South Africa has a variety of landscapes to explore all within easy reach of each other, destinations are easy to access by road or by plane, and in addition to offering bountiful experiences for all ages, it’s an extremely affordable destination.
Here are five reasons to visit South Africa on your next family holiday:
1. Variety of accommodation
South Africa has a well-developed tourism industry that offers a range of accommodation options at various price points. Whether you prefer to self-cater, or are looking for sumptuous luxury retreats, you’ll find family-friendly options wherever you go.
2. Budget-friendly
As a destination, South Africa offers exceptional value for money – an important consideration when taking the family on holiday. There are many options for budget-friendly accommodation and activities without having to sacrifice comfort.
3. Malaria-free safaris
Safaris are an incredible experience for all ages and make for a great family holiday. What can sometimes be a concern when heading out on safari, especially with the little ones, is malaria. Luckily, South Africa offers a number of great safari destinations with low or no malaria risk.
4. Easy to get around
Many of South Africa’s top destinations are extremely easy to get to. A short flight can get you pretty much anywhere in the country in a couple of hours. If you prefer to go by car, the country has a vast network of roads with loads of stops along the way, making a self-drive adventure easy. See ZULA Travel Types.
5. Loads to see and do
From safaris to beautiful scenery, a trip to South Africa is popular with families for its wealth of family-oriented experiences to enjoy. Not only that, but it’s the kind of destination that will teach your little ones so much – about different cultures and about nature – while having a great time.
Top family experiences in South Africa
Cape Town
The vibrant city of Cape Town lies in the shadow of the famous Table Mountain and is a bountiful destination for families. With plenty to see and do for every age and interest, Cape Town is highly recommended for families.
Explore the city on a City Sightseeing bus – the little ones will love the open-air double-decker bus for sure! Hop off and hop back on at your leisure to explore the many stops along the route. Don’t forget the sunblock!
See the world beneath the waves at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Special children’s entertainment is available, and we highly recommend a stop at the penguin enclosure at feeding time. It’s noisy, but the cheeky penguins are a delight!
Explore the scenic Cape Winelands on a Bikes ‘n Wines family tour through idyllic vineyards, stopping at top wineries for tastings and excellent cuisine that the region is famed for.
Other family-friendly experiences include visiting Boulders Beach penguin colony – recently seen on the Netflix documentary, Penguin Town, or a visit to the spectacular Kirstenbosch Gardens for a day spent outdoors in these magnificent gardens.
Family safaris
A safari is an experience that will leave a lasting impression on every member of the family. Seeing Africa’s raw beauty and untamed wildlife is an experience that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
There are plenty of excellent wilderness reserves where you can enjoy a family safari. The Kruger National Park is the most well-known for a Big 5 safari, but there is a multitude of other safari options to enjoy as well.
If you’re headed out to Kruger, be sure to stop along the Panorama Route. Made up of a number of scenic lookout points, waterfalls, and the unique Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the route is a popular stop for visitors to the area for good reason.
If malaria is a concern for you, South Africa has many safari options where the risk of contracting malaria is very low, but the safari experience is no less incredible.
Garden Route
The aptly named Garden Route is indeed a feast for the eyes. Majestic mountains, sprawling sandy beaches, and gorgeous wildflowers offer some excellent outdoor adventures, from boating and fishing, to hiking.
Stop in at the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay for a fun experience observing and learning about our primate cousins. The variety of primate species found here roam free within the sanctuary after having been rehabilitated after living in captivity in zoos, circuses, and as exotic pets.
If you’re inspired to begin planning your South African family holiday, get in touch with us. Our team is well-versed in putting together epic family adventures in South Africa and have loads of advice and tips that we can share with you. Find out more about ZULA or contact us.
