Why South Africa Works So Well for Families
South Africa is a country that makes family holidays easy and rewarding. This is thanks to its spectacular scenery, family-friendly game lodges plus the opportunity for relaxed family adventures all together.
Whether it’s toddlers marvelling at penguins, teenagers testing their nerve on a treetop canopy tour, or parents finally getting to relax in the bush, South Africa offers something for every stage of family life. From Cape Town’s beaches and mountains to malaria-free game reserves, to remote adventures in Coastal Maputaland, there is something for every family.
Of course, no blog article can replace a personal chat with us about your family. But as a starting point, this article outlines the best family holiday destinations we recommend for families, grouped by age and interests i.e. the best regions for younger children, active families, or older kids/ Plus tips on how to make the most of your family trip.
Check out: Our page on family safaris in South Africa
Family Holiday Destinations for all ages:
Cape Town
Cape Town offers a rare mix of city family fun and natural beauty. Families can explore the Oceanarium, Planetarium, World of Birds or Imhoff’s Farm. Or take boat trips into the bay or head up Table Mountain. Forest trails and beautiful beaches add plenty of space for adventure.
Check out our article on the Top 20 Things to do with Kids in Cape Town (Part 1) and Top 20 Things to do with Kids in Cape Town (Part 2).
Hermanus
This coastal town is famed for whale-watching (Mid July to early November), but families also enjoy its golden beaches, scenic coastal and mountain walks, and boat trips. Older kids may even brave shark cage-diving in nearby Gansbaai. Hermanus also makes an ideal 2 night stop en route to the Garden Route.
Little Karoo
This area is full of quirky, child- orientated experiences: ostrich farms, meerkat adventures (for older kids only), and the legendary Cango Caves. Wilgewandel Farm was also a great highlight for my kids. Plus the Cango Wildlife Ranch is also a perennial favourite.
Looking for adventure? Try the Cango Caves Adventure Tour (1½ hours). Expect muddy knees, some young bravado and gentle giggling as Mum squeezes through narrow cracks in the rock. (I speak from personal experience.)
Garden Route
Perhaps South Africa’s most family-friendly region, the Garden Route offers beaches, coastal forests, and lagoons alongside activities such as boat cruises, the treetop canopy tour, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and whale-watching trips. Families also love the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park with its swing bridge. Adventure activities range from kayaking to stand-up paddling to ziplining.
See our article on Top 20 things to do with kids on the Garden Route.
“It was the first holiday where everyone – from the grandparents to the teenagers – was equally thrilled.”
Drakensberg Mountains
Here you’ll find family-friendly mountain resort hotels, full of in house sporting facilities, and as well as a range of walking trails for all ages. This area is ideal for 6 years and up.
Durban & Dolphin Coast
Perfect for winter sun trips from May to August, when KwaZulu Natal is sunny and warm. The Dolphin Coast combines long sandy beaches with cultural experiences. Highlights include uShaka Marine World, Natal Shark Centre, Zulu villages with dancing displays, and Valley of 1000 Hills.
