10-day South Africa family adventure

Cape Town

Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town!

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your private driver waiting to assist you with your luggage before driving you into the city. 

What should you get up to upon arrival into Cape Town? Why not go to Table Mountain by cable car to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or take in some African Art at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. 

If you’re wanting to stay outdoors then you could hike Lion’s Head or have a beach day on one of Clifton’s five beaches. If retail therapy is more your thing, do some shopping at the Old Biscuit Mill or Waterfront.

Cape Town

Day 2: Explore the Beauty of Cape Town

Embark on a boat cruise to Duiker Island this morning, an island that is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals as well as a variety of seabirds including gannets, cormorants, and sea gulls.

Then, head for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognised globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora, a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs.

Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach, one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans.

Cape Town

Day 3: Marvel at the Majesty of the Region

After breakfast, soar with the birds on a 15-minute helicopter flight over Table Bay. There is no better way to take in the scenic beauty and majestic mountains. If you are lucky you may even catch sight of dolphins frolicking in Table Bay or a southern right whale riding a wave with her calf. 

Next, climb aboard a hydrofoil and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 2-hour eco tour from Cape Town. See ocean animals in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season. Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays.

End the day discovering the mysteries of the sea at the Two Oceans Aquarium, one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town, showcasing the incredible diversity of marine life of the region.

Cape Town

Day 4: Immerse Yourself in the Vineyards of South Africa

After breakfast, head to the the lush tropical gardens at Butterfly World Zoo and be greeted by the sound of running water, birdsong and butterflies, while taking care not to step on the green tree iguana lying on the path. This interactive animal attraction is the perfect family outing close to Cape Town.

Then discover the wine producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine producing region.

Wander through its oak-lined streets renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture and historic buildings.

Sun City

Day 5: Dive into Fun at Sun City

Today, you'll revel in the pleasures of Sun City.

Lying two hours northwest of Johannesburg, in an arid and barren landscape, is Sun City, a thrilling, world-class leisure resort that offers fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Anchored around a collection of fast-paced casinos, visitors will find a lush, out-of-this-world oasis where numerous sports and exciting outdoor activities can be enjoyed. We recommend the Valley of Waves, an amazing water theme park featuring sand, waves, water rides and hours of wholesome fun.

Sun City

Day 6: Embark on a Safari

We recommend a visit to the scenic Pilanesberg Game Reserve, conveniently located next to the Sun City complex.

Its fascinating landscape combines elements of the Kalahari and the Lowveld bushland, making the reserve a unique and rewarding terrain to discover. Home to the Big Five and a wide variety of other wildlife including water buck, wildebeest, zebra and impala that graze on the rich grasslands, we recommend a game drive that can be booked at any Sun City hotel desk. Alternatively, visitors can use their own vehicles for a self-drive safari.

Pilanesberg

Day 7: Traverse the South African Wilderness

After breakfast, we'll head towards Pilanesberg National Park for an afternoonn 4x4 Jeep safari.

This diverse park covers 55 000 hectares of arresting African landscape ranging from rocky ravines and rolling hills to wetlands and lakes, all of which support an amazing assortment of animals and birds. Look out for hippos wallowing in the dam while listening to the harmonious call of the African fish eagle as it swoops across the water in search of fish.

Your afternoon safari will take you on an exciting journey through the complex of ringed hills in the reserve in search of wildlife and birds. Here you will also find numerous ancient Iron and Stone Age sites that indicate signs of the early presence of man.

Pilanesberg

Day 8: Keep an Eye Out for the Big Five

This morning, you'll embark on 4×4 game drive set within the crater of an extinct volcano. 

This compelling reserve offers superb game viewing and is one of the best places in the country for close-up encounters with elephants and white rhinos. It is also a fantastic bird watching destination with over 350 recorded species including the crimson-breasted shrike, pied babbler and violet-eared waxbill.

Its landscape supports a combination of habitats from open grasslands and hilly slopes to wooded gorges and rocky outcrops, and game viewing is easy and rewarding with many animal encounters and sightings. Watch rhinos and lions battling for supremacy at the watering hole and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive sable antelope.

Johannesburg

Day 9: Head to Johannesburg

After a morning game drive, head to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg.

Once you've checked in and freshened up, familiarise yourself with the city with our suggested visits including some of the iconic landmarks that represent the old independent Transvaal as well as the new democratic South Africa.

The Voortrekker Monument is a massive memorial ringed by ox wagons that commemorate the exodus of disillusioned Afrikaaners from the Cape while Church Square houses Die Raadsaal, the former parliament buildings of the Boer Republic. The Union Buildings should not be missed, built in 1910 and now housing the official seat of the South African government as well as a nine-meter statue of former president Nelson Mandela.

Johannesburg

Day 10: Say Farewell to South Africa

We hope that after yesterday’s adventure, you have had a restful night’s sleep because this morning we will be embarking on a day trip towards the city of Soweto.

You’ll explore the townships of the city, diving into the history and culture of the area that can be considered distinct from Johannesberg. Explore a different side to the country that was experienced yesterday.

You’ll return to your hotel in Johannesburg where your trip comes to an end. 

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South Africa has to offer. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!