AN EXAMPLE FAMILY HOLIDAY ITINERARY IN SOUTH AFRICA
If you’re looking for a family adventure that ticks all the boxes then a holiday to South Africa is just what you need. With unforgettable cityscapes, empty beaches, an abundance of wildlife and plenty of culture, food and wine, you’ll be creating memories together that will last a lifetime. Whatever your age South Africa promises unforgettable experiences and plenty of adventure.
The below is just a taster, let our experts tailor make the perfect family holiday to South Africa . Read on to find out more.
VISIT: Cape Town - Day 1 to 4
Iconic Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Rising up behind the city bowl is unmistakable Table Mountain, source of beautiful views and endless hiking opportunities. Explore the quirky streets of the city centre and discover boutique shops, respected galleries and delectable restaurants, or visit the V&A Waterfront for food with a view.
Then there’s the golden beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, or south along the peninsula to Simonstown, with its naval history, bouldered beaches and more than a few penguins to keep the whole family entertained. Add gorgeous sunshine and the warm and welcoming people and you’ve got yourself an outstanding holiday destination!
STAY: Cape Grace Hotel
The Cape Grace is one of Cape Town’s best loved luxury hotels and rises gracefully from a private quay, just a bridge away from the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The atmosphere here combines contemporary, naval-inspired glamour with all the amenities you could wish for, great service and a generous helping of good old-fashioned Cape hospitality. The suites and penthouses are spaciously chic; with a selection of fine restaurants and bars; loads to see; and, of course, that mountain as a backdrop.
DISCOVER: The Franschhoek Valley - Day 4 to 6
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe in this part of South Africa, with this French-inspired village surrounded by unmatched scenery, sun-drenched vineyards and outstanding restaurants. This is Franschhoek, a tiny yet incredible village in the heart of the Winelands, established by French Huguenots in 1688 (the name literally means “French Corner”).
Today, it’s the gastronomic capital of the country and home to Michelin starred restaurants, foraged cuisine, and vineyards with boutique winemakers. Why not enjoy them from the wine tram, an old-fashioned rail car that rattles around the valley and stops at a selection of farms, great fun for the whole family. But remember to take time to enjoy the stunning natural scenery: mountainous Mont Rochelle reserve is the place to walk or hike in style (and admire the breath-taking views), or hire a bike and peddle around the farm paths and trails.
STAY: Boschendal - Orchard Cottages
Boschendal – Orchard Cottages is the ideal space to relax, reconnect and unwind away from the distractions of daily life. Explore the farm paths by foot or bike, explore mountainside trails or MTB single tracks, bring your costume for a cool-down swim in the pool or one of the magnificent farm dams, or simply enjoy the opportunity to sit and read, relax, and take in the goodness of farm living.
EXPLORE: Overberg - Day 6 to 9
After you’ve left Cape Town, there’s a beautiful stretch of land with picturesque towns dotted among rolling hills, perfect for the whole family to explore. There are seaside hamlets overlooking white sands and frothy waves as well as stunning wildlife and nature reserves that even the locals don’t know about. This is the Western Cape Overberg region, one of the lesser explored parts of South Africa. It’s a photographer’s dream, there’s wildlife aplenty and, to top it all, you might not see another soul whilst you are there.
STAY: Morukuru Ocean House
Five-star Morukuru Ocean House is set just metres from the sea and is the perfect getaway retreat for a family wanting its own private slice of the wildly beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve itself is one of the Western Cape’s most beloved wilderness areas, and the villa is fabulous, with sleek accommodation (it sleeps 12), amazing views, outstanding service and top-class meals prepared by your private chef.
There’s plenty to do for adults and children alike, take a guided, insightful marine walk, explore the dunes and rock pools and, between July and November, watch the whales and their calves.
VISIT: Plettenberg Bay -Day 9 to 11
Plettenberg Bay stretches from the creamy-white Robberg Beach in the south, to the quieter Keurbooms Beach in the north and just about every house, lodge and hotel enjoys dazzling views of the ocean and the dramatic Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Days here are mainly spent outside, either on the water in search of whales (winter) and dolphins (summer), next to the water on one of the safe, warm-watered and incredibly child-friendly beaches, or on land, exploring the ups and downs of the Robberg Peninsula in search of Cape Fur seals. Close by is Tsitsikamma National Park where the trails are well worth an exploration, as are the wildlife reserves, and when all the fresh air hits home, a glass of ice-cold something is never far away at one of the many chilled-out restaurants and bars on the waterfront…
STAY: The Plettenberg Hotel
The Plettenberg is a luxurious hotel perched on a rocky headland in the heart of one of South Africa’s favourite seaside vacation towns. Here you’ll find some seriously breath-taking vistas from long stretches of golden beaches to mountains and dense, green forests. The accommodation and service are five-star, and the hotel is popular with people looking for some top-end relaxation and pampering.
Plettenberg itself is a holiday resort ideal for the whole family, with an interesting history and lots of nature reserves on its doorstep, so there’s plenty to see and do.
DISCOVER: Eastern Cape - Day 11 to 14
The Eastern Cape encapsulates South Africa in one province. You can expect incredible Big Five safaris at famed game reserves (our favourite is Addo Elephant Park, just 40 kilometres from Port Elizabeth and home to mega concentrations of elephant and white rhino), stunning hiking and mountain scenery, and deep-rooted African culture in the Transkei, the once-independent homeland of the Xhosa people. Then there’s the Wild Coast, with its endless Indian Ocean beaches and rolling rural pastures. You could spend weeks exploring the Eastern Cape without ever feeling the need to move on.
STAY: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Ecca Lodge is part of a new generation of ‘young-at-heart’ safari lodges that definitely don’t take themselves too seriously. Designed by Chris Browne, the décor couldn’t be more different to the surrounding (beautiful) bush with enormous Warhol-esque prints, vibrant fabrics and giant sparkling glass walls taking centre stage. But it’s not all about design, there is still also plenty of game viewing to be had.
Huge prides of lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, cheetah and many others are prolific and provide superb game viewing in a brilliant, and malaria-free, setting.