A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Create lifelong memories together on a journey through some of South Africa’s most exciting and diverse regions.
This family-friendly adventure blends wildlife, culture, coastline, and fun—perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
Your trip begins in Cape Town, where you’ll explore iconic Table Mountain, stroll through vibrant neighbourhoods, and enjoy world-class food. A full Peninsula tour brings the coastline to life—from the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point to the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach, always a hit with travellers of all ages.
From here, head into the Lowveld and onward to the legendary Kruger region for the ultimate safari experience. Keep your eyes peeled during guided game drives for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more—an unforgettable highlight for the whole family.
The journey wraps up in Johannesburg, where you’ll dive into the country’s rich history, dynamic culture, and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity.
Whether you’re spotting wildlife, wandering coastal paths, or sharing stories around a campfire, this South Africa Family Tour is crafted to bring you closer—to each other and to the magic of this remarkable country.
Ready to start planning? Contact us to curate your perfect family adventure in South Africa. Looking for something a little different? We’d be thrilled to design a custom trip just for you.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. PRICING WILL VARY DEPENDING ON GROUP SIZE & SEASON.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
You will be met at Cape Town International Airport by your English Speaking guide.
Included: Private road transfer from Cape Town International Airport to your hotel.
Arrive at the hotel, time to unpack and relax and freshen up.
Meet up at 16h00 at reception to meet your fellow travelers followed by a Welcome meeting done by your guide to go over your tour program.
After the welcome meeting we head to a restaurant for our welcome dinner this evening.
Dinner will be a moment to see, feel and taste the heartbeat of Africa. Starting with an interactive djembe drumming session, before enjoying dinner, served in generous individual and shared portions. With cooking techniques and spicing explained, it’s a real experience!
Included: Dinner & Interactive drumming this evening will be at Gold Restaurant.
After dinner we return to the hotel.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: -/-/D
DAY 2: UTHANDO LOVE TOUR + V&A WATERFRONT
Included: Morning Uthando Love Tour
During our non-voyeuristic project visits, we shine a light on the remarkable and courageous community activists driving social change in their communities. Our philanthropic educational excursions reflect a heartfelt desire to showcase the best of South Africa, the positive, impactful, and very often untold stories of triumph over adversity.
The Philanthropic Educational Excursions take place in the expansive townships or informal settlements located in the eastern part of the city known as the Cape Flats. Our expert guides provide an in-depth overview of the history of South Africa and particularly the role that apartheid and institutionalized discrimination and inequality played in creating these communities. Once in the townships, the guide will discuss in detail the challenges confronting the locals concerning healthcare, education, social, political, and economic challenges.
On any given trip, we visit three or four diverse community projects to learn about their work. Projects visited include urban agriculture; animal welfare; youth development through the medium of art, dance, choir singing, classical music, drumming or sport; special needs education; assistance to refugees; the environment; economic empowerment through skills development; arts and crafts; prisoner rehabilitation; care and protection for children, women and the elderly and much more. People can request to visit a specific project or projects, but this is subject to availability and logistical possibility. Uthando only runs one philanthropic educational excursion per day.
Excluded: Lunch
After our Uthando visist we will stop at the V&A Waterfront for some free time.
Excluded: Dinner at a Restaurant in the V&A Waterfont [for your own account]
After dinner we return to the hotel.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 3: TABLE MOUNTAIN + ROBBEN ISLAND
After breakfast, visit the iconic Table Mountain. High above Cape Town, the ascent through rocky cliffs reveals sweeping views of the city, coastline, and distant Robben Island. Opened in 1929, this iconic cableway whisks visitors to the summit of Table Mountain, where hiking trails wind through unique fynbos vegetation and scenic viewpoints. Photographic opportunities abound, with panoramic vistas and sunsets, and a diverse ecosystem.
Afterward, visit Robben Island* located in Table Bay, just off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its profound historical significance. Notably, the attraction is known for the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment. Visitors can explore the prison museum, take guided tours led by former inmates, and learn about the island’s rich history and its role in South Africa’s journey to democracy.
* This day might be changed with any of the other days in Cape Town – if the weather is suitable
Afterwards, you have free time to enjoy at the V&A Waterfont.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 4: FULL DAY PENINSULA TOUR + PENGUINS
Included: Full day Peninsula Tour
Early morning departure from the hotel.
There’s a great day ahead as we set off to explore the Cape Peninsula.
Arrive at Maidens Cove for a short photo stop.
Maiden’s Cove: Perched between the scenic stretches of the Clifton and Glen Beach, Maiden’s Cove is flanked by the cold blue of the ocean and the verdant greenery of the mountains of the Western Cape.. This is a lookout in Camps Bay, Cape Town, that boasts absolutely breath-taking views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the back end of the famous Table Mountain.
We’ll head along Chapman’s Peak (weather permitting), one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, reaching Cape Nature Reserve and Cape Point. (Cape Point Nature Reserve & Return Funicular entrance fee included)
Our return journey is made via Boulders Beach (entrance fee included), where we’ll see its famous penguin colony.
We continue through Simon’s Town and point out the statue of Just Nuisance in the square as you pass. Just Nuisance (1 April 1937 – 1 April 1944) was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was a Great Dane who between 1939 and 1944 served at HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy shore establishment in Simon’s Town, South Africa. He died in 1944 at the age of seven years and was buried with full military honours.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Simon’s Town or en-route depending on timing. (excluded: for your own account)
We drive via Ou Kaapse Weg, and make a final stop at the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. (entrance fee included)
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon / early evening.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 5: TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
This morning head to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is the perfect day out for families in Cape Town. South Africa’s iconic Two Oceans Aquarium provides an unforgettable look at the life that thrives beneath the waves of the southern African coastline, a coastline that’s more than 2 500km long and exceptionally bio-diverse. The Aquarium, built in 1995, is a perennial favourite amongst locals and tourists, famous for introducing visitors to the magnificent animals and plants that call this stunning coastline home.
With an emphasis on conservation, the Two Oceans Aquarium’s collection – which holds more than 200 species – showcases local wildlife and changes often, resulting in a dynamic experience geared towards fostering curiosity and love for the ocean.
Conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s only aquarium is open 365 days a year. It’s a great alternative on bad-weather days when outdoor activities have to be cancelled, and no pre-booking is required. There are also several added activities on offer at the Aquarium, from photo opportunities and guided tours to animal experiences and scuba diving.
Young and old are invited to spend their time exploring, experiencing and engaging the natural world found below the ocean surface.
Followed by free time at the V&A Waterfront.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 6: BO KAAP + COOKING CLASS
Leisurely start to the day.
Included: Private Bo-Kaap Tour & Lunch
This experience starts with a walking tour exploring Bo-Kaap’s past and present with culinary and cultural insights. The tour ends at Zainie’s family home where you’ll be spoilt to a traditional 3 course Cape Malay Meal.
The Cape Malay Cooking Tour in Bo-Kaap offers visitors a deeper understanding of who the people are in this city. Visitors will start the day with a cup of coffee at Truth Coffee, one of the Cape’s most famous micro coffee roasters. Here, visitors will chat about the history of Apartheid, before visiting the District 6 Museum. This small apartheid museum which is home to the memories of the residents of District 6, which is an area on the edge of Cape Town where over 60 000 people were forcefully removed. The tour continues through to the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, where the Cape Malay community were not forcefully removed. It is a bright and colourful area that is one of the most photographed places in Cape Town. Visitors will stop at Atlas spices (which is the leading spice shop), before heading into a home of one of the ladies in the area for a hands-on cooking class. After lunch, visitors can enjoy a walk around the Bo-Kaap to view and photograph the beautiful, brightly coloured houses. Lastly, visitors will visit a community beading project while in the area.
Location: 46 Rose Street, Bo-Kaap
Starting Point: Rose Corner Cafe 100 Wale St, Bo-Kaap (Opposite the Bo-Kaap Museum)
Start Time: 11h00
Duration: 2hrs
Rest of the day/evening at leisure to relax before we enjoy dinner at a local Restaurant.
Overnight: President Hotel (or similar)
Meals: B/L/-
DAY 7: LOWVELD – KRUGER
Today we head back to Cape Town to be in time for a domestic flight to Kruger Mpumalanga.
Muluwa Lodge is ideally situated in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa, boasting incredible views out and over the valleys and mountains of the area. The view, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a wonderful array of “plains” game species that graze close by creates a wonderful “Serengeti” type ambience.
Located just 10 minutes’ drive from Kruger International Airport (KMI), and 4 hours from OR Tambo Interntional Airport, between the small artistic town of White River (10 minutes’ drive to the north), and the larger city of Nelspruit/Mbombela (20 minutes’ drive to the south). We are a 35minute drive from the “Numbi” Kruger Park entrance.
This unique location provides the perfect base for relaxation, and exploration of some of Southern Africa’s most precious natural attractions, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the scenic and historical – Panorama Route
Included: Domestic Flight: Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga
Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Excluded: Lunch [for your own account]
Included: Transfer from the Airport to your overnight accommodation.
Check in and relax for the rest of the day/evening.
Included: Dinner at the lodge
Overnight: Muluwa Lodge
Meals: B/-/D
DAY 8: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE
Depart to the Kruger National Park in the coach [closed vehicle]. You will be collected by the game drive company at Gate, from where you will enter the Kruger National Park.
Today you’ll take in the sights on a full-day game drive. You’ll travel in an open safari vehicle with an expert guide – a wonderful way to experience the African wilderness.
(Full day game drive, Kruger National Park conservation fee) [10 guests per vehicle]
Kruger National Park, the flagship of South Africa’s national parks and rated as the ultimate safari experience. By far the largest game reserve in South Africa and is home to the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino – and many other fauna and flora.
The quintessential African wilderness experience. Highly recommended for its comprehensive and leisurely pace, this safari promises a day filled with breathtaking natural vistas, the thrill of capturing stunning wildlife photographs, and the excitement of close encounters with Africa’s diverse fauna. From the early morning sightings of stealthy predators to the midday grace of grazing herbivores, and back to the predators’ hunt as the afternoon wanes, this full-day adventure offers a complete and enriching snapshot of the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Witness not only the famed Big 5 but also a plethora of other unique and captivating species, all while surrounded by South Africa’s incomparable natural beauty.
Included: Lunch at one of the rest camps restaurants [Lunch & 10% Tip]
After the game drive you will be collected at the Gate by the coach [closed vehicle] and return to the lodge. Arrive back in the late afternoon. Rest of the afternoon/evening at leisure.
Included: Dinner at the lodge
Overnight: Muluwa Lodge
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 9: FULL DAY PANORAMA ROUTE
Included: Full day Panorama Route Tour.
We depart on the Panorama Route which weaves its way through some of the most stunning scenery in South Africa – the rainforest and stunning views at God’s Window (entrance fee included), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (cylindrical holes caused by a phenomenon known as a ‘Giant’s Kettle’ – where swirls of water wear away the rock) (entrance fee included) and Blyde Canyon (to view the “Three Rondavels”, so named as the formation resembles three African-style houses or rondavels) (entrance fee included) are just some of the highlights. Shaped by the meandering Blyde River over countless millennia, the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is the world’s third-largest canyon and one of its most spectacular. Part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, it showcases towering red cliffs, lush subtropical vegetation, and pristine waters.
We’re also going to take an unforgettable journey on the Graskop Gorge Lift (included) which travels 51 metres down the face of the gorge and into the forest below. Here, a trail of wooden walkways and suspension bridges carves its way through the forest and interactive exhibits tell us more about the flora and fauna.
Arrive at your hotel, in the late afternoon/early evening.
Overnight: Muluwa Lodge
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 10: JOHANNESBURG
Today we say goodbye to the bush and depart back to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Included: Domestic flight – Kruger Mpumalanga to Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg and depart to your overnight accommodation situated in Rosebank.
Arrive at your hotel, check in and relax. Premier Hotel Quatermain is situated in Morningside, Johannesburg, near Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton Central Park, the Bryanston Country Club and the James & Ethel Gray Park. Rooms feature air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, a hairdryer, a telephone and an electronic safety deposit box. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy meals.
Overnight: Premier Hotel Quartermain
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 11: SOWETO TUK TUK TOUR + DEPARTURE
Soweto Tuk-Tuk Tour
Our tuk tuk tour is another interactive tour experience that takes you to the back streets of Soweto as well as the famous historical sites around. Move easily from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in our three-wheeler while you easily meet and greet people along the way and step out in the various areas to take in the culture, life and history.
Lebo’s offers fun and informative tours in various neighbourhoods in Soweto, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience the Soweto life and culture and a chance to interact with the local people. The 4 Hour Tuk Tuk Tour includes a stop at the formal migrant workers’ hostel, a tour through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, a stop at the historical Hector Pieterson Memorial and a drive down the famous Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela lived.
Guests get an opportunity to stop at different food stalls and a shebeen (local pub) along the route, tasting popular township snacks, food and drinks. On the way back to Lebo’s the Tuk Tuk cruise along the smaller back streets. Tours depart at 10h00 and 13h00 daily and include a traditional meal and a local beer tasting at Lebo’s outdoor restaurant.
Start Location: Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers
Included: Lunch in Soweto
After lunch you will be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport for you evening flight back home.
Your guide will help you check in and say goobye.
Meals: B/L/-
Tour Exclusions
Important Notes
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Southern Africa, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Date: Custom Departures
*Please note, the hotels and routing of this tour can be altered to best suit your needs. Prices may vary.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.
Cape Town – President Hotel
Lowveld – Muluwa Lodge
Johannesburg – Premier Hotel Quartermain
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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