South Africa Coast & Safari Family Adventure - 7 Days

Highlights

• Play with penguins on the Cape Peninsula
• Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain 
• Cruise the coast with the kids on a pirate ship
• Hang with the elephants on safari in the Southern Cape

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Optional Activities

Welcome to South Africa! Nicknamed "Rainbow Nation" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this extraordinary country is a melting pot of diversity home to people of Indigenous Khoisan and Bantu, European, Asian, and mixed-race ancestry. The country offers incredible diversity and amazing nature, wildlife, culture, and history, making it a truly wonderful destination for visitors and families.

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your Cape Town hotel, your base, for the next few nights. Settle in before heading out with the kids to explore. The town's many historical parks are perfect for little legs to run around after a long flight. Afterward, head to the famous V&A Waterfront—it's a perfect spot to catch the Cape Town vibe while relaxing with a drink and savoring the waterfront views against the epic Table Mountain backdrop.

In the evening, treat the family to a harbor cruise as you watch the sunset or, for the ultimate kid-friendly experience that combines dinner and fun, book a table at Strolla Restaurant & Bar. This seaside eatery has a fab "Kiddies' Corner" where younger ones can become pizzaioli (pizza makers) and create their own edible masterpieces. Treat yourselves to a cocktail as you toast the start of your holiday adventures while the kids relax post-flight in the restaurant's kid-themed games room.

Day 2: Cape Point & Boulders Beach Penguin Tour

This morning, embark on an unforgettable tour as you and the family head on a scenic drive south around Chapman's Peak and down to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Point. Here on the tip of the famous Cape Peninsula, discover fabulous beaches, lighthouses, and magnificent views across the ocean. Kids will adore a trip on the Flying Dutchman funicular railway, where the vantage point from the iconic lighthouse at the top offers stunning views across both the Indian and Atlantic oceans. 

If the younger ones thought the funicular was fun, wait until they see the adorable penguins at the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary. View the tuxedoed waddle up close via a network of wooden walkways before heading to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With a world-famous reputation, the gardens' setting against the grandeur of Table Mountain is hard to beat. With over 1,303 acres (528 ha) to explore, take one of the trails and admire the colorful flora and fauna as you saunter among the collections of over 7,000 plant species.

Day 3: Table Mountain Cable Car, Pirate Ship Sail, African Dinner Experience

It's another fun-packed day in Cape Town, and after breakfast, you'll start with an up-close visit to Table Mountain, nicknamed the "Mother of all Mountains." It's a four-hour medium-to-steep hike to the top, so take advantage of the cable car that whizzes you up to the summit. Kids will love the rotating carriage that gives splendid views over Robben Island and Signal Hill. Enjoy the panoramic views and a walk around the top before floating back through the clouds as you return to the base.

The V&A Waterfront is the ideal lunch spot and the starting point for the kids' next adventure. The Jolly Roger pirate ship is an authentic replica of the real thing. Board the boat with your mini pirates-to-be and set sail for an hour-long cruise along the bay and enjoy the fabulous views from the water. After plenty of "Ahoy me hearties!" return to land, and as the sun starts to go down, don't miss a family sunset ride on the Cape Wheel.

As evening falls, you and your family are in for a treat as you head to one of Cape Town's celebrated restaurants for an immersive African gastronomic experience. Sit down to a 14-course tasting menu in a warm, communal atmosphere. As you savor each course, you and the kids will be entertained by a troop of African singers and dancers. If the kids are inspired to join in, watch their faces light up as they learn how to play the djembe drums, enjoy traditional Mali puppetry, and are encouraged to hop on stage and dance with the performers. 

Day 4: Drive to Hermanus, Explore

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Cape Town before picking up your rental car and embarking on a scenic road trip across coastal roads and through wine country to the coastal town of Hermanus. This charming seaside town is particularly kid-friendly and known for its Blue Flag beaches. Check in to your hotel, and if appetites are flagging, take a walk along the town's waterfront promenade, where you'll find plenty of great places to lunch with tremendous views over the ocean. 

In the afternoon, discover why Hermanus is known as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" and hike along the cliffs and coastal paths, which offer a great vantage point to see these magnificent creatures close up. Mesmerize the kids with a visit to the Whale House Museum, where they can see a vast suspended whale skeleton. Then, depending on energy levels, spend the rest of the day playing on one of the gorgeous sandy beaches or head out for a guided sea kayaking experience. 

Day 5: Drive to Herbertsdale, Gondwana Private Game Reserve

It's an early start this morning as you prepare for the next leg of your family road trip and take a scenic drive to the inland village of Herbertsdale, nestled in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Here you'll spend the next two days at the Southern Cape's premier private game reserve, Gondwana. Settle into your accommodation and head out with an expert field guide as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, and buffalo. 

Explore the park from your open roof 4WD as you venture off-road in search of the free-roaming Big Five and join the kids in spotting other herds of wildlife, from zebras, cheetahs, hippos, and giraffes. Make memories as you discover the reserve's majestic landscape, while the awe-inspiring views of the Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountains make the perfect backdrop for some family photos to treasure. Back at your lodge, relax with a book and a glass of wine as you watch the sun slowly set amid the nighttime sounds of the bush.

Day 6: Gondwana Game Reserve, Junior Ranger Program

It's your last full day in South Africa, and your most strenuous activity will be managing the kids' excitement this morning as they get to spend the day as young safari rangers in the making. With their dedicated junior ranger field guide, they'll don their unique ranger's backpack and spend the day tracking, fishing, and participating in plenty of fun and educational game drives. 

While the kids are being well looked after, the day is yours to spend as you wish. With 27,000 acres (10,926 ha) at your disposal, either head out on one of the guided nature trails, take a horseback safari, hike the rolling hills and sub-tropical valleys, or simply relax at the luxurious on-site spa. 

Welcome back your enthusiastic mini-conservationists as they regale you with tales of their day spent identifying mammals, birds, and stars, and learning all about the importance of conservation and our ecosystem. Spend the evening dining in one of the reserve's impeccable restaurants as you recount the favorite moments of your African adventure. 

Day 7: Transfer to George Airport & Depart

Sadly, today marks you and your family's last day in South Africa. In the morning, transfer to George Airport, drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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