South Africa Family Adventure

This adventurous 9-day tour has been specially crafted with families in mind. Start your adventure in Joburg, where the city’s vibrant energy and rich history await. Next, visit Nelson Mandela’s former home in Soweto, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation’s history and resilience in their fight for freedom. Take a trip to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich archaeological significance, where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been discovered. Explore the stately architecture of Pretoria as well as the diamond mining city of Cullinan. Then, journey into the wild for an unforgettable malaria-free safari experience in the South African bush, where you can witness the Big Five in their natural habitat. The thrill of encountering lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo is unparalleled. Enjoy some family fun in the water parks of the Sun City Resort. En route back to Johannesburg, spend a day at Hartbeespoort Dam and pay a visit to the magnificent Elephant and Monkey Sanctury. The program includes accommodation at boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

09 Days – From £3,200 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Joburg, Soweto, Maporeng, Pretoria, Cullinan, Pilanesberg, Rustenburg, Sun City, Hartbeespoort

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast
All the Game Drives with a Professional Guide
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks and Sites
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to South Africa)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Additional Drinks
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to South Africa start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to to Johannesburg (JNB).

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in South Africa. For more travel inspiration check our South Africa Itineraries.

When to Visit

May to September is the ideal time for this tour. During the dry season, animals in Pilanesberg National Park are easier to spot as they spend more time feeding. This period also coincides with the mating season, offering a fascinating spectacle. Rustenburg is slightly warmer than Johannesburg, with average temperatures reaching 23° Celsius, allowing you to still enjoy water activities in Sun City.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our South Africa Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Joburg & Soweto

Today take a city tour of Johannesburg. Visit the Constitution Hill, a former prison that housed Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, then visit Braamfontein with its art galleries and fashion stores, the mining district and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Travel to Soweto Towers for bungee jumping. The towers are filled with vibrant murals that reflect the spirit of Soweto. Arrive in Vilikazi Street just in time for a delicious South African lunch. Walk to The Mandela House, where the iconic leader resided from 1946 to the 1960’s. The house showcases photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts showing Mandela’s journey from a young boxer and lawyer to a political prisoner and finally the President of South Africa. Overnight at Villa Simonne.

Day 2 - Cradle of Humankind

Transfer 45 minutes out of Johannesburg to South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind. Begin your journey at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, the official visitor center. Here, you’ll embark on an immersive 2-hour journey through time, learning about the history of our planet, the evolution of life, and the story of humanity. Head to Sterkfontein Caves for a guided tour of the caves. After lunch, you will go on a 2-hour game drive in Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. More than thirty species of game, including lion, white rhino, and buffalo of the big five. Endangered species, such as wild dogs have been reintroduced into the area. Cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 20 species of antelope will also be part of this experience. Overnight at Villa Simonne.

Day 3 - Pretoria & Cullinan

Transfer 40 minutes to Pretoria, South Africa’s capital. Pretoria offers a wealth of museums and galleries to explore. The National Museum of Natural History showcases the country’s natural wonders, while the Pretoria Art Museum features an impressive collection of South African art spanning various periods and styles. Discover the Union Buildings, Paul Kruger House, and the Voortrekker Monument. Travel to Cullinan, the small mining town where you can take an underground tour and learn about the mining process and how diamonds are extracted from the earth. Stop over for a bongo drumming session and get into the rhythm of Africa. Overnight at Villa Simonne.

Day 4 - Big Five Safari

Today, you will embark on a scenic drive to Pilanesberg National Park (3 hours), located in the North West Province of South Africa. This park, situated within a malaria-free zone, offers a safe and enjoyable safari experience for all visitors. The park is home to the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. The park’s unique geological formations, set within an ancient volcanic crater, provide a stunning backdrop for your wildlife adventure. As you journey through the park, keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent animals, as well as a variety of other wildlife and bird species that inhabit the area. You will enjoy 2 game drives in an open-topped 4×4 game viewer with your ranger. Overnight at Tambuti Game Lodge.

Day 5 - Safari & Moruleng Village

After an early breakfast, embark on a thrilling game drive, followed by a serene birdwatching experience. Later, you will be picked up for a fascinating village tour of the Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Moruleng Village. Here, you’ll discover intriguing displays showcasing the ancient lifestyles and artifacts of the Batswana people. Learn about the relationships between the different Batswana tribes, their interactions with the Boer, and the influences of European settlers. Engage in some traditional indigenous games and enjoy a delicious traditional Batswana lunch featuring pap, meat, and vegetables. Return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon game drive. Overnight at Tambuti Game Lodge.

Day 6 - Rustenburg

Today transfer to Rustenburg (1 hour) and delve deeper into the natural beauty of this region. Take a circular hiking footpath that meanders through one of the most pristine sections of the local ecosystem. As you hike, you’ll have the ideal opportunity to learn about the diverse fauna and flora unique to the Bafokeng environment, guided by informative signs and markers along the way. After your invigorating hike, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation at the spa. Unwind with a variety of rejuvenating treatments designed to soothe your mind and body. To cap off your day, enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Overnight at TshiBerry Bed & Breakfast.

Day 7 - Sun City

After breakfast, travel to Sun City’s Valley of Waves (35 min), a premier water park that promises fun and excitement. Start your adventure by plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the wave pool, where you can ride the surf or relax on the sandy beach that surrounds it. For thrill-seekers, the park boasts a variety of exhilarating water slides, including the heart-pounding Temple of Courage, where you can experience a near-vertical drop into the pool below. Explore The Lazy River, a gentle current that takes you on a leisurely float around the park, offering stunning views of the lush, tropical landscape. Overnight at TshiBerry Bed & Breakfast.

Day 8 - Hartbeespoort Dam

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Hartbeespoort Dam (1,5 hours), also known as “Harties”, a picturesque retreat located in the heart of South Africa’s North West Province. Enjoy panoramic views of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, the expansive dam, and the lush surroundings. Ride the Harties Cableway to the top of the mountain for breathtaking vistas. The rugged terrain is blanketed in lush vegetation, home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, baboons, and small antelope. Dine at one of the mountaintop restaurants, savouring a delicious meal while soaking in the stunning scenery. Overnight at Tuskers Bush Lodge.

Day 9 - Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary

After checkout, visit the Monkey and Elephant Sanctuaries, several sanctuaries focused on providing care for orphaned and abused animals. Located west of Hartbeespoort Dam, these refuges offers a natural habitat where animals can roam freely. Nestled in one of the many gorges (kloofs) of the Magaliesberg mountain range, the sanctuaries provides an ideal environment for animals, allowing them to thrive in a setting that closely mirrors their native habitats. After the 3-hour tour you will make your way to OR Tambo International Airport in time for your evening departure.

More Holiday Inspiration

In South Africa Other Destinations