Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 14 Days

Highlights

• Encounter the Big Five at Kapama Game Reserve
• See the stunning views from Table Mountain
• Experience traditional African food, music, and village life
• Cruise the Zambezi and witness the incredible Victoria Falls

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, Bambanani Family Restaurant

Welcome to Johannesburg! Your accommodation is an easy shuttle ride from the airport. Once you've settled the family in, head out for dinner at the Bambanani Family Restaurant.

Don't worry if the flight has left some family members a little scratchy―this is the perfect option to relax and ease into your holiday. Catering for kids of all ages, the restaurant combines contemporary decor and modern dining with full-time childminders, play areas, and tons of child-friendly activities. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail while the kids climb, play, and craft to their hearts' content. Afterward, head back to your accommodation and get ready for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 2: Drive to Kapama Game Reserve & Explore

Pick up your rental car this morning and hit the road to Kapama Game Reserve. Enjoy a scenic drive from the open views of the Highveld, down the Great Escarpment, and into the Lowveld. Here you'll drive through grasslands interspersed with baobabs and thorn trees―just the type of landscape where you can expect to find many of Africa's most famous species. When you get to Kapama, relax and enjoy lunch. Explore the facilities and prepare for a mid-afternoon game drive (note that children must be six or over for game drives and walks).

Accompanied by professional rangers and trackers, spend the afternoon seeking Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo). Along the way, you can also expect to encounter a vast number of other animals―around 350 bird species and over 40 species of mammals. The kids will love seeing these famous creatures in their natural habitat. There'll be a break for refreshments on the way, and a delicious dinner awaits upon your return.

Day 3: Safari at Kapama Game Reserve

You have a full day relaxing at Kapama today. With two game drives on offer (morning and afternoon), why not take advantage and go on both? You'll have an early start to meet the morning drive―the wake-up call is at 5 am―but early morning and evening are the best times for spotting game. Both drives take three hours and begin with refreshments. There'll also be a break on the way to stretch your legs and a meal upon your return. The whole family will enjoy this chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards in their natural habitat―and that's just the start!

Spend the break between the two game drives relaxing in your luxurious surroundings. Take a nap, enjoy fine dining at lunchtime, and take the kids for a swim in your private pool. Deck chairs are provided so when you've had enough of the water, you can relax with a cocktail and a good book and supervise them in comfort. Make the most of the on-site fitness studio and spa, or head out on a guided bush walk to get a closer look at the wildlife and learn more about the fascinating culture and legends of this area.  

Day 4: Fly to Cape Town, Explore & Clay Cafe

After a last leisurely breakfast at the lodge, drop your rental car off at the airport and fly to Cape Town. Once you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, head out and explore―the city has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. Famous for its stunning location, a great place to start is the V&A Waterfront, home to great cafés, shopping, and kid-friendly museums. Grab an ice cream and soak up the view, or head to the Diamond Museum. If your family is up for something more adventurous, take a helicopter flight and enjoy views of the city and Table Mountain from above.

Day 5: Cape Point & African Penguin Sanctuary

Take a trip out of town this morning with a family jaunt to Cape Point, a paradise of untouched beaches and lighthouses―plus a funicular, the Flying Dutchman. Plenty to explore with the kids! Home to a unique ecosystem created by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, this region hosts a stunning array of flora and fauna― keep your eyes peeled for Cape mountain zebras, baboons, ostriches, eland, and sugarbirds. Take your choice of a casual picnic on the rocks next to the lighthouse for lunch, or head to Simon's Town for fresh seafood.

Afterward, meet the inhabitants of Boulders Beach at the African Penguin Sanctuary. Elevated platforms offer clear views of the penguins, but if you rent a sea kayak, then you'll be able to get up close to them diving for their day's catch. Afterward, swing by the Noordhoek Village Market to purchase crafts and fine foods (there's a great playground nearby for the kids), then head to the Imhoff Farm at Kometjie―there's plenty of space for the kids to run around and a fantastic petting zoo.

In the evening, head to The Lawns for an early picnic dinner with gorgeous views over the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, enjoy superb al fresco dining outdoors on a spacious terrace―plenty of room for the family to relax. 

Day 6: Table Mountain & Two Oceans Aquarium

Get ready for outdoor action this morning with a trip to Table Mountain. Leave the hiking boots behind―today's tour will be via nonmotorized scooters! Prepare for about two hours of freewheeling fun and fantastic views in this two-part tour. The first track takes you down Signal Hill, at which point you'll be picked up and driven to Table Mountain itself. Enjoy the exhilaration of its lower tracks as you sweep down to the city. Don't worry if your kids are on the younger side―kids from four years old can ride double with their parents, so this is fun for the whole family. 

In the afternoon, why not head to Two Oceans Aquarium after a delicious lunch on the V&A Waterfront? A great kid-friendly way to learn about the abundance of local marine flora and fauna, the kids will be wowed by the quality exhibits. Get close to sharks, penguins, seals, and turtles, and learn about the Aquarium's rescue and rehabilitation program. There's also a touch pool for some hands-on learning. Little ones will come away awed by the ocean's diversity and inspired to help protect it.

Day 7: Jolly Roger Pirate Ship & Green Point Park 

Enjoy the sea breeze this morning with a relaxing one-hour cruise around the bay. If this sounds a little tame for the kids, there's a twist. Your vessel is the Jolly Roger, a replica pirate ship! Savor the views of Capetown and Table Mountain while the kids have fun playing pirate make-believe. Once you're back on dry land, stroll along the waterfront and pick up some lunch supplies before you surprise the kids with your next destination.

Tucked in next to the Cape Town Stadium, you'll find Green Point Park. Perfect for family relaxation, spend the afternoon picnicking on the expansive lawns while the children let off steam. With plenty of room to run, walk, or cycle, the kids will love it. For the younger ones, there is also a separate playground with swings, a jungle gym, slides, and tunnels. When you're ready for dessert, head to Cape Town's most popular ice cream parlor, The Creamery, just a short walk away. 

Day 8: Explore Cape Town, Dinner at Strolla

Today you are free to do as you wish—hit the beach, explore one of the museums or historic places of interest in and around the waterfront, or tour the city with the hop-on-hop-off bus. A great option for the kids is the original Scratch Patch. Near the waterfront, the whole family will have fun "scratching" for their favorite gemstones from the thousands that cover the floor. Most are local stones, such as tiger's eye, rose quartz, or amethyst, but there are a few exotic ones mixed in. Located on the same site, you'll find the Cave Golf Course, an indoor mini-golf layout popular with all ages and abilities. 

In the evening, head to Strolla Restaurant & Bar. The ultimate in family-friendly dining experiences, relax and enjoy your meal while your kids, dressed as chefs, build their own pizzas in the Kiddies' Corner, supervised and assisted by restaurant staff. Savor the sea view and a cocktail or two on the Sunset Deck―with a fully outfitted playroom complete with games, movies, a PS4, and coloring books for the kids once they have finished eating, there's no need to rush things!

Day 9: Iziko Museum & Planetarium, Traditional African Dinner

Explore the South African night sky with a trip to the Izuko Planetarium and Digital Dome. A favorite among local children for years, this recently renovated planetarium is now the most advanced in Africa―with 360-degree screens and multi-sensory and interactive exhibits. There are also tailored shows for the little ones―watch as they travel to the moon with Tycho, the space dog! Next door, you'll find the Izuko South Africa Museum, where the kids will be awed by fossils, dinosaurs, whale skeletons, and giant squids, among many other fascinating exhibits.

This evening, experience the warm, family atmosphere of a traditional African meal. Enjoy a 14-dish tasting menu with fare that spans the continent. The food will be accompanied by information about the ingredients and culture of the country from which it comes and by interactive entertainment. The kids will love seeing the live musicians and dancers―they'll also have the chance to learn basic djembe (traditional drumming) techniques and to get up on stage and dance too. There'll be traditional Mali puppetry as well, making this surely one of your most entertaining family dinners ever.

Day 10: Fly to Victoria Falls, Boma Dinner & Drum Show

Today your family will head to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, via a flight from Cape Town airport. Your driver will meet your family upon arrival and drive you to your accommodation. Get settled and, if time allows, go for a stroll or take a walking or bike tour. 

This evening you'll head to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for its famous boma (enclosure) dinner and drum show. A fusion of tasty local cuisine, dance, drumming, and storytelling, the evening is entertaining for all ages and a memorable start to your stay here. Your family will enjoy a traditional four-course meal (starters, soup from the campfire, a braai (barbecue), and dessert). The kids will love the food, but they'll probably like the interactive drumming and dancing even more! Come prepared to take part!

Day 11: Victoria Falls, Potjie & Cruise

Today is going to be a highlight of your family's trip: your chance to see the majestic spectacle that is Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall on earth. The semi-permanent rainbow will entrance the kids at appropriately-named Rainbow Falls (the tallest cataract, at 354 ft/108 m)―during the rainy season, the misty spray can be seen from 12 miles (20 km) away. Your guided tour will be 2.5 hours, after which you can have lunch with a view at the Look Out Café. On your return to the park entrance, you'll have the chance to purchase hand-made souvenirs from local artisans.

Spend your evening cruising the Zambezi River on the famous Explorer. Get the kids to keep their eyes peeled for hippos and crocodiles, and enjoy the beauty of this mighty river as you savor drinks and canapés. Depending on the season, you'll also spot various species of birds and animals, including elephants and buffalo, as you sail off into the sunset with the spray from Victoria Falls as your backdrop. Back on shore, a chef will be busy preparing a potjie dinner (a traditional dish cooked in an iron pot over an open fire), so you can round your evening off with a feast under the stars.

Day 12: Elephant Encounter, Steam Train Dinner

Walk with the giants today as your family spends time with elephants in their natural surroundings. Observe them go about their day in the bush at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. You'll begin in an open-design boma, where, against a backdrop of the Masuwe River, you'll learn about the sanctuary and its mission to preserve these precious animals.

Learn the stories of individual elephants and their herds direct from the guides who care for them, as well as the threats that elephants face today. Afterward, your family will head out into the bush to observe the elephants and, with the assistance of the keepers, even hand-feed them. Take a few photos and finish with refreshments.

Switch gears with an adrenaline-fuelled afternoon spent on a zipline, flying fox (the world's longest!), bridge slide, or canopy tour experience―take your pick of ways to see Victoria Falls from a whole new perspective. All are suitable for kids aged six and over. Once you've worked up a serious appetite, an unusual dinner venue awaits―step onboard the Bushtracks Express, an air-conditioned steam train. The train will stop on Victoria Falls Bridge, giving you views over the gorge against the setting sun. Enjoy beverages, canapés, and a five-course meal before returning to your accommodation. 

Day 13: Ko Mpisi Village, Fly to Johannesburg 

It's an early start for your family today as you make the most of your last few hours here at Victoria Falls. Your wake-up call is at 6 am, after which you will be driven to an African homestead, Mpisi's Village. Here you'll learn about traditional Ndebele culture, from the housing and communal living area to workshops in traditional creative arts.

Surrounded by villagers going about their normal days, you and the kids will have the opportunity to hone your skills in oil, watercolor, finger painting, or traditional beading. With the help of a private tutor, you'll soon be crafting your own souvenirs. The workshop will end with a delicious traditional meal. Later, head to the airport for your flight―it's time to go back to Johannesburg. 

Day 14: Bicycle Tour of Soweto, Depart 

Sadly this is your family's last day in South Africa―but that doesn't mean there isn't time to fit in one more adventure! This morning tour the famous area of Soweto by bike (you can also walk or take a moto taxi if you prefer).

Once a segregated area for the Black population in the decades of Apartheid, and an important center of civil unrest, you and the kids will get a fascinating glimpse into this history as you stop at landmarks such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu's former homes on Vilakazi Street. The tour ends with home-cooked "bunny chow," a stew or curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of fresh bread. 

If you have time afterward, head to the Maropeng Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Cave to view fascinating hominid fossils, some dating back more than three million years. The walking tours get you up close to the excavated sites, and your guide will teach you and the kids about these discoveries and their significance. Spark your family's curiosity as you wonder at the ancient stone tools and the evidence of campfires from a million years ago, all within the striking setting of these high caves. Afterward, head to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!

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