The Best South Africa Family Safari Adventures

Our top lodges for a South Africa family safari

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is a renowned conservation success story. As one of the largest private game viewing areas in South Africa, Kwandwe offers an epic wilderness region for a family safari. With over 30,000 hectares on either side of the Great Fish River, Kwandwe boasts incredible biodiversity and one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa.

There are a range of opportunities to connect with the wild spaces and wildlife, with safari experiences tailored to your entire family’s sense of adventure. Glimpse elephants, giraffes, buffalos and other wildlife on game drives, learn fascinating facts during guided nature walks and participate in conservation efforts. From planting spekboom – the reserve’s wonder plant – to joining rhino monitoring drives, the experienced rangers create authentic experiences dedicated to your children’s interests. Other activities include scavenger hunts, fishing trips, tailor-made birding and photographic safaris. For those keen to learn more about the reserve’s positive ongoing impact in the local community, families can visit the Mgcamabele Community Centre.

After days filled with family adventures, retreat to Kwandwe’s secluded luxury lodges with panoramic views or spacious private-use safari villas. The latter option is ideal for families who prefer an exclusive safari experience, as villa guests can design their safaris with complete flexibility on timings with no age restrictions.

Morukuru Farm House – Madikwe Game Reserve

Fringing the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve boasts an incredibly diverse wildlife viewing experience covering 80,000 hectares of picture-book African landscape. Featuring the Dwarsberg mountains, endless open plains and lush vegetation surrounding the Marico River in the east, wildlife thrives in this varied environment.

The reserve is a wildlife photographer’s dream destination. From Africa’s famous Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, black rhinoceros and leopard) to the Little Five (including the elephant shrew and the large leopard tortoise), every game drive offers new encounters with majestic wildlife. With 66 resident mammal species, local people go even further naming their own Top 10! The reserve also has more than 350 species of birds and over 45 different tree species living in mixed bushveld, Kalahari bushveld and arid sweet bushveld to name a few.

Whilst at Madikwe we recommend staying at Morukuru Family which provides a selection of luxury houses to choose from. Morukuru Farm House is a modern contemporary African homestead which offers the perfect private setting for a larger family gathering. Alternatively, combine two of the houses for a spacious exclusive-use safari experience: Morukuru Owner’s House is a two-bed property situated on the banks of the Marico River and operates sustainably using solar power in this magical tree canopy setting. Extend capacity with the nearby three-bed exclusive-use River House connected by a wooden walkway, and enjoy the ultimate private experience with a personal chef, butler, housekeeper, safari guide and tracker.

Tswalu Tarkuni – Kalahari Desert

For families seeking vast open spaces to roam and an option that provides a different take on an African safari, visit Tswalu Kalahari. Considered South Africa’s last great wilderness, this is a mystical place where you can truly reconnect with nature and the sweeping vistas, encountering more elusive wildlife. Situated in the savannah biome, Tswalu lies in a transition zone between the true Kalahari ecotype and arid savannah. The Korannaberg hills, one of the few mountain ranges in the southern Kalahari, also contribute to greater habitat diversity than elsewhere in the region.

Your experience at Tswalu is defined by exclusivity and contemporary luxury. Here your family can experience the Kalahari at your own pace and the camp welcomes children of all ages. Various accommodation options are available – either stay in Tswalu Tarkuni, a tranquil exclusive-use homestead ideal for a larger group with a private chef and guide, or opt for a family suite at Motse Camp for an elegant stay overlooking the vast grasslands of the South African wilderness. You’ll receive a private vehicle, expert guide and tracker who are specially trained in the unique Kalahari ecology.

Expect endless horizons, colourful vegetation and the opportunity to glimpse unusual species including African wild cat, spotted and brown hyena, antelope and Kalahari lions. Immersive educational activities include introducing children to conservation practices, bush walks, encounters with meerkat colonies and horseback safaris for all ages. Evenings are spent stargazing under the Kalahari’s ‘diamond skies’ listening to the calls of nocturnal animals.

Garden Lodge at Grootbos – Walker Bay

Complete your family safari in South Africa with a few days in a luxury award-winning eco-lodge on the continent’s southern tip surrounded by mountains and milkwood forest, overlooking the ocean at Walker Bay. Grootbos offers the opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh ocean air and become immersed in the pristine natural setting. The journey alone to this unforgettable location is an experience in its own right with dramatic unspoilt coastline views. The reserve has become a world leader in progressive luxury tourism, transforming the lives of local communities and preserving 3,500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures.

Take nature walks amongst Milkwood trees over 1000 years old or opt to glimpse the southern right whales during a whale-watching excursion. Adults can sit back and absorb the beauty of the fynbos while kids enjoy activities immersed in the coastal environment. Opt for the spacious Garden Lodge with panoramic views or an exclusive private villa which offers secluded luxury with a private chef, butler and nature guides.

What is the best time to take a family safari to South Africa?

Many of the school holidays are perfect times to take family safari in South Africa, with excellent options for March/April (for the Easter / Spring Break holidays) and October (half term). Over the December/January festive period, safari areas will be green & lush and the Western Cape is hot and dry, making an excellent option for a festive safari or New Year escape. July and August are the peak safari season in South Africa, however weather in the Western Cape can be cold and wet so do talk to us to select the best regions for your vacation.

Discuss your dream South African family safari with us. We’ll take care of the rest, working with the finest camps and guides in the country. We’ll create a stay ideally suited to your family’s preferences, style, and sense of adventure for the ultimate bushveld experience.