2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls

Families with younger children will love this safari-focused southern Africa itinerary. With six nights in Cape Town, there's plenty of time to settle into life in South Africa while embarking on day trips to Table Mountain and the African Penguin Sanctuary. Plus, with time in Kapama Game Reserve and Victoria Falls, you'll get a well-rounded taste of what the south of the continent offers.

Welcome to South Africa! Your family adventure begins in Johannesburg. After a fun evening at Bambanani Family Restaurant, you'll head to Kamapa Game Reserve for two days of seeking out Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) on game drives. Next, fly to Cape Town, your home for the following six nights, and the perfect place to base your family to delight in South African culture and explore the city's surroundings. In Cape Town, you'll visit the African Penguin Sanctuary, explore Table Mountain on non-motorized scooters, and cruise on Jolly Roger, a replica pirate ship.

Before leaving Cape Town, you'll also have a chance to dine at the family-friendly Strolla Restaurant & Bar and learn about the night sky at the Izuko Planetarium and Digital Dome. Next, another flight brings you to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where you'll spend an evening indulging in a traditional four-course meal and show at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. With just a few days left, check out Rainbow Falls, learn about elephants at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage, and immerse your family in Ndebele culture at Mpisi's Village until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park 

Children and adults alike will delight in South Africa's incredible wildlife and vibrant cities on this family-friendly itinerary. Complete with numerous game drives, a stay at Club Mykonos, and four nights in Cape Town, each day promises new experiences and memorable activities. Parents will especially enjoy the handpicked activities, like a pirate cruise and a day at the Gold Reef City Theme Park, that entertain children while teaching them about South African culture.

Start your bucket-list-filled South African adventure in Cape Town, where you and your family will have four days to explore the vibrant restaurants and stunning nature in and around the city. Children will especially love making their own pizzas at Strolla Restaurant & Bar and watching penguins play at Boulders Beach. Then, after an afternoon onboard a replica pirate ship and a wine tour crafted especially for families, you'll hit the road to Langebaan. Soak up the sun and enjoy the many activities on offer with a three-night stay at Club Mykonos Resort, including a splashing good time at the Sunnypark Fun Park.

As the second half of your trip begins, you'll hop on a plane and fly to Kruger National Park, famous for its abundance of big game wildlife. Days will fly by as you embark on morning and evening game drives and learn about animal tracking in the park's Lions Sands Game Reserve. Children will also experience nature up close with a guided hike led by rangers from the Inyati Safari Lodge. Then, another short flight brings you to Johannesburg, where children will delight in a day at Gold Reef City, a theme park set in the era of the Gold Rush, before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route 

Perfect for active families, this adventure and nature-packed itinerary ticks off the highlights and hidden gems of southern South Africa. Discover the modern-day delights and colored streets of Cape Town, then switch gears and spend nine days traveling along the famous Garden Route. With visits to the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and numerous wildlife sanctuaries, children and adults alike will enjoy up-close encounters with South Africa's spectacular wilderness.

After arriving at the Cape Town airport, your family adventure begins with a relaxing day strolling along the V&A Waterfront and dining at Strolla Restaurant & Bar. Then, it's an action-packed four days of touring the city's highlights and surroundings, including a trip to the tip of Cape Peninsula, a ride on the Flying Dutchman, and a pirate-themed cruise, followed by a more relaxing day on a children-friendly wine tour that involves a picnic. Next, your journey along South Africa's famous Garden Route begins with a drive to Hermanus—the whale watching capital of the world.

Spend a day on the water, cruising between Dyer Island and along Shark Alley, where you can play I spy with great whites and whales; then, it's on the road again to Herbertsdale. With three nights in the Southern Cape's only free-roaming private reserve, you'll have plenty of opportunity to see lions, elephants, and buffalo on game drives. Continuing along the Garden Route, you'll arrive at the seaside town of Knysna. As a family, you'll embark on a 4WD driving tour in Featherbed Nature Reserve and tour Monkeyland before it's time to transfer to George to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City

Split your time between sandy beaches, fantastic theme parks, and family-oriented safaris on this two-week South Africa trip. Parents will appreciate the mix of authentic cultural experiences and endless fun in Sun City while children are entertained by exciting rides and learn about the country's wildlife on interactive tours. With plenty of opportunities for relaxing, this itinerary is perfect for families who want a taste of South Africa's beauty and nature.

Welcome to Cape Town! Settle in for six days of discovering South Africa's Mother City, letting children burn off energy and discover new sights and smells as you explore the V&A Waterfront, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. As a family, you'll also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and have a memorable day watching playful penguins on Dyer Island before trading in the city for Pilanesberg National Park. Located on the remains of an ancient volcanic crater, children and adults will be blown away by the remarkable landscapes that are home to lions, cheetahs, and elephants.

After an early morning game drive in Pilanesberg, you'll switch gears and spend three days enjoying the many activities available at Sun City theme park, including watching feeding time in the Crocodile Village and visiting the twinkling Forest of Lights, captivating all family members' attention. Then, with three days left on your family trip, you'll transfer to Johannesburg. Take a deep dive into South Africa's Apartheid era with a guided visit to the township of Soweto, or for younger children, spend an exciting day at Gold Reef City theme park before ending your trip at the Johannesburg airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Relaxing South Africa Family Adventure: Oceans, Wildlife & Safari

Crafted for families with older children and those who enjoy taking things a bit slower, this relaxed adventure focuses on the best of South Africa's nature and beaches. Without ever feeling rushed, you'll have time to play with penguins, search for the Marine Big Five, hang out with elephants, and swim in picturesque lagoons. You'll leave feeling refreshed and connected as a family!

Start your family-focused South Africa trip with a relaxing evening in Cape Town, roaming the V&A Waterfront and chatting excitedly about the adventures ahead at Strolla Restaurant & Bar. Then, get ready for three days of exploring the Mother City's highlights, with a Table Mountain cable car ride, a visit to see the adorable penguins at the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary, a wine tour with families in mind, and traditional dining experience. Next, you'll pick up your rental car and begin your road trip along South Africa's southern coast, starting with a drive to the charming town of Hermanus. 

Spend a day playing peek-a-boo with marine wildlife on and around Dyer Island, then it's back on the road to Oudtshoorn. After arriving at your home for the next two nights, you'll have time to explore as a family and visit the UNESCO-listed Cango Caves until it's back on the road to Knysna. Known as the gateway to Wilderness National Park and Featherbed Nature Reserve, you'll have no problem entertaining kids with beautiful walks through forests and along picturesque beaches. Before catching your flight home from Port Elizabeth, discover the modern-day fun and beautiful animals of Addo Elephant Park. Learn more

Itinerary #6: South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari 

Active families and those who enjoy staying on the move will love this South Africa itinerary. No two days are alike as you drive from Cape Town, along the Garden Route, to Port Elizabeth, all while taking time to get to know the culture and wildlife of the country. Plus, adults will have plenty of time to sip wine and relax while children burn off energy hiking, ziplining, and paddleboarding.

Your action-packed family adventure starts with three days in Cape Town, where you'll dust off any jet lag with a hike up Table Mountain, a pirate-themed cruise on the Jolly Roger, and a full-day tour of Cape Point. Leaving the city behind, you'll drive to Boschendal, the country's oldest winery, for a farm-based learning experience and wine tour and spend two nights in Elgink—known for its exciting Cape Canopy Tour Adventure Park that's sure to be a favorite of the young ones. Continuing along the Garden Route, your next stop brings you to Gansbaai, where those brave enough can thrill to a shark cage dive.

After a stop at the Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary, you'll head to Oudtshoorn, famous for its Cango Caves. Admire the stalactites and enjoy an afternoon at the De Kombys Winery, then a transfer brings you to Knysna. It's all about nature and good food in this seaside town, and everyone will love sampling cheese at the Fynboshoek Cheese Farm and learning about conservation at the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. With just four days left, you'll want to don your family safari outfits for numerous game drives at the Shamwari Game Reserve before transferring to Port Elizabeth to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 2-Week South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other 14-day South Africa itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.