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FamilyAfrica

Family South Africa: Penguins, Safaris and Beaches

The perfect family trip through South Africa: penguins at Boulders Beach, cable car up Table Mountain, the Franschhoek wine tram, monkey sanctuaries on the Garden Route, kid-friendly safaris in Addo Elephant and Durban's beaches and aquarium.

10 days1 countryFrom November to March for warm beaches in Durban. From April to October for safaris in Addo with better wildlife viewing and mild temperatures on the Garden Route.

Description

South Africa is the ideal African destination for traveling with children. First-rate infrastructure, reasonable distances, an incredible range of activities for the whole family, and the chance to see the Big Five without venturing into remote areas. This 10-day itinerary has been carefully designed so that both the little ones and the adults enjoy every single day, combining nature, beaches and culture in perfect balance. The trip begins in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Kids will be fascinated by the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, where they can touch starfish and see sharks and sea turtles. The visit to Boulders Beach is one of the most heartwarming moments: walking among African penguins nesting just a few feet from the boardwalks is an experience children will remember forever. From Cape Town, the route heads to the Franschhoek wine region, where the famous wine tram rides through the vineyards. Kids enjoy the ride on this historic tram while the adults do wine tastings. Many wineries have play areas and children's menus. The Garden Route is the most spectacular stretch for families. In Plettenberg Bay you will visit the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, a sanctuary where monkeys and lemurs roam free in a forest, and Birds of Eden, the world's largest aviary. Addo Elephant National Park offers easy safaris from your own car or in open vehicles where children can see elephants just a few feet away. The trip culminates in Durban, with its subtropical climate, shark-netted beaches and the incredible uShaka Marine World, the largest water park and aquarium in Africa.

Health & safety

  • Addo Elephant is in a malaria-free zone: no prophylaxis needed
  • Durban is in a low-risk malaria zone: check with a doctor depending on the time of year
  • Maximum sun protection: the South African sun is intense even on cloudy days
  • Drink bottled water in rural areas
  • Family travel insurance with medical coverage recommended

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Arrival in Cape Town and Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town

Arrival at Cape Town airport. Transfer to the family hotel and first visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where kids discover the marine life of the Atlantic and Indian oceans.

Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront

Entertainment3h

Ride on the V&A Waterfront ferris wheel

Entertainment1h
2

Table Mountain and penguins at Boulders Beach

Cape Town and Cape Peninsula

Morning cable car ascent on the rotating cableway, an experience that fascinates kids. In the afternoon, the most awaited moment: meeting the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Table Mountain cable car ascent

Nature3h

Meeting penguins at Boulders Beach

Nature2h
3

Franschhoek and the wine tram

Franschhoek

Transfer to the Franschhoek wine region, the loveliest valley in South Africa. Ride the wine tram through the vineyards, with stops at wineries offering kids' menus and play areas.

Ride the Franschhoek wine tram

gastronomy4h

Family picnic at a winery with views

gastronomy2h
4

Garden Route: Plettenberg Bay and sanctuaries

Plettenberg Bay

Start of the Garden Route toward Plettenberg Bay. Visit to the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where monkeys and lemurs live free, and Birds of Eden, the world's largest aviary.

Visit to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary

Nature2h

Birds of Eden, the world's largest aviary

Nature2h
5

Robberg Nature Reserve and Plettenberg beaches

Plettenberg Bay

Beach and nature day in Plettenberg Bay. Morning of easy hiking on the Robberg peninsula to see seals from the cliffs. Family beach afternoon.

Family hike in Robberg Nature Reserve

Nature3h

Beach afternoon in Plettenberg Bay

Rest3h
6

Family safari in Addo Elephant NP

Addo Elephant National Park

Arrival at Addo Elephant National Park for South Africa's most family-friendly safari. Safaris from your own car or in open vehicles. Elephants guaranteed.

Family open-vehicle safari in Addo

Nature3h

Viewing from the floodlit waterhole hide

Rest2h
7

Last safari and flight to Durban

Durban

Farewell morning safari in Addo. Flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban, South Africa's subtropical city. Beach afternoon and first taste of the Indian Ocean coast.

Farewell morning safari in Addo

Nature3h

Stroll along Durban's Golden Mile promenade

Entertainment2h
8

uShaka Marine World, Durban's water park

Durban

Full day at uShaka Marine World, Africa's largest water park and aquarium. Waterslides, dolphin encounters and educational exhibits about the Indian Ocean.

uShaka Marine World: aquarium and exhibits

Entertainment4h

uShaka Marine World: Wet 'n Wild water park

Entertainment4h
9

Durban beaches and Indian culture

Durban

Beach day in the warm Indian Ocean waters. In the afternoon, visit the Indian spice market and dinner of bunny chow, Durban's signature dish.

Beach morning on the Golden Mile

Rest3h

Victoria Street Market and bunny chow dinner

gastronomy3h
10

Farewell to South Africa

Durban

Last morning on Durban's beaches. Souvenir shopping on the promenade and transfer to King Shaka airport for the flight home.

Shopping and morning stroll on the Golden Mile

Entertainment2h

Transfer to King Shaka airport

Rest1h

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