FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
IN SOUTH AFRICA
Looking for the most epic things to do in South Africa with kids? I’ve got you covered! South Africa was my 1-year-old son’s 10th country he visited, and one my partner and I have both been to multiple times.
I love it so much, I’ve spent nearly 4 months there over the course of my life, and while I loved it as a solo traveler, I wondered how visiting South Africa would be with kids.
We found that, from penguin encounters to some of the continent’s best wildlife, this destination truly has it all for the little ones.
Get ready to embark on a family journey filled with excitement, wonder, and loads of sunshine as we explore the best kid-friendly activities in South Africa, starting in Cape Town.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you are here only to find the most amazing adventures for families in South Africa, here are the main tours to book in advance:
1. Meet African penguins at Boulders Beach
Opening its sandy shores from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, Boulders Beach is not your average beach day. Get up close and personal with adorable African penguins, as your kids splash in the calm, shallow waters under the watchful gaze of these tuxedo-clad friends.
The Boulders Beach penguin colony is one of the most famous things to see in the area, and for good reason. You don’t get to combine penguins and a beach day all that often!
Entrance for adults is around 176 South African Rand or ZAR (US$10) and kids cost 88 ZAR (US$5).
If you want to explore Boulders Beach and the surrounding area, then you should take this half-day tour which leaves from Cape Town, so you don’t have to plan anything!
NOTE: Check the tide charts before you go and try to go at low tide, or the beach won’t be a beach!
TOUR PRICE: US$36 per adult, and US$27 for children (3-11)
2. Experience the amazing views from Table Mountain
Table Mountain, the iconic backdrop to Cape Town, offers more than just a stunning view. Take the little ones on a cable car ride from 8 AM to sunset for breathtaking vistas of the city and the sea.
Much of the area is travel stroller and wheelchair friendly if you’re traveling with a little guy like we were.
Kids under 4 ride free, while children aged 4-17 can join in on the fun for 300 ZAR (US$17). But keep in mind that there are usually long lines, so if you don’t want to have to wait, then you grab these fast track + skip the line tickets.
Or if you are feeling more adventurous, then you can climb up the mountain by going on a summit walk for the whole family.
PRICE: US$106 per person aged 12+
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3. Explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Open from 8 AM to 7 PM, Kirstenbosch is a paradise for nature-loving families. Let the kids roam freely in the magical treetop canopy walkway or attend a Sunday concert on the lawns.
If you’re a plant lover like me, you’ll see plenty of flowers and trees that are unique to the area and that you may have never seen before!
PRICE: 80 ZAR (US$5) for adults, and kids under 6 enter for free.
Related article:
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4. See the Animals at the The Two Oceans Aquarium
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Two Oceans Aquarium from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (hours change seasonally). With interactive exhibits, feeding shows, and a touch-and-learn area, your little marine biologists will be in their element.
Tickets start at 200 ZAR for adults, and kids under 4 enter free.
You can visit the aquarium as part of this amazing full-day private family tour with all kinds of kid-friendly activities in Cape Town, plus a little wine-tasting bonus for the adults!
TOUR PRICE: US$100 for adults, US$50 for children aged 3 to 11
5. Get a taste of seaside village life at Hout Bay
For a taste of the seaside village life, head to Hout Bay. Explore the harbor, visit the bustling market, or take a boat trip to Seal Island. The cost varies depending on your chosen activities, but many are family-friendly and budget-friendly.
For instance, you can go on an incredible snorkeling experience and have the opportunity to swim with local cape fur seals at Hout Bay’s Duiker Island.
PRICE: $52 per person (children 9 and under aren’t permitted)
6. Have some family fun time at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hout Bay, Imhoff Farm opens its doors from 9 AM to 5 PM and is a great combo to do with Hout Bay. Kids will love the farmyard, pony rides, and snake park, making it an ideal family day out with farm animals.
PRICE: free entrance, activity prices range from 50 ZAR (US$3) to 150 ZAR (US$9).
Related article:
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7. Relax for the day at Llandudno Beach
Sink your toes into the golden sands of Llandudno Beach, open 24/7. Known for its gentle waves and stunning sunsets, it’s the perfect spot for a family beach day while in Cape Town.
If your kids are anything like mine, playing in the sand is one of the top things to do! Pack a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty at no cost.
8. Learn more about history at Robben Island
Uncover the rich history of South Africa by taking a ferry to Robben Island. Tours include a visit to the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
While this might not be the best activity for every kid out there, the tour includes a boat ride out to the island and an understanding of South Africa’s Apartheid era. For older kids who are into history, this is important to understand how South Africa’s history shaped the country you see today.
PRICE: US$54 for adults, US$27 for kids
Now that we’ve explored the wonders of Cape Town, let’s venture westward to discover more family-friendly wildlife escapes. Though many visitors just explore Cape Town, there’s honestly so much more to see well beyond it, including some of my favorite parts of the country.
9. Hike in nature at Tsitsikamma National Park (Eastern Cape)
For a perfect blend of nature and adventure, head to Tsitsikamma National Park, located in the Eastern Cape. This province is one of the most breathtaking in the country, and worth spending several days visiting.
Open from 7 AM to 6 PM, the park offers family-friendly hikes along the Storms River Mouth on the Garden Route. Encounter the iconic suspension bridge and marvel at the stunning coastal scenery.
Entrance is 296 ZAR (US$17) for adults, and kids under 12 enter for free.
If you are looking for a more adventurous activity in the beautiful surroundings of the National Park, then you can go on a guided quad bike tour through the wild landscape of Tsitsikamma on this excursion in your Garden Route trip.
TOUR PRICE: US$42 for adults, and US$21 for children 3 to 15
10. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary (Plettenberg Bay)
Continue your adventure at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Stroll through the lush forest as monkeys roam freely in the world’s first multi-species, free-roaming monkey sanctuary.
Educational and entertaining, it’s an amazing experience the kids will talk about for days, and the guides are clearly so passionate about the monkeys.
Just be sure to wear lots of mosquito repellent. They even provide it at the park! Tickets are 350 ZAR (US$20) for adults, 175 (US$10) for kids, and babies under 3 enter for free.
If you want to learn more about the monkey population from a guide, you can take this tour and discover cool facts about the 11 different species living in Monkeyland.
PRICE: from US$39 per adult, and US$19 per child between 3 and 12
Join a guided tour of Monkeyland
11. Go bird watching at Birds of Eden (Plettenberg Bay)
Adjacent to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden provides a spectacular experience for bird enthusiasts. Open from 8 AM to 5 PM, this free-flight bird sanctuary showcases a variety of feathered friends in a vast, natural environment.
You can get a combo ticket with Monkeyland for 590 ZAR (US$32) per adult and 295 (US$16) per child.
If you are visiting during the high season (November to March), then you can also get a skip-the-line ticket that allows you to book in advance, and you can also get a complimentary guide!
PRICE: US$20 for adults and US$10 for kids
12. Elephant encounter at Knysna Elephant Park
Have a gentle encounter with these magnificent creatures at Knysna Elephant Park, open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Kids can touch and feed the elephants, creating lasting memories.
Of course, you want your elephant experience to be ethical! Knysna Elephant Park over the last 25 years has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls, and ex-circus animals. Most importantly, there is no elephant riding.
Another awesome thing about this activity is that you can stay overnight at the lodge to watch them peacefully sleeping from the viewing balcony. Such a cool experience!
PRICE: Tickets start at 950 ZAR (US$52) for adults and kids over 5, while those under 5 enter for free.
13. Go on a safari at Addo Elephant National Park
After seeing domesticated elephants, you’ve got to see wild African elephants as well! It’s the perfect way to get the best of both worlds.
Spot elephants, big cats, and other wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park (Easter Cape) open from 7 AM to 6:30 PM. Entrance is 397 (US$22) for adults and 119 (US$7) for kids.
However, the best way to see and learn more about all the animals you will encounter is to go on a half-day guided safari of the park. And if time permits, you can also take a full-day safari tour with Braai lunch!
PRICE: full-day US$155 per person, half-day US$75
Go on a full-day safari adventure
14. Spot majestic birds at Oudtshoorn Safari Ostrich Farm
Delve into the world of these large flightless birds at the Oudtshoorn Safari Ostrich Farm, open from 8 AM to 4 PM. Kids can interact with ostriches, and the whole family can enjoy an informative tractor tour.
In the tour, the whole family can feed the birds and hear stories about them from the guide.
TOUR PRICE: US$10 per adult, and free for children under 18
15. Discover the animals at Cango Wildlife Ranch
For a hands-on wildlife experience, visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn from 8 AM to 5 PM. Cango Wildlife Ranch is a multi-accredited conservation destination, open year-round with over 90 species of beloved animals.
Enjoy their fun and educational guided tours, unique encounter programs, and even the World’s 1st Croc-Cage Dive! Encounter cheetahs, crocodiles, and lemurs, and learn about conservation efforts.
PRICE: 210 ZAR (US$12) for adults, 130 ZAR (US$7) for kids under 12, free for kids under 4
16. Swim and surf at Durban Beaches
Hop over to Durban for some sun, sea, and surf! The beaches in Durban, including Umhlanga and Ballito, offer warm waters and expansive shores.
You can also go whale watching along the coastline, so check that out while you’re here!
Enjoy a family day out with sandcastle building and beach games. The cost? Totally free!
Related article:
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17. Hike at Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Journey to the Free State for a nature escape at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Hike through golden sandstone cliffs, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
The park gets its name from the way that the sun hits the cliffs as it sets, creating a golden color!
Hiking is pretty easy here, though you’ll want a hiking backpack carrier for the littlest in your crew.
NOTE: Be sure to get out of the park before it’s completely dark, as wildlife frequently crosses the road. That’s great advice for anywhere in South Africa.
PRICE: 266 ZAR (US$15) for adults, 133 ZAR (US$7) for kids.
18. Discover fossils at Cradle of Humankind
Embark on a historical journey at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, a UNESCO World Heritage site open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Explore the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves for an immersive experience in human evolution.
This is said to be the exact place where humanity originated, plus the area is gorgeous!
It’s an easy drive from Johannesburg, should you be starting or ending your trip there.
Tickets to the exhibition center are 190 ZAR (US$11) for adults, and kids under 4 enter for free.
If you want to get a whole other experience of the site then you should take a guided tour to explore one of the world’s richest concentrations of hominid fossils.
TOUR PRICE: US$85 per person
19. Go on a thrilling Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
Better for older kids, thrill-seekers in the family will love the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, open from 7 AM to 3 PM. Soar through the treetops on a zip-line adventure with stunning mountain views. The kids will love it!
Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes!
PRICE: 695 ZAR (US$38) per person
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20. Explore Kruger National Park (Limpopo and Mpumalanga)
You can’t go to South Africa without spending a few days in what is possibly the best safari destination in Africa!
For a chance to see the big 5 – elephants, rhinos, cape buffalos, lions, and leopards – Kruger delivers, all with paved roads that you can drive in a Ford Fiesta. I should know, I’ve done it many times!
Plus, this makes safari with a baby, if you have one in tow, much easier since babies are often not allowed in open-air safari vehicles. Being able to self-drive with younger kids is a game changer!
This is a huge park, so stay at some of the camps within the park and give it at least a few days of your trip. I recommend Sleepover Orpen Gate, just a few mins drive from the park, for family rooms and a relaxed vibe!
Adults cost 486 ZAR (US$27) per day and children are 243 ZAR (US$13).
If you don’t want to drive by yourself, then you can book a full-day private safari where you’ll explore 7,523 square miles (19,485 square kilometers) with a safari guide who’ll share his knowledge of the animals with you.
South Africa for Kids
Here are some interesting facts about South Africa for kids which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.
South Africa's famous Blyde River Canyon
South Africa Facts | Country Facts
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Population: 63 million people live in South Africa (2024)
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Capital city: Pretoria with 3 million inhabitants Pretoria's nickname is "The Jacaranda City" due to the many jacaranda trees. In South Africa, the city is referred to as 'Tshwane' as the municipality changed its name in 2007. However, South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein
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Name: Republic of South Africa
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Government: Democracy
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Languages: 12 official languages: isiZulu, Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, siSwati, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Sepedi, isiNdebele, Setswana, Tshivenda, sign language
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Religion: mainly Christians (86%) and Muslims (2%), but also Jews and other faiths.
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Currency: 1 South African rand (ZAR) = 100 cents
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Economy: South Africa is the world's largest producer of platinum group metals, gold and chromium. South Africa is part of the African Union and the BRICS countries.
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National Symbols: Protea (flower), Springbok (antelope) and others. Read more here.
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National Day: 27 April (Freedom Day)
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History: South Africa was colonised by the British and Dutch and the people suffered massively during Apartheid which came to an end when Nelson Mandela was releases from prison in 1990 and became the first democratically elected leader in South Africa in 1994.
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President: Cyril Ramaphosa
South Africa for Kids
South Africa Geography
South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent.
South Africa shares borders with six countries: Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe in the North, and Mozambique in the East, as well as with Eswatini and Lesotho.
South Africa encloses two landlocked African countries which are Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland) which borders also Mozambique. Both these African countries are kingdoms.
South Africa is about as big as the land area of France and Spain combined or twice the size of the state of Texas/ USA.
It takes a 12-hour flight from London/England to fly to reach Johannesburg or a 12-hour flight from Singapore and a flight from New York/ USA to Johannesburg is longer than 17 hours.
Cape Point/South Africa
In South Africa, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet off the Southern Cape coast.
The southernmost point in South Africa is at Cape Agulhas which is roughly 120 km/ 75 miles to the east of Cape Town. In the image to the right, however, you see Cape Point, the southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula.
South Africa for Kids
Geography
South Africa has various mountain ranges such as the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, the Magaliesberg or the Cederberg mountains.
There is a narrow coastal stretch and in the interior of the country, you will find a high plateau.
The highest mountain in South Africa is Mafadi Peak, which is on the border to Lesotho. Mafadi Peak is 3,450 m/ 11,319 ft high.
Mafadi Peak
In the north of the country, you will find the Kalahari Desert which borders neighbouring countries Namibia and Botswana. The Kalahari is part of the 'highveld', the highlands of the country.
Johannesburg is the largest city of South Africa and lies on this plateau at 1,700 m/ 5,577 ft above sea level. However, most of the bigger cities such as Cape Town and Durban are located near the coast in low-lying areas.
The longest river in South Africa is the Orange River with 2,432 km/ 1,511 miles. The river runs through the northern parts of the country and passes through an 18 km/ 11 miles long gorge at Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape.
Augrabies Falls in the 2022 floods of the Orange River
The Orange River also forms part of the border between Namibia and South Africa. The river rises in Lesotho and reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Oranjemund (Namibia). The river is also referred to as Oranje or Gariep by the Afrikaans people or !Garib by the local Nama people.
There are various climatic regions in South Africa which has mild to hot days in summer and very cold nights and rain (and snowfall in some regions) in winter. Read more.
Especially in the mountain ranges of the Drakensberg region, there is snow in winter and you even can go skiing in South Africa.
Tiffindell is the most popular winter resort town. Sometimes also the higher mountain tops in the Western Cape near Cape Town receive some snow in winter. But there is no snow in the city or in the towns along the coastline. Although the snow might be enough for a snowball fight, it certainly is not enough to go skiing.
Did you know, that the Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg are the second-highest waterfalls in the world? There are five falls with a combined total drop of 948 m/ 3,110 ft!
Famous "Amphitheatre" mountains in the Drakensberg with Tugela river
The country name is displayed as ZA which stands for Zuid Africa. The word zuid is Afrikaans and means "south".
South Africa for Kids:
South Africa Attractions
Muizenberg beach huts
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Cape Town: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches such as the stunning surf beach in Muizenberg. More about Cape Town attractions here
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Garden Route and the Eastern Cape for amazing pristine beaches and traditional lifestyle
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Kruger National Park for safaris and great wildlife viewing
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Sun City near Pretoria for fun and games galore with amazing wave pool and lots of things to do for the whole family
Elephants
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Addo National Park near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for animal and especially famous for elephant-spotting
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Durban for surfing and great beaches and the KwaZulu-Natal midlands for some insights into South African history
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iSimangeliso (formerly called St Lucia Wetlands) for wildlife viewing and unspoilt nature
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Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and nearby neighbouring country Lesotho for skiing in Africa
South Africa for Kids: Animals
Wildlife in South Africa is abundant. There are many species of antilope such as kudu, springbok, wildebeest, impala, oryx and gemsbok. When you go on safari you can see many other South African animals like lions, elephants, giraffes and monkeys. Or admire the fabulous Cape vultures or the cute African penguins at Boulders Beach or in Betty's Bay.
South Africa is home to the great white shark as well. This large predatory fish lives in the ocean waters here too. Sometimes beaches are closed for bathing due to the sharks in the bays. Many beaches have shark nets. Remember to only swim in the sea where there are lifeguards on duty.
Whale watching is very popular in South Africa too and you will encounter an enormous sea life in South Africa when you go on a boat trip.
Read more about animals in South Africa on our special page here or click on the image.
South Africa for Kids
South Africa People
South Africa is often called the 'Rainbow Nation', because there are so many different languages are spoken and different cultural traditions are lived. Below you see people of the Ndebele tribe.
Women of the Ndebele people
South Africa is often called "The Cradle of Humankind", because archaeological artefacts, tools and human remains proof that people lived in the area more than 100,000 years ago.
The ancient San and the Khoi were the early African civilizations settling the Cape. There are only few descendants of the local San people living in remote areas in the Karoo desert and near the Cape West Coast.
Zulu woman showing a wire basket
The biggest South African population group, the Zulu, mainly live in rural settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, they even have a king.
Portuguese, Dutch, British, French and German explorers have traveled and populated southern Africa in the 17th and 18th century and therefore you can find many European influences in South Africa too.
Nowadays most of the people in South Africa live in or near the big cities: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. The rural areas are still very poor and also in the cities many people live in shantytowns or townships.
Johannesburg is the largest city and the main industrial and economic hub, while Cape Town and Durban are also large cities with more than 1 million inhabitants.
Did you know that in South Africa, cars drive on the left side of the road as they do in the UK and Australia? However, all distance and speed signs are in metres and kilometres and km/ hour and not as in England in yards and miles and miles/ hour!
South Africa for Kids
Food in South Africa
The food the people eat in South Africa is very diverse. The South African staple food for the locals is 'mealies', which is corn, and seasonal vegetables, like potatoes, beans, carrots and peas.
South Africans love their meat and game meat such as kudu and springbok are common. However, most people eat beef, chicken, lamb and ostrich with their meals. The people in South Africa love a BBQ (here called 'braai') and almost every house has got a fireplace which is called 'braai-place'.
Typical South African food:
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bobotie: typica Cape Malay food containing rice, lamb and fragrant spices. Click to find a tasty easy-to-do bootie recipe.
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koeksisters: taste like donuts soaked in sticky sweet sauce. Yummy!
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mealie pap: corn porridge
Boerewors
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biltong: a cured and dried meat that is a typical South African snack and similar to beef jerky. Kids love to take this as snack to school.
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boerewors: Afrikaans for 'farmers sausage', is often put on the grill, formed in a curl (see image)
Read more about South African traditional food here or click on the image below.
Did you know that...?
… most people speak at least two or three languages, one of them usually English or Afrikaans.
… South Africa has really three capital cities. The powers are distributed between Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. The parliament meets for six months in Pretoria and the other half of the year in Cape Town.
We hope you enjoyed our information on South Africa for Kids. Read also our top 15 South Africa facts even locals often do not know here.
Looking for the best things to do in South Africa with kids? Here are my recommendations.
South Africa, with its rich culture and heritage, unparalleled natural beauty, and amazing adventure opportunities is not just an adult’s playground. It's also a wonderland for children of all ages. From exciting wildlife safaris to enchanting beaches and exhilarating adventures, South Africa boasts a multitude of activities that will entice kids away from their electronics and make a family holiday unforgettable.
best things to do in South Africa with kids
1.Family Safaris
Tintswalo Waterberg
Taking your kids on a safari can be one of the most enriching and memorable experiences a family can share. It's an opportunity for children to connect directly with nature, witness the majesty of wildlife in their natural habitats, and develop an appreciation for nature conservation. Safaris can be both educational and entertaining, as children learn about different species and their behaviours.
Beyond the wildlife, the adventure of staying in the wilderness, hearing the sounds of the night, and gazing at a sky full of stars can leave a lasting impression on young minds, fostering a lifelong love for adventure and the great outdoors. My kids have been going on safaris since they were little and they have forged some indelible memories.
You can opt to self-drive in a national park like Kruger National Park or stay at a private lodge. While all safari lodges do not allow kids of all ages, there are many that welcome them and cater for them, such as:
Letamo at Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Get your South Africa Bucket List Guide
Things you must do in South Africa
2.Beaches
South Africa's coastline has a plethora of pristine beaches that are perfect for families. With its warm waters, golden sands, and diverse marine life, these beaches provide a wonderful playground for kids to splash, build sandcastles, and discover tidal pools.
Here are some of the best beaches in South Africa for kids:
Boulders Beach, Cape Town
African Penguins at Boulders Beach
In addition to its soft sands and sheltered coves, Boulders Beach in Cape Town is famous for its resident African penguin colony, which is always a hit with children. My kids loved it.
Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town
Beach huts in Muizenberg
Known for its colourful beach huts and gentle waves, Muizenberg Beach is another favourite among families. The warmer waters of the False Bay, the surfing lessons and the play areas make it popular with kids.
Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
Renowned as a top surfing destination, Jeffreys Bay has a range of beaches perfect for families. Dolphin Beach has a Blue Flag status and there is a shell museum nearby that kids can visit.
Kwazulu Natal
Durban and the KZN South Coast offer kids warm, inviting waters and golden sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and exploring lively tidal pools.
3. Cable cars and mountains
Harties Cableway
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Using the Aerial Cableway, families can reach the summit of this iconic mountain. Kids will enjoy the rotating cable car which showcases panoramic views during the ascent. Once at the top, kids can enjoy easy walks, and spot local wildlife like dassies.
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway offers families a scenic ride up the Magaliesberg Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Hartbeespoort Dam and surroundings. Interactive displays at the top delve into the area's rich history and biodiversity. The spectacular views, coupled with amenities like a play area and restaurants at the summit, ensure that children and adults will have a fun experience. My kids enjoyed it.
4, Botanical Gardens
Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
South Africa's botanical gardens are verdant havens that showcase the country's rich flora and are great places for family picnics. Children can enjoy the vast open spaces, water features, play areas and interactive educational zones. Many gardens also have themed trails and bird-watching activities, ensuring a blend of fun and learning amidst nature.
Two of the most popular botanical gardens are:
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch has enchanting treetop canopy walks and diverse flora exhibitions, making nature exploration a true delight.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Located in Johannesburg, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens enthralls children with its majestic waterfall, resident black eagles, kiddies' train and interactive environmental education programs.
5. Hop-on hop-off buses
City Sightseeing Cape Town
Hop-on hop-off buses are a family-friendly way to explore big cities. Children can enjoy the views and feel the breeze from the open-top decks while engaging audio guides narrate captivating stories on the kids channel. In South Africa, you can do this with City Sightseeing Cape Town and City Sightseeing Johannesburg.
6. Theme Parks
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City, Johannesburg
South Africa may not have many theme parks but it does have a rather unique one. Built on an old gold mine, Gold Reef City transports visitors back to the gold rush era. You can watch a gold pouring demonstration, pan for gold, and visit gold miners’ houses which haven’t changed in over 100 years. Kids will have endless entertainment with the roller coasters and other exciting rides.
7. Aquariums
Ushaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World, Durban
Africa’s largest marine theme park, uShaka Marine World is also home to the 7th largest aquarium in the world, which is set in a shipwreck, Africa’s highest slide waterpark and much more. Whether your kids want to slide down water tubes or watch the sharks, uShaka will ensure a fun day.
The Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
Located at the V&A Waterfront, this aquarium provides insights into marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. From mesmerising jellyfish displays to hands-on touch pools, children can experience the wonders of the underwater world.
8. Interactive science centres
Sci-Bono
Interactive science centres give children a hands-on approach to learning, sparking curiosity through engaging exhibits and experiments. Scientific concepts are explained with colourful and interactive gadgets, devices and experiments and kids are encouraged to experiment to their heart’s content.
Check out Sci-Bono in Johannesburg, KZN Science Centre in Gateway Shopping Centre in Durban, Cape Town Science Centre, and Sci-Enza at the University of Pretoria.
9. Adventure activities
Canopy Tour in Magaliesberg
Ziplining
Ziplining through the country's lush forests offers a bird's-eye view of the landscape, allowing children to soar over treetops and ravines, feeling the rush of the wind. There are many places to zipline in South Africa, including Magaliesberg, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and Graskop.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing on scenic tracks gives youngsters a thrilling descent, combining speed and beautiful vistas. Both activities not only promise fun but also help instil a sense of bravery in young adventurers. Two of the most popular places to toboggan in South Africa are Cool Runnings in Cape Town and Long Tom Toboggan in Sabie, Mpumalanga.
South African winters offer something for everyone, and there are some fantastic places to visit for a family getaway. From the vibey activities in chilly Joburg, to the sunny retreats in Durban and the North West, you can embrace adventure in the cold, or find a sunny hideout to avoid the winter chill. Take a Sho’t Left to one of these world-class destinations, and embrace all that a South African winter has to offer.
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Gauteng is the heart of the nation, and Joburg offers a variety of family events and entertainment.
Natural attractions abound, with parks perfect for picnics, such as the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. For the adrenaline-junkies, the Gold Reef City amusement park offers the wildest of rides, as well a casino and entertainment centre. Have dinner in the Maboneng precinct, the perfect way to end the day.
Hermanus, Western Cape
Hermanus, a seaside town to the south-east of Cape Town, has been voted one of the twelve best destinations in the world for whale watching by the World Wildlife Fund and is an ideal place to whale-watch.
Whale-watching spots are plentiful and will allow you to experience a natural phenomenon which happens only once a year. Popular whale-watching spots in Hermanus include the Cliff Path, a 12km path which stretches across Hermanus, as well as Grotto beach, the Old Harbour, and Gearing’s Point.
Bela Bela, Limpopo
Warm Baths, A Forever Resort in Bela Bela is a premium resort situated in Limpopo, approximately a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Consider this resort as an African bushveld escape, the perfect location to experience an unforgettable holiday with the whole family. With a range of waterslides, mineral pools and spas offering a variety of treatments and products, you are sure to feel revitalised and rejuvenated.
Wild Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
Experience the best of coastal living and entertainment at the Wild Coast. This incredible stretch of coast starts from Mzamba, just south of Port Edward and the Umthamvuna River to the top-end luxury resort, Wild Coast Sun.
Whether you’re looking for self-catering accommodation or luxurious hotels to suit your every need, you’re bound to find something just for you along the Wild Coast. As for the free-spirited, you can expect plenty of adrenaline-pumped activities to get you revved up.
Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal
Zululand offers a magic of its own. Stretching from the Dolphin Coast, just north of Durban, all the way north up to Richard’s Bay, small towns line the coast, which enjoys warm weather year-round due to its sub-tropical climate.
Throughout the route, travellers can enjoy historical and cultural attractions, diverse game viewing areas, as well as birding and hiking trails. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, 280km north of Durban, has the largest population of white rhino in the world, due to concerted conservation efforts.
So take a Sho’t Left, and enjoy a quality family holiday in South Africa.
