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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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Best Seller
10-Day Affordable Johannesburg, Cape Town & Kruger Safari
$2,111 to $2,360 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented Camp & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Cape Town (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,421 Reviews
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Best Seller
7-Day Tremisana Lodge - Kruger Park Safari
$1,555 to $1,670 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Moholoholo Wildlife Centre (Wildlife Sanctuary), 3 Rondavels (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 364 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg
$715 to $851 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Africa Moja Tours and Safaris
4.9/5 – 253 Reviews
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4-Day Entabeni Safari with Lakeside Lodge
$1,120 to $1,154 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Entabeni Safari Conservancy (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve), Johannesburg (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.9/5 – 236 Reviews
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10-Day South Africa Wildlife Safari Tour
$3,009 to $3,310 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Tented Camp & ResortYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hazyview (Town), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (End)
Africa Incoming
5.0/5 – 64 Reviews
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5-Day Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo
$2,926 to $3,375 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
4.9/5 – 594 Reviews
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4-Day Safari to Kruger Park & Private Safari Lodge
$1,629 to $1,791 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Safaris
5.0/5 – 336 Reviews
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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
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3-Day Kwa Maritane Pilanesberg Lodge Exp Malaria-Free
$825 to $946 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
BST Tours
4.8/5 – 34 Reviews
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3-Day Sabi Sands Reserve & Kruger Park Tented Safari
$1,532 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Socioolite Travel and Tours
5.0/5 – 78 Reviews
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6-Day Exclusive Kruger/Private Luxury Lodge Safari
$4,343 to $5,064 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 – 23 Reviews
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6-Day Affordable Kruger & Sabi Sands Safari
$2,813 to $3,165 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Mbombela / Nelspruit (Start), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Panorama Route (Highlight), Skukuza (End)
African Family Safaris
5.0/5 – 30 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Safari in an Eloquent En-Suite Tented Camp
$650 to $741 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
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5-Day Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Highlights
$1,246 to $1,337 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 352 Reviews
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3-Day All-Inclusive Ndzhaka Tented Camp Safari
$1,029 to $1,150 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Tented CampYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,701 Reviews
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10-Day Journey Through Southern Africa
$4,921 to $5,468 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Victoria Falls town (Victoria Falls), Victoria Falls, Cape Town (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
4.9/5 – 72 Reviews
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4-Day Eco Lodge Kruger Safari
$839 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
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5-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant National Park Safari
$1,684 to $1,751 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
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7-Day Cape Town-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 – 370 Reviews
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7-Day Cape Town Cycle Tour - Premium
$3,820 to $4,393 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Guest House & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Grabouw (Town), Stellenbosch (Winelands), Cape Town (City), Cape Town Surrounds, Cape Town Airport (End)
Outland Travel
5.0/5 – 7 Reviews
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...
Lions, elephants, cheetah, giraffe, rhinoceros, buffalo, hyena, penguins and whales, in one trip!
We wanted a holiday to see African animals in the wild. We were not expecting such a vast array. My children were blown away by a bushwalk were they encountered a cheetah. The safari at Kruger did not disappoint seeing a hyena trying (but...
Fantastic adventure!
This was a great trip! During my 5 day tour, I was able to see an incredible number of animals, including the Big 5. Most of the guides were seasoned and knowledgeable, but even the newer guide (1st day at Kruger) did a good job (handled...
Beautiful.
Wildlife: The game viewing was outstanding. On our drives we saw[lions, elephants, cheethah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, wild dogs, and the highlight was catching the lions at sunset. Our guides were knowledgeable and patient, and the roads...
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...