Cape & Kruger Family Explorer Safari

This popular family safari is for our clients who don’t wish to drive themselves. It combines some of the best of the Cape incl the Whale Coast with a family friendly private game lodge in the Kruger.

Number of nights: 11

Price per Family From: ₤ 12,943

Enquire About This Tour

Overview

Cape Town * Whale Coast * Panorama Route * Timbavati Game Reserve (Greater Kruger)

The Cape & Kruger Family Explorer Safari is one of our most popular family safaris; ideal for those who prefer not to self-drive. Blending the highlights of the Cape with the wildlife of the Kruger region, this privately guided journey offers a balance of scenic highlights, relaxation, and unforgettable Big Five encounters.

Begin with four nights in Cape Town, where your private driver-guide will introduce your family to the city’s natural and cultural wonders. From Table Mountain and the penguins at Boulders Beach to the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Continue to the Whale Coast, where the tranquil setting of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge invites you to unwind with beach walks, lagoon kayaking, and (in season) thrilling whale-watching.

Next, fly north to the Kruger Lowveld, spending two nights at Oliver’s Hotel, perfectly positioned for exploring the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, one of South Africa’s most striking panoramas. The adventure culminates in three nights of exhilarating game-viewing at Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Wildlife Reserve, a premier Big Five private Kruger reserve offering family-friendly safaris and warm hospitality.

For families with older children (6–12 years), this itinerary offers an ideal mix of variety and comfort. Younger children are also welcome, with the option of a private vehicle for family game drives. It combines some of the best of the Cape, such as Cape Town & Hermanus in the Southern Cape, with some of the best of the Kruger. With Big Five game-viewing, the Drakensberg escarpment & the Blyde River Canyon).

It is a private tour with all tours and transfers on a private basis. Here we have shown it as a family tour but the Cape & Kruger Private Tour is a similar tour for couples. Using slightly different accommodation in some cases.

Tailor This Safari

As with all Cedarberg Africa safari itineraries, Cape & Kruger Family Explorer can be customized to suit your pace and preferences. Why not add an extra night on the Whale Coast.

There is a Stay 4, Pay 3 long stay offer at Simbavati Safari Lodges (from November to March, excluding festive season). So you can stay an extra night at virtually no extra cost (Only park fees.)

We can also tailor the itinerary for multi-generational families, adjusting accommodation and experiences accordingly.

Good to Know

Ideal for families with children aged 6–12 years.
It can be booked with younger children as well. (However families with younger children under 6 years will need to take a private game vehicle if you want you kids to join you on game drives.)
Entire journey is privately guided – no self-driving required.
Add a 4th night on safari outside of peak season for minimal extra cost.
Flexible touring in Cape Town tailored to your family’s interests.
Malaria precautions required for Kruger safari stays.

Tour Video

Tour Map

Day to Day Itinerary

Link to our Digital Itinerary

On arrival in Cape Town you are met by your private guide and transferred to your hotel in the Waterfront. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and settle in.

Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest whilst its unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience. Take the cable car or walk up Table Mountain, visit the colourful Malay quarter or meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Browse through the vibrant Greenmarket Square, head out to Robben Island by boat or simply relax on the beach. When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky penguins on Boulder’s beach.

Today you have a private driver/guide to show you some of the sights of the city. You are free to plan whatever touring you wish but we recommend taking a tour of the Cape Peninsula tour. (If travelling as a family, our guides will recommend touring ideas according to the age of your children and their interests.)

As well as meandering along the scenic coastal drive of Chapmans Peak, visiting the Cape of Good Hope National Park (with its funicular railway and lighthouse) and the penguins at Boulders Beach, you could include a camel ride down to the beach or a boat cruise to see the seals at close hand. Tides permitting, you could even end the day with a swim amongst the penguins at Boulders Beach from the small secluded beach there.

Today is at leisure for you to relax or enjoy some sight-seeing in and around the V&A Waterfront. Perhaps head up Table Mountain by Cable Car or visit Robben Island?

Some popular highlights for families include visiting the Oceanarium in the V&A Waterfront especially at the shark feeding time; searching for beautiful gemstones at the Scratch Patch; perhaps taking a boat cruise out from Cape Town’s harbour.

Today you leave Cape Town and head to the Whale Coast. En route you can visit the Winelands if you wish.

A number of our wine estates have added attractions for children,and the young at heart. For example our guide can take the kids to visit the goats at Fairview wine estate whilst you enjoy tasting their excellent wines and gourmet cheeses. Some of the other attractions can include viewing the cheetah cubs at the Cheetah Outreach Project, visting the Birds of Prey rehabilitation centre at Spier Wine Estate, as well as enjoying a cellar tour which will impress both the young and old.

The southern ‘Whale’ coast boasts some of the finest land-based whale-watching in the world between July and early December, when the Southern Right Whales come right into the bays to give birth. Enthralling sightings are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and whale song. En route to Mosaic Farm, you can enjoy sight-seeing in Hermanus and perhaps whale-watching in season (July to November).

Lagoon Lodge on Mosaic Private Sanctuary is an enchanting lodge on the edge of Hermanus lagoon set in an ancient Milkwood grove. Its main lodge, Lagoon Lodge, has a spectacular setting with views overlooking a bird sanctuary and the beautiful Overberg Mountains. The five shady, spacious en-suite rooms are built with safari-style canvas under thatch on the lagoon’s edge. Enjoy beach visits, sundowner cruises on the lake, exploring the caves of De Kelders or quad biking on the reserve.

Note: If you have time, we recommend adding another night. This will give you time to do some whale-watching by boat, or even shark cage diving if you have older children.

Mosaic Private Sanctuary offers a range of activities including quad bike nature rides, 4×4 trips to deserted golden beaches, kayaking on the lagoon and walks ).

Nature enthusiasts will discover the amazing Cape Floral Kingdom at Mosaic Private Sanctuary with its magnificent fynbos, birds and insects. You can explore the 933ha reserve on foot, mountain bike, quad bike or kayak. Hop onto the open 4×4 vehicle for a sundowner excursion and discover fynbos, birds and deserted beaches in search of Southern Right Whales.

This morning you are transferred back to Cape Town in time for the direct flight from Cape Town to Kruger International Airport (NOT included in this tour price). On arrival you are met by one of our guides and transferred to Olivers’s Hotel & Spa where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Oliver’s Hotel & Spa is a very pleasant four star hotel near White River and close to the Kruger National Park. The lodge is on the White River Country Estate and overlooks the first green of the 18 hole championship golf course. Oliver’s is especially well-known for its superb restaurant with fine wines from its well-stocked wine cellar.

You travel up into the Drakensberg Escarpment, a beautiful area of tumbling streams and waterfalls amongst indigenous woodland and forest plantations where you enjoy a scenic tour of the Blyde River Canyon visiting the Three Rondavels, Bourne’s Luck potholes and God’s Window. You may also visit Pilgrims Rest, a restored mining village that was the centre of a 19th century gold rush. Alternatively you may want to enjoy some of the many soft adventure activities available such as ziplining, quad biking or visits to the elephant sanctuary.

Note: We have included entrances for the Blyde River Canyon but not for any extra optional activities such as any soft adventure activities.

Today you have a guide for the morning for optional as you transfer north to head into the bush for 3 nights on safari in the Greater Kruger Park. You stay at the game-rich Simbavati River Lodge.

There is time to visit the Cheetah Rehabitation centre en route.

Simbavati River Lodge has a stunning riverside setting in the heart of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve which has open borders to the Kruger on the east. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all regularly sighted in the Timbavati, along with a host of smaller mammal species.

Simbavati River Lodge offers an authentic African experience without sacrificing luxury, safety or comfort.

Your experienced game ranger is keen to share with you their extensive knowledge and love of the African bush. The day starts with an early morning game drive, then after breakfast a bush walk gives you the opportunity to learn about the smaller wonders of the veld. During the afternoon game drive you will stop for sundowners whilst watching the sun set over the awe-inspiring wilderness before enjoying a night drive.

Families at Simbavati: Families are accommodated in very comfortable two bedroom suites (sharing one bathroom) with a deck overlooking the river. Simbavati is a child-friendly lodge. Children of 6 years & over are welcomed on game drives and after breakfast, younger children can enjoy a range of activities with the camp staff from identifying animal tracks, to arts & crafts with natural bush materials they’ve collected. These activities not only enhance their enjoyment of the bush, but also allow their parents to relax in their rooms or around the pool.

This morning after a final early morning game drive, you are transferred to Hoedspruit Airport in time for your onward flight to Johannesburg and home.

Note: Domestic flights are not included in this tour price.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

PRICE FROM ₤ 12,943

An idea of price

Sample pricing shows for a family of 4 with 2 children, 12 years and under. Ask us for a quotes if you have teenagers or more/less children.

Rough Indication for Domestic flights – Assume between R7050 and R10400 per person (approx $440 to $640 pp). This price includes a flight from Cape Town to Kruger, and then Kruger back to Johannesburg.

INCLUDES

Meals and accommodation as shown in digital brochure (Bed & Breakfast for 6 nights, 2 nights Fully Inclusive, 3 nights on Full Board & Game Activities), Services of a private drive/guide in the Cape & Drakensberg Escarpment, Road transfers, Game drives on safari

EXCLUDES

International & domestic flights, visas, items of a personal nature, meals and entrances not specified

Aug 2026 - Sep 2026

PP FAMILY FROM ₤ 12,943

Oct 2026 - Nov 2026

PP FAMILY FROM ₤ 13,828

Dec 2026 - Dec 2026

PP FAMILY FROM ₤ 13,776