Expert travel planners, who help tailor and book your perfect holiday
17 September 2018
Whatever the age of your kids, South Africa is a wonderful family destination guaranteed to thrill and delight in equal measure. We’ve picked out our favourite things to do with South African for those travelling with children.
South Africa is one of the best destinations for a family safari, with lots of choice keeping prices relatively keen and with mainly malaria-free reserves. The most famous spot is Kruger National Park, where lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo can all be spotted.
Drive the Cape Whale Route from Betty’s Bay near the rugged Kogelberg Mountains, stopping off at Hermanus for southern right whale-watching trips (between June and November) along with activities such as quad-biking and para-sailing.
This glorious white-sand stretch of Boulders Beach is the place to come to spot colonies of African penguins, as well as having lots of rock-pools to explore and relatively calm waters ideal for swimming.
Families with children aged 12 years and up can take part in exciting kayaking tours within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Spott hippos and crocodiles in the water as you paddle.
From horse-back safaris across the savannah to gallops along deserted beaches, riding is a wonderful way to see some of South Africa’s mesmerising landscapes as a family. Treks are available for beginners and up. If you’re staying near Cape Town, book a ride along the beach.
One of the world’s highest commercial abseils is available to anyone ages 10 years and up. The nail-biting descent down a sheer cliff-face rewards you with breathtaking views of Robben Island, The Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay and the glittering sea below.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sterkfontein Caves contain the remains of more than 500 hominids, some dating back more than 2 million years, while Cango Caves feature spectacular dripstone formations including the 9m-long Cleopatra’s Needle.
A must-see with teens, this fascinating site is where anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Guided tours are often led by former political prisoners and include Mandela’s old cell.
South Africa’s garden province stretching along the eastern shore to the border with Mozambique is best explored by the Umgeni Steam Railway, which uses one of the oldest functioning railway tracks in the country and takes in lush valleys, sub-tropical coastline and dramatic mountains.
Ready to explore South Africa for some family fun? Get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today to plan your local getaway.
