South Africa is a country rich in history, culture and wildlife. No matter what your interests, you and your family will find a life changing adventure to embark upon here. Whether it be spotting the Big 5 in the Kruger National Park or hiking up Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, there are so many things to do in South Africa with kids. Mark and Mila, the dynamic duo behind Mountain IQ, are avid mountain hikers and, as native of South Africa, Mark is here to share his invaluable list of Top Five Family Friendly Activities in South Africa.
Top Things To Do in South Africa
#1: Hike the Challenging and Beautiful Table Mountain in Capetown
When you think of things to do in Cape Town, it’s likely that the first thing that comes to mind is Table Mountain – Cape Town’s number one tourist attraction. But there are so many different trails you and your family can choose to go up the mountain.
The trails are of varying lengths and difficulty. If you have younger children it may be better to take the cable car to the top and then walk across the top of the mountain to Maclean’s Beacon. This is a relatively short walk, but it offers spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are planning on taking the cable car, be sure to book in advance to skip the lines. Since the Table Mountain cable car is such a popular attraction, it is also worth getting there early to avoid the crowds. Children under four can ride for free!
If your children are slightly older, you can take the popular Platteklip Gorge or the Skeleton Gorge Trails, amongst many others. Make sure to pack lots of snacks, water and cover up to protect yourselves from the dangerous local sun.
The views from the Table Mountain summit are incredible, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dassie, which are small mammals that live in the rocks and are simple adorable. There is also a restaurant atop the mountain for you and our family to get refreshments once you have completed your hike.
Cape Town is known to have unpredictable weather, so check the weather forecast to avoid being stuck in the wind, rain or fog. The fog is what gives the mountain its name – when the clouds descend on it, they make it look like a tablecloth. If you are planning a few more adventures around the region, here are some more great hikes around Africa.
Find out more about Cape Town.
#2: Enjoying the Adorable and Happy Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach in Capetown
Boulders Beach is located 40 minutes outside of Cape Town and offers the unique opportunity to see a large number of wild African Penguins. You and your family can spend the day watching these adorable creatures frolic amongst the waves at this beautiful beach, and, if you are brave enough to hop into the frigid Atlantic Ocean, you can even take a swim with the penguins. Although, it may be prudent to rent a bodysuit to enjoy the experience more.
It is important to remember that although cute, the penguins are still wild animals, and you absolutely should not touch them as they have razor sharp beaks and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The penguins call Boulders Beach home all year round, but South African summer (November till March) is the best time to visit to see them in large numbers. If visiting in January, you may even get to see some baby penguins moulting on the beach!
In order to gain access to the boardwalks, which is the best spot to view the penguins, there is a small conservation fee. Individuals who are not citizens of South Africa pay a bit more, but at ~$11 for adults and ~$6 for children, it is well worth the expense. For information on fees for all South African parks, visit this official site.
#3: Mesmerizing Wildlife of the Kruger National Park
Everyone dreams of going on an African Safari, and what better place to go than the Kruger National Park? With nearly 2.2 million hectares of diverse South African landscapes, the Kruger National Park is the most famous wildlife reserve in South Africa and arguably in the world.
The wildlife in the park is plentiful, and visitors are almost most guaranteed to see all of the Big 5 most dangerous animals – buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard. There are a number of options for accommodation, whether you are looking to camp or perhaps even enjoy the luxury of a private game lodge, where game rangers take guests on game drives where they explain the local game and wildlife. Summers in the Kruger can get pretty hot, so it may be worth finding accommodation with a pool, in order to cool down during the day.
Find out more about Kruger National Park.
#4: Inspiring Whale Watching in Hermanus
Hermanus, a once small fishing town located 90 minutes from Cape Town, is a great spot to take the family whale watching. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has voted Hermanus as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. The Telegraph also named Hermanus as one of the best destinations worldwide to watch marine mammals.
The best time to go whale watching is between July and November with the months of September, October and November being the absolute best time. This is the period when the Southern Right Whales begin mating. Hermanus’s famous Whale Watching Festival also takes place in September, when the normally quiet town becomes bustling with tourists eager to get a glimpse of these spectacular creatures. Visitors can choose to whale watch from land, boat or even a scenic flight. Those who are feeling particularly brave can even rent a kayak and paddle around Walker Bay as the whales breach, but be prepared to get wet along the way!
Sea sickness can also be an issue for those who have never been kayaking in an active ocean before. So consider taking first timers on a taster ride before the adventure and, if needed, you can purchase anti-motion sickness pills, which need to be taken two hours in advance.
#5: Educational Visit to the Cradle of Humankind
For those looking for something a little more educational, the Cradle of Humankind is a fantastic option that will be enjoyed by both adults and children. The Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa’s 8 World Heritage Sites. The main attractions are Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, located just a short one hour drive outside of bustling Johannesburg.
It is here where humankind is believed to have originated. Look around the exhibitions in Maropeng and then travel down into the Sterkfontein caves where there are excavation sites as well as an underground lake. Caves’ tour is an amazing experience, and it is actually better for kids, as they fit into narrow passages much easier than adults and will most probably find those the most fun!
There are plenty of things to see and kids will definitely remain entertained the entire day. After working up an appetite, there is a variety of restaurants in the area for refueling. Tickets to access both Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves are ~$8 for adults, ~$5 for children between 4 -14, and free for children under 4 years.
Nancy’s Note: South Africa is near and dear to my heart as it is where my husband and I chose to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (without kids). It’s also the vacation that spurred the creation of We Go With Kids!
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