I’d make it slightly richer and more obviously written from a family-travel perspective, with some practical details woven in rather than turning it into a guide.
South Africa is one of those countries that is almost impossible to fit into one trip. It is vast, incredibly varied and, in our experience, wonderfully welcoming. Travelling there with children takes a little planning, but it also gives you the chance to create some pretty special family memories.
‘For us, safari has to be on the list. There is something magical about being in the bush together, phones forgotten, getting up early and waiting to see what appears next.’
Spot the Big 5
For us, safari has to be on the list. There is something magical about being in the bush together, phones forgotten, getting up early and waiting to see what appears next. Do your research and look for reserves and lodges that genuinely welcome families. Ideally also somewhere that has the Big 5. Places such as Ndaka are geared towards children and make the whole experience feel accessible and fun. Our three days in the bush gave us some of our favourite memories from the entire trip.
Sport is a National Passion
We also always try to build a sporting event into our travels. South Africans are incredibly passionate about sport and the atmosphere is something children can really get caught up in. This time we were lucky enough to watch the Springboks take on Scotland in front of a sell-out crowd. The noise, the flags, the singing and the genuinely welcoming fans made it far more than just a rugby match. Rugby, cricket and football are all worth looking out for depending on the time of year.
The Stunning Cape
There is plenty beyond the big attractions too. Cape Town is brilliant with children. A trip up Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach or simply spending an afternoon on the beach can easily fill a few days. We loved our time in Hermanus, just outside Cape Town, which gave us a completely different pace. Depending on the season, it is also one of the best places for whale watching. Markets, local food, small coastal towns and cultural events are all worth adding rather than trying to stick to a rigid tourist itinerary.
‘Markets, local food, small coastal towns and cultural events are all worth adding rather than trying to stick to a rigid tourist itinerary.’
The distances can look daunting on a map, but short internal flights make it much easier to link key destinations such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. We found it far better to fly between the major cities and then explore locally rather than spend huge chunks of the holiday in the car.
Key Points to Remember
Remember that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons may be the opposite of what you are used to. The climate also varies hugely across the country, so check each destination before packing.
As with anywhere, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when travelling with children, and plan journeys in advance. Uber is cheap, easy and reliable in the main cities and we used it regularly.
And then there is the food. The quality and variety are fantastic, from great breakfasts and family restaurants to local markets, seafood and a proper South African braai. There really is something for everyone.
You will never fit South Africa into one holiday, and I think that is part of its charm. The bush, beaches, cities, sport, food and people all offer something completely different. Go knowing you will miss things, enjoy the places you do reach and leave with a very good reason to come back.
Further Reading
- Beyond The Balloons, What Saudi Children Really Need In Their First Week Of School
- Bear Hugs Eyes 15 New Saudi Nurseries As Early Childhood Sector Grows