19-Day Ultimate Family Safari and Coastal Route in South Africa
South Africa is a world-in-one-country, offering families an unparalleled mix of urban sophistication, dramatic coastlines, and the raw beauty of the African bush. This 19-day itinerary is meticulously crafted for those traveling with children, focusing on accessible locations, safe environments, and a relaxed pace that allows for nap times and spontaneous play.
From the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain in Cape Town to the gentle giants of Addo and the predator-rich plains of Kruger, you will navigate the country using comfortable domestic flights and scenic drives. Our focus is on 'Epic Journeys' that remain practical for parents, ensuring every member of the family—from toddlers to grandparents—has a memorable experience.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa - Arrival & Waterfront
Arrival at Cape Town International
Touch down in the Mother City and collect your pre-booked family van.
V&A Waterfront Exploration
Walk through this bustling harbor area, which is entirely stroller-friendly with plenty of open space.
Hamleys Express Train
Let the kids enjoy a short train ride around the waterfront while you soak in the mountain views.
Dinner at V&A Food Market
A relaxed setting with various stalls, making it easy to find something even the pickiest eaters will love.
Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa - Table Mountain & City Views
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Take the rotating cable car to the summit for breathtaking views. The paths at the top are mostly flat and accessible.
Company's Garden
A historic park in the city center where children can feed the squirrels and run on the grass.
Iziko South African Museum
Visit the planetarium and the whale well, which are huge hits with curious young minds.
Sunset at Signal Hill
Drive up for a relaxed picnic as the city lights begin to flicker on below.
Day 3: Cape Town, South Africa - Botanical Beauty
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Explore the 'Boomslang' canopy walkway and the dinosaur sculptures in the Cycad garden.
Tea Garden Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room, known for its scones and family-friendly atmosphere.
Constantia Valley Visit
Visit Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm, which has large lawns and a historic manor house for kids to explore.
Family Pizza Night
Head to a local eatery in the southern suburbs for a casual South African pizza experience.
Day 4: Cape Town, South Africa - Penguins & Cape Point
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Watch the African penguins from the boardwalks. This is a highlight for every family member.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the top lighthouse to avoid the steep climb with kids.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Drive back to the city via one of the world's most scenic coastal roads, stopping at viewpoints.
Hout Bay Harbor
Grab fresh fish and chips and look for the local Cape Fur seals in the harbor.
Day 5: Cape Town, South Africa - Marine Life & Beach
Two Oceans Aquarium
A world-class aquarium with a dedicated children's play area and mesmerizing shark tanks.
Green Point Urban Park
A fantastic, enclosed playground and biodiversity garden perfect for a midday break.
Camps Bay Beach
Let the kids play in the sand while you enjoy the mountain backdrop. The tidal pool is safer for small children.
Promenade Walk
Stroll along the Sea Point Promenade as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 6: Knysna, South Africa - Garden Route Entry
Travel to the Garden Route
Pick up a rental car for the scenic 5-hour drive or take a quick flight to George Airport.
Check-in Knysna
Arrive at your lagoon-side accommodation and settle in for a few days of relaxation.
Knysna Waterfront
A smaller, more intimate version of Cape Town's waterfront, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Seafood Dinner
Enjoy fresh oysters (for the adults) and grilled fish at a lagoon-view restaurant.
Day 7: Knysna, South Africa - Lagoon & Forest
Featherbed Nature Reserve
Take a ferry across the lagoon and a tractor-trailer ride to the top of the Western Head.
Buffet Lunch under Milkwood Trees
A relaxed outdoor lunch included in the Featherbed tour, ideal for active kids.
The Heads Viewpoint
Drive to the Eastern Head for a dramatic look at the ocean crashing into the lagoon entrance.
Knysna Night Market
If visiting during the season, enjoy local crafts and food at this family-friendly community event.
Day 8: Knysna, South Africa - Gentle Giants
Knysna Elephant Park
A controlled environment where children can safely see and learn about orphaned elephants.
Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary
Located nearby, this sanctuary offers educational tours about wolves and huskies.
Plettenberg Bay Stop
A short 30-minute drive to 'Plett' for an ice cream on the Central Beach.
Home-style Braai
Many Garden Route accommodations offer BBQ facilities; enjoy a traditional South African braai at your lodge.
Day 9: Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - Primate Wonders
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
The world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Guided walks are very kid-friendly.
Birds of Eden
A massive dome aviary where you walk through the forest canopy on sturdy boardwalks.
Jerekani Snake Park
An educational stop for kids to learn about indigenous reptiles in a safe environment.
Dinner in Plett
Visit a family bistro in the main street with a dedicated play area for children.
Day 10: Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - Coastal Exploration
Robberg Nature Reserve
Choose the shortest hiking loop (2km) which is manageable for kids and offers incredible seal sightings.
Picnic Lunch
Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the Robberg viewpoints overlooking the bay.
Old Nick Village
A creative shopping space with a playground and artisanal shops for parents.
Relaxed Evening
Take a stroll along Keurboomstrand as the tide goes out.
Day 11: Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Sandy Shores
Drive to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
A 3-hour drive through the Tsitsikamma forest. Stop at the Storms River Bridge for a photo.
Bayworld Oceanarium
Located on the beachfront, it features a snake park and a museum focusing on local history.
The Boardwalk
An entertainment complex with a lake, musical fountains, and kid-friendly rides.
Beachfront Dinner
Port Elizabeth’s beachfront has numerous accessible restaurants with great sea views.
Day 12: Addo, South Africa - Elephant Safari
Addo Elephant National Park
A self-drive safari (the safest and easiest way with kids) to see hundreds of elephants.
Lunch at Jack's Picnic Site
A fenced-in area within the park where you can safely get out and have a meal.
Zuurberg Pass Drive
A scenic drive just outside the park offering a different view of the Eastern Cape landscape.
Evening at the Lodge
Stay at a family-run guest farm near the park entrance for an authentic farm experience.
Day 13: Kruger Region, South Africa - Gateway to Wildlife
Fly to Hoedspruit
Take a domestic flight from PE to Hoedspruit or Skukuza to save a long day of driving.
Transfer to Safari Lodge
Arrive at your family-friendly lodge. Many offer "Kiddie Rangers" programs.
Afternoon Bush Walk
A gentle walk around the lodge perimeter to learn about tracks and insects.
Boma Dinner
Experience dinner around a campfire under the stars—a magical African tradition.
Day 14: Kruger National Park, South Africa - Big Five Morning
Morning Game Drive
Head out early when animals are most active. Most family lodges provide blankets and snacks.
Bush Breakfast
Often served in the middle of the park at a designated safe spot.
Siesta & Pool Time
The heat of the day is the perfect time for the kids to splash in the lodge pool.
Evening Wildlife Talk
Many lodges host educational sessions for kids about conservation.
Day 15: Panorama Route, South Africa - Canyon Views
Blyde River Canyon
Drive to the Three Rondavels viewpoint. The paths are paved and easy for strollers.
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Natural water-eroded rock formations that are fascinating for older children to explore.
Graskop Pancakes
Stop in the town of Graskop for their famous giant pancakes—a local institution.
Berlin Falls
A quick and easy-to-access waterfall view right near the main road.
Day 16: Hoedspruit, South Africa - Wildlife Conservation
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre
A hands-on educational center where kids can see animals being rehabilitated for the wild.
Hoedspruit 24 Degrees South
A complex with shops, a vintage car museum, and plenty of space for kids to run around.
Jessica the Hippo
Visit the world-famous tame hippo who lives in a local river; kids can help feed her.
Dinner in Hoedspruit
A relaxed bush-town meal at a restaurant with an outdoor garden.
Day 17: Kruger National Park, South Africa - Final Wild Moments
Self-Drive Exploration
Enter the park for one last self-paced drive. Stop at the Skukuza rest camp for its museum.
Lunch at Cattle Baron Skukuza
Enjoy a meal overlooking the Sabie River; keep an eye out for elephants crossing the water.
Elephant Hall Museum
In Letaba (if driving north), see the tusks of the 'Magnificent Seven' elephants.
Sunset Game Drive
Book a park-run sunset drive (suitable for kids over 6) to see nocturnal animals.
Day 18: Johannesburg, South Africa - Gold & History
Travel to Johannesburg
A 5-hour drive or a 1-hour flight to OR Tambo International Airport.
Gold Reef City
A theme park built around an authentic gold mine; it includes rides and historical tours.
Check-in Sandton
Stay in the Sandton area for easy access to world-class dining and shopping.
Dinner at Nelson Mandela Square
Eat next to the iconic bronze statue of Mandela in a safe, upscale environment.
Day 19: Johannesburg, South Africa - Heritage & Home
Soweto Guided Tour
A half-day tour visiting Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
Lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant
Try traditional 'tshisa nyama' or a buffet of local South African favorites.
Constitution Hill
A former prison turned museum and the seat of the country’s Constitutional Court.
Departure Preparation
Head to the airport for your evening flight home.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
For a family trip, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). The weather is mild, avoiding the scorching summer heat of the north and the winter rains of Cape Town. If wildlife is your primary focus, the dry winter months (June to August) are excellent for viewing animals in Kruger, though Cape Town can be chilly.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in almost all urban areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, it is useful to carry some cash for tips and small local markets. Tipping is customary in South Africa; 10-15% is the standard for restaurant service, and a small amount (R10-R20) is usually given to car guards and petrol station attendants.
Getting Around South Africa
South Africa is a large country, so a mix of transport is best. For long distances (Cape Town to the Garden Route or Kruger), domestic flights on airlines like Airlink or Safair are highly recommended to save time. For the Garden Route and local exploring, renting a car is the most flexible option for families. In major cities, Uber is a safe and reliable way to travel between attractions if you prefer not to drive.
