Family Holidays: South Africa family holidays
Take the Family holiday rating 
Why
South Africa and Swaziland make up a beautiful region of Africa that is only just beginning to realise its enormous potential. And an adventure holiday with your family is a great way to explore.
Mpumalanga is a dramatic region. Your family will follow the Panorama Route for some spectacular views, ending at Pilgrim’s Rest where you have a chance to try gold panning. There are few better places to see Africa’s wildlife than Kruger National Park, one of the greatest natural sanctuaries in the world and home to lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo to name only a few. Heading to Swaziland you stop to savour this small independent nation’s vibrant markets and colourful culture. Your trip ends with some time for relaxation at the attractive beachside resort of Umhlanga Rocks.
Additionally there’s the option of a 4-day un-escorted visit to Cape Town – your chance to visit the scenic winelands, climb Table Mountain, visit Cape Point, see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, visit the harbour at Hout Bay or enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront.
We think families can have a fantastic adventure holiday in South Africa as long as they prepare well. It's a long flight, but there's virtually no jet lag. You will, however, need to contend with jabs and note that you won't be spending each night in five star luxury.
Do, also, check out our guide to Cape Town and let us know if you'd prefer independent travel for your family.
- Top left: A hungy hippo
- Top right: Cape Town
- Bottom left: Young lion
When
The Southern Hemisphere’s winter (Jun-Oct) is generally warm (Jo’burg average daytime temperature is 20°C) and sunny, though evenings can be cool. Summer (Nov-Feb) can be hot and humid, while in the mountains it can be misty or wet and cold. Spring (Aug-Oct) is best for wild flowers. Mountain weather is notoriously changeable the world over.
How
take the plane
British Airways, bmi, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways all offer scheduled overnight, non-stop flights to Johannesburg. If you're happy to stop enroute then there are numerous other options – you'll need to balance convenience with budget. Flying time is about 11 hours direct and Johannesburg is two hours ahead. Check and find the best flight deals with Expedia, Opodo and Last minute.com.
Stay
Assuming you are visiting on one of our recommended escorted adventure trips you'll spend a night in a hotel, a night in a chalet. four nights camping, one in a log cabin and three nights in apartments. If you choose the Cape Town extension you'll spend an additional three nights in a hotel.
Do
An adventure trip to South Africa would provide the following experience:
Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park
From Johannesburg you’ll drive into the scenic region of Mpumalanga. You’ll have a chance to get close up to some of Africa’s birds of prey, take in the fabulous scenery and try your hand at panning for gold. After a cultural encounter with the Shangaan people, you’ll go on safari in the famous Kruger National Park – a chance to spot the Big Five: elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard.
Swaziland, Rhinos & Umhlanga Rocks
Onwards to the Kingdom of Swaziland for a spectacular mountain walk and then further game spotting at Mkuzi Game Reserve, which offers excellent wildlife viewing at pans and waterholes – and is famed for its rhino population. Your trip ends with a relaxing three days on the long, sandy beaches of Umhlanga. Fringed by banana palms and lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, the region is also known as the Dolphin Coast due to the bottle-nose dolphins which swim here year-round.
Eat
Your family will find an exciting mix of European, African and Asian cuisine in South Africa.
Cost
Flight inclusive prices for adventure holidays start at £1,399 for adults (£1,229 children). The optional Cape Town add-on is an additional £299 per person. If you prefer to travel indpendently you can fly from (£400 and up depending on season and choose from a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Travel reading
by Richard Everist
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
A guide packed full of information about all areas of South Africa.
