Why a South African Safari is Perfect for Families with Kids

If you’re looking to enjoy a wildlife trip with kids, then here’s why we think a South African safari is perfect for families with children.

From the great access and amenities to the huge array of safaris and activities on offer, not to mention the excellent value for money, it’s hard to fault South African safaris when it comes to intergenerational appeal.

South Africa safari, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

And that’s not even considering the vast amount of wildlife this country boasts either!

From the Big 5 wildlife, you’ll see on land, to the incredible marine animals of the surrounding ocean, plus a few weird and wonderful creatures in between (have you ever seen an ostrich?), South Africa is a wildlife hotspot and the ideal place to adventure in Africa with kids.

South African safari ostriches

Keen to learn more?

Read on to discover why we really do believe South Africa is a fantastic safari destination when travelling as a family with children.

Affordability of South African Safaris

Number one, it’s affordability, because we definitely know that the costs of a family safari trip can easily get out of hand!

Thankfully, South Africa is one of the cheapest places to safari in Africa, offering unparalleled value for money.

South Africa safari game drive

One of the key reasons for this is the fact you can usually pay for your South African safari in Rand -  a currency that offers great exchange rates with USD, AUD, EUR, and GBP.

Here at African Budget Safaris, you can pay for all our South African safari tours in our local currency - the Rand - and if you’re travelling as a family, the favourable exchange rate soon adds up, meaning you really can save a lot on a multi-person booking.

Self-Drive Safari Flexibility

But it’s not just the exchange rate that means a South African safari for families offers great value for money, it’s also because many parks and reserves in this country offer self-drive options.

South Africa self-drive trips

This means you don’t always have to take guided game drives to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. Instead, it’s possible to hire a vehicle in South Africa and drive, not only through this country but also explore many of the national parks and nature reserves using your rented 4 wheels as well.

A great way to keep costs down, self-drive safaris offer a huge amount of flexibility, meaning you can create your own schedule and itinerary - ideal for families with small children.

Having a vehicle and driving in South Africa also means you can travel with more gear, including toys for kids and other devices that may help keep them occupied during journey times.

If you want to know more about self-drive safaris in South Africa, then why not reach out and chat with one of our African travel experts to learn more about our fantastic rental deals in this country?

Distance & Access

Another great reason a South African safari is perfect for families, especially those with children, is that you don’t need to drive for days to enjoy this country’s highlights!

Choose to base yourself in the Western Cape, and you’ll have all the wonders of Cape Town to enjoy, plus top wildlife experiences in spots like Addo Elephant Park and the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, along with the stunning scenery and beaches of the Garden Route.

South Africa safari with children

Opt for Kruger National Park instead and you can take in the cultural and historical offerings of Johannesburg, along with the breathtaking beauty of a road trip along the Panorama Route.

Being able to enjoy an incredibly diverse experience, within a reasonable distance, really is a top reason why South Africa is so great for those travelling as a family with kids – travel times are lower than in other countries, and you can do away with the costs of domestic flights as well if you wish.

Oh, and it’s worth bearing in mind, that South Africa can be reached via a range of direct international flights too.

Mercifully, this means long layovers and connection stress can be avoided – a huge selling point if you’re travelling with kids!

Diversity of South African Activities 

We hate to brag, but South Africa really does offer it all!

This means if you want your trip here to encompass some cultural and historical attractions, as well as safari and wildlife experiences, then there are tons just waiting to be discovered.

Be it visiting Robben Island or the Apartheid Museum to learn more about the story that has shaped this nation, or adrenaline sports such as bungee jumping and sky diving, South Africa is ideal for kids of every age, big or small!

Canoeing in Wilderness National Park large

Throw into this mix the hiking opportunities on offer in this country, not to mention the kayaking, snorkelling, boat trips, beach days, helicopter rides, surfing, shopping, and sightseeing, and it’s clear South Africa really does offer something for everyone.

This makes it an ideal option for those looking to safari as a family when holidays need to cater to and entertain, a range of ages and tastes!

Epic African Wildlife

But it’s not just a diverse range of activities and destinations that South Africa offers families, because this country also boasts a huge array of wildlife too.

Of course, the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo) are possible to spot here, along with other safari gems such as giraffe, zebra, warthog, African wild dogs and hyenas.

Lions safari in South Africa

But there’s also plenty to see beyond the big national parks, including penguins at Boulders Beach, whales from Hermanus, sharks in Durban, ostriches in Oudtshoorn and amazing fish, birds, dolphins and insects across the lands and waters of this country.

If you’re travelling with children who really want to see an enormous spectrum of animals, then a safari to South Africa is hard to beat!

Health

And finally, as one of the more economically developed countries where you can enjoy a world-class safari, it’s also helpful to know that South Africa offers a large range of culinary experiences and options.

If you’re travelling with children who are perhaps less adventurous eaters, then rest assured, it will be easy to feed everyone during your time in South Africa!

Add to this the fact that tap water in urban areas of the country is drinkable and that there’s a low to no risk of malaria here, and it’s easy to see why South African safaris are an incredibly appealing option for families with children.

Family safari at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

So if you’re looking to plan a family safari trip of a lifetime, especially if you’re travelling with children, look no further than South Africa.

Our African travel experts will be delighted to chat more with you about the amazing trips we offer in this country, and which of them might be best suited to your family’s ages and tastes.

Get in touch today and start planning your holiday to remember!