Travel South Africa with kids

Details of our South Africa holidays with kids.

The trip to South Africa can be done by car 4x4 with GPS navigation system. And with our personalised travel dossier, you will travel with all the security and clarity of having everything organised, in addition to traveling to your air and at your pace, because as we have said each family is different and has its own tempos. However, if you prefer Next Destinium takes care of all transfers from one place to another, without having to worry about getting to the destination or not, just enjoying the trip with your family.

The must-do´s. What to see and do in Cape Town with children.

• Visit the Old Town of Cape Town
• The Company’s Garden and the market on Green Market Square
• Visit the large shopping center of Victoria & Alfred on the Water front pier
• Make a ride with the funicular to Table Mountain
• Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden
• Get sunny at the Hout Bay beaches
• Visit Hermanus and spot the whales jumping
• See pinguins inSimons Town

This suggestion for a trip to South Africa with children is created by our specialist travel consultants to South Africa. To create your perfect tailor-made holiays, please contact our South Africa destination specialist.

The must-do´s. What to see and do in Cape Town.

If we travel to South Africa as a family, we can’t miss this magnificent city… Why? Cape Town is one of the most versatile cities in the world, with a diverse and tolerant culture, with a wide range of activities that fall in love every day with people of any age and, above all, with an enviable biodiversity. It is the habitat of hundreds of endemic species that are severely restricted or threatened, and this enormous diversity of species is mainly due to the convergence of several different types of soils and microclimates. It is located in a privileged enclave between the ocean and the mountains and has the southernmost point of Africa, it is one of the largest cities in the country, but its population density is rather low. In addition, it stands out for its excellent raw material and a gastronomy that surprises even the most demanding traveller.

Interestingly, in 2014 Cape Town was named the best destination to travel through the American New York Times and the ‘British Daily Telegraph’. As the capital of the Western Cape Province, as well as the seat of the National Parliament, it has led to higher revenues and the growth of government-related industries.

How to travel Cape Town? This is a city that has many impressive places to discover, so doing it on your own with a rented vehicle is a good option, as you have the opportunity to not miss any corner and travel freely, creating your own route day by day. However, there are many companies specialising in private tours in which a guide picks you up at your hotel and takes you to see all those places you can’t miss, and since he is an expert in the area, he explains all the curiosities about what you are visiting. They are two different ways of traveling but they both bring something positive in the journey. So, what are the places and what activities can we not miss in Cape Town?

In Next Destinium we have created a list of the TOP 10 with the essentials:

1. The Company’s Garden and Green Market Square: The city center

The Company Garden is a park located in the center of Cape Town that was originally created in the 1650s by the first European settlers of the region and therefore has historically valuable botanical trees, statues and historical monuments. Walking along the green paths of this park gives the traveler a moment of tranquility in the middle of the city, it is ideal for families.

And what better way than visiting a market to live closely the art and culture of a country? Well, we can’t miss the market located in the historic Green Market Square, where we find strawberry fruit and seasonal foods, colorful clothing and accessories, handcrafted objects and traditional art, lots of souvenirs and curiosities to bring home a good memory.

We also recommend walking along Long Street, a famous street that is now considered the center of Cape Town’s Bohemian culture, as it has many book shops, several ethnic restaurants and bars, so it exhibits a diversified culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. Architecturally it stands out for its colonial-style Victorian buildings with wrought iron balconies.

In the center of the city also stands out the Strand Street, one of the main streets of the central business district, or The Castle of Good Hope, a monument built in the 17th century that has great value and provides the traveler who visits you a bit of historical culture about this city.

2. Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront zone: the Harbour and the Big Cape Wheel

The Victoria & Alfred area is one of the most visited destinations and is located in the oldest port in the southern hemisphere, with the iconic Table Mountain as background and wide views of the ocean. It has everything that can be offered, from residential properties, 5-star hotels, commercial districts, and of course, many varied restaurants that will adapt to the tastes of the little ones. There are also leisure and entertainment facilities such as a Ferris wheel and an aquarium, two attractions that you can’t miss with your children. It is a privileged space where you can walk with total tranquility, and where Next Destinium we host our customers, so when they have a few free hours they can stroll through this magnificent area.

3. Table Mountain: Aerial Cableway and the views

Table Mountain is one of the most representative symbols of Cape Town, and is basically a mountain with a flat top of 3 km from end to end, its flat shape is like a table, and from there comes the name. It is part of Mesa Mountain National Park and is an important tourist attraction to which many visitors access using a cable car or hiking to reach the top, which offers stunning views of the city and the ocean, approximately 302 m above sea level. And don’t miss it… The new funiculars rotate 360 degrees to offer a panoramic view of the city! The cableway upper station at the top offers viewpoints, curiosities, a restaurant and hiking trails of various lengths.

We also find the Devil’s Peak (Duiwelspiek) to the east of the mountain, and the Lion’s Head (Leeukop) to the west. Interestingly, in 2011, she was declared one of the winners of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World contest.

4. Kirstenbosh National Botanic Garden: the botanic garden of South Africa

This Botanical Garden is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is a place that you can’t miss if you visit Cape Town. It has a large area, specifically with 528 hectares, most of these (470 hectares) are of natural vegetation of the area and 58 hectares are of conditioned gardens. In this botanical garden special emphasis is placed on plants in South African territory and indigenous fauna, including birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs and insects. Kirstenbosch is located next to Table Mountain National Park, and both are part of the Protected Area of the Cape Floristic Region, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

It can be explored through five trails of different levels of difficulty, combining the wild part and the conditioned gardens, however, all the paths are well maintained, recorded and signposted, perfect for visiting with the whole family. There are even areas adapted for people with recuced mobility.

And what can we see in this Botanical Garden? There is a lot of variety, from fragrance gardens to water gardens, gardens with medicinal plants to sculpture gardens, from concert gardens to the famous Boomslang (tree trail) a bridge that opens its way through the treetops. It is a 130 m long elevated walkway that lifts visitors 12 m above the ground offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and gardens, an experience that thrills the little ones.

5. False Bay beach: The coloured houses

False Bay is a bay that enters Cape Town and has many famous beaches of the city, and although there is an urban development on the coast (mostly residential) much of the coast remains wild and unspoiled. One of the most beautiful beaches features lovely coloured cottages on the beach that create a colorful postcard image typical of South African culture.

6. Hermanus and the whales: a spectacle of nature

Whales are one of the most mysterious and beautiful creatures in the ocean, and many people travel hundreds of miles in the hope of discovering one of these Gentile creatures. Children, as lovers of the animals they are, can’t miss the opportunity to see whales up close. Nestled between the mountain and the sea, the picturesque Hermanus village has been rated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the twelve best whale watching spots in the world, and is often considered the heart of the whale route. This fishing village seems fairy tale is one of the most impressive destinations of the Western Cape and is complemented by a variety of excellent restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and more.

In fact, Hermanus must be considered the official home of the southern right whale, as every year southern right whales arrive in large numbers to reproduce, give birth and have fun at sea. For this reason the Whale Festival will be held (end of September), where more than 150,000 people will witness this natural spectacle. Other whale species that can be seen are humpback whales and Bryde whales, as well as African penguins, seals and if you’re very lucky, dolphins. The whale-watching boat rides in Hermanus take him offshore to get even closer to these amazing creatures.

7. Penguins in Simon’s Town: The Boulders´ beach

This is a popular beach and tourist stop due to a colony of African penguins who settled there in 1982. These fun and adorable animals do not measure more than 70 cm, weigh about 6 kg and are currently in danger of extinction. They live freely on this beach, if you visit them they will make you live a lot of anecdotes and you will have seen another of the animals considered “The Marine Big 5” (whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins). Surely your children will fall in love with these nice animals. This protected beach is located near the town of Simon’s Town, a charming fishing village thanks to its many Victorian houses and colonial monuments.

8. Cape of Good Hope: the end of the world

In Next Destinium we cannot design a trip to South Africa without a visit to the famous Cape of Good Hope, because it has a very powerful meaning and unique atmosphere, it represents the end of a country, but also of a continent and of the world. Then it is one of the southernmost ends of the African continent, however, the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean actually unite is Cape Agulhas, which lies farther south past Hermanus.

We emphasise that the Cape of Good Hope reserve is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lighthouse was built in 1860 at more than 260 meters above sea level and is located about 45 minutes walk, a suitable excursion for all ages. We consider it a must visit, as once you arrive your efforts will be rewarded with an incredible 360° panoramic view and a unique and magical feeling of being at one end of the world.

Along the way you can also enjoy an endemic and unique flora, as well as a fauna that includes all kinds of seabirds, ostriches, antelopes, small mammals, even the famous baboons, dangerous animals so it is recommended to avoid all contact for safety. Near the Cape sign is the beach of Diaz Beach, which can be accessed on foot.

9. Chapmans Peak: film landscapes

Chapman’s Peak is the name of a Cape Town mountain that falls abruptly in the form of a cliff for hundreds of meters in the Atlantic Ocean where just in 1915 a spectacular road, known as Chapman’s Peak Drive, was built, which embraces the almost vertical face of the mountain and linking Hout Bay with Noordhoek. This road was closed in the 1990s after a rock detachment, but reopened after being redesigned in 2005, as a pay road.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known to locals like Chappies and is a very popular route for hikers and cyclists as well, and luckily, there are plenty of picnic stops along the way for those who really want to savor the view across the bay. The trip forms an iconic stretch that is known for being the place used by numerous car brands to film their ads as it is said to be one of the most beautiful car rides in the world.

10. Robben Island: the island of seals and Mandela

Roben Island is located 7 km from the coast of Cape Town and its Dutch name means ‘island of seals’, another name by which it is known.

This island has a somewhat sad but very interesting story that brings to the traveler a bit of history about what Cape Town society has experienced recently (and not so recently), since it has been used for the isolation of certain groups of people, mainly political prisoners, for 4 centuries. Its current fame comes for having been detained political prisoners of the apartheid regime, among whom Nelson Mandela stands out. For this reason the island has become a popular destination for tourists and is managed by Robben Island Museum, which operates the site as a living museum. Every year, thousands of visitors take the ferry from Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to tour the island and its attractions such as the cemetery, Bluestone quarry, army bunkers and the maximum security prison, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. Robben Island is a South African World Heritage Site, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We recommend visiting this island when we go to Cape Town with children of a certain age, that is, if they are over 12 years old, since it is an enriching cultural visit but little thought to go with young children.

Where to make a safari in South Africa: the importance of the Malaria free and Family-friendly areas

After spending some unforgettable days enjoying the diversity of Cape Town, the journey continues. It is time to make a Safari and meet the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, rhinos) in all its splendor, photograph them and learn more about these majestic animals.

South Africa is home to the world’s best wildlife destinations, it is much safer and easier to travel than it seems, but there is a health problem that can determine your choice of destination: the Malaria. This is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, so malaria is a real and present hazard in many parts of tropical and subtropical Africa, especially during and just after rainy seasons. This is an example of why we have to document very well before visiting a new country.

The good news is that in Next Destinium all our safari destinations are malaria-free destinations, where this disease is controlled and therefore we are not at any risk of getting it. Our goal is to make the trip a relaxing holiday where our customers don’t have to be constantly worried about mosquito bites. The importance of Malaria free zones increases when we make a trip with children, because, as parents we are, we understand that the safety of our children is paramount. In addition, for travelers such as pregnant women who do not want the health risks associated with malaria medicines, these safari destinations are ideal and safe.

Another point to consider when deciding where to make a safari in South Africa is the so-called Family-Friendly reservations. These reservations are adapted for all family members and most importantly, they accept children of all ages, since in most reservations this is not the case, children must have a minimum age to access. In Next Destinium we make sure that all the members of your family are welcome and that, in addition, there are facilities and activities intended for the little ones, so that the fun and tranquility make this trip a magical memory.

In South Africa there are many reserves to make a safari but by far the most famous destination is the area of Kruger National Park, which is located in the northeast of the country and has impressive dimensions, specifically occupies 20,000 square kilometers, so it is one of the largest safaris reserves in Africa, and also the oldest ones. Kruger became South Africa’s first national park in 1926 and the park areas were protected against poaching for the first time by the government of the Republic of South Africa in 1898. The most interesting thing about this park is that the animals live with free transit throughout the territory, although within the park there are many different reserves, there are no whales that prevent the animals from going where they want to go.

It is very important to know that, although this area is public and controlled by the government, it also has numerous private reserves that have been doing safaris for many years and creating private experiences very well valued by travelers. At Next Destinium we highly recommend staying in a private reservation for different reasons. With an expert ranger who knows the park as the palm of his hand you will see many more animals than on your own. The rangers of the private reserves have the permission to leave the marked roads and roads to get into the vegetation and explore all the areas, instead that does not happen in the public part, you must wait for them to cross the road to see them. In the private reserves if the animal does not come to you, you go to the animal at whatever cost, so it covers much more territory. The comfort, safety and quality of the food soars when you stay in a private reserve, something that does not happen in the public part, as in the private area the accommodations are 4 or 5 stars and offer full board so that you live a complete safari experience without worries. The care is 24 hours and the hospitality is unparalleled, and that is perceived from the first moment and in every detail that they prepare for you and your family. Another factor to bear in mind is that in the public part a large number of visitors are usually concentrated, both those who sleep inside the park and those who will spend the day, if for example you find lions on the road suddenly more vehicles are concentrated to see them. Instead in private reserves rangers take you to areas that are not overcrowded, where you really feel the essence of Africa.

What does it mean to go on safari? Description of an entire day living a safari with children in South Africa

The concept of going safari is very generic, since depending on the traveler’s objective some safaris will adapt better than others, it is not the same thing to do a photographic safari than a normal safari with children. However, in any reserve there are always two incredible safaris a day of about 3 hours each, first hour when the animals are more active and another at the end of the day, with sunset. 4×4 vehicle rides in search of evasive animals are never the same as we always have to keep in mind the surprise factor, you never know what each exit will hold.

In a reserve the day starts very early when it is still dark, it’s time to get started, but before they offer you a small snack to leave the Lodge with energy. Once you get in the car, the driver and an expert ranger take you to the most extreme places. When traveling with children it is always interesting that the ranger is specialised in treating children of all ages so that what it explains is fun and pleasant while being didactic. In this first safari you go into the South African jungle with a special illusion, as it is the moment when you really feel that you are in Africa, and you feel all the wild and majestic energy it transmits. If you‘ve been lucky, you’ve been able to see a herd of elephants, giraffes eating breakfast from the tallest trees, and lionesses taking action to go hunting.

After the daytime safari awaits you a great rehearsal and a morning of relaxation and fun in the pool of the Lodge. Even your children can go to the Kids Club to do activities and crafts with other children at the Lodge, and with the peace of mind knowing that they are in good hands you can enjoy all the services offered by the Lodge, including a massage. You don‘t realise that it’s lunch time, and afternoon tea, so having recharged the energy you’re getting ready for the night Safari.

The sky begins to dye orange and forces you to have your eyes wide open and your cameras ready, it’s time to portray a postcard photo that you’ll be proud of for life. In the night safari you will have the opportunity to see more animals. For example, if in the morning you have not been able to see the buffalo, the expert ranger will take you where these animals abound more, think that their goal is to enjoy to the fullest and do not stop seeing any animal.

When you return to the Logde, a delicious dinner awaits you. Then you will return to your suite to enjoy the tranquility of the night and especially to rest, as all the strong emotions experienced during the day have left you surrendered.

In addition, we encourage you to participate in the so-called Bush Walks that are organised daily in the reservations, because at Next Destinium we believe that walking through the jungle provides the opportunity to experience Africa from the ground, in the safe hands of your professional guide. In these walks they take you to places inaccessible to vehicles, allowing you to experiment and interact with your environment in a more complete way, allows us to look at the details and smaller animals. The most important thing is that hikes can also be very fun: playing detective to test and determine which creature could have made footprints on the sand is an exciting experience.