Tips for visiting South Africa with kids

Written by special contributor, Hayley Jennings

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South Africa is such a diverse country with so many different landscapes, incredible cities, and some of the best safaris in the world. You’ll also find some of the world’s best wineries in South Africa, too. There is something to suit all tastes in South Africa which makes it a perfect travel destination but people often think that it’s not the best place to take kids. That’s actually not true and you can have a great family getaway in South Africa. However, it will be a lot different from many other places you may have visited with the family and there can be a bit of culture shock. If you’re considering visiting South Africa with kids but you’re not too sure, here are some tips to help you get by.

Where To Go in South Africa with Kids

There are so many amazing places to visit in South Africa but on your first trip, you should start in Cape Town. There is great accommodation for large groups so there is plenty of space for the whole family. One of South Africa’s 3 major airports is in Cape Town so you won’t have to travel far once you land which is always a bonus. Long car journeys with the kids can be challenging, especially in a hot country like South Africa, so avoiding them as much as possible is always a good idea.

There is no shortage of great things to do in Cape Town and in the surrounding area. You might have to take small trips of an hour or so to get to nearby attractions but that’s manageable. Elsewhere in the country, you’d be doing a lot more driving which isn’t ideal when you’ve got the family in tow. Climbing Table Mountain is one of the most popular attractions and you should definitely give it a go while you’re there. If you’ve got young kids with you and you don’t want to do the climb, you can always take the cable car so you can still enjoy the views.

When To Go to South Africa with Kids

While there are plenty of people who enjoy the hot weather in South Africa, it can be a bit much for young children so you’ve got to be careful when you go. Between November and February is the hot season and it’s also the busiest time of year for tourists. You might want to steer clear of it during that period if you don’t think the kids will deal well with the heat and the crowds.

If you’re going to South Africa for the wildlife, the cooler months between May and September are good. You’ll see a lot more of the big game during those months so if you’re planning a safari, that’s the best time to do it. If you want to catch a glimpse of the whales off the coast, the months between July and November are the best times to go.

South Africa can be a bit of a challenge when you’ve got the family with you but as long as you go at the right time of year and pick the right place, it will all be worth it.