africa. With hearts full of adventure and memories to last a lifetime, head to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other South Africa itineraries, explore different ways to spend two weeks in South Africa with your family, or discover the best time to visit South Africa.

Map

Map of Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days
Map of Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days