Family Vacations in South Africa

Discover the wonders of South Africa on an unforgettable family vacation. With epic landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife encounters, this diverse destination offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring beaches, bays or heritage sites, a South Africa family trip is packed with adventure and lasting memories.

Explore South Africa on Small Group Family Adventures

Join like-minded families on a small group tour through South Africa. Kick things off in Cape Town, where you’ll take a boat across Table Bay to Robben Island. Once the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, the island now features a museum exploring South Africa’s fight for freedom. With panoramic views of Table Mountain, Robben Island offers both a powerful reminder of South Africa’s turbulent history and a way to take in the region’s stunning scenery.

Travel the iconic Garden Route and head out on a sea kayaking adventure in Plettenberg Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and Cape fur seals. Alternatively, you could journey to the remote estuary of Kosi Bay, where you’ll learn about traditional fishing techniques in a lush ecosystem filled with birds, hippos and crocodiles.

Our South Africa tours are designed to strike the perfect balance between must-see highlights and hidden gems. You’ll explore with expert local guides and a small group of three to five other families - just the right size to develop real connections while keeping the experience personal and flexible.

A person wearing a gray sweater gazes at a tranquil beach scene with rolling waves, rocks, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Our family tours to South Africa

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

South Africa, Eswatini Family Trip code FZK

Child Ages: 7+

Best Seller

13 Days From US$2750 without flights

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Family South Africa’s Garden Route and Safari

South Africa Family Trip code FCP

Child Ages: 7+

12 Days From US$2900 without flights

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Top Family Travel Destinations in South Africa

Discover Cape Town
Few cities in the world offer the natural beauty and great range of family activities that Cape Town does. Ride the cable car or hike to the top of Table Mountain for incredible views and unique plant life. Dive into the city’s layered history at the District Six Museum, which explores life under apartheid - the former system of racial segregation that stripped millions of their rights and forcibly displaced entire communities, including over 60,000 residents of Cape Town’s District Six.

For wildlife lovers, head to Stony Point near Betty’s Bay to see one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins. Cape Town features on our Garden Route and Safari trip, which offers an exciting combination of amazing coastlines, cultural discovery and outdoor adventures on one amazing journey.

Explore Kruger National Park
Set out on an unforgettable family safari in Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves, covering almost 7,700 square miles. Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and leopards as you navigate Kruger Park’s narrow roadways. The park is also a perfect destination for birdwatchers, with sightings of hornbills, crowned cranes, bee-eaters and more.

Spend the evening around a crackling campfire, or relax in your lodge listening to the sounds of the African bush. This classic safari experience is the highlight of our Kruger and Beach Adventure family trip, a favorite for all ages.

What to expect on a family tour in South Africa

When’s the Best Time to Go to South Africa?
South Africa’s varied climate makes it a great year-round destination. Summer (November to March) is typically warm and dry, ideal for beach days and outdoor adventures. Spring and fall (April and October) bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter is cooler inland and often dry, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing, especially in places like Kruger.
A young boy watching an elephant from a safari vehicle
What Accommodation Can Families Expect?
Our family trips include a mix of memorable stays, from cozy cabins and eco-lodges to comfortable hotels and even a unique treehouse stay. To minimize packing and unpacking, we aim to spend at least two nights in most locations.

What Ages Are the Tours Suitable For?
Explore family tours in South Africa are open to children aged seven and up. The average age is around 13, but this can vary depending on the trip. If you’d like to know the number and ages of kids on a specific departure, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to share.

How Big Are the Groups on a Family Adventure?
Group sizes are generally kept small - with just three to five other families on most tours, so you get the benefit of shared experiences without feeling crowded. It’s the perfect setup for kids to make new friends and parents to connect with fellow travelers.