Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Travel advice (GOV.UK)Planning a family trip to South Africa? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Recommended Routes for Families
Discover the best round trips and routes in South Africa that are perfect for families with children.
Nordkap & Kalahari Roadtrip
The route leads from Upington to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with red dunes, lions, cheetahs and oryx, then to the Augrabies Falls on the Orange and via Springbok to Namaqualand. Distances are long: plan full driving days, refuel at every chance.
Garden Route Classic
The route follows the coast from Cape Town, via Hermanus, Mossel Bay, and Knysna, to Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha. Along the way are lagoons, beaches, and the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. The stages are short and the infrastructure is good, even with children.
Cape & Winelands
Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, and the Winelands are in close proximity: Table Mountain, penguins at Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, and wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek can be combined in eight to ten days without long drives.
Kid-Friendly Places & Regions
These places and regions in South Africa are particularly well-suited for families with children.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in South Africa.
18–21°C·30–60 mm(little rain)
April, Mai, September und Oktober bieten angenehme Temperaturen und weniger Niederschlag. Diese Monate eignen sich gut für eine Rundreise, da das Wetter in vielen Regionen Südafrikas mild und sonnig ist und die Touristenzahlen geringer sind als in den Hauptsaisonen.
Südafrika hat ein vielfältiges Klima, das von Region zu Region stark variiert. Die Westkap-Region hat ein mediterranes Klima mit warmen, trockenen Sommern und milden, feuchten Wintern. Die Ostküste, einschließlich KwaZulu-Natal, ist subtropisch mit hoher Luftfeuchtigkeit und Niederschlägen, besonders im Sommer. Das Landesinnere, einschließlich Johannesburg und Kruger Nationalpark, hat warme Sommer und kühle, trockene Winter.
Westkap: Beste Reisezeit ist von November bis März (Sommer).
KwaZulu-Natal: Ganzjährig bereisbar, aber die Sommermonate (Dezember bis Februar) sind heiß und feucht.
Kruger Nationalpark: Die Trockenzeit von Mai bis September ist ideal für Tierbeobachtungen.
Beachten Sie, dass die Jahreszeiten in Südafrika denen in Europa entgegengesetzt sind.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Regenzeit (östliche Küste)
Trockenzeit (Nationalparks)
Übergangszeit (Frühling)
Übergangszeit (Herbst)
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0 | 30 | 9.0 |
| February | 24.0 | 40 | 8.0 |
| March | 23.0 | 50 | 7.0 |
| April | 21.0 | 60 | 7.0 |
| May | 18.0 | 40 | 7.0 |
| June | 16.0 | 20 | 8.0 |
| July | 15.0 | 15 | 9.0 |
| August | 16.0 | 20 | 9.0 |
| September | 18.0 | 30 | 8.0 |
| October | 21.0 | 45 | 8.0 |
| November | 22.0 | 55 | 8.0 |
| December | 23.0 | 40 | 9.0 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In South Africa, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Family Tips for South Africa
General SuitabilitySouth Africa is an excellent family travel destination: it offers many family-friendly accommodations, good roads, and safaris that captivate children. Plan short driving stages due to the long distances. For current health and safety information, consult the Federal Foreign Office (link on this page).Activities with ChildrenMalaria-Free Safari: Addo Elephant National Park, Pilanesberg, and private reserves in the Eastern Cape are in malaria-free areas. Some private lodges only allow children above a certain age on game drives; inquire beforehand.Beaches: Water off the Atlantic coast near Cape Town is cold; it's much warmer in False Bay and along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Only swim at supervised beaches with lifeguards.Cape Town and Garden Route: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Two Oceans Aquarium, the penguins at Boulders Beach, plus Monkeyland and Birds of Eden near Plettenberg Bay.History: For older children, Robben Island or the Apartheid Museum can be educational; some content is sensitive, so inform yourself beforehand.Practical for FamiliesSupplies: Supermarket chains like Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Woolworths stock baby food and diapers; selection is smaller in rural areas.Health: Good private clinics are available in cities. Discuss malaria prevention and children's vaccinations with travel health advice, and check current Federal Foreign Office guidelines.Child Seats: Child seats are legally required for children under three. Book one with your rental car in advance; Uber and taxis usually don't have them.Strollers: Useful in cities and shopping centers, but a baby carrier is more practical in national parks and on hiking trails.Accommodation and FoodMany guesthouses and self-catering accommodations offer family rooms, and restaurant chains almost always have children's menus and high chairs. With a holiday home and a barbecue on the terrace, you'll also experience the Braai as South Africans know it.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.