Tour Length
Rates in USD $ – Change Currency
Per person, excl. international flightsOperator Rating
Other Tour Features
Filter by Operator
Filter by Accommodation
South Africa Family Safaris
As family holidays go, a South Africa safari is hard to beat. Take your kids and they’ll love you for it. There is no better way to bring a family together than spending time in nature. The country’s healthy wildlife populations and varied landscapes make it perfect for first-time visitors. And why not end the holiday with some time on one of South Africa’s beautiful beaches, or in action-packed Cape Town and the attractive Garden Route. Not only is South Africa a very child-friendly destination, safaris here are generally well priced too.
-
Best Seller
4-Day Kruger Safari & Panorama Route - Private Transfers
$1,146 to $1,260 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Africa Incoming
5.0/5 – 62 Reviews
-
4-Day Best of Kruger South & Panorama Route
$1,091 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (Mbombela / Nelspruit), Johannesburg (End)
Nhlalala Travel
4.7/5 – 118 Reviews
-
3-Day All-Inclusive Ndzhaka Manyeleti Safari
$1,121 to $1,166 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Hoedspruit (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,324 Reviews
-
3-Day Kruger NP Budget Tour
$653 to $725 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Africa Moja Tours and Safaris
5.0/5 – 230 Reviews
-
Best Seller
9-Day Epic South African Adventure Tour & Safari
$3,760 pp (USD)
Eswatini & South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Self Catering AccommodationYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks), St Lucia (Lake St Lucia), uKhahlamba-Drakensberg (Mountain Range), Amphitheatre (Drakensberg Mountains), Johannesburg (End)
Endless Summer Tours
5.0/5 – 79 Reviews
-
4-Day Timbavati Safari with Shindzela Tented Camp
$1,267 to $1,369 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.8/5 – 235 Reviews
-
![4-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari]()
4-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
$1,319 to $1,454 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Safaris
5.0/5 – 335 Reviews
-
6-Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari
$1,874 to $1,936 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Buffaloland, Kruger NP, Moholoholo Wildlife Centre (Wildlife Sanctuary), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 364 Reviews
-
![5-Day Private Kruger Express]()
5-Day Private Kruger Express
$2,273 to $2,498 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 262 Reviews
-
![3-Day Kwa Maritane Pilanesberg Lodge Exp Malaria-Free]()
3-Day Kwa Maritane Pilanesberg Lodge Exp Malaria-Free
$832 to $954 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
BST Tours
4.8/5 – 33 Reviews
-
6-Day Exclusive Kruger/Private Luxury Lodge Safari
$4,414 to $5,147 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Ukhozi Tours
5.0/5 – 21 Reviews
-
![4-Day Safari and Panorama Route Tour]()
4-Day Safari and Panorama Route Tour
$1,635 to $1,677 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
4.8/5 – 127 Reviews
-
![3-Day Kruger Safari in an Eloquent En-Suite Tented Camp]()
3-Day Kruger Safari in an Eloquent En-Suite Tented Camp
$659 to $752 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Hazyview (Start), Kruger NP, Hazyview (End)
SafariLife
5.0/5 – 35 Reviews
-
![3-Day Ndzhaka Tented Camp Safari]()
3-Day Ndzhaka Tented Camp Safari
$920 to $1,166 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,626 Reviews
-
3-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Open Safari Vehicle Tour
$883 to $963 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Elephant Whispers (Elephant Sanctuary), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 229 Reviews
-
![3-Day Madikwe Big Five Safari –African Adventure]()
3-Day Madikwe Big Five Safari –African Adventure
$2,426 to $2,458 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Madikwe GR, Johannesburg (End)
Knap Tours
4.8/5 – 54 Reviews
-
![5-Day Eco Lodge Kruger Safari]()
5-Day Eco Lodge Kruger Safari
$1,170 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Big Bull Safaris
5.0/5 – 9 Reviews
-
![5-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant National Park Safari]()
5-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant National Park Safari
$1,725 to $1,794 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Mossel Bay (Town), Oudtshoorn (Garden Route), Knysna (Garden Route), Addo Elephant NP, Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (End)
Rawson Touring
4.0/5 – 1 Reviews
-
![20-Day The World in One Country Grand Explorer]()
20-Day The World in One Country Grand Explorer
$8,100 pp (USD)
Eswatini, Lesotho & South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Kruger NP, Mlilwane WS, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN Parks), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks), Drakensberg Mountains (Mountain Range), Malealea (Village), Great Karoo, Addo Elephant NP, Garden Route, Knysna (Garden Route), Oudtshoorn (Garden Route), Cape Town (City), Cape Town Airport (End)
Travel and Safari Tours
-
![7-Day Cape - Zambezi Safari, Including Victoria Falls]()
7-Day Cape - Zambezi Safari, Including Victoria Falls
$3,206 to $3,822 pp (USD)
South Africa, Zambia & Zimbabwe: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Victoria Falls (End)
Compass Odyssey
4.7/5 – 369 Reviews
Related Searches
5 Questions About South Africa Family Safaris
Answered by
Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many travel guides. South Africa has been her home for the last 25 years. She has traveled around the country extensively, visiting all its parks and reserves regularly for work and leisure.› More about Ariadne
5 Questions About South Africa Family Safaris
Ariadne van Zandbergen
Is a South Africa family safari recommended?
“Children benefit hugely from a safari, which exposes them to the bush with all its creatures, big and small. By taking your children on safari, you’ll give them an unforgettable experience. When planned carefully, you’ll find that taking your kids on safari is endlessly rewarding for both them and you, especially as it is more and more difficult to spend time in nature in this fast-paced world. The experience is inspiring and educational at the same time. South Africa, with its big domestic market for family holidays, is the perfect country in which to take kids on their first safari. There are lots of child-friendly accommodation options, and camping is a big winner too. You could consider a self-drive safari, but there are lots of family-friendly guided tours to choose from as well. There is so much to see and do in this varied country, even little ones with short attention spans won’t ever get bored.”
1Where should I go in South Africa with kids?
“There are countless options for a South Africa family safari. Kruger National Park is on many people’s bucket list. The wildlife viewing is superb and the variety of animals is especially appealing to children. You have a good chance of seeing the Big Five here and much more. KwaZulu-Natal, with its collection of coastal reserves, is another great wildlife destination for the family. This tropical region is particularly rewarding in the South African winter when other areas can be a bit chilly. The community-owned lodge in Tembe Elephant Park is a lovely set-up for children. This remote park is known for its elephants with huge tusks, but you can see all of the Big Five here, as well as Zululand specials, such as nyala and red duiker. Cape Town and the Garden Route is worth exploring with kids as well. The beautiful beaches, hiking and mountain-biking trails, and numerous lakes and lagoons make this area a favorite with families enjoying an active holiday. While the Cape is often considered less ‘African’ than the rest of the country, there are several Big Five reserves here. Take your kids to Addo Elephant National Park for exciting close-ups with very relaxed elephants, or spend a couple of days in the luxury of Shamwari Game Reserve where the whole family gets pampered.”
2Is it safe to go to South Africa with children?
“In our opinion a family safari in South Africa is very safe. If you book with a reputable company, there is little to worry about. Some activities, such as walking safaris, are not allowed for children under a certain age. These restrictions are put in place to keep your children safe. Your guide will help you to stay safe, however, you will also need to monitor your children to keep them secure while on safari. Some lodges might have stilted decks or might be on a riverbank. Small children should be supervised at all times. Choosing your accommodation carefully is the best way to reduce any safety risks. As anywhere in the world, there is crime in big cities, and Johannesburg, in particular, has a bad reputation. Walking around the city unguided is not recommended. However, an overnight stay and a guided city tour should be fine.”
› More about South Africa Safety & Security 3What is the minimum age for children to go on a South Africa holiday?
“Compared to some other safari destinations, there are not many limitations on traveling with children in South Africa. Some lodges and hotels have age restrictions and there might be age limits on tours. Always check with your operator before booking. All packages on SafariBookings indicate applicable age limits. Group tours usually have a minimum age, but when booking a private tour, your operator can make adjustments to suit your family. These limitations aside, you should also consider whether your children are ready for a safari. There is no point paying a lot of money for a holiday that your children are too young to appreciate. Luckily, South Africa is a varied country with a lot to offer aside from safaris. Depending on the age of your children, you can make the safari components bigger or smaller and mix a few days in the bush with time on the beach, Cape Town or the countryside. Children with a strong interest in nature are more likely to benefit from a safari at an early age. As a rule, children that have been exposed to and enjoy bush camping and other such outdoor activities will be ready for a South African safari at a younger age than children without any such experience or interest. Most children older than about eight years old will gain a lot from a safari if planned carefully.”
4Are there special activities for children on a South Africa family safari?
“A game drive is the ultimate activity on any safari in South Africa with kids. While you’ll get around the country in a closed vehicle, it is very rewarding for kids to do game drives in an open safari vehicle. Giving kids a pair of binoculars or a little camera to use all helps to engage them. While game drives are most productive for seeing lots of wildlife, it can get a bit monotonous for children after a while. Ideally, you should break up your time with some other activities. A nature walk is ideal for stretching the legs and focusing on small things easily overlooked on drives, such as animal tracks and insects. Your guide might point out some birds as well. Some private reserves have special programs for kids, which give the parents some down time while the children go exploring with their child-friendly ranger. Other reserves offer a visit to nearby or affiliated wildlife sanctuaries. These tend to be very educational and your little ones will be thrilled to get really close to semi-habituated animals. South Africa’s national parks are not all stocked with big safari animals. Many don’t have dangerous animals roaming around, which makes them ideal for hiking and general sightseeing. Especially fun for kids is taking the cableway to the top of Table Mountain where you can walk around and enjoy the fabulous views over Cape Town. A visit to Boulders Beach and its penguin colony is also highly recommended.”
5South Africa Reviews
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.
South Africa: World-class Safaris
South Africa is one of my favourite places to go on safari, with all the necessary ingredients for a wildlife experience that will begin your enduring love affair with the continent. Primary among these ingredients is the wildlife. Nowhere...
Lucy is travel writer for a range of publications, including Lonely Planet's guides to Africa, Southern Africa and South Africa.
An Array of Animals
Of all the African countries people visit on safari trips, South Africa is probably the easiest to travel around. Infrastructure is excellent, accommodation for every budget is abundant and wildlife-viewing opportunities stretch far beyond...
It was the best trip of my life
South Africa far exceeded all of my expectations. I went on safari to Kenya last year and found South Africa to be even better! We went to Klaserie and Sabi Sands. We saw lions and leopards on every single game drive as well as so much...
FR
Wonderful experience
The safari was excellent. Everything well planned, the team was wonderful, took care of us. Wild Planet Safari was definitely a good choice. The experience was great. We had opportyunity to see so many animals and wild life. Landscapes are...
SA
South Africa is the best destination for wildlife, scenic beauty, birding, dining, and friendliness.
I went to South Africa expecting a poor utilities. I was astonished of how everything is organized and how civilized the country is. I went to Kroger Park where I saw the big 5 animals. The Safari was organized and the cars operate in...
South Africa is beautiful, wounded, and full of wildlife.
We loved South Africa overall. It is a beautiful country, with dramatic scenery, excellent wildlife viewing, interesting history, friendly people, and some of the best food we have had anywhere outside of France. It was also surprisingly...