The 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in South Africa
You're thinking about taking your family to South Africa, but you're at a loss where to go. Each province has its own appeal, and many family-friendly activities are everywhere. You'll be hard-pressed to choose with so much to see and do. Here are our recommendations on the ten best family-friendly things to do in South Africa.
1. Enjoy the Climb to Table Mountain
One of the best family-friendly things to do in South Africa is climbing Table Mountain, which is accessible to all. In addition to being one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions, Table Mountain is an unforgettable experience. At the summit, you'll be greeted by an incredible variety of plants and animals, many of which you won't find anywhere else. There is also a café and snack bar on the top, so Cape Town foodies are covered as their children play in the dizzying heights of the playground. Both young and elderly alike will enjoy the voyage up the revolving cable car and the breathtaking views of the Peninsula from the top.
2. Visit the many beaches for family-friendly things to do in South Africa
Watching kite surfers in Bloubergstrand, South Africa, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the sun. It's one of the fun ways to relax, especially if you want to avoid anxiety when traveling overseas. The beaches in Cape Town tend to get all the attention, but as you head up the coast on the Garden Route, the sandy beaches get longer and longer.
You'll begin to encounter wild, abandoned, but also breathtaking beaches as you head north of Kenton-on-Sea. It also gets warmer as you head up the coast, with beaches in Durban being among the hottest.
3. Experience Mpumalanga
A family road trip can include a visit to Blyde River Canyon, the Pinnacle, God's Window, Lisbon and Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. Taking your children to places like these can instill a sense of environmental responsibility. Enjoying a safari experience in Kruger National Park is one of the most memorable family-friendly things to do in South Africa. Kruger has a variety of safari activities and attractions that families enjoy each year. You can find abundant natural wonders and wildlife in Mpumalanga, making it a perfect destination for family vacations.
4 Enjoy the atmosphere at Babylonstoren
One of the best-preserved Dutch farmyards, Babylonstoren goes back to 1692. It showcases all the things to love about South Africa in one place! Kids will enjoy strolling through the gardens and learning about fruits, vegetables, berries, bees for pollination, indigenous plants, fragrance laws, and more, thanks to the eight acres of gardens. Many visitors compare the setting to The Secret Garden. Children will delight at watching the hens go about in search of food. This is a beautiful way to spend time outdoors with your children while appreciating the farm's historic preservation and transition into the modern world.
5. Explore Cango Caves
Visiting Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, is an excellent opportunity for children and adults to have a good time. From Mossel Bay, the caves can be readily accessed as part of a Garden Route tour. It's not just one cave; several interconnected rooms can only be reached by crawling down tight passageways. Keep in mind that these activities are for a bit older kids, though! There is a magical world of gnome-like creatures, and some of the names of the rock formations and tunnels sound like they've come straight out of a fairytale or a fairy tale: the Ice Chamber, the Crystal Palace, the Ice Cream Parlour, the Devil's Workshop, and so on.
6. Wine tasting is among the family-friendly things to do in South Africa
Wine tasting is definitely a contender when it comes to family-friendly things to do in South Africa. In response to the growing number of families visiting South Africa, wineries have added kid-friendly tastings to their regular offerings. As the kids don't know they're ingesting grape juice, it's a terrific way for them to feel like they're participating in an adult activity.
7. Visit Gauteng
For families looking to reconnect with the city after an outing in the wilderness, Gauteng is an excellent choice. The city of Johannesburg is brimming with activities that will keep the entire family happy. Go to the zoo, or botanical garden, or visit the cute bunny park in Johannesburg! It's one of the best family-friendly things to do in South Africa!
8. Go to the Addo Elephant National Park
A one-hour journey from Port Elizabeth takes you to Addo Elephant National Park. Here, you can witness dozens of elephants in their natural habitat. The park currently has approximately 600 elephants and a wide range of other animals (including buffalo, warthogs, zebra, hyena, and lions). The park's main rest camp even includes a swimming pool where you can cool off!
9. See the Penguins of Boulder Beach
At Boulder Beach, you can find African penguins. The current population is somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000. There are wooden paths throughout the colony that let visitors get up close and personal with the animals without causing them any harm.
10. Visit the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers many family-friendly things to do in South Africa. Families will enjoy the variety of things to see and do in this province. On top of that, both winter and summer offer exceptional opportunities for entertainment! Do you want to go skiing? What about a family outing to the zoo? Beaches, sun, and fun for the whole family? You've got everything right here in the Eastern Cape!
Final words
We hope our guide has helped you find family-friendly things to do in South Africa. With its many beaches, lush flora, fauna, and fantastic attractions, it won't disappoint! This country is unique, so don't be afraid to explore with your children! Happy traveling!