Family Beach Holidays

Many fond childhood memories include a beach holiday.

Overview

Children and beaches are inherently made for each other, so most of our beach destinations will be perfect for kids.

South Africa generally has an active sea with rolling breakers. This is great for body boarding and surfing. But not so ideal if you are looking for the complete range of water sports offered in flatter waters. Similarly, waves are fun for kids. But also add an element of risk for younger children. In contrast, most of Mauritius and Zanzibar are surrounded by coral reefs so that the sea close to the beach is calm.

Safari & Beach Family Holidays - Other factors to consider:

  • Do you want a ''safari and beach'' family holiday? If so, South Africa is the perfect option as KwaZulu Natal and the Garden Route/Eastern Cape combo both offer easily travelling and no need to fly to the beach.
  • How far do you want to travel? There are some stunning beaches in Mauritius (or the Seychelles). But they involve a fairly long flight and  an overnight stay in Johannesburg prior to the flight.
  • What sort of family beach holiday are you looking for? Waves or calm lagoon waters?
  • When are you travelling? Northern hemisphere summer holidays mean winter in the Cape – great for beach walks but not beach & swimming weather! At that time of year, you’ll need to head to the  north of South Africa or the sub-tropical islands of Mauritius, Mozambique or Zanzibar…

Safari & beach family holidays - Plettenberg Bay

So there are several options:

  • Opt for a South Africa beach, safari and sightseeing holiday
  • Combine South Africa with Mozambique or Mauritius for the beach
  • Combine Tanzania with Zanzibar, or Kenya with its coast
Safari & beach family holidays
Other Safari & Beach Family Holiday Articles

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Highlights

  • South Africa tends to have a more dramatic sea with lots of waves to jump or body-surf on.
  • Many of the Indian Ocean islands off the Eastern coast of Africa have coral reefs and so are much calmer.
  • Remember the Cape coast of South Africa doesnt have beach weather during the northern hemispher Summer holidays (July & August)

Not sure where to take your kids in Cape Town?

Check out our Top 20 places to visit for kids & families in Cape Town Get our Free guide here
 

Kate Bergh

Co-founder & Director

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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"We had a fantastic trip and were so pleased with your suggestions. I’m sure we will return to SA at some point in the future and would love to do more Safari trips elsewhere in Africa once the pound/dollar exchange rate improves. We were delighted with Cedarburg and will recommend you to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa. " Milandi

Dream holiday

"Milandi (et all at C. A. T.) …”Like talking to a good friend/family member who genuinely, listens… then sets skill and extensive knowledge to work to fulfill (AND OFTEN BEYOND!!) all expectations!!” This Africa holiday was simply “ANOTHER” dream animal photo safari and experience Milandi (Cedarberg) put together… we have experienced TWO previous “dream holiday” from Milandi and Crew. How could a 3rd be better?… It simply was. “I may have left Africa” … “Africa will NEVER leave Me”… I (WE) will be going back, with Milandi’s guidance B4 this decade is over It has been 3 weeks since return, still dreaming/thinking/processing this tremendous experience. Milandi and Cedarberg are My “Tools” towards many rewards!!! Thank-You, ALL " Mr Wally Rohrer

Ginny made excellent suggestions

"Ginny made excellent suggestions for our holiday ensuring we had a good variety of things to do which suited the whole family. " Mrs Mary Creayen, UK