South Africa is varied and wonderful and one of the world’s most beautiful countries, making it an amazing place for a family holiday

The landscapes of South Africa are epic and diverse from desert to mountain and stunning coastline to savanna National Park. Cape Town, many consider to be the one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The proximity to great beaches, beautiful Table Mountain, rolling vineyards and spectacular game drives make this the perfect city to start your family adventure. The region is so varied and has so much to see and experience that in just one holiday it’s impossible to cover everything it has to offer. The wildlife is in abundance and the safari experiences are rarely bettered.

As the rugged and beautiful Cape Point Peninsular provides a most wonderful seascape, the back drop is Table Mountain. Taking a visit to the peak of this most iconic of 1000 metre peaks in the heart of the city is not to be missed. The Garden Route follows the southernmost coastline from Mossel Bay to Plettenburg Bay and a scenic and easy self - drive trip, takes in seaside towns, coastal passes and lush green backdrops. On the route you will find Penguin and Seal colonies and some great opportunities for hiking and kayaking.

South Africa is famous for wine. The winelands stretch along the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys and this most beautiful of South Africa’s regions is a delight. Even on a family holiday there is still a reason to take in this area, a ride on the vintage wine tram is the best and safest way to get around and perfect to keep the little ones entertained. Many of the estates have a child friendly non-alcoholic option for children to taste the same grapes as you, as well as falconry, playgrounds and other activities to keep them entertained.

If you want to experience a little culture Mandela’s incarceration on Robben Island is an important period of the country’s history and a symbolic part of South Africa’s recent past. A short trip to this location is both fascinating and thought provoking.

Away from the cities, the safari and game lodges are equally exemplary. Many of the lodges are wilderness retreats of the highest quality amid breath- taking beauty and offering timeless service and wonderful hospitality. Whilst the Kruger National Park is rightly famous and if based in Johannesburg, it is easily accessible. If you’re on a short break and not straying too far from Cape Town, then the Eastern Cape Game Reserve is perhaps a better option. Both have the Big Five and an abundance of varied wildlife depending on the time of year.

If you are thinking of a safari with little ones you might find our blog on How to choose the right Safari Lodge for children helpful. You can read it here, alternatively we would be happy to help you choose.