South Africa Family Safaris
South Africa is a country of spectacular diversity.
If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.
From November to April the Cape is bathed in glorious sunshine making it a great place to escape the northern winter. There is so much to see and do like whale watching, riding, even walking amongst foraging meerkat. Superb malaria free wildlife reserves in the Cape and near the Botswana border give your family a chance to see the Big Five and much more. South African safari lodges are among the most luxurious in Africa and some have magnificent family accommodation with pools sunk into game viewing decks, a spa and amazing food.
KwaZulu Natal will thrill your teenagers. Imagine walking around the site of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefields with an expert historian. Nearby, you can hike the spectacular Drakensberg mountains and then head down to the wild Indian Ocean coastline for diving and marine safaris. Although South Africa is not a beach destination, it is fairly easy to reach Mauritius and the more intimate Mozambican islands.
From November to April the Cape is bathed in glorious sunshine making it a great place to escape the northern winter. There is so much to see and do like whale watching, riding, even walking amongst foraging meerkat. Superb malaria free wildlife reserves in the Cape and near the Botswana border give your family a chance to see the Big Five and much more. South African safari lodges are among the most luxurious in Africa and some have magnificent family accommodation with pools sunk into game viewing decks, a spa and amazing food.
KwaZulu Natal will thrill your teenagers. Imagine walking around the site of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefields with an expert historian. Nearby, you can hike the spectacular Drakensberg mountains and then head down to the wild Indian Ocean coastline for diving and marine safaris. Although South Africa is not a beach destination, it is fairly easy to reach Mauritius and the more intimate Mozambican islands.
Why Choose South Africa For Your Family Safari?
When we create your family holiday the starting point is to decide which country will suit you best. South Africa is one of the best places for family travel. It offers luxury, malaria-free safaris and there is also a lot to see and do beyond game viewing. South Africa is family friendly and is suitable for children of all ages.When we create your family holiday the starting point is to decide which country will suit you best. South Africa is one of the best places for family travel. It offers luxury, malaria-free safaris and there is also a lot to see and do beyond game viewing. South Africa is family friendly and is suitable for children of all ages.
1. Travelling and the seasons
South Africa is the hub for southern Africa, so there are a variety of convenient options for your international travel from Europe and the USA. Broadly speaking South Africa has two climatic zones. The Cape and Garden Route has a “Mediterranean” climate with hot dry summers and cooler winters, with Atlantic weather fronts.
Spring and autumn are often pleasant with plenty of sunshine and beautifully coloured landscapes. The rest of the country has hot, sometimes stormy weather from December to March and warm mainly dry weather the rest of the year. We explain the climate in greater detail here.
Spring and autumn are often pleasant with plenty of sunshine and beautifully coloured landscapes. The rest of the country has hot, sometimes stormy weather from December to March and warm mainly dry weather the rest of the year. We explain the climate in greater detail here.
2. A malaria free safari
South Africa is the only country where you can take a completely malaria-free safari. Diverse areas like Madikwe on the edge of the Kalahari and the beautiful Waterberg are malaria-free and ideal if you are looking for a longer safari, taking in several contrasting reserves. Or, if you only want a few days on safari before doing other things, we can arrange for you to explore the Cape, enjoying an outstanding malaria-free safari at a private reserve on the Garden Route.
3. Exquisite accommodation in wild and beautiful places
In South Africa, you find much of Africa’s most elegant and lavish safari accommodation. We know luxurious family villas where you can stay in comfort and privacy amid the domain of leopard and elephant.
Inside, you’ll find a beautifully appointed lounge, bedrooms and palatial bathrooms. Outside, a private pool with a glorious view. To explore your surroundings, you have your own expert guide and safari vehicle. The cuisine, the service, the spa — everything sparkles like a gem of civilisation in the wild savannahs.
Inside, you’ll find a beautifully appointed lounge, bedrooms and palatial bathrooms. Outside, a private pool with a glorious view. To explore your surroundings, you have your own expert guide and safari vehicle. The cuisine, the service, the spa — everything sparkles like a gem of civilisation in the wild savannahs.
4. Beyond safaris
South Africa is a good choice if your family wants to mix a safari with other travel activities. Cape Town is an iconic southern hemisphere city. The nearby winelands and the coastal Garden Route have exceptional accommodation and plenty to see and do. Ascend Table Mountain, try whale watching, horseback riding and ziplining. Explore the mountains, rivers, forests and stunning coastline. Further east, in KwaZulu Natal, encounter Zulu culture, explore Rorke’s Drift and dive Indian Ocean reefs. We will prepare a well-paced itinerary, incorporating all the elements your family desires.
A South African safari as unique as the family it’s for
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Family South Africa - Top 10 Experiences
For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen ten of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen ten of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.
1. Discover the Kalahari at Tswalu
Tswalu is a huge private reserve on the edge of the Kalahari – home of the San Bushmen. Over decades, the exhausted land has been conserved into a haven for lion, antelope, meerkats and all kinds of arid habitat animals.
Your family will share some unforgettable moments as you discover this unique environment. Spot larger animals on game drives, track meerkat on foot, explore on horse back and even sleep out under the stars.
Your family will share some unforgettable moments as you discover this unique environment. Spot larger animals on game drives, track meerkat on foot, explore on horse back and even sleep out under the stars.
2. Zipline through the Tsitsikamma Forest
The Tsitsikamma Forest is a spectacular haven of giant Outeniqua yellowwoods, birds and primates in the heart of the Garden Route.
The best way to explore its wonders is at canopy level - so let us take you on a three hour treetop adventure, using an amazing network of ten zipline slides and platforms.
The best way to explore its wonders is at canopy level - so let us take you on a three hour treetop adventure, using an amazing network of ten zipline slides and platforms.
3. Watch cricket at Newlands
Newlands, founded in 1888, is the home of South African cricket. With a backdrop of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak it has one of the most iconic settings in world cricket.
The season runs through the South African summer with one-day games and regular test matches. Let us know if you’d like to take in a game and we’ll do our best to score some good seats.
The season runs through the South African summer with one-day games and regular test matches. Let us know if you’d like to take in a game and we’ll do our best to score some good seats.
4. Photograph the Big Five
At carefully chosen luxury safari lodges, your family stands an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five. If you are lucky you might even see them all in one day! The highly experienced guides have an intimate understanding of the animals.
Many are expert photographers too. See if you can capture images of elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo and leopard that portray each creature’s character. Your guide will help you edit and pick the best images to hang on the wall back home.
Many are expert photographers too. See if you can capture images of elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo and leopard that portray each creature’s character. Your guide will help you edit and pick the best images to hang on the wall back home.
5. Relive the epic battle of Rorke’s Drift
In the heart of KwaZulu Natal are famous battlefield sites including Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. We will arrange for you to explore them in the company of one of South Africa’s finest historian guides.
During this educational adventure your guide will bring the battles to life, telling stories of bravery and courage on both sides. Isandlwana where Welsh Guards were massacred by Zulus is especially atmospheric.
During this educational adventure your guide will bring the battles to life, telling stories of bravery and courage on both sides. Isandlwana where Welsh Guards were massacred by Zulus is especially atmospheric.
6. Drift above the Blyde River by hot air balloon
As the golden sun emerges on the horizon you could be silently floating above the spectacular landscapes of the Blyde River Valley. Sheltered by the towering ranges of the Drakensberg Escarpment, watch as the forests are illuminated.
On calm days your aerial adventure could take you over the private wildlife reserves of Kapama, allowing you to gaze down upon vast herds of elephant and buffalo.
On calm days your aerial adventure could take you over the private wildlife reserves of Kapama, allowing you to gaze down upon vast herds of elephant and buffalo.
7. Stand on the summit of Table Mountain
The top of Table Mountain gives your family one of the world’s classic vantage points.
You can ascend the easy way, by cable car, or the energetic way by a four-hour hike. Whichever you choose, your reward is to stand on the rooftop of South Africa with Cape Town spread out below and the great ocean stretching away to infinity.
You can ascend the easy way, by cable car, or the energetic way by a four-hour hike. Whichever you choose, your reward is to stand on the rooftop of South Africa with Cape Town spread out below and the great ocean stretching away to infinity.
8. Swim with turtles on the Wild Coast
The remote Indian Ocean coast north of Durban has unspoilt reefs, pristine beaches and coastal forest. It’s a haven for birds and marine life. Thonga is one of our favourite places where you can snorkel, dive and explore the natural wonders.
November to late March is the turtle nesting season and we can arrange night safaris to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles. Next day you may encounter them as you swim and snorkel in the bay.
November to late March is the turtle nesting season and we can arrange night safaris to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles. Next day you may encounter them as you swim and snorkel in the bay.
9. Take a galactic safari
Far from cities and light pollution, your family could experience the wonders of the night sky as never before. Your astro-safari guide will know the planets and constellations, marvelling with you at the glory of the Milky Way spread across the night sky.
At Leobo Lodge they have an observatory with a powerful telescope and we can even arrange for a professional astronomer to take you on a dazzling, cosmic safari.
At Leobo Lodge they have an observatory with a powerful telescope and we can even arrange for a professional astronomer to take you on a dazzling, cosmic safari.
10. Make a pizza on safari
Safari lodges are miracles of logistics and organisation where they provide amazing food, service and facilities amid the wilds.
The cheerful team of chefs will produce delicious meals, cakes and breakfasts in their bush kitchen. Your children might like to join them between safaris and help make a cake or a pizza for the family.
The cheerful team of chefs will produce delicious meals, cakes and breakfasts in their bush kitchen. Your children might like to join them between safaris and help make a cake or a pizza for the family.
What is the Best Time to Go on a South Africa Safari
South Africa is a large country on the tip of a huge continent. It has a 1,770-mile coastline stretching from the cold South Atlantic to the balmy Indian Ocean. The northern border meets the Kalahari, the East is subtropical and the Cape more like the Mediterranean. South Africa has several distinct climates and a variety of localised weather and precipitation patterns.South Africa is a large country on the tip of a huge continent. It has a 1,770-mile coastline stretching from the cold South Atlantic to the balmy Indian Ocean. The northern border meets the Kalahari, the East is subtropical and the Cape more like the Mediterranean. South Africa has several distinct climates and a variety of localised weather and precipitation patterns.
1. What are the weather patterns in the Cape?
The Cape, including the Garden Route, has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters.
Summer runs from mid-November to early April, so includes the school Christmas and Easter breaks. Autumn, from April to early June is usually a fine time to travel, with warm, mainly dry weather and colourful landscapes. From July to early November, the oceans make their presence felt with Atlantic weather fronts moderated by the influence of the Indian Ocean. A great time for whale watching!
Summer runs from mid-November to early April, so includes the school Christmas and Easter breaks. Autumn, from April to early June is usually a fine time to travel, with warm, mainly dry weather and colourful landscapes. From July to early November, the oceans make their presence felt with Atlantic weather fronts moderated by the influence of the Indian Ocean. A great time for whale watching!
2. What are the weather patterns in KwaZulu Natal?
KwaZulu Natal runs from Mozambique south along the coast, beyond Durban and inland past the Drakensberg mountains.
It is mostly subtropical and from November to March is hot, quite humid and prone to rainstorms, though there is also lots of sunshine, especially in the morning. April to October temperatures are largely warm and dry, hotter in the north and cooler at altitude in the Drakensberg mountains.
It is mostly subtropical and from November to March is hot, quite humid and prone to rainstorms, though there is also lots of sunshine, especially in the morning. April to October temperatures are largely warm and dry, hotter in the north and cooler at altitude in the Drakensberg mountains.
3. What is the weather patterns of the Kruger and Madikwe
The northern wildlife regions have hot weather from November to March and occasional rainstorms, diminishing as you go west towards the Namib and north towards the Kalahari.
April to October is dry and the relatively high altitude of the region can make it very cold early morning and evening — ideal game viewing conditions — especially in the winter from May to early September. Even in these winter months, temperatures rise pleasantly soon after sunrise.
April to October is dry and the relatively high altitude of the region can make it very cold early morning and evening — ideal game viewing conditions — especially in the winter from May to early September. Even in these winter months, temperatures rise pleasantly soon after sunrise.
Which Areas of South Africa Should You Visit?
Cape Town
Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark in South Africa, the most photographed of the city’s many attractions. But Cape Town has so much more to offer. Don’t miss the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the buzz of the city behind for a few hours; an extraordinary 70% of the flowers here are endemic to region. Then travel out to Boulders Beach where penguin abound - a truly unique sight in Africa!
Cape Winelands
The Winelands is certainly South Africa’s culinary heartland. At almost every vineyard and fruit farm you can taste the produce, buy from the cellar door, and explore the often beautifully designed gardens. Some places offer microbrewery tours, as well as pairings of charcuterie or chocolate with wines. If you can, it’s a great idea to extend your stay to enjoy lunch prepared by one of the innovative young chefs who give the winelands such a great reputation amongst discerning foodies.
Garden Route
Your journey along the Garden Route will take you from the small coastal town of Mossel Bay along the coast to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Soak up the beauty of the African landscape as you drive at a sedate pace, stopping frequently to hike, birdwatch, swim and catch the sun’s rays on golden beaches, canoe the famed lagoons, or maybe play a round of golf.
Kwazulu Natal
Kwa-Zulu Natal stretches along the west of South Africa. The coastal city of Durban is known for its African, Indian, and colonial influences. It has a great seafront promenade and a huge theme park with an aquarium. The Drakensberg, or Dragon Mountain, covers some 200km and cuts through KwaZulu-Natal providing plentiful opportunities to enjoy hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. For incredible game viewing, Kwa-Zulu-Natal’s answer to the Kruger is the Phinda Private Game Reserve. KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefields offer an altogether different touristic experience. This is the land of Rorke’s Drift and other Anglo-Zulu War battlegrounds. The guides here are passionate about military history and will bring each battle and siege to life as you visit the key sites.
The Kruger
There are thousands of wildlife destinations in Africa, but few offer such a prolific wildlife experience as the Kruger. You’ll see it at its best if you stay on one of the private reserves adjoining the western border of the national park; enjoying exhilarating game drives and staying in a sumptuous safari lodge you will experience utter tranquility, with the bonus of having nobody else around.
Madikwe and the Northern Game Reserves
Madikwe is South Africa's finest malaria free safari reserve. Fairly new as far as game reserves go: it was established in 1991. Today, it is home to 66 species of mammals, and roughly 33 bird species, all of which are to be seen in an area comprised of vast open grasslands, woodlands, and rocky mountains. If you are looking for a completely different wildlife experience, combining Madikwe with the malaria free Northern Waterberg may be ideal for you. Amidst the dramatic landscapes are a collection of fantastic wildlife reserves, each offering a unique safari. There are plenty of opportunities to combine cultural encounters with wildlife viewing, and doing both will give you a well rounded perspective on the region.
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Private Journeys Unique to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
Who Are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Our Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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South Africa Trip Idea
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We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
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