Why should you choose South Africa for your family safari vacation?

Malaria Free.

South Africa is the only country with malaria-free Big Five wildlife viewing zones. Families seeking tranquility may choose Madikwe Game Reserve and Marakele National Park, known for their low malaria rates and abundant wildlife, which includes the endangered African wild dog. Alternatively, if your budget allows, Tswalu has a diverse flora and fauna, including the opportunity to witness uncommon creatures such as aardvark, black rhino, aardwolf, pangolin, and porcupine.

Child-friendly accommodations

South Africa’s safari circuit prefers sturdy fenced accommodations with thick walls over the more adventurous tented bushcamp design found in Kenya and Tanzania. Parents with small children can relax in the safety of a sealed environment, knowing they don’t have to be on high alert at all times.

No age limits are applicable.

Most South African safari lodges and camps provide child-friendly age limitations and options for younger visitors who are unable to participate in game-viewing activities, making it an excellent choice for families with small children and babies. You won’t feel out of place with kids in tow, and there will be plenty to keep them engaged and entertained.

Multi-generational private villas.

South Africa has a great selection of private villas that are ideal for multigenerational families looking for plenty of room, specialized staff, and a variety of activities. These packages often include a private car with a wildlife guide, letting clients to go at their own pace and offering complete flexibility in terms of itinerary, length of game drives, mealtimes, and activities. Villas may accommodate to a wide range of needs, making them a perfect choice for parties looking for quality time in the comfort of their own home.

The Big Five Destinations.

Its lodges and camps may be more accessible than other sites, but make no mistake: South Africa has excellent game-viewing possibilities, including all of the Big Five and other fascinating species. Safaris are entertaining and fascinating, with plenty of eye-catching animals to keep the youngsters captivated.

Alternative activities.

Beyond the safari circuit, you’ll discover action-packed towns and rural idylls brimming with fantastic, family-friendly activities. Cape Town is hard to beat for outdoor adventures, such as cable car trips up Table Mountain, abseiling, penguin-filled beaches, boat cruises, and sidecar tours. The Garden Route has a beautiful coastline, mountains and forests great for hiking and mountain biking, and tiny towns with interesting activities.

Direct flights

A significant advantage of traveling to South Africa is that many direct flights are covered by numerous airlines from the United States and the United Kingdom. Ease of travel is a key benefit for families with children because it eliminates the anxiety of missing connections, airport transfers, and possibly long wait times. Convenient airline routes considerably reduce stress during family travel!

Family Safari Holidays in South Africa with Children

South Africa is a fantastic family-friendly safari destination, offering several malaria-free regions perfect for travelling with children. Madikwe in the north, Tswalu in the Kalahari, and a collection of private reserves around Port Elizabeth—such as Shamwari—pair beautifully with a family trip along the Garden Route. Around Kruger National Park, exceptional private reserves like Sabi Sand also deliver incredible family safari experiences.

When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

South Africa is a year-round destination, with weather patterns varying across regions. For those seeking warm, dry days in Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape reserves, the ideal time to visit is between October and April. Meanwhile, areas like Kruger, Madikwe, Marakele, and Phinda experience higher humidity and tropical showers from December to February, although rain is typically brief. If whale watching along the Hermanus or De Hoop coastline is a highlight for you, the cooler months between June and August offer the best chances, with the official whale season running from June to November.

Recommended Family Activities in South Africa

Malaria-Free Safaris

South Africa’s malaria-free reserves ensure families enjoy incredible Big Five sightings without health worries, keeping young adventurers entertained while parents relax with peace of mind.

Table Mountain Cable Car Ride

Glide to the summit of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain in a rotating cable car, taking in panoramic views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, and Robben Island before exploring scenic walking trails atop the mountain.

Ostrich Farm Tour

Experience a hands-on visit to a working ostrich farm near Oudtshoorn. Guided tours offer close-up encounters with these fascinating birds, insights into egg incubation, and stories of their role in local history.

Pangolin Conservation at &Beyond Phinda

Join a specialist team at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve to track and monitor pangolins. This vital conservation experience involves checking UHF tags, conducting health checks, and supporting crucial research efforts.

Sunset Cruise in Knysna

Set sail across the calm waters of the Knysna Lagoon at sunset. With the dramatic Knysna Heads as a backdrop, this relaxing cruise offers breathtaking views and unforgettable family memories.

Mountain Biking in the Drakensberg Mountains

Explore the dramatic beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains on two wheels. With trails for all skill levels, families can discover waterfalls, mountain streams, sandstone cliffs, and lush rolling hills.

Whale Watching in Hermanus

Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as southern right whales gather off the coast of Hermanus and De Hoop between June and November. You may also spot humpbacks, Bryde’s whales, dolphins, turtles, and even hammerhead sharks during this unforgettable marine adventure.

Wildlife You Can Expect to See on Safari in South Africa

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, South Africa offers some of the finest game-viewing experiences in Africa. You’ll have the chance to encounter all members of the Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo — along with other predators like wild dogs, hyenas, and jackals, as well as an abundance of plains game. In the Kalahari Desert, keep an eye out for rare species such as black-maned lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, pangolins, and aardvarks. Along South Africa’s scenic coastline, dolphin sightings and the migration of southern right and humpback whales add even more magic to the wildlife encounters.

Family-Friendly Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa offers an exceptional range of family-friendly lodges, catering to all ages, interests, and budgets. Whether you prefer the space and privacy of exclusive-use villas or the convenience of family suites at safari camps, many lodges also feature kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and specially designed activities to make family adventures even more memorable.

Marataba Safari Lodge

Located in malaria-free Marakele National Park, just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Marataba Safari Lodge features four dedicated family tents complete with bunk beds, toys, and games. The Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club keeps children engaged with activities like spoor tracking, outdoor camp-outs, cookie baking, rock painting, and open-air cinema nights.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

Situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tuningi Safari Lodge offers a fantastic Big Five experience easily accessible from Johannesburg. With two family suites, short “bumble” game drives for little ones under five, and activities like treasure hunts, T-shirt painting, and wildlife viewing from the lodge’s waterhole, Tuningi makes safaris exciting for younger guests.

Tswalu The Motse

In the heart of the Kalahari Desert, Tswalu offers a truly remote wilderness experience in South Africa’s largest privately protected reserve. This malaria-free destination welcomes children of all ages at The Motse, which offers three family suites and a host of activities, from horse riding and meerkat encounters to the Junior Ranger Programme, where kids can learn archery, spoor identification, and animal tracking.

Grootbos Garden Lodge

Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town and near the whale-watching hotspot of Hermanus, Grootbos Garden Lodge sits within the flora-rich Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Family two-bedroom suites provide comfort and space, while activities include whale-watching boat trips, horse riding, mountain biking, quad-biking adventures, beach picnics, and fascinating cave explorations.

Londolozi Varty Camp

Nestled in Sabi Sands Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park, Londolozi Varty Camp offers outstanding wildlife experiences, although it is not malaria-free. Children are warmly welcomed here, and the Londolozi Cubs Programme keeps them entertained with arts and crafts, archery, baking, soccer, spoor tracking, and even fishing expeditions.

Madikwe Lelapa Lodge

Within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Lelapa Lodge is a dream for families. The lodge offers four family suites, each with a second bedroom featuring bunk beds, mugs of hot chocolate by the bedside, and shelves of toys and books. The Eco-Kids House keeps young guests busy with painting, model making, and games, while outdoor adventures include family safaris, dung tracking, pizza-making, stargazing, and fun-filled games nights.