South Africa With Kids: 13 Places For A Memorable Trip In 2025

South Africa has always been one of the most favoured family-friendly holiday destinations. Particularly for the kids, it is a treasure-trove of adventure, fun and vivid wonders that will give them jaw-dropping moments one after the other. So, let’s take a virtual tour and find out the must-visit spots if you are travelling to South Africa with kids. You will find some of the rare gems this international travel destination has in store that puts it high on the list of the world’s best holiday destinations for families.

13 Things To Do In South Africa With Kids

The ambitious, financially empowered parents of this generation love to travel, giving their children the opportunity to see the world as well. Learn what you can try with kids in this picturesque land.

1. Cape Town

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The beautiful and enthralling Cape Town appeases travellers of varied age groups. With two oceans lapping its waves from both sides and the lofty mountains guarding it from the other side, Cape Town has the best of both worlds. Visiting colourful fishes and sea animals at Two Oceans Aquarium will keep them engaged for hours. The cable car ride on the top of Table Mountain, a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the mesmerizing Cape Peninsula, swimming in Boulders Beach with the penguins, and baboons & ostriches in Cape Point Nature Reserve are some of the other tourist attractions that the kids and the adults alike love. If you want to explore all these places in Cape Town, then spend 2 weeks in South Africa with kids.

Location: Southwest Coast, South Africa
Timings: NA
Best Time To Visit: between late December and March (summer)

Also Read: Places To Visit In South Africa

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2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, places to visit in south africa with kids

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Children have a very natural affinity towards animals. They never get tired of watching animals. iSimagaliso Wetland Park may be a tad bit scary for the kids with those crocodiles in the swamps, but it will not fail to excite them either. So, gear up for a wildlife safari in the savannas and some coastal adventure that the kids will remember throughout their lives. You can also spot some rare species here if you’re lucky enough.

Location: Kwa Zulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Timings: 6 AM–6 PM from April–October and 5 AM–7 PM from November–March
Best Time To Visit: May to September

3. Kruger National Park

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The postcard identity of South Africa, the Kruger National Park, is indeed a treasure trove of adventure for both the adults and the kids. Grab your opportunity to watch the Big 5, which includes elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, buffalo and leopards from close quarters. The kids will be thrilled beyond expectations here to spot these vivacious creatures they only see in books in their routine lives.

Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Timings: 6 am–5:30 pm
Best Time To Visit: May to September

Related Post: South African National Parks

4. Whale Watching

Whale Watching in south africa with kids

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The biodiversity of South Africa does not end with national parks. An hour and a half drive from Cape Town will take you to the small town of Hermanus. This town is home to shallow waters that become the breeding ground for migrating whales between the months of June and November. You can really take your kids for a jaw-dropping experience of watching the whales from a touchable distance. It is an experience that will give you moments to be cherished forever. This is one of the must and should things to do in South Africa with kids.

Location: Hermanus, Southern Coast, Western Cape Province, South Africa
Timings: Early mornings are best for whale watching
Best Time To Visit: July to November

5. Horse Riding Safari

Horse Riding Safari in south africa with kids

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Taking your kids’ tete-e-tete with the animals forward, take them for a Horse Riding Safari. Panning the national park on horseback, chasing the herd of zebra and giraffes gives a completely new high that the kids enjoy to the hilt. Kids as young as toddlers can enjoy this. This is one enthralling activity for the entire family, taking your South African Safari with a toddler to a new height. You can enjoy horse-riding in South Africa at Ants Nest & Horizon Lodge in Waterberg, Big 5 horse Safari in Kruger Area, and Cape Wineland’s Riding.

Location: Multiple locations across the country
Timings: Best during early mornings
Best Time To Visit: November through to March

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6. Garden Route

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If you think that only animals and activities can keep children engaged and they would not enjoy nature as much, take them to the Garden Route. You will be surprised to see that the beauty of nature has a universal effect and children are certainly not to be left out from that. The serenity of the beaches, the lagoons, the rivers, the woods, and the green rocky hills make for a completely breathtaking view. Exposing children to nature is actually therapeutic and stimulates their mental and emotional growth in a manifold manner.

Location: Western Cape Province, South Africa
Timings: 7 am – 6 pm for Garden Route Botanical Garden
Best Time To Visit: December to February

7. Drakensberg

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Literally meaning ‘mountains of the Dragon,’ Drakensberg is yet another treasure trove of nature’s opulence; Drakensberg is complete with beautiful waterfalls, unpolluted rivers, forests and rock art. There is plenty of open space for the kids to run freely, fresh air that you can fill your lungs with, and a breathtaking sunset that kisses entire landscapes goodbye, spreading myriads of colours all around – the kids will love it as much.

Location: Drakensberg National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, near Lesotho border, South Africa
Timings: NA
Best Time To Visit: April to May for hiking

Related Post: New Year In South Africa

8. Johannesburg

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Johannesburg is the place where you get to feel the pulse of South Africa. The best of the retail marts, art galleries and restaurants – walk through the city or take a bus tour; the city’s spirit tends to sink into your heart, and its indomitable energy reverberates long after you leave the city. Traveling for the kids is as adventurous and exciting as it is for the adults.

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Timings: NA
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October

9. Boat Trip

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If you are visiting South Africa in summer, you must opt for a boat ride from the Victoria and Alfred Dock in Cape Town. You will be able to witness amazing wildlife like sunfish, dolphins, and seals, among others. Relax on the boat, soak in the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city with your kids. A boat trip is an ideal activity that you can indulge in in South Africa with a 2-year-old kid.

Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Timings: 9 am – 9 pm
Best Time To Visit: December to February

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10. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

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Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is an iconic tourist destination that attracts many tourists every year due to its European architecture, picturesque views of the ocean and mountains, and entertainment complex. Situated in Cape Town, this waterfront is easily accessible and provides a plethora of fun activities for kids. Children can admire underwater creatures in aquariums in the complex and can enjoy the 360-degree views of the city. If you are in Cape Town with your family, then V&A Waterfront is a must-visit place where you kids can have a playful time.

Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Timings: 9 am – 9 pm
Best Time To Visit: December to February

11. Ziplining

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If you are looking for some extra fun for your kids, then you can head out to Storms River near Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can opt for ziplining. It is a perfect blend of fun and adventure as it goes on for a massive 211 meters. This activity will help them to build their confidence and add a new experience to their list.

Location: 101 Darnell Street, Stormsrivier, 6308 South Africa
Timings: 8:00 am and 4:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: September to November and March to May

Related Post: Castles In South Africa

12. Cango Caves

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As kids always love to make tunnels and caves with pillows and sheets, Cango Caves will surely increase their excitement. This system of chambers is easily accessible from Mossel Bay if you have opted for the Garden Route trip. Some caves and tunnels are so narrow that you must bend down to cross them. There are two ways to explore these caves: a Heritage Tour or an Adventure Tour.

Location: Cango Caves Rd, Oudtshoorn, 6625, South Africa
Timings: 9 am – 4 pm
Best Time To Visit: April to September

13. Knysna Elephant Park

Knysna Elephant Park in south africa with kids

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Kids are always curious and come up with all sorts of questions. The answers related to elephants and other animals can be answered in the Knysna Elephant Park. This park has been recognized as one of the best facilities for elephants, as it has been able to rescue and relocate around 40 elephants. You and your kid will not only get to feed them fruits and vegetables but can also solve all your queries about mammals with the ranger.

Location: Off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa
Timings: 9 am – 4 pm
Best Time To Visit: April-June and September-October

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Travelling is not just a recreation. In fact, it is a beautiful way to elevate yourself and broaden the horizon of your mind. And the earlier you get to start with it, the better. In that sense, the kids of this generation are particularly lucky. So, plan your family adventure trip to South Africa with TravelTriangle and let your kids guide you through the country for a fun-packed holiday!

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Frequently Asked Questions South Africa With Kids

What are some fun facts about South Africa?

There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa including Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, and English.

What do kids eat in South Africa?

Both kids and adults in South Africa like to eat mealies (corn), seasonal vegetables, springbok, chicken, beef, ostrich, and kudu.

What is South Africa known for producing?

South Africa is a key producer of palladium, zirconium, ilmenite, coal, iron ore, and rutile. It used to be the largest producer of gold and platinum before.

Is South Africa kids friendly?

Yes, South Africa is a good country to visit with your family including your kids. Many attractions and activities are well-suited for growing minds. Wildlife safaris, whale watching cruises, and adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining are exhilarating for kids.

Is Cape Town a good place to visit with kids?

Yes, Cape Town is a very good place to visit with kids, as it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities including visiting beautiful beaches, roaming around the V&A Waterfront with its shops and attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the scenic Table Mountain, and opportunities to see wildlife.