Luxury South Africa Itinerary

Wilderness Wonders & City Charms: A Family Expedition through the Captivating Cape

Planning a South Africa family trip promises an incredible holiday experience. With its fabulous wildlife reserves, craggy mountains and powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, this country has so much to entertain every generation.

In our view, the most important ingredients when travelling with your children anywhere in the world are space and freedom. Therefore, we tend to recommend spacious private villas or child-friendly hotels that do not compromise on the adults’ enjoyment. We also believe that travel distances should be minimal, with longer stays in each place, to avoid too much packing and unpacking.

Our favourite places to stay are mostly owner run by people who we know well, which means we can ensure you get exactly what you want from your holiday. Every family has different requirements, but we can tailor everything to suit yours. 

Your first stop will be a private house in Thornybush Game Reserve, home to plentiful bird and mammal species, including the Big Five, and adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park. Next, continue to the picturesque Cape Winelands, a foodies’ paradise, and then finish your trip in vibrant Cape Town. Combining epic safari, delicious food and wine, and city adventures, this itinerary is a good example of the kind of memorable family holiday we can design in South Africa. 

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PEAK TIME

May-September

PRICE

From £15,890pp $20,990pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

10 Days

FLIGHT TIME

11 hours from London
14 hours 35 minutes from NYC

CURRENCY

Rand

LANGUAGE

Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and English

Where you'll go

Johannesburg

Thornybush Game Reserve

The Cape Winelands

Cape Town

When to go

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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

CULTURAL INSIGHT

The San Tribe is thought to be the earliest inhabitants of present-day South Africa, having resided in the area for approximately 20,000 to 30,000 years. Descendants of ancient Stone Age forebears, the San are renowned for their distinctive language and cultural traditions.

The Itinerary

Feast after dark in Thornybush

As the sun descends, embark on an exhilarating game drive, accompanied by your private guide, and witness the wilderness awakening at twilight. Your evening will culminate in a magical bush dinner in a secluded spot under a star-studded sky, where the crackling fire, sounds of the nocturnal wildlife and evocative atmosphere create an unforgettable experience. 

Go on a sunrise bush walk

Adventurous family members can set out at dawn on foot to explore the intricacies of the bush, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Thornybush Game Reserve. With every step, your senses are heightened as you encounter the smaller wonders of nature, gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem. 

Visit a village or community project

We can arrange for you to spend time in a local village or visit a community project near The Farmhouse, where you can engage with residents and gain insight into their traditions and customs. Through meaningful interactions and shared experiences, you develop a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of African culture. 

Enjoy an evening of storytelling in Thornybush

One evening at The Farmhouse, gather around the campfire for an evening of storytelling, where local guides regale you with captivating tales of African folklore and wildlife encounters. Against the backdrop of the flickering flames, you will share laughter and camaraderie, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Set out on a treasure hunt in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Depending on the children’s ages, we can arrange a fun-filled treasure hunt through the scenic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Mountains. Boasting spectacular vistas over the Franschhoek Valley, the reserve is home to small animals, fynbos and a diversity of plant life. 

Go on a cycling adventure in Cape Town

Hop on a bike and cycle along the Sea Point Promenade on a treasure hunt, using a map to follow in the footsteps of a San Bushman, Cape Town’s earliest inhabitants. The cycling is suitable for all ages, and a bike-trailer can be used for the littlest of explorers.  

The Itinerary

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested South Africa family trip these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

The Farmhouse at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Game Reserve

Set against a backdrop of pristine African wilderness in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, this secluded villa offers an unparallelled safari experience.

Sleeping six adults and two children in three-and-a-half bedrooms, The Farmhouse is perfect for a family. Spacious and luxurious yet still maintaining a rustic charm, Liz Biden's distinctive design seamlessly blends with the wild surroundings. The service and dining at the house are superb and personalised; everything is tailored to the guests’ individual preferences. You will enjoy private game drives here, giving you plenty of flexibility to suit the daily routine and needs of your family.

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La Residence, Cape Winelands

Designed in the style of a French country château, La Residence offers 11 exquisite suites in the main building and several private villas within the vineyard.

The expansive patios outside each room of the house allow guests to relax and admire the beautiful views; and a separate home cinema room and private library add to the secluded splendour of the main villa. Guests can also make use of a private butler as well as the resident chauffeur. The villas are ideal for those looking for more privacy. La Residence is ideally situated for exploring Franschhoek while providing a heavenly retreat to return to at the end of the day.

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The Silo Hotel, Cape Town

This is no ordinary Cape Town seafront hotel – the attention to detail in the design here is second to none. A fascinating building, the grain silo has played an integral role in international trade since it opened in 1924.

Beside the hotel is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), which is well worth a visit. Located on the V&A Waterfront, The Silo is the ideal base for exploring the city, and at the hotel itself, you can relax at the spa, enjoy afternoon tea overlooking Table Mountain, swim in the rooftop pool or enjoy a private tour of the museum.

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Let us plan your perfect trip to South Africa

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YOUR TRIP

YOUR DETAILS

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

Terry Moohan
Melissa Kirby
Aisha Gross