Highlights
- Kayak with the penguins of Boulder's Beach
- Scale the magnificent Table Mountain
- Spot the Big Five at Kruger National Park
- Dine under the stars in Soweto
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town & Explore, Dinner at Strolla | Cape Town |
| Day 2 | Cape Point & African Penguin Sanctuary | Cape Town |
| Day 3 | Table Mountain & Jolly Roger Pirate Ship | Cape Town |
| Day 4 | Fly to Kruger National Park, Private Safari | Kruger National Park |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari | Kruger National Park |
| Day 6 | Fly to Johannesburg, Soweto Guided Tour & Storytelling Dinner | Johannesburg |
| Day 7 | Gold Reef City Theme Park, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town & Explore, Dinner at Strolla
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa, famous for its rich variety of wildlife, scenery, and cultures. Your driver will meet your family at the airport and take you to your hotel. Once you're settled, head out and explore. Stroll the V&A Waterfront, which is packed with great cafés and shopping. You can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium―the kids will love seeing the sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and other ocean wildlife up close. The waterfront is also home to the Diamond Museum, which explores South Africa's mining history and houses replicas of the world's most famous diamonds. If your family is feeling more intrepid, consider a helicopter flight and enjoy views of the city and Table Mountain from up high.
In the evening, head to the most family-friendly restaurant you've ever been to―Strolla Restaurant and Bar. The kids have their own area, where, under supervision, they'll attire themselves appropriately as little chefs and build their own pizzas. When they've eaten to their hearts' content, they can make their way to the games room to watch a movie, do some coloring, or play a few games. Meanwhile, you can relax with your own meal and a cocktail or two!
Day 2: Cape Point & African Penguin Sanctuary
This morning, head an hour south of Cape Town to Cape Point, home of untouched beaches, lighthouses, and the Flying Dutchman funicular―all of which are tremendous fun to explore with the kids. The Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet here, creating a unique and flourishing ecosystem―if you're lucky, you might see baboons, Cape mountain zebras, ostriches, eland, and sugarbirds, as well as extraordinarily varied shrubland. Bring a picnic to share on the rocks next to the lighthouse, or head to nearby Simon's Town for a delicious seafood lunch.
Begin your afternoon with a memorable visit to Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary. There's good viewing from the comfortable elevated platforms, but for the full experience, rent a sea kayak and watch the penguins dive deep for the day's catch. If time allows, consider visiting the Kommetjie Imhoff Village Farm or going for a horseback ride on the beach. Spend the evening shopping for crafts and fine food at the Noordhoek Village market (there's a great playground nearby for the kids), and then savor the day with a glass of wine and a family gourmet picnic dinner at the Cape Point Vineyards.
Day 3: Table Mountain & Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
This morning get your family dressed in their walking shoes―the "Mother of all Mountains," Table Mountain, is on the agenda for the day. While a popular choice is to hike up and take the cable car down, unless your kids are particularly experienced hikers, it's probably a good idea to take the cable car both ways. The kids will love the rotating carriage, which gives a great view of landmarks like Robben Island and Signal Hill. The shorter, flatter trails at the top of the mountain will give you the chance to put some miles onto those hiking boots as you explore the panoramic views.
Upon your return, head to one of the many restaurants on the V&A Waterfront to fuel up. The next activity will be a little easier on the legs, however. Head along the waterfront to the Jolly Roger pirate ship for an hour-long sail around the bay. Enjoy the view of Table Mountain and the refreshing sea breeze while the kids have fun pretending to be pirates on this carefully-made replica. When you get back to the waterfront, return to the heights once more with a family sunset ride on the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Fly to Kruger National Park, Private Safari
Today you'll fly from Capetown direct to Kruger National Park. Established in 1926, South Africa's first national park has an unbeaten reputation as the country's most exciting safari destination. Children over the age of five are welcome―in fact, there are family lodges with plenty going on to keep the kids entertained, and there are child-friendly game drives on offer, concentrating on areas with handy facilities and a high chance of seeing large numbers of game.
When you arrive, get settled in your accommodation, explore or go for a swim, and prepare for your first game drive. The beginning of your three-hour evening open Land cruiser safari will take place against the stunning backdrop of the African sunset. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five, arguably Africa's most dangerous―and exciting―animals (elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards). After the sun goes down, you'll continue to search for nocturnal animals by spotlight. Enjoy dinner and drinks, then continue the night drive back to your accommodation.
Day 5: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari
Get up bright and early this morning―your family members have a day of adventure before them! Jump into a 4WD vehicle and head to the Orpen Gate, one of the western entrances to Kruger National Park. This area has the greatest concentration of animals in the entire park―ideal for kids as there will be the constant opportunity to spot exotic wildlife. You'll have the perfect vantage point for sightings and photos from the top of the open-roof 4WD, but there'll also be plenty of chances for you and the kids to stretch your legs at the various stops. There's a break for lunch en route, and a delicious dinner will await you at the lodge on your return.
Meanwhile, sit back as your guide searches out giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas―and where they are, the apex predators won't be far behind! Which of you will spot the first lion? The park also has an incredible number―517!―of bird species, from striking hornbills to large ostriches. There's certainly plenty to keep each family member occupied, plus there is the additional fun of being driven off-road in a 4WD―sure to be a hit with the kids!
Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg, Soweto Guided Tour & Storytelling Dinner
Head to the airport this morning and take the short flight to Johannesburg. Today your family will explore Soweto on a guided tour, with the choice of walking, biking, or taking a tuk-tuk (moto taxi). A segregated area for the Black population in the decades of Apartheid, it was a center of civil unrest until the country's first fully democratic elections in 1994. On the tour, you'll see the Hector Pieterson Memorial (dedicated to a child killed by police during the 1976 student riots), as well as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu's former homes on Vilakazi Street. Fuel yourselves up during the tour on "bunny chow," a hollowed-out loaf of fresh bread filled with stew or curry.
In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Soweto's political history from people who have lived it, with a traditional dinner and storytelling under the stars. You and the kids will be hearing directly from freedom fighters, former students who were part of the 1976 uprisings, artists, and musicians local to Soweto, as they share their experiences with you. This is an opportunity unlike any other for you and the kids to experience living history while you share food around the fire―you'll come away with both a deeper understanding and some new friends.
Day 7: Gold Reef City Theme Park, Depart
More Great South Africa Itineraries
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