South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Explore Cape Town 

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at Cape Town airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city. After settling in, it's time to step out and explore. This port city, located on South Africa's southwest coast, is home to incredible nature, wildlife, culture, and history, with a diverse population evident in its colorful streets, wide-ranging cuisine, and cultural activities. 

Start your visit with a stroll along the V&A Waterfront, a harbor area that is popular with both locals and visitors due to its wealth of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafés. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, where the kids can see the incredible marine life of the region, or they can run and play at the nearby carnival area, where you'll find games and rides for all ages. If you're looking to get out on that ocean water, take a harbor cruise and give the kids a chance to see seals and other marine life. 

For aerial views of the city, you can take a helicopter tour across the skyline and by the immense Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain that is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. And if you want to learn more about the region's history, visit the Diamond Museum, which explores the diamond rush in South Africa. This evening, check out Strolla Restaurant and Bar for dinner, a family-friendly spot where the kids can make their own pizzas and get their own aprons and chef's hats! 

Day 2: Cape Point, Penguins & Playgrounds

Get an early start this morning as you head to Cape Point, located an hour south of Cape Town on the Cape Peninsula. Part of Table Mountain National Park, the Atlantic, and Indian Oceans meet here, creating a unique ecosystem where flora and fauna flourish. You can hike to the old lighthouse, built in the 1800s, then make your way to the new lighthouse, which was built in the 1900s to solve visibility issues during cloudy weather. There's also a funicular available that takes you to the top—a great option for families with smaller children. 

Then, head to nearby Boulders Beach and visit the African penguin sanctuary, home to more than 2,000 endangered African penguins. There are elevated platforms that allow you to easily view the penguins, or if you want to get closer to these charismatic birds, rent sea kayaks and bob on the waves as you watch the penguins dive for their daily catch! Other afternoon activities include visiting the Kommetjie Imhoff Village farm animals, playing a round of paintball, going for a horseback ride along the beach, or enjoying a coastal train ride from Simon's Town to Muizenberg.

Afterward, take in views from the Cape Point Vineyards with a glass of wine for the adults and a gourmet picnic dinner for the whole family, then spend the evening strolling through the Noordhoek Village Market. Adults will love shopping for crafts and foodie delights, and kids will love the nearby playground—an easy dinner choice is the Foodbarn Deli, located right by the play area and offering classic French cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The day ends with a drive of the stunning coastal views of Chapman's Peak Drive as you return to Cape Town.

Day 3: Mountain Peaks & Pirate Ships

Your guide will collect you from your hotel this morning and drive you to what is sometimes called the "Mother of All Mountains," Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain. The mountain is also part of Table Mountain National Park, which covers an area of 85 square miles (221 sq km). It overlooks the city and is one of Cape Town's most-known landmarks.

You'll have the option of hiking up the mountain, a trek that takes about four hours with a few steep sections, and taking the cable car down, or you can take the cable car both ways if you have small children who aren't up for longer distances. While there, visit nearby Lionshead to enjoy views of the entire Cape Town landscape. Break for lunch at the restaurant at the top of Table Mountain, or bring a packed picnic lunch with you. There are also some easy walking paths at the top of the mountain, as well as a gift shop. 

Later today, take to the seas in the Jolly Roger pirate ship, an authentic replica of a swashbuckling sailing vessel. The young and young-at-heart will love seeing Cape Town and Table Mountain from the water on the hour-long sail around the bay. Return to the waterfront in time for a sunset ride on the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Family Day in the Winelands

Tour the Winelands today, where you'll visit several wine estates and enjoy activities to suit the whole family. Your guide will pick you up early in the morning, with your first stop being Spier Wine Estate, located in the historic town of Stellenbosch. Experience an inclusive wine tasting with a selection of superb wines for adults and grape juice samples for the kids. The estate has expansive lawns, perfect for little ones to run and play, and for an additional cost, you can visit Spier Eagle Encounters, an on-site wildlife rehabilitation center featuring interactive exhibits and shows. 

From here, continue to Middelvlei Estate. Here, the adults will experience another wine tasting, along with some delicious snacks, while the kids are entertained with a play area, farm animals, and plenty of open space. A snack box is provided for the children, and adults can also choose to have lunch, with options that include chicken sosaties (kebabs) cooked on the braai, or outdoor grill, as well as homemade pâté and breads. 

After lunch, depart Stellenbosch and head to the Paarl wine region for a visit to the enticing Spice Route. Enjoy a tasting of their flagship red blend, coupled with a chocolate and confectionary pairing that the kids will love. Explore the estate, which includes a craft brewery, art gallery, glass-blowing studio, and kids' play area. This evening, your tour guide will drop you back at your hotel to relax. 

Day 5: Drive to Langebaan, Club Mykonos Resort

Pick up your rental car today and make the leisurely 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town to Langebaan. The route to this beach town takes you along the beautiful coastline, with azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty. Known for its mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon, Langebaan is popular for sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and fishing, not to mention relaxation and beach time.

Upon arrival, you'll check in at Club Mykonos Resort. Located right on the shores of the scenic Langebaan Lagoon, this family-friendly, Greek-themed beach resort offers an abundance of entertainment options for adults and kids, with a wide range of rooms and apartments to choose from, nine on-site restaurants, a kids club, and both regular and mini golf courses! Kick back in your room tonight before exploring more of the resort tomorrow. 

Day 6: Family Fun at Club Mykonos, Explore West Coast National Park

If you want to stay on the property today, there are plenty of things to do at the resort. The kids can go to the Children's Clubhouse, where they can play games, do arts and crafts, or play in the indoor jungle gym. There are also several outdoor pools to choose from, so if a pool day sounds good, you have lots of options. Club Mykonos is also home to Africa's first Skypark, which has a nearly 50-foot (15 m) high obstacle course, multiple platforms, and 36 different hanging walkways and bridges. You can also rent jet skis or other equipment if the older kids want to get out on the water. 

Langebaan Lagoon is also considered the focal point of West Coast National Park, which encompasses 140,000 square miles (362 sq km) along South Africa's western coastline. Families looking to see more of the surrounding countryside can head out to the nearby beach areas of Kraalbaai or Tsaarsbank or go hiking at Geelbek. There are biking tours available that take you through portions of the park, hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, and whale watching tours. And if you have any budding botanists in the group, visit Postberg Nature Reserve, where seasonal flowers carpet the entire area. 

Day 7: Sunnypark Fun Park, Dinner at Die Strandloper Restaurant

Make it a waterpark day with a visit to Sunnypark Fun Park! You'll find loads of family-friendly adventures here, which include a huge indoor pool, multiple outdoor pools, trampolines, waterslides, mini-golf, paintball, and a kids' play zone. All the pools are heated, making this a fun excursion regardless of the time of year you visit, and there are braai areas next to the pools for barbecuing and picnic tables scattered throughout the park if you want to bring your own lunch. 

Tonight, head to the beach in Langebaan for dinner at Die Strandloper, a stunning seaside restaurant that features fresh seafood dishes alongside the sounds of gentle waves and crackling open fires. Visit their beach bar for live music, and let the kids play along the shore as you relax and enjoy the sunset. 

Day 8: Transfer to Kruger National Park, Private Safari 

Return your rental car and head to the airport for your next destination: Kruger National Park. A private transfer will pick you up at the airport when you arrive and take you to the park, where, after you get settled in your accommodations, you'll have your first opportunity to take your first safari with an evening excursion into the park. 

This three-hour evening tour via open Land Cruiser gives your family a thrilling opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most impressive wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Your guide will use a spotlight to help scan the darkness for animals as you travel through the park with the setting sun. Top off the evening with dinner and drinks back at your hotel as you listen to the sounds of the nocturnal bush life.

Day 9: Kruger National Park Day Safari

After an early wake-up call, hop in a 4WD vehicle and head to the Orpen Gate, one of the western entrances to Kruger National Park. It's guaranteed to be exciting because this region has the greatest concentration of animals in Kruger. From your elevated position in an open-topped 4WD safari vehicle, you'll enjoy the perfect vantage point to snap photos. There's no rush, as you'll have the entire day for wildlife viewing and spotting exotic birds! 

Leading this unforgettable wildlife tour will be an expert guide who will search out giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas—because where these animals are found, lions and other apex predators aren't far behind. You can also spot some of Kruger's incredible 517 species of birds, including starlings, hornbills, and the occasional ostrich. There will be various stops throughout the day for you and the kids to stretch your legs, as well as a break for lunch (not included). You'll return to the lodge in time for dinner at the end of the afternoon.

Day 10: Lion Sands Game Reserve, Big Five Sunset Game Drive

Head to the park's Lions Sands Game Reserve, a habitat of more than 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience luxury accommodations alongside the unspoiled beauty of the African bush, with lots for the kids to do as well! The reserve truly caters to families, with a kids' club that has specially planned activities and excursions that include a children's game drive, animal tracking, and bush survival classes. And if the adults need a break, there are on-site babysitting services available as well. 

Tonight, take a sunset game drive, a four-hour tour that gives you the chance to see Africa's Big Five game animals: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, and buffalo, so-named by hunters who determined these were the most dangerous animals to hunt. Your guide will take you to the best spots to see these amazing beasts, with some stops for photo ops. Afterward, enjoy a delicious bush barbecue dinner at the hotel. 

Day 11: Kruger Bush Walk

The whole family can experience the wonders of Africa's exotic wildlife up close on today's safari bush walk. Led by rangers from Inyati Safari Lodge, you'll hike across Kruger's beautiful savanna grasslands in search of wildlife and birds.

As you go, your professionally trained, expert guide will impart fascinating facts about the surrounding flora and fauna, including bush survival skills, like the medicinal use of various plants, and tips on tracking animals. You'll also learn a bit of local folklore and history. The hike takes three to four hours and due to duration and difficulty, is most suitable for families with teens as opposed to smaller children. 

Day 12: Transfer to Johannesburg, Guided Tour of Soweto & Storytelling Dinner

Your next destination is the city of Johannesburg. After you check out of your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport and catch your flight. Upon arrival, head to your hotel, and after a short rest, you'll be picked up by a driver for an excursion into the historic Soweto neighborhood. Founded in the 1930s by South Africa's white government, Soweto was originally a segregated residence for the Black population of Johannesburg. After decades of Apartheid's civil unrest, tensions finally eased in 1994 when the first multi-racial elections were held. Today, it remains the country's largest Black urban complex.

Day 13: Gold Reef City Theme Park

Voted one of Johannesburg's most loved entertainment destinations, a day at Gold Reef City is a great way to end your tour of South Africa. Set against the backdrop of the Gold Rush era, you'll be able to take your pick from a wide range of rides, including 18 thrillers and more than 10 dedicated children's rides. There's also a trampoline park, Johannesburg's only authentic underground mine tour, a movie theater, multiple retail shops, and tons of restaurants. Tonight, have dinner at the park or a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. 

Day 14: Depart Johannesburg

Sadly, it's time to say farewell to South Africa. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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