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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
3-Day The Greater Kruger Tshukudu Safari
$797 to $1,253 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Tshukudu GR, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
4.8/5 – 91 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Black Rhino Game Lodge Safari Package
$666 to $733 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
5.0/5 – 88 Reviews
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6-Day Private Guided Kruger NP Comfort Safari
$1,339 to $1,583 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Chalet & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Panorama Route (Highlight), Kruger NP, Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Siya Phambile Expeditions
5.0/5 – 48 Reviews
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Best Seller
6-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$791 to $816 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Olifants River, Kruger NP, Moholoholo (Wildlife Sanctuary), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 148 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route]()
5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route
$1,049 to $1,157 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Wildlife Safaris
4.9/5 – 200 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park from Johannesburg]()
3-Day Kruger National Park from Johannesburg
$746 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Mpumalanga, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Tourgy Tourz
4.8/5 – 6 Reviews
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![10-Day South Africa Safari and Cape Town Splendour]()
10-Day South Africa Safari and Cape Town Splendour
$4,841 to $5,128 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 – 5 Reviews
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3-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Open Experience
$497 to $536 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
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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6-Day Fly-in Self-Drive Kruger & Panorama Route Tour
$1,420 to $1,796 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Graskop (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Go Self-Drive Tours
4.8/5 – 11 Reviews
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4-Day Orpen to Letaba- Tented Bushcamp Stay
$601 to $681 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented Bush CampYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Hoedspruit (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 11 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Kruger Tremisana Lodge Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Tremisana Lodge Safari
$808 to $889 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 174 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Kruger, Big 5 at Budget Price]()
3-Day Kruger, Big 5 at Budget Price
$700 to $900 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hoedspruit (Town), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 175 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Kruger Safari and Magnificent Panorama Route]()
4-Day Kruger Safari and Magnificent Panorama Route
$830 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
African Welcome Safaris
4.9/5 – 173 Reviews
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4-Day Sabi Sand - Umkumbe Bush Lodge
$732 to $796 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Nelspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 69 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Panorama, Wildlife Rehab Centre and Kruger Safari]()
5-Day Panorama, Wildlife Rehab Centre and Kruger Safari
$2,334 to $2,497 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger), Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Mmilo Tours
5.0/5 – 108 Reviews
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Best Seller
![3-Day Black Rhino Game Lodge Pilanesberg National Park]()
3-Day Black Rhino Game Lodge Pilanesberg National Park
$432 to $469 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
4.9/5 – 47 Reviews
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4-Day Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big 5 & St Lucia Wetland
$1,028 to $1,139 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Chalet & Self Catering AccommodationYou Visit: Durban (Start), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, iSimangaliso WP, Durban (End)
Endless Summer Tours
5.0/5 – 47 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Park Private Lodge & Panorama Route Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Park Private Lodge & Panorama Route Safari
$1,665 to $1,861 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
5.0/5 – 22 Reviews
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![5-Day Safari in Timbavati Nature Reserve (Kruger)]()
5-Day Safari in Timbavati Nature Reserve (Kruger)
$1,654 to $1,758 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hazyview (Town), Nelspruit (End)
Cedarberg Africa
5.0/5 – 16 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger 4x4 Open Vehicle Safari - 4 Star Lodge Stay]()
3-Day Kruger 4x4 Open Vehicle Safari - 4 Star Lodge Stay
$661 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Africa Incoming
5.0/5 – 7 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.
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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Stunning destination, that I will have to visit again
Definitely recommend safari online as they made our entire vacation stress free and operated very smoothly. South Africa has so many different natural wonders wrapped up in one country. The Kruger portion of our trip was amazing.
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A wonder of nature
South Africa is really worth visiting. incredible nature, fauna, gastronomy and I highlight, the sympathy of the people. really wonderful. In terms of safety in Cape Town and Johannesburg, it is better to avoid night walks. I am waiting...
Beautiful escape to be in nature and see animals in their natural habitats
Shinzelle safaris was a great company! Everything went to plan, had easy engagement and could ask any question, nothing was too much trouble even if the errors were solely mine, the management at Shinzelle helped us out. We had a great...
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Unbelievable breathtaking experience
I booked my trip with Mzansi Experience. This company was so patient and answering all my questions about this trip. They worked with my tight schedule. They recommended the tour which fit my schedule. I was a solo female traveler. They...