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.
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
Arrival in Cape Town and Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town
Arrival in Cape Town and Two Oceans Aquarium
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
Entertainment3hRide on the V&A Waterfront ferris wheel
Entertainment1hTable Mountain and penguins at Boulders Beach
Cape Town and Cape Peninsula
Table Mountain and penguins at Boulders Beach
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
Nature3hMeeting penguins at Boulders Beach
Nature2hFranschhoek and the wine tram
Franschhoek
Franschhoek and the wine tram
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
gastronomy4hFamily picnic at a winery with views
gastronomy2hGarden Route: Plettenberg Bay and sanctuaries
Plettenberg Bay
Garden Route: Plettenberg Bay and sanctuaries
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
Nature2hBirds of Eden, the world's largest aviary
Nature2hRobberg Nature Reserve and Plettenberg beaches
Plettenberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve and Plettenberg beaches
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
Nature3hBeach afternoon in Plettenberg Bay
Rest3hFamily safari in Addo Elephant NP
Addo Elephant National Park
Family safari in Addo Elephant NP
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
Nature3hViewing from the floodlit waterhole hide
Rest2hLast safari and flight to Durban
Durban
Last safari and flight to 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
Nature3hStroll along Durban's Golden Mile promenade
Entertainment2huShaka Marine World, Durban's water park
Durban
uShaka Marine World, Durban's water park
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
Entertainment4huShaka Marine World: Wet 'n Wild water park
Entertainment4hDurban beaches and Indian culture
Durban
Durban beaches and Indian culture
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
Rest3hVictoria Street Market and bunny chow dinner
gastronomy3hFarewell to South Africa
Durban
Farewell to South Africa
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
Entertainment2hTransfer to King Shaka airport
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