A family adventure packed with wildlife, beautiful scenery and unforgettable experiences
From penguins and whales to meerkats and the Big Five, this 18 day family-friendly South Africa holiday is designed to delight all ages. Explore Cape Town’s iconic attractions, discover the Whale Coast and scenic Route 62, enjoy outdoor adventures along the Garden Route and finish with an unforgettable safari in the Eastern Cape. Staying in a collection of hand-picked family-friendly properties throughout, this self-drive itinerary combines flexibility, adventure and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories together.
4 Nights Cape Town – 3 Nights Hermanus – 2 Nights Oudtshoorn – 3 Nights Garden Route – 3 Nights Eastern Cape
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Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa holiday today.
South Africa Family Cape to Cape
Tour itinerary
Depart London and welcome to Cape Town
Fly overnight from the UK to Cape Town.
On arrival, collect your hire car and make your way to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, where you will spend 4 nights in a two-bedroom apartment at Lawhill Luxury Apartments (STAY 4, PAY 3 for May & June).
Enjoying one of the most sought-after locations in Cape Town, Lawhill offers spacious apartment-style accommodation ideal for families, with the shops, restaurants and attractions of the waterfront all within easy walking distance. Younger travellers will love visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Wheel, whilst parents can relax in the knowledge that everything is close at hand, including a swimming pool perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.
Discover the highlights of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
Discover the highlights of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
Three full days allow time to discover the highlights of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and continue to the dramatic scenery of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From boat trips to Robben Island to family-friendly beaches and waterfront entertainment, there is something here for every age. See our Cape Town guide.
Whale watching, outdoor adventures and lakeside living on the Whale Coast
Leaving Cape Town behind, drive east to the beautiful Whale Coast for a 3 night stay in a two-bedroom cottage at Coot Club. Set beside the tranquil waters of the Klein River Lagoon with mountains rising in the distance, Coot Club is a wonderful family retreat with plenty of space to relax and play. During whale season, Hermanus offers some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world, whilst nearby Betty’s Bay is home to a charming colony of African penguins.
If you would prefer to reduce costs and stay in the town of Hermanus, just let us know. This is just an idea of what we can design for you. Call 01273 923100 to get your holiday designed for free!
Relaxation, water sports, hikes and vineyards!
With two full days at leisure, families can embrace the laid-back lifestyle that makes Coot Club so special. Set on the shores of the Klein River Lagoon with mountains on one side and the sweeping dunes of Walker Bay on the other, there is no shortage of ways to keep everyone entertained.
Enjoy complimentary use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the calm waters of the lagoon, or head out on guided adventures including quad biking through the dunes, fat biking, sandboarding and scenic boat trips. Younger guests will love the open spaces and freedom to roam, whilst parents can relax by the pool or unwind with a glass of local wine as the sun begins to set.
Drive along the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn
Today you will be drive along Route 62 to enjoy spectacular landscapes, passing through the semi desert of Karoo, rugged mountains, orchard farms and vineyards. It is relatively quiet allowing you to just take everything in without worrying about traffic, have your cameras at the ready! You will be heading to AfriCamps Klein Karoo where you will be staying for 2 nights in a 2 bedroom luxury tent with hot tub, breakfast basket included. Another perfect family-friendly spot on a working ostrich farm with a pool.
This is a glamping experience so if you prefer a luxury hotel then let us know. We know the best places for families, having travelled many times with our own children in South Africa.
Meeting meerkats and exploring local attractions
Early this morning head on a meerkat safari. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Take a tour of AfriCamps working ostrich farm, head out on a sunset drive with a specialist guide, take a stargazing lesson. You can also arrange to visit AfriCamps crèche where they care for 85 children from the underprivileged community. In the area, there’s the Cango Wildlife Ranch for encounters with cheetahs and lemurs and the Cango Caves.
Say goodbye to Oudtshoorn as you experience the stunning Garden Route
Continue south to the coast and follow the Garden Route to Hog Hollow Country Lodge, where you will spend 3 nights in a Family Suite (STAY 3, PAY 3 for May to August). Nestled within a private nature reserve close to Plettenberg Bay, Hog Hollow offers a peaceful escape surrounded by indigenous forest and sweeping valley views.
This family-friendly country retreat combines understated luxury with a warm, relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route.
Adrenaline rushes, wildlife spotting and beautiful scenery
The Garden Route is a paradise for active families, offering an endless choice of experiences both on land and water. Explore the dramatic coastal scenery and suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma National Park, paddle the peaceful waters of the Keurbooms River by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or enjoy horse riding through forests, fynbos and along unspoilt beaches. The region is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centres, providing memorable opportunities to learn about South Africa’s remarkable wildlife.
For those seeking a little more adventure, there are canopy tours through the treetops, mountain biking trails and boat trips to spot dolphins and seasonal whales off the coast. Older children and thrill-seekers may even wish to take on the famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump – the highest commercial bridge bungee in the world.
Ask us what we would recommend for your family.
Safari time as you head to the Amakhala Game Reserve!
Your final destination is the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, where you will spend 3 nights at HillsNek Safari Camp. Set in a secluded corner of the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, HillsNek Safari Camp combines the excitement of safari with a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Spacious tented suites overlook the Bushman’s River, whilst personalised service and flexible guiding ensure that guests of all ages can enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience together.
There are a number of lovely safari options in the Eastern Cape to suit a wide range of budgets – call us on 01273 923100 to discuss the options.
Big Five safari adventures in the Eastern Cape
Enjoy two full days of safari activities designed to maximise your time in the bush. Early mornings begin with tea, coffee and freshly baked treats before setting off on a guided game drive as the reserve comes to life. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you’ll explore the diverse landscapes of the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve in search of the Big Five, as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope species and an abundance of birdlife.
Between safaris soak up the tranquil river views and cool off with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool whilst keeping an eye out for wildlife passing by! Afternoon tea is served before heading back out into the reserve as the golden light of late afternoon creates ideal conditions for game viewing!
Talk to us about whether your children are ready for a safari, It may be better to stay outside the reserves and dip in for safaris. Call us today for more information.
Farewell to South Africa and fly home
After a final morning safari and a hearty breakfast you will drive 1hr to Port Elizabeth Airport, drop your hire car and fly back to the UK (via Johannesburg).
Welcome home… (how many photos!) If you don’t have 18 days, ask us to redesign this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923100.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to South Africa
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa Holiday today.
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