South Africa for traveling with family – fun mix of activities, stunning scenery and wildlife

The following article is a guest post written by one of my readers, Paul Trevino from CapePortfolios.com 

South Africa is a beautiful country to explore with your entire family. The sunning scenery, varied wildlife, and fun mix of different activities will exceed all your expectations. There’s something for everyone. Kids will get the chance to admire the coolest animals whereas parents will have the opportunity to relax in a luxurious resort or comfortable villa. The food is delicious, the locals are welcoming, and the scenery is spectacular. What more can you ask for?

South Africa is home to massive national parks. For families with kids, these places are heaven on Earth. Yellow acacias, red earth, grunting hippos and chirping cicadas are everywhere, so you’ll definitely have fun just admiring and photographing them. There are plenty of historical sites too, as well as plenty of facilities for tourists and well-stocked shops.

Begin your family adventure with Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is a great place to find a rental car, as well as comfortable and affordable accommodation. The busy metropolis packs lots of interesting family attractions, including the Cradle of Humankind and the Maropeng Museum – which has lots of great activities for kids, as well as informative exhibitions for adults too.

A trip to the mountains

Drakensberg is an excellent hiking spot for those traveling with their loved ones. The vast mountain range separates South Africa from the independent kingdom of Lesotho, and it offers amazing sights. The sinuous mountain road is close to the towns of Uderberg and Khotso, which you might also want to include on your itinerary. Onsite you’ll come across amazing foothills, and even a horse trek. The kids will be delighted to ride the Basuto ponies. As for adults, the spectacular landscape surrounding the place will leave them speechless.

Beach adventures

Now it’s time to put aside those running shoes and trekking clothes and replace them with hats and swimming suits. St. Lucia is a relaxed resort-town in South Africa that will help relax your mind and body. It overlooks the India Ocean, and it is filled with amazing restaurants and cozy hotels. Families traveling with their kids should know that this place has everything – fabulous beaches for snorkeling and swimming, a great market where the little ones can buy souvenirs, and a really entertaining amusement park called iSimangoliso Wetland. Some of the park’s greatest highlights include boat rides with the crocodiles and hippos, wildlife safaris, and rhino sightseeing.

Adults will sense a special Caribbean ambience when stepping foot on the sands of St. Lucia. The fresh smell of the sea, palm trees, and fish eagles gives this place a soothing exotic vibe that you’ll adore.

uMkhuze Game Reserve

Those craving for a taste of classic African wilderness; the uMkhuze Game Reserve is an ideal travel spot to include on your South African journey. Families should be well-equipped when entering this national park; if you’re planning to stay here over the night, make sure to bring tents and camping gear, including electric lights and proper wardrobes. Prepare yourself emotionally, as you’ll stumble upon all kinds of amazing animals while here, including monkeys, rhinos, giraffes, and lions. The wildlife surrounding the park is spectacular!

Cape Town

Cape Town is a wonderland for kids. There’s an amazing aquarium in the city you cannot overlook, as well as lots of amusement parks and fun activities to try out. Ratanga Junction for instance, is a “supper thrill” activity for families; the boat rides, carousels, and park-style food booths will exceed your kids’ expectations. They’ll surely have the time of their lives trying out all those crazy machines. Among other attractions the city has prepared for its avid travelers, we should mention Table Mountain, Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Boulders Beach and more.

If you’re hunting for relaxation and can’t find a lodging place, why not rent villas in Cape Town? There are hundreds of beautiful cottages available; most of them overlook the beautiful Table Mountain and the city. What more can you ask for when Cape Town can offer you everything? Spend an unforgettable holiday with the people you love most, have the greatest time trying out all the activities and enjoy the surreal wildlife and mesmerizing scenery.