Thompsons Africa has developed Family Friendly Holidays which include child-friendly accommodation packages throughout South Africa where children of ALL ages are welcome. Child-friendly hotels are geared for families travelling with kids and are able to assist with camping cots, extra mattresses for children, sleeper couches and large or inter-leading rooms for family comfort. These establishments offer excellent discounted rates for children, children’s meals, child care services and, most importantly, they provide that little something extra for children. Family-friendly accommodation includes hotels, game lodges, apartments and self-catering cottages that welcome children of all ages.
South Africa is a world-class family holiday destination, and our expert Travel Consultants are available to assist you with all of your special family requirements.
South africa offers such a wide selection of things to do with children that one is spoilt for choice:
Nature and Bush
Share the wildlife experience with your kids! A select number of game reserves within South Africa cater specifically for children offering specialised game drives for children, expert baby sitters and educational experiences. The activities and inclusions vary from lodge to lodge, however most include ‘little ranger in training’ packs which consist of a back pack, colouring book, crayons and safari interactive toys to assist them to enjoy their safari.
Beach
With its ideal mild climate and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, particularly because they lie on the warm Indian Ocean, the coast of South Africa offers families a number of activities such as swimming with the fish at uShaka Marine World in Durban, seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town or building sand castles while soaking up the sun.
Educational and Interactive Learning
With a little imagination, visitors to South Africa will find a large number of fun and interesting activities for children, both indoors and outdoors, such as the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and the Golf Reef City Theme Park with rides that include an Earthquake Tunnel, a Tower of Terror and a funfair for under-10s. Just outside Johannesburg, Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, brings the history of humankind alive from the interactive exhibits and the underground boat ride. For a close-up experience with animals, children can visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Project (White River), the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (Hoedspuit), the Knysna Elephant Park (Knysna) or Birds of Eden and Monkeyland (Garden Route) – the ideal place to stroll through the forest watching the mischievous monkeys at play!
Adventure
Families with older children can take part in a number of adventure activities. The long list of exciting experiences to keep young ones spellbound includes mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and surfing the waves. Situated in the bushveld of South Africa’s North West Province and surrounded by the Pilanesberg mountains, Sun City offers activities and entertainment for children of all ages including Chirp Parties for the teens and Kamp Kwena Fort for the younger children. Visit the Valley of Waves, the only subtropical water adventure park in Africa, or the adventure playground and Animal World – guaranteed to delight!
