Family Vacations in South Africa

Embark on an amazing family vacation in South Africa, packed full of exciting experiences for all ages. From the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vineyards of the Garden Route, and from beautiful sandy beaches to the untamed wilds of Kruger National Park. Share your passion for travel with a family vacation in South Africa.

Small group family adventures to South Africa

Discover South Africa on a small group family tour with Explore. Take a boat trip across Table Bay in Cape Town for a poignant guided tour of the historic Robben Island museum, used to hold political prisoners during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela. Beyond its historical significance, the island also offers excellent views of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Drive the gorgeous Garden Route and kayak across the clear waters of Plettenberg Bay, watching out for seals and dolphins. Why not experience fishing the local way in Kosi Bay on the Indian Ocean, home to a huge range of seabirds and animals including hippos and crocodiles.

Explore’s family tours in South Africa are perfect for those looking for a family vacation that packs exciting activity and experiences into just two weeks. Venture off the beaten track with our expert itineraries and expert local tour leaders. Our average small group size is just three to five families – making sure you have the time and space you need to make the most of your South African family tour.

Our family tours to South Africa

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

South Africa, Eswatini Family Trip code FZK

Discounted

Child Ages: 7+

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13 Days From US$2440 without flights

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Family South Africa’s Garden Route and Safari

South Africa Family Trip code FCP

Discounted

Child Ages: 7+

12 Days From US$2720 without flights

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Best family destinations in South Africa

Discover Cape Town
With its pretty coastal scenery and sparkling clear waters, Cape Town is home to the Table Mountain, which towers over the bustling city. Take a guided hike up Table Mountain, admiring the beautiful plant life of the Cape floral kingdom. Stop off at the District Six Museum to learn more about life in the inner-city area during apartheid. Before you leave Cape Town, make a stop at Stony Point penguin colony. Home to one of the largest breeding colonies of African Penguins in the world. Visit Cape Town as part of our South Africa’s Garden Route and Safari tour.

Explore Kruger National Park
Embark on a safari you’ll never forget as you journey into Kruger National Park – a globally-recognized game reserve established in 1898 to protect big game that had almost been hunted to extinction. The area boasts a huge range of species, including elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hyenas, wildebeest and almost all of South Africa’s species of antelope. The birdlife is just as impressive, with crowned cranes, bee-eaters and vultures. Finish the day taking in the sounds of the African bush. Take this Safari on our South Africa Kruger and Beach Adventure tour.

What to expect on a family tour in South Africa

When is the best time to go on a family vacation in South Africa?
South Africa generally stays a comfortable temperature all year round, making it a perfect destination for any season. Summer runs from November to March with temperatures averaging 75°F to 93°F. April and October are typically warm and sunny. Winter is often a lot colder, with temperatures range from 32°F to 50°F, though there are far fewer crowds at this time of the year. Climate can vary quite significantly depending on where you are in the country, with overnight frosts common in inland areas.
A young boy watching an elephant from a safari vehicle
What is the accommodation like on a South African family vacation?
Depending on the specific tour you choose, your family vacation in South Africa will include stays in a range of hotels, cabins, lodges, and even a tree house. Where possible, we make sure that you have at least two nights in the same place so you don’t have to pack and unpack too often.

What age are the children on a family vacation in South Africa?
While the average age of children traveling on our South Africa family vacations is 13, this varies depending on the specific trip you choose. If you would like a better idea of who is traveling on a particular trip, get in touch with our travel specialists who can share the number and ages of children on your chosen trip, so you can find the right fit for your family. Please be aware that all Explore family tours in South Africa have a minimum age limit of seven years – this is to ensure you get the most out of your vacation.

How many families travel together on a small group family adventure in South Africa?
You will usually travel with three to five other families on a family adventure in South Africa. We have found this is the perfect group size to allow you to make new friends while still allowing for an authentic and immersive experience.