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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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4-Day Entabeni Safari with Lakeside Lodge
$1,059 to $1,090 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Entabeni GR (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve), Johannesburg (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.9/5 – 181 Reviews
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11-Day South Africa Self-Drive Adventure
$7,377 to $9,812 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Hermanus (Whales), Garden Route, Kwandwe GR, Port Elizabeth (End)
Wayfairer Travel
5.0/5 – 196 Reviews
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5-Day Safari with Night Drive and Panorama Route Tour
$1,616 to $1,685 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
5.0/5 – 97 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari
$1,029 to $1,075 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)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 334 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari]()
3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
$947 to $1,010 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 – 307 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Highlights
$1,149 to $1,332 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.
5.0/5 – 242 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Open Safari Vehicle Tour
$717 to $803 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 – 197 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Private Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari]()
4-Day Private Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari
$1,381 to $1,518 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range ChaletYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
4.9/5 – 242 Reviews
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![10-Day Adventurous South Africa and Eswatini]()
10-Day Adventurous South Africa and Eswatini
$3,604 to $3,668 pp (USD)
Eswatini & South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Drakensberg Mountains (Mountain Range), iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, Mlilwane WS, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Nhlalala Travel
4.9/5 – 92 Reviews
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4-Day Private Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Tour
$1,465 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Junglers Adventure Tours
5.0/5 – 67 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![10-Day Affordable Johannesburg, Cape Town & Kruger Safari]()
10-Day Affordable Johannesburg, Cape Town & Kruger Safari
$1,581 to $1,684 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 – 3,739 Reviews
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![7-Day Safari & City Lights]()
7-Day Safari & City Lights
$4,719 to $4,914 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
5.0/5 – 58 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Safari in an Eloquent En-Suite Tented Camp]()
3-Day Kruger Safari in an Eloquent En-Suite Tented Camp
$596 to $609 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 – 25 Reviews
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![4-Day The Greater Kruger Tshukudu Safari]()
4-Day The Greater Kruger Tshukudu Safari
$1,755 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
5.0/5 – 176 Reviews
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![4-Day Private Garden Route Tour Cape Town Big 5 Safari]()
4-Day Private Garden Route Tour Cape Town Big 5 Safari
$1,798 to $2,157 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Oudtshoorn (Garden Route), Storms River, Garden Route GR (Garden Route), Hermanus (Whales), Cape Town (End)
Gems of Africa Safari and Tours
4.9/5 – 161 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Timbavati Safari Short and Sweet]()
4-Day Timbavati Safari Short and Sweet
$2,851 to $3,555 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 562 Reviews
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5-Day Kruger, Canyon & Boat Tour in Safari Capital
$1,230 to $1,328 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Central Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Shinzelle Safaris
4.8/5 – 80 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger - Nambu Camp
$570 to $659 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 – 124 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Pilanesberg Wildlife Resort Safari]()
3-Day Pilanesberg Wildlife Resort Safari
$531 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 251 Reviews
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![5-Day Kruger NP Deluxe Safari Incl Panorama Route]()
5-Day Kruger NP Deluxe Safari Incl Panorama Route
$1,184 to $1,302 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.7/5 – 104 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...
US
Incredible
Loved South Africa and will definitely go back. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took the time to stop the truck to explain and answers our questions. I highly recommend Wild Planet Safari and Eric our Tour Guide and Goodwill or...
IT
Amazing
We enjoyed a lot our 2 day safari at Pilanesberg Park. We stayed one night at Yvory Lodge, a five star accomodation. All details have been respectful at high level, from the pick up at our hotel. Strongly recommended.
US
Stunning vacation destination PACKED with wildlife!
We spent over a week in South Africa, and it was not nearly enough time. Getting there from the northwest US took a very long time, especially with insane flight delays, but the minute we arrived, it was amazing. We stayed in Camps Bay,...
Country of wonders
This was our first time to South Africa and we have had a smashing time from the start to the end. We landed in Johannesburg late and were going to another domestic flight, everyone in the airport was helpful to let us go through, simply...