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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
9-Day Kwazulu-Natal, Safari and Beach
$3,399 to $3,499 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Richards Bay (Start), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, Elephant Coast (Highlight), Johannesburg (City), Richards Bay (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 182 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari
$978 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
4.9/5 – 305 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route
$1,351 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Wildlife Safaris
5.0/5 – 289 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger National Park Safari Gl
$737 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
4.9/5 – 154 Reviews
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![4-Day Private Kruger Park Safari]()
4-Day Private Kruger Park Safari
$1,340 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Junglers Adventure Tours
5.0/5 – 55 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Fully Customisable Private Kruger Safari]()
4-Day Fully Customisable Private Kruger Safari
$1,503 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 2,199 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Kruger National Park South & Panorama Route]()
5-Day Kruger National Park South & Panorama Route
$1,070 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Matsamo Cultural Village (Cultural Village), Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Nhlalala Travel
4.9/5 – 66 Reviews
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![3-Day Big Five Safari, Cape Agulhas & Karoo- Self-Drive]()
3-Day Big Five Safari, Cape Agulhas & Karoo- Self-Drive
$199 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Guest House & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Cape Agulhas (Highlight), Karoo NP, Cape Town (End)
Southern African Tours
4.6/5 – 68 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Highlights
$967 to $1,039 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 – 203 Reviews
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5-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Safari Inside the Reserve
$1,913 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Endless Summer Tours
5.0/5 – 71 Reviews
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7-Day Bush to Beach Kruger/Cape Flights Included Safari
$2,162 to $2,617 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Guest House & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Cape Town (City), Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain (Cape Town), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Red Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 118 Reviews
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6-Day Private Custom African Wildlife Safari (Mid-Range)
$3,191 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 – 10 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Safari with Private Guide & Safari Vehicle]()
4-Day Kruger Safari with Private Guide & Safari Vehicle
$1,066 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Shinzelle Safaris
4.8/5 – 77 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day The Greater Kruger Tshukudu Safari]()
4-Day The Greater Kruger Tshukudu Safari
$1,645 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 – 168 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Tour
$1,094 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Mmilo Tours
5.0/5 – 136 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Kruger Luxury Wildlife Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Luxury Wildlife Safari
$1,113 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 245 Reviews
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Best Seller
![4-Day Kruger National Park Essential Safari]()
4-Day Kruger National Park Essential Safari
$766 to $843 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.5/5 – 87 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Pay Stay Special Nsala Wilderness Camp
$764 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Umbabat GR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 116 Reviews
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![3-Day Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge]()
3-Day Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
$605 to $681 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
BST Tours
4.8/5 – 30 Reviews
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![5-Day Safari with Panorama Route and Riverboat Cruise]()
5-Day Safari with Panorama Route and Riverboat Cruise
$1,490 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Phalaborwa (Town), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 83 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....
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...
NL
An amazing country.
We love South Africa because of the friendly people everywhere, the face that the landscape seems to change almost every hour when you travel through the country, the wildlife, the climate, the excellent food and the prices of food and...
IE
It's amazing and will come back again.
Everything was so good.:) my two little ones really enjoyed. Food was delicious, if Agent would advise all transport options would be perfect, as we did not realise there's a small flight to Safaris instead of 6 hours shuttle.
CA
Beautiful and Diverse
It’s hard to find a trip that can match what South Africa offers. It provides something for everyone from chasing the Big Five in Kruger to sipping wines in the Cape Winelands to cycling the Cape Peninsula. We read a lot about safety...
Incredible and one of a time experience
South Africa was a dream journey for a long time but once we landed we know why we waited for so long - simply to be blown away by the beauty of this country and its incredibly friendly people…nice food, nice scenery, amazing vibe!