Luxury South Africa
Family Tours made for you
Start PlanningCreate memorable moments on a bespoke South Africa family safari
We can’t really tell you enough how South Africa is the perfect destination for a family trip.
With such a spoiling choice of locations, landscapes that beg to be explored, and a dizzying breadth of activities to decide upon; we can help you create a trip that not only matches the make-up of your family (be it travelling with toddlers, grandparents or teenagers) but that every member gets to enjoy it with all the ease, comfort and personal service you’re looking for.
We have extensive experience in dealing with family holidays and your personal safari designer will shoulder the detailed planning and a personal itinerary organised to the highest standards. From effortless transfers between all your chosen lodgings, baby-sitter services, restaurant recommendations and bookings, to a diplomatic balance of activities and relaxation that will keep everyone entertained and superb local guides to look after you every step of the way.
See our example family trips below, or we can help to design one from scratch.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
No destination brings a family together like South Africa! World class service, accommodation and entertainment for all ages and interests makes South Africa a truly magical experience.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury family accommodation in South Africa
There are many incredible, family-friendly places to stay in South Africa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your family’s specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for your family and good for the planet.
South Africa family trip inspiration
Get inspired with our South Africa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where to go
Cape Town
The horizon is dominated by the iconic Table Mountain in the background, whilst in the foreground are the crisp waters of the cape and the laid-back bustle of the city’s waterfront skirted by sandy beaches.
Drakensberg Mountains
Dramatic peaks, wind-swept plains, mighty cliffs and glorious waterfalls make up just some of the spectacular grandeur.
Durban
This seaside city offers impressive cultural diversity and great surfing and diving.
Eastern Cape Safaris
Malaria-free wildlife reserves are a big hit with families, as are the long sandy beaches.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg has been described as one of the coolest cities in the world, with plenty of street art and important history.
KwaZulu Natal
Expect excellent beaches, Big Five game reserves, beautiful scenery and varied cultures.
Limpopo Province
Limpopo’s landscapes offer up boundless activities, adventure thrills and horse riding safaris.
Luxury Rail Travel
South Africa has some of the most moving, distinct and dramatic landscapes this world has to offer, which can all be enjoyed from the smooth gait of a luxury locomotive.
Madikwe
One of the country’s more remote of the Big Five safari experiences is malaria-free, making it great for families.
Northern Kruger National Park
The Makuleke is the northernmost section of the Kruger National Park. It is something of an open secret among safari aficionados, a diverse and dramatic region that is perhaps the park’s most beautiful, yet kept wonderfully quiet thanks to its remoteness and community run concession status.
Phinda
hinda is a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland, and rare sand forest interspersed with mountain ranges, river courses, marshes and pans.
Pretoria
Once you’ve had your fill of the city, head to the outskirts to explore one of Pretoria’s many nature reserves.
Sabi Sands
Widely regarded as Africa’s premier game reserve, Sabi Sands is world renowned for the abundance of game (particularly leopard).
The Garden Route
This exquisitely pretty, pleasant and popular strip of South Africa’s Western Cape and coastline is a nature lover’s paradise.
The Kalahari
Although termed a desert, this semi-arid sandy savannah supports more animal and plant life than what is typical.
The Kruger
Plentiful game and varied landscapes make the Kruger National Park a great place for families to explore together.
The Western Cape Mountains
This region boasts some the country’s best ‘wilderness retreats’, as well as wildlife and active pursuits and interest-tailored activities.
The Whale Coast
Some of the world’s premier destinations for viewing nurseries of southern right whales, as well as other marine life, are located on this coast.
The Winelands
Aside from grapes, all manner of fresh produce is made here, much of which you will find adorning the plates of the excellent restaurants.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit
Cape Town and along the Garden Route are great to visit any time of year, but early summer when the winds drops are particularly pleasant. If you’re visiting for safari, the dry winter months are often considered the best but the wetter summer months bring full waterholes, lush bushveld and lots of newborn animals.
Wildlife adventures
May - October
Around Cape Town
October - April
Whale watching
June - August
Plan your family trip to South Africa
Whatever you want from your family adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Ask our experts
Are there age restrictions for game drives in South Africa?
Yes, there are age restrictions for game drives in South Africa, although specific age limits can vary between lodges. As a general rule, most lodges allow game drives for children aged six and over, but in many cases, a private safari vehicle is required for families with children under the age of 12. Many family-friendly safari lodges offer babysitting services for younger children.
What destinations are best for family trips to South Africa?
The best destinations for a family trip to South Africa are Madikwe Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Madikwe Game Reserve is ideal for families with younger children as it is malaria-free, and is also home to the Magnificent Seven: elephants, rhinos, buffalos, cheetahs, leopards, lions and African wild dogs. Meanwhile Kruger National Park is excellent for wildlife spotting, including the Big Five and rare predators.
What family experiences are available in South Africa?
Family-friendly safaris are some of the most popular family experiences available in South Africa, including game drives, guided nature walks and conservation experiences. Families can also enjoy exploring Cape Town’s Cape Peninsula or taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, or whale watching on the Whale Coast. Experiences are tailored to suit all kinds of family groups, including those with young children, teenagers and multi-generational families.
Are South Africa's cities suitable for family trips?
Yes, South Africa’s cities are suitable for family trips. Cape Town is a great family-friendly option to complement a family safari. Families can explore Cape Peninsula, including African penguins on Boulders Beach, or the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. You can also head to the top of Table Mountain by cable car to take in views of the city. Jacada will arrange the logistics of your stay and provide an expert local guide to ensure a seamless family trip.
What are the best safari lodges in South Africa for families?
The best safari lodges in South Africa for families are Morukuru Family in Madikwe Game Reserve, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sands. These safari lodges are great for families because they offer multi-bedroom private villas to accommodate larger or multi-generational families. Private safari vehicles offer greater flexibility for families and child-friendly activities keep kids of all ages entertained.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
