Highlights
- See the Big Five on safari at Kapama Game Reserve
- Experience traditional African food, music, and culture
- Cruise the Zambezi River at sunset
- Discover the majesty of Victoria Falls
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg, Bambanani Family Restaurant | Johannesburg |
| Day 2 | Drive to Kapama Game Reserve, Sunset Game Drive | Kapama Game Reserve |
| Day 3 | Kapama Game Reserve, Relax & Explore | Kapama Game Reserve |
| Day 4 | Fly to Cape Town, Explore | Cape Town |
| Day 5 | Tour Cape Point, Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary | Cape Town |
| Day 6 | Table Mountain Scooter Experience | Cape Town |
| Day 7 | Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, Picnic in Greenpoint Park | Cape Town |
| Day 8 | Fly to Victoria Falls, Boma Dinner & Drum Show | Victoria Falls |
| Day 9 | Victoria Falls, Potjie & Sunset Zambezi River Cruise | Victoria Falls |
| Day 10 | Painting in Mpisi's Village, Transfer to Johannesburg & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, Bambanani Family Restaurant
Welcome to South Africa! Nicknamed "Rainbow Nation" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this extraordinary country is a melting pot of diversity home to people of Indigenous Khoisan and Bantu, European, Asian, and mixed-race ancestry. The country offers incredible diversity and fantastic nature, wildlife, culture, and history, making it a truly remarkable destination for visitors and families.
Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your Johannesburg hotel, your base for the night. Settle in before heading out with the kids to explore. Take a walking tour of the Maboneng Precinct, a former industrial zone 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. In the evening, book a table at family favorite, Bambanani Family Restaurant. With full-time childminders and a heap of activities for kids of all ages, it's a perfect place to dine on your first night. Treat yourselves to a cocktail as you toast the start of your holiday adventures while the kids relax post-flight in the play areas.
Day 2: Drive to Kapama Game Reserve, Sunset Game Drive
It's an early start this morning as you and the kids head northeast to the Kapama Game Reserve, one of the finest luxury game reserves in the Kruger National Park. Pick up your rental car and enjoy a scenic drive as you pass through the open views of the Highveld. The charming village of Dullstroom, famous for its trout fishing, makes for a great halfway-point break to grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs.
Continue through Mpumalanga as you admire the beautiful landscape and task the kids with zebra spotting—the stripey creatures have been spotted not far from the road. Arrive at Kapama, settle into your accommodation, and get ready for a late afternoon game drive. In the company of a skilled ranger and tracker, hop aboard your 4WD safari vehicle and spend the next few hours tracking Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) as the sun starts to set over the bush. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and toast the start of your adventures.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Kapama Game Reserve, Relax & Explore
Today is yours to enjoy the African safari experience however you wish. The reserve's game drives are offered at sunrise and sunset, so head out early with the kids, where bleary eyes will soon be replaced with wide grins as they spot their first lion or elephant as the sun slowly rises. Head back for a hearty breakfast where you have plenty of time to relax before the next outing. Either take a dip in the pool with the kids, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or relax at the on-site spa.
If you've spotted the Big Five during your previous game drives, you may want to spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at your lodge or exploring the local area on a guided bush walk. With over 350 bird species to watch out for and animals such as antelope, cheetahs, zebras, and hippos, there's plenty to keep wildlife enthusiasts occupied. However, if you've well and truly caught the safari bug, make the most of your last night on the reserve as you enjoy the spectacle of the lions and elephants roaming in their natural habitat.
Day 4: Fly to Cape Town, Explore
This morning, you'll swap your rural safari surroundings for the cosmopolitan setting of Cape Town. After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, transfer to the airport and catch a flight west to South Africa's legislative capital. Settle in at your hotel before heading out with the kids to explore. The town's many historical parks are perfect for little legs to run around in after the flight. Afterward, head to the famous V&A Waterfront—it's 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.
Spend the rest of the day ambling around the city's child-friendly museums or having fun by the beach. Then, as the sun goes down, treat the family to a harbor cruise to watch the sunset, or, for the ultimate kid-friendly experience that combines dinner and fun, head to Strolla Restaurant & Bar. This seaside eatery has a fab Kiddies' Corner where younger ones can become pizzaioli (pizza makers) and create their own edible masterpieces while you sip a cocktail or two.
Day 5: Tour Cape Point, Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary
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 trip on the Flying Dutchman funicular railway, where the vantage point from the iconic lighthouse at the top offers stunning views across both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Nearby, Simon's Town is an excellent lunch stop for fresh seafood.
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 or rent a sea kayak and watch the penguins dive for the day's catch. Visit the nearby Kometjie Imhoff Village Farm at Kommetjie, where kids can pet the animals, or the Noordhoek Village Market (kids will love the village playground), where you'll find plenty of local crafts and delicious treats. Finish the day in style with a trip to the Cape Point Vineyards.
Day 6: Table Mountain Scooter Experience
This morning you'll visit Cape Town's ever-present backdrop, Table Mountain. Beat the crowds for the cable car and usual mode of transport as you take a shuttle ride to the top, where you'll meet your guides for an exhilarating scooter tour. The rugged, unmotorized vehicles are eco-friendly, built for off-roading, and the perfect way to freewheel down the mountain. Little ones can get in on the action, too, as children over four years can ride with their parents.
Enjoy the spectacular views as you ride down the Jeep track, spotting the famous landmarks of Lion's Head and Signal Hill on your way down. Reward yourselves with a delicious lunch on the waterfront before heading to Two Oceans Aquarium. Mini marine biologists will love seeing the vast selection of marine life from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, including sharks, turtles, and octopuses, as well as lesser-known species such as the Knysna seahorses, cryptic klipfish, and sea stars.
Day 7: Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, Picnic in Greenpoint Park
After yesterday's off-roading adventures, enjoy a relaxing morning strolling and seeing the sights of Cape Town. Don't dally too long, though, as kids big and little will love this morning's excursion. Help them practice their best Blackbeard impressions as you board the Jolly Roger pirate ship! Moored on the waterfront, the boat is a painstaking replica of the real thing. Set sail with your shipmates for a splendid hour-long cruise along the bay as you enjoy the fabulous views from the water.
Afterward, pick up picnic supplies and head over to Greenpoint Park, nestled in the shadow of the Cape Town Stadium. Picnic on the lawns while the kids (probably still pretending to be pirates) run around the gardens. Relax and enjoy the scenic views of the wetlands and the sounds of the ocean before checking out the park's playground, slides, and tunnels. As you head back to your accommodation, feast on gelato from the nearby legendary ice cream parlor, The Creamery.
Day 8: Fly to Victoria Falls, Boma Dinner & Drum Show
Today marks the final leg of your family adventure, with a flight from Cape Town airport to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you'll take a private transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in post-flight before heading to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for an unmissable evening of delicious local cuisine, dance, drumming, and storytelling. Come prepared to take part as you enjoy a traditional four-course meal from the braai (barbecue) and watch the kids tear onto the stage for an interactive drumming session.
Day 9: Victoria Falls, Potjie & Sunset Zambezi River Cruise
Wake up early today for the highlight of your trip. At a whopping 5,603 feet (1,708 m) wide, Victoria Falls is the world's largest waterfall and cascades 500 million cubic meters of water per minute from its sheer basalt cliffs. Explore the falls during a 2.5-hour guided tour as you and the kids experience memories to last a lifetime. Stroll the thundering cascades and gape at the appropriately named Rainbow Falls, whose misty spray can be seen from 12 miles (20 km) away. Lunch nearby at the Look Out Café, with terrific views over the Batoka Gorge.
Spend the final night of your holiday in style as you and your family take to the waters of the Zambezi River with a cruise on the famous Explorer. Enjoy canapes and a sundowner as you sail into the sunset while the kids keep their eyes peeled for crocodiles and buffalo. You'll return to the waterfront where a delicious South African potjie dinner, prepared in an iron pot over hot coals, will be waiting for you. Enjoy a feast under the stars and make a toast to your epic African adventure.
Day 10: Painting in Mpisi's Village, Transfer to Johannesburg & Depart
It's an early start this morning as you and your family prepare to say goodbye to South Africa. However, depending on flight times, there's still time to squeeze in one last activity. A private transfer will take you to Mpisi's Village, a small homestead on the outskirts of Victoria Falls. Here, you and the kids can create your own works of art with the help of a private tutor, who will guide you in the art of oil, watercolor, finger painting, or traditional beading. Learn about traditional Ndebele culture as you spend a restful few hours painting and experiencing local village life.
After the workshop, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch before transferring to Johannesburg and catching your onward flight. Safe travels!
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