Family Safari Holidays in South Africa

South Africa is the only country with malaria-free Big Five game-viewing areas. Families seeking peace of mind could certainly consider Madikwe Game Reserve and Marakele National Park for their zero-malaria credentials and excellent wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog. Alternatively, and budget allowing, Tswalu offers unique flora and fauna, complete with the chance to see rare wildlife such as aardvark, black rhino, aardwolf, pangolin, and porcupine.

South Africa’s safari circuit favours robust fenced accommodation with solid walls rather than the more adventurous tented bushcamp style found in Kenya and Tanzania. In the comfort of a secure, sealed setting, parents with young children can rest easy knowing there’s no need to be on high alert all the time.

Most South African safari lodges and camps have child-friendly age restrictions and options for younger guests who aren’t able to participate in game-viewing activities, making it an ideal destination for families with small children and babies. You’ll never worry about feeling out of place with kids in tow – and most importantly, you’ll find plenty on offer to keep them fully engaged and entertained.

South Africa offers an excellent range of private villas, ideal for multi-generational families seeking plenty of space, dedicated staff, and varied activities. These options usually include a private vehicle and wildlife guide, allowing guests to move at their own pace and providing complete flexibility in terms of schedule, length of game drives, mealtimes, and activities. Villas can cater to all sorts of requirements, making them an excellent base for groups seeking quality time in the comfort of their own residence.

Its lodges and camps might be more accessible than other destinations, but make no mistake, South Africa offers superb game-viewing opportunities featuring all the Big Five, among other riveting species. Safaris are fun and engaging, with endless attention-grabbing wildlife to keep the kids thoroughly absorbed.

A major advantage of travelling to South Africa is that many direct flights are covered by multiple airlines from the US and the UK. Ease of travel is a major draw for families with children and alleviates the worry of missed connections, airport transits, and potentially long waits. Convenient flight routes significantly reduce the stress of family travel!

Venture beyond the safari circuit, and you’ll find action-packed cities and countryside idylls full of brilliant, family-friendly activities. Cape Town is hard to beat in terms of outdoor adventures, including cable car rides up Table Mountain, abseiling, penguin-packed beaches, boat rides, and sidecar tours. The Garden Route boasts a picture-perfect coastline, mountains and forests ideal for hiking and mountain biking, and quaint towns offering fun-filled events.

South Africa is a year-round destination, with weather patterns that vary by region and time of year. Those seeking warmer days with very little chance of rain in Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Eastern Cape game reserves should aim to travel between October and April. However, the Kruger, Madikwe, Marakele, and Phinda can be humid at this time of year, with tropical showers likely between December and February, albeit passing quickly. If you’d like to see migratory whales off the coast of Hermanus or De Hoop, your best chance is during the cooler months, peaking between June and August, although the official whale season is June to November.