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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.
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Top Rated Operator
7-Day South Africa Safari: Hluhluwe Elephant Coast
$3,700 to $4,525 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, Elephant Coast (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.9/5 – 149 Reviews
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3-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Open Safari Vehicle Tour
$601 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Elephant Whispers (Elephant Sanctuary), Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
4.8/5 – 90 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
$958 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Safaris
4.9/5 – 259 Reviews
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4-Day Incredible Greater Kruger to Canyon Safari
$817 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Shinzelle Safaris
4.9/5 – 63 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Tremisana Lodge Kruger Park Safari
$878 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
4.9/5 – 262 Reviews
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![4-Day Greater Kruger and National Park, Panorama Route]()
4-Day Greater Kruger and National Park, Panorama Route
$1,180 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourSelf Catering Accommodation
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 62 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari]()
3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari
$932 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 217 Reviews
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![10-Day South Africa Safari and Cape Town Splendour]()
10-Day South Africa Safari and Cape Town Splendour
$5,208 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (City), Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain (Cape Town), Cape Town Airport (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
5.0/5 – 28 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange]()
3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange
$661 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Nhlalala Travel
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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![4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari]()
4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari
$583 to $649 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.8/5 – 63 Reviews
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![13-Day Cape Town and Garden Route Big Five Safari]()
13-Day Cape Town and Garden Route Big Five Safari
$3,314 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Hermanus (Whales), Knysna (Garden Route), Garden Route NP (Tsitsikamma) (Garden Route), Lalibela GR, Cape Town Airport (End)
Viatu
5.0/5 – 42 Reviews
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3-Day Big Five Self-Drive Safari to Mabula Game Lodge
$600 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Mabula GR (Waterberg Biosphere), Johannesburg (End)
Safari.com
4.7/5 – 186 Reviews
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4-Day Zula Kruger Panorama Tour
$604 to $685 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sudwala Caves (Highlight), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Sabie (Town), Johannesburg (End)
Zula Zula Adventure Bus
5.0/5 – 2 Reviews
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![3-Day Greatest Kruger Park -4 Star Lodge & Joburg Return]()
3-Day Greatest Kruger Park -4 Star Lodge & Joburg Return
$747 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Southern African Tours
4.7/5 – 65 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Tremisana Lodge Safari
$876 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 1158 Reviews
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![3-Day A Midrange Safari in Kruger National Park]()
3-Day A Midrange Safari in Kruger National Park
$817 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
4.9/5 – 98 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger National Park and Johannesburg]()
4-Day Kruger National Park and Johannesburg
$720 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 50 people per vehicle)
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Pretoria (City), Johannesburg (End)
Pure Diamond Tours and Safari
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6-Day Family Safari for 4 to 2 Reserves Greater Kruger
$1,736 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Greater Kruger, Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 20 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Nambu Camp
$633 to $696 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 100 Reviews
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![5-Day Kruger Sabi Sands, Tented Bush Camp Safari]()
5-Day Kruger Sabi Sands, Tented Bush Camp Safari
$2,062 to $2,268 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Greatest Africa
5.0/5 – 32 Reviews
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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....
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-watching opportunities stretch far beyond...
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OUTSTANDING
If you are contemplating booking an African Safari, just do it, you will experience the best Africa has to offer! My husband and I booked a five day Kruger Park Safari with Endless Summer and we were totally impressed. Our guide, Wade, was...
Stunning diverse natural beauty
Cape Town has so much to offer, stunning sea views, beautiful beaches, mountains, vineyards and wildlife nearby. Our experience of penguins, whales, dolphins and baboons was amazing . Then the big 5 at Aquila Game Reserve was a hit. A...
Far exceeds your expectations
Really enjoyed my safari with Viva Tours in South Africa; the 6 day safari was a luxury because I had time to do 2 full days in Kruger Park and numerous game drives in their private reserve to ensure I saw all of the big five animals as...
NL
SA in general? It’s nice bin muged en a lot of people want something from you. I’m not used
About the safari it was nice only 3 days is more then enough. I was lucky enough to see the big 5 in the Kruger park. But I would say the bush walk was boring so not really necessary if you ask me. Or you have to be lucky to see ontregeling...