Family Holidays: Cape Town family holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 5 stars out of 5

Why

Cape Town and its surrounding area is the perfect spot for a family holiday.

Great weather. Superb beaches and genuinely friendly people.

It may be over 10 hours overnight flying time away but it is only a couple of hours in front of the UK. So you can be a long way from home without the usual jet lag.

There’s loads to do with plenty of wild friendly attractions, including the chance to get close to animals in the wild that you’ll only see in zoos over here.

But above all it’s good value with the pound still strong compared to the rand – you can eat out in good style for under £10 a head.

You'll find information about Cape Town for families below. Be sure, also, to check out our South Africa family holiday guide.

Top left: Beautiful Tabletop Mountain
Top right: A Jackass pengiun

Bottom left: Tabletop Mountain from the air
Bottom right: Clifton Beach

When

The best weather and corresponding high (expensive) season is November to March.

However for better prices try to go just as the season turns.

In April and May, you can still enjoy good weather at reduced prices.

How

take the plane

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways all fly non-stop from London to Cape Town. Return flights in economy cost from approximately £400 – £500. Flying time is around 10 hours. But book an overnight flight, get some sleep and wake up fresh for your first view of Table Mountain. No jet lag whatsoever. All three airlines take good care of children with personal TVs and kids fun packs on most flights. You can also check and find the best flight deals with Expedia, Opodo and Last minute.com.

from the airport

On arrival it’s a half-hour journey into town by cab or collect your hire car.

Stay

There are many hotel and apartment options available with facilities to suit your family's budget.

Do

Boulder Penguins
A rare opportunity to get up close and personal with jackass penguins (spheniscus deemersus to give them their posh name). Local residents complain about the noise and pungent smell these black and white waddlers make. But as you lie on the beach and one waddles past, it’s a rare treat. There are viewing platforms which are worth a look. But get down on to the beach and nip into the sea and suddenly you’re swimming and so are they. The 3,000 strong penguin covered beach is approximately 40 minutes from Cape Town in Simon’s Town.

Baboons
Just drive along and you’ll eventually spot these chaps sitting at the side of the road. Almost guaranteed if you drive down to Cape Point (see below). Quite scary when you spot them – especially near picnic sights but remind you that you are very much abroad.

Cape Town Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium in central Cape Town is located on Dock Road on the Victoria and Albert Waterfront which offers plenty of shopping and eating options. It’s good fun with loads of educational info and an interactive play area for younger kids.

Whale Watching
Just over an hour along the coast at Hermanus is the chance to indulge in some of the world’s finest whale watching. It’s an amazing experience and the big fellas are so huge even little kids can spot them.

Just stand on the cliffs and see the mighty monsters for yourself.

If you can’t see them ask the oddly-dressed whale-crier for a few tips. He walks round town blowing his horn every time he spots one in the drink.

World of Birds
A fun, gentle trip just 15 minutes from the centre of town in Hout Bay – especially if you have little ones. There’s plenty of shade and loads of exotic birds and monkeys to look at. Check out World of Birds before you go.

Table Mountain
Obvious, but a trip to the top of Table Mountain in the modern cable car is essential. Adults cost from 80 to 110 rand depending on the season. Children (17 and under ) from 44 to 55 rand. Under 3s are free. Have a walk around when you get to the top – but take care – especially after a drink at the top.

Camps Bay
Visit this popular beach for a taste of the laid back Cape Town lifestyle.

Cape Point
Drive down to the tip below Cape Town to experience even more animals and unusual flora and fauna. Ostriches and various types of bok can be easily spotted.

Find out more things to do with kids in Cape Town here.

Eat

Tea at the Mount Nelson. If you can’t afford to stay here (and it is pricey), you definitely can’t afford to miss their afternoon tea. It’s help yourself and the full works are on offer for around R95. It’s a refined experience but extremely good fun.

Victoria and Albert Waterfront. There’s almost too much choice here. A whole meze of every kind of food. The fish and chips are always good.

Hout Bay – More fish and chips overlooking the bay but at least it’s more excellent fish and chips.

Picnics – find a secluded beach or beauty spot and tuck in – just watch out for those baboons!