South Africa Family Travel

Families looking for adventurous activities and wildlife spotting will love South Africa. A mixture of fun and education are at the heart of these family-friendly itineraries. Both adults and kids will be entertained on safari in the Eastern Cape Game Reserve to spot elephants, giraffes, and more. The whole family will learn a lot about these animals and their ecosystems from your local guide. In Cape Town, there are views to please everyone, from hiking to the top of Table Mountain, to sailing aboard a pirate ship to Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. For families looking for a 2-week adventure in South Africa, how about ziplining, kayaking on the Stormsriver Gorge, and sandboarding? 

All activities are put together by kimkim's local specialists with the unique needs of families in mind, as we know safety and security are top priorities for parents. Take a look at our family-focused itineraries and start planning your trip to South Africa with a local expert today.

How many days should you spend in South Africa?

Plan your trip to South Africa
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Planning your family trip to South Africa

See impressive Drakensberg's Amphitheatre—crescent shaped cliffs of basalt rock
How Many Days to Spend in South Africa

While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town, discover the Winelands, drive the Garden Route, and go on a safari (or two) in Kruger National Park. This gives you enough time to explore outside of the main cities at a more relaxed pace and cover some beautiful parts of the country.

Introduce the kids to the South African bush on Big Game safaris of the wildlife-rich country
Map of 10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in South Africa, your family can embark on a highlights tour that ticks off the famous sites of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. For a wildlife-focused trip, opt for an adventure along the Garden Route, stopping at Gondwana Private Game Reserve and Featherbed Nature Reserve, or for families with younger children, discover the quirky side of South Africa and split your time between Cape Town and Sun City resort.

Enjoy spending quality time with the family as you explore South Africa together
Map of 2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in South Africa, you and your family can tick off the highlights of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls on a best-of itinerary crafted especially with younger ones in mind or opt for a fun and wildlife-filled trip that includes stays at Club Mykonos and Kruger National Park. Active families will enjoy a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route, while families with older children looking for a more relaxing trip can split their time between the beaches of Cape Town and Sun City.

Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach
Map of 1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in South Africa, you can visit two to three destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. Or wildlife enthusiasts can combine whale watching and game drives on a tour focusing on the coast, while families keen on cultural experiences and waterparks will enjoy adding Sun City Resort and Johannesburg to the mix. Those with little ones will appreciate the variety of kid-friendly activities, including the Adventure Center in Shamwari, with time spent in the Eastern Cape.

South Africa family-friendly itineraries

Family on Safari
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 10 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 10 Days

Experience the best of South Africa's stunning scenery and wildlife with this 10-day family trip. Whiz up iconic Table Mountain by cable car, then explore the country's scenic Garden Route and vineyards before going on a safari at the luxury Shamwari Game Reserve. Along the way, you'll make pals with African penguins, see the Big Five, zipline across a ravine, and get in some beach time at beautiful Knysna.

Relax and reconnect on a family holiday to South Africa
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days

This two-week wildlife and adventure-packed family vacation takes you from the Western to the Eastern Cape via South Africa's stunning Garden Route. Start in lively Cape Town, where you and the kids will scale Table Mountain, make pals with the penguins at Boulders Beach, and relax in the surrounding wine country. If that sounds too sedate, you'll also plunge the depths of Shark Alley in a reinforced cage, meet the Big Five during a luxury safari, and tour the Stone Age Cango Caves.

Family fun on Cape Town's beaches
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari - 7 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari - 7 Days

With a beautiful coastline, fertile wine country, and seriously impressive wildlife, South Africa is an ideal destination for a chilled-out yet active family vacation. This week-long itinerary starts in vibrant Cape Town, a city with impressive views and beaches around every corner. Spot penguins on the Cape Peninsula, get hands-on at the farms of the Winelands region, then go on safari at the Shamwari Game Reserve for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Declare yourself king of the rock
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 15 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 15 Days

While parenting can feel like an extreme sport at times, you can really get your adrenaline up on this 15-day itinerary. Warm up with a hike or cable car ride up Table Mountain and some beach time in Cape Town before you get on the road and follow the Garden Route to adventures like ziplines, a shark encounter, sandboard rides down one of the world's largest dunes, and safari drives.

We have got to stop meeting like this
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 16 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 16 Days

Despite their dramatic size difference, the elephant's closest living relative is the hyrax. See if you can spot both elephants and their cousins as you take your own family on this 16-day adventure that will take you from up in the trees of Kirstenbosch Garden, onto the cliffs of Cape Point, out to sea for marine wildlife sightings, down into caves, and into safari grasslands, just to name a few, to take in landscapes as varied as your family.

Penguins at Boulders Beach
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 6 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 6 Days

Take your children to meet the chicks of Boulders Bay's penguin colony and many more on this six-day trip. You'll divide your time between colorful Cape Town and its surrounding areas of Elgin and Franschhoek as you make your way through vineyard mazes, pirate cruises, and more.

Set off on a South African safari
Map of South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park - 14 Days
South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park - 14 Days

This family adventure starts in South Africa's Cape Town, where you'll visit majestic Table Mountain on foot or via cable car. Tour the harbor on an authentic pirate ship and see penguins at play, then head to Langebaan for beach time and waterparks. Take a private safari in Kruger National Park, and search out Africa's Big Five game animals on a sunset drive. End in Johannesburg for a tour of the historic Soweto district and a revisit of the Gold Rush days at Gold Reef City Theme Park.

Make memories with the kids and check out the views from Table Mountain
Map of South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Sun City & Johannesburg - 7 Days
South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Sun City & Johannesburg - 7 Days

This well-planned, week-long itinerary is the perfect taster of South Africa for families of all ages. Enjoy the best of colorful Cape Town, from the sweeping views atop Table Mountain to the wineries on the city's doorstep. Then catch a flight inland for two blissful days at the Sun City Resort, a wonderland of adventure and relaxation for kids and parents. End in Johannesburg with a meaningful tour of the infamous Soweto township and a storytelling dinner under the stars

Let the young explorers in your life discover South Africa's extensive wildlife
Map of South African Family Safari: Cape Town,  Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 10 Days
South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 10 Days

Challenge your perception of family travel with this adventurous itinerary. Can you really take kids on safari, wine tasting, or hiking? The answer is yes, absolutely―if you do it right! As you travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg via Kruger National Park, you'll discover tours tailored to be safe but exciting, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Get up close to South Africa's wildlife, learn about its history and culture firsthand, and relax while you and the kids have the time of your lives.

Experience a family safari
Map of Southern African Safari for Families: Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 10 Days
Southern African Safari for Families: Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 10 Days

Experience the best of South Africa's wildlife and stunning natural beauty with this 10-day family trip. From vibrant Johannesburg to cosmopolitan Cape Town, you'll safari in the Kruger National Park and witness the majesty of Victoria Falls. Along the way, discover penguins, pirate ships, and plenty of adventure as you and your family experience the warmth of traditional African culture and hospitality.

Safari adventure in South Africa
Map of Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 7 Days
Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 7 Days

South Africa is synonymous with adventure, and this kid-friendly itinerary is no exception. As you travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg via the Kruger National Park, you'll experience wildlife closer than ever before, learn about historical events directly from those who lived through them, and experience the best in modern South African culture and cuisine. From a swashbuckling sea adventure to a sunset safari, you and the kids will come away with memories to savor and stories to tell!

Spend some time at Sun City to cool off from the South African heat
Map of Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days
Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days

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.

Discover the best of South Africa on this two-week family vacation
Map of Relaxing South Africa Family Adventure: Oceans, Wildlife & Safari Self-Drive - 14 Days
Relaxing South Africa Family Adventure: Oceans, Wildlife & Safari Self-Drive - 14 Days

Two weeks in South Africa gives families plenty of time to relax, explore the country's incredible wildlife, and travel from east to west without feeling hurried. Start in Cape Town to summit iconic Table Mountain, discover authentic African cuisine, and tour the Western Cape vineyards. Then it's on to the Eastern Cape, where you'll unwind on Knysna's beaches, soar along the country's fastest zipline, meet ostrich flocks and elephant herds, and cruise the infamous Shark Alley.

A family holiday to remember in South Africa
Map of South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 10 Days
South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 10 Days

Experience the very best of South Africa on this 10-day, action-packed family adventure. Journey from stunning Cape Town to vibrant Johannesburg via safari in the Pilanesberg National Park and waterpark fun at Sun City Resort. Along the way, you'll meet the Big Five on a sunrise safari, tour Cape Point, discover the country's journey to end Apartheid in Soweto, and visit a family-friendly winery in the Western Cape.

Little ones will love seeing zebras in South Africa
Map of South Africa Coast & Safari Family Adventure - 7 Days
South Africa Coast & Safari Family Adventure - 7 Days

Treat the kids to the holiday of a lifetime as you journey to South Africa for an unforgettable trip that starts in vibrant Cape Town and ends with a stunning couple of days on safari at the Southern Cape's Gondwana Game Reserve. Along the way, you'll scale iconic Table Mountain by cable car, play alongside penguins at Boulder Beach, and cruise the Cape on a pirate ship before encountering Big Five wildlife in the stunning surroundings of the Garden Route.

Family time on the beaches of Cape Town
Map of Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 10 Days
Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 10 Days

This 10-day family trip to South Africa blends the perfect mix of adventure, excursions, and luxury downtime as you explore the country's scenic Garden Route and Western Cape. Start in lively Cape Town, where you'll scale Table Mountain by cable car before touring the surrounding wine country. Introduce the kids to Africa's iconic Big Five as you safari in Gondwana before winding up on the pristine shores of Knysna and catching a sunset cruise along the lagoon.

Take the family on safari!
Map of Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 14 Days
Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 14 Days

For a two-week family trip that covers all your bases, look no further. Travel from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls via Kruger National Park and Cape Town, discovering the best of South Africa and Zimbabwe along the way. From vibrant city life to wild savanna, experience the beauty of traditional cultures alongside modern cuisine and luxury as you hike, bike, scoot, and sail through a family adventure like no other.

A family hike in South Africa
Map of Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route  - 14 Days
Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 14 Days

This exciting two-week family tour of South Africa starts in Cape Town, where you'll hike the majestic Table Mountain and enjoy a traditional African dinner and dancing. Then, journey along the Garden Route, visiting the seaside town of Hermanus for whale watching and the Cape seals of Geyser Rock. Search out Africa's Big Five game animals at Gondwana Game Reserve, take a treetop walk in Tsitsikamma National Park, and visit monkeys, birds, and big cats at Knysna's wildlife sanctuaries.

Treat your family to a week of Cape Town fun mixed with the ultimate safari adventure
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days

This exciting tour of South Africa is perfect for families or those who are kids at heart, offering fun excursions in the country's malaria-free regions. It starts in Cape Town, where you'll stroll around the V&A Waterfront, ride cable cars to the top of Table Mountain, and spend a day in the picturesque villages around Cape Point. Then, it's safari time in Shamwari Reserve! Seek out Africa's Big Five game animals, take guided bush walks, and end with a visit to their wildlife rehabilitation and big cat sanctuaries.

See Big Five wildlife from kid-friendly lodges on South Africa's Eastern Cape
Map of South Africa Family-Friendly Safari - 5 Days
South Africa Family-Friendly Safari - 5 Days

Add this five-day adventure to your South African vacation for the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife in family-friendly, malaria-free locations. It starts on the Eastern Cape at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where you'll head out in a 4WD to see Big Five animals such as elephants, lions, and rhinos. Then, you're off to Port Alfred and the luxurious Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve. Take guided bush walks or game drives, relax on the reserve's private beach, and enjoy gourmet dinners.

Experience a family safari adventure in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safaris - 14 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safaris - 14 Days

With two weeks in South Africa, you can combine city fun, wine country adventures, and the ultimate family safari experience. Start in colorful Cape Town to tackle Table Mountain and spot penguins and whales off the coast, then venture into the Winelands for kid-friendly vineyard and farm excursions. Switch to safari mode as you explore a private Eastern Cape reserve with family game drives and bush walks, and end on the coast with more wildlife encounters and beach time at a spectacular oceanfront lodge.

Experience a family-focused safari adventure in the malaria-free Eastern Cape (photo courtesy of Shamwari Game Reserve)
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days

This 10-day South Africa family adventure starts with coastal fun in Cape Town, where you'll ride cable cars up Table Mountain and meet the penguins of Boulder Beach. Continue to Stellenbosch for kid-friendly excursions in the Winelands, then end with a bucket-list family safari experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape—where you'll embark on game drives through the Shamwari Private Game Reserve and learn more about the reserve's wildlife rehabilitation efforts.