10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg

With four nights each in Cape Town and Kruger National Park (and one night in Johannesburg), this family-focused itinerary is the perfect introduction to the city delights and natural splendors of South Africa. Each day is packed with well-thought-out activities that'll entertain children of all ages, including a pirate-themed cruise, exciting game drives, and a visit to Gold Reef City theme park.

Welcome to South Africa! After settling into your accommodation in Cape Town, get your bearings in the city as you explore V&A Waterfront and dine at the family-forward Strolla Restaurant & Bar—kids can have fun in the designated play area. Wake up refreshed and hit the road to Cape Point, where you'll see penguins at Boulders Beach, and check out Noordhoek Village Market for traditional foods and crafts. With two more days in Cape Town, you'll have time to hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, board the Jolly Roger, a replica pirate ship, for a cruise, and spend a day on a wine tour designed with children in mind.

On the morning of Day 5, you'll say goodbye to Cape Town and take a short flight to Kruger National Park. Famous for its wildlife, including elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinos, and lions, the following three days will fly by as you embark on numerous game drives and join a walking safari led by rangers from Inyati Safari Lodge. Next, another short flight brings you to Johannesburg, where you'll take a deep dive into local history with a guided tour around Soweto. Before catching your flight home, spend your last day letting the young ones burn off energy at Gold Reef City Theme Park. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route

Animal and nature-loving families will delight in this 10-day South Africa itinerary showcasing the best of Cape Town and the Garden Route. With activities to suit everyone's interests, you'll hike, cruise, and safari along the continent's southern coast, while learning about local culture and traditions. Plus, with wine tours and luxury downtime, everyone will leave feeling refreshed by the country's warm hospitality.

Your nature and wildlife-focused trip begins with an exciting four days in Cape Town, where, as a family, you'll explore both the city sites and surrounding coastlines. After a relaxing evening wandering the V&A Waterfront, you'll make your way to Cape Point to watch charming penguins and check out the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Next, spend a day hiking around the top of Table Mountain and watch the sunset from the Cape Wheel. Then it's off to the Western Cape for a day of wine, chocolate, and confectionary tastings, before it's time to pick up your rental car and drive to Hermanus.

You'll quickly discover why Hermanus is deemed the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" as you take a family hike along the town's coastal paths and visit the Whale House Museum; then, it's back on the road to Herbertsdale. With two nights here, you'll have plenty of time to spot zebras, hippos, and giraffes on game drives in Gondwana Private Game Reserve until a short drive brings you to Knysna. Known for being on the doorstep of Wilderness National Park and Featherbed Nature Reserve, you'll pack in hikes, safaris, and a cruise before ending your trip at the George airport. Learn more

Itinerary #3: South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City 

Suitable for families with younger children, this activity-filled South Africa itinerary is the ideal mix of modern-day fun and time in nature. Starting with five days in Cape Town, it's easy to soak up the city's vibrant culture and explore the famous sites of the Cape Peninsula. Then, make your way up to the exciting resort of Sun City, stopping for a bucket list safari in Pilanesberg National Park.

After a short transfer to your Cape Town hotel, your base for five nights, you and your family will head out to explore the V&A Waterfront and burn off any extra energy from your flight. Enjoy a hearty breakfast the following morning and head up Table Mountain by cable car, then take an afternoon tour of the Castle of Good Hope before ending your day with a memorable cruise on a pirate-themed ship. With three more days in Cape Town, you'll have time to check out the city's other must-dos, including a wine tour in Durbanville Wine Valley, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and an immersive dinner experience. 

Leaving the city behind, you'll gather the family and fly to Pilanesberg National Park, known for its ancient volcanic crater landscapes. Enjoy an afternoon searching for lions, cheetahs, and elephants, followed by a sunrise game drive; then, it's on the road to Sun City—an epic resort designed with families in mind. Split two days between Valley of the Waves, Maze of the Lost City, and Crocodile Village, and dine at family-friendly restaurants come evening. Next, a three-hour transfer brings you to Johannesburg, where children will love a day at the Gold Reef City Theme Park before it's time to catch your onward flight the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #4: South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari

Have a South African adventure with your family and explore the highlights of Cape Town, embark on game drives searching for the Big Five, and take in the stunning scenery along the Garden Route. Adults and children alike will love testing their sandboarding skills and soaring across a ravine on a zipline tour, and with stops at quirky resorts and stunning vineyards, you'll finish your trip with lasting memories.

Your trip begins with a day exploring Cape Town's highlights, including a visit to the Watershed Market and the V&A Waterfront. Eager to explore your surroundings, wake the kids early the following morning and head out for an adventure atop Table Mountain, followed by a cruise on the Jolly Roger pirate ship. Spend the next day on the tip of Cape Peninsula, riding the Flying Dutchman funicular railway and interacting with animals at the Kometjie Imhoff Village Farm. Then, hit the road to Elgin, stopping for wine tastings (and grape juice) at the Babylonstroen Winelands & Gardens and Boschendal.

Treat your children to an exciting morning at Cape Canopy Tour Adventure Park, and an evening at the quirky resort of Old Mac Daddy—where they can paddleboard or zorb, then it's back on the road to Oudtshoorn. Stop by Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary on the way to learn about lions, cheetahs, and leopards, followed by a free evening. Continuing your road trip, you'll soon arrive at the Shamwari Game Reserve, where you'll spend your remaining time on game drives and playing at the Adventure Center until it's time to transfer to Port Elizabeth to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Southern African Safari for Families: Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls

Take in the highlights of southern Africa's cities and landscapes with your family on this well-rounded itinerary. Perfect for family members who enjoy staying on the move, you'll split your time between game drives, ocean cruises, and city walking tours while getting a great introduction to South Africa's warm culture. Then, finish your trip in Zimbabwe, admiring the world's largest waterfall and searching for wildlife along the Zambezi River.

Your South Africa adventure begins in Johannesburg. You'll dust off any jet lag with a relaxed walking tour of the Mabeneng Precinct and an evening dining at the Bambanani Family Restaurant. After picking up your rental car the following morning, hit the road to Kapama Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. Spend a day and a half embarking on game drives searching for the Big Five, and relaxing at your nature-surrounded lodge. Then a short flight brings you to Cape Town, your home for the following four nights.

Cape Town is filled to the brim with unique things to do, and as a family, you'll tick off the best of them, including a tour of Cape Point, a visit to the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary, and a morning tour of Table Mountain on an unmotorized scooter. Then, spend your last day in Cape Town on board the Jolly Roger pirate ship and let children burn off energy at Greenpoint Park. Before finishing up your family trip, you'll embark on one more epic adventure, this time to Zimbabwe. Take in the powerful to Victoria Falls and cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn More

More Great 10-Day South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other 10-day South Africa itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.