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South Africa for families
Classic Safari
This 10 night itinerary forms a wonderful introduction for families with children of all ages to Africa. Travelling through malaria free locations, it offers ‘realistic adventure’ combining wildlife, beach and culture to keep all family members enthralled. You can expect a very warm welcome when travelling with younger guests to South Africa with touches such as welcome and turndown gifts, but the big smiles and helpful attitude is usually the biggest hit with parents!
Special family itinerary:
Overnight direct flight to Cape Town
Days 1-4
Upon arrival collect your hire car and drive to Camps Bay (or private transfer can be arranged) for 4 nights at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. From here you can discover the wonders of Cape Point, the Penguins at Boulders, the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain as well as activities further afield such as whale watching in Hermanus (June – November) and the Cheetah Outreach project in the Winelands. Alternatively just chill at the hotel, enjoy the great ‘rock hewn’ swimming pool, views over the Atlantic Ocean or even a trip to the fantastic Spa for grown ups!
Day 5 - 7
Set off early for the Garden Route (approx 5 – 6 hours, suggestions for a stop night can be made if necessary). Here you will be welcomed at Hog Hollow Country Lodge for 3 nights. Comfortable rooms nestle among the gardens while the main house has the dining areas, pool and a nightly fire is lit. Locally explore the animal sanctuaries for elephants and monkeys to name but a few, as well as stunning beaches such as Nature’s Valley and the ancient Tsitsikamma Forest. Staff at the Lodge will help you plan your fun filled days and supply boogie boards and picnics if required!
Day 8 - 10
Depart for Eastern Cape (approx 4 hours) and Kwandwe Private Game Reserve where you will be welcomed at the luxurious Ecca Lodge for your safari in the heart of the Bush. Game drives take place in open 4 x 4s at Dawn and Dusk in search of Lion, Elephant and other members of the Big Five! Rangers and Lodge Staff will also help entertain younger guests during the day as part of the Beyond ‘Planet Manager’ programme with bug hunts and baking.
Day 11
Drive back to Port Elizabeth Airport, return your hire car and take your flight to Johannesburg, connecting with your flight home.
South Africa for families Family Factfile
Journey times
12 hour flight to Cape Town
2 hour flight from Port Elizabeth to Jo'burg and then 10 hours to London
5 - 6 hour drive from Cape Town to Tsikikamma and then approx 4 hours to Safari.
Driving is stright forward but if you prefer not to drive transfers can be arranged.
Car seats available for hire cars and transfers
Best time to go
May - September offers good value accommodation and some of best game viewing. This is generally dry season (although South Africa has a number of climates dependent on the region) and that means less vegetation for the animals to hide nehind and more congregation around water holes. It also corresponds to whale watching season.
October - April corresponds with the South African Summer and is popular with families seeking to combine a South African adventure with time by the pool or beach.
Please ask us for more information.
What age should children be?
To make the most of the safari then we recommend that children are age 4 or 5 plus but there are excellent lodges that have no age limits on activities, so it is when you think they are ready. As the time difference is only 1 or 2 hours and there is no jetlag it is an excellent destination for children.
Child related supplies are widely available in local shops around Cape Town and Plattenberg Bay.
Accommodation
4 nights at the 5 star Apostles Hotel and Spa at Camps Bay, Cape Town in a superior sea facing room with sofa bed for 2 children. Bed and breakfast basis.
3 nights at the 4 star Hog Hollow Country Lodge at Tsitsikamma in a family suite (parents room upstairs and sitting room changing to children's bedroom at night downstairs).
Bed and breakfast and evening meal for children included.
3 nights at Malaria free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve staying at the luxurious Ecca Lodge. Morning and evening game drives are included in open vehicles with drinks, snacks, rugs and ponchos included.
NB Lodge change if any children are under 6 years and wish to join the safai outings.
Prices
£5,000 based on a Family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12 sharing travelling May – September 2011.
Price excludes international flights (allow from £3,000).
Private transfers / extended number of nights available at a supplement.