South Africa

Kalahari, Cape Town & Grootbos: A Wildlife-Packed Family Adventure

When

October To May

Price

From $9,150pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

10 nights ideal length

Family adventure vacations in South Africa

South Africa is full of endless possibilities and that’s especially the case when it comes to family vacations. The wildlife in South Africa is big, bold and undeniably unique here and we’d hate for you to miss even a single second of it. So, we’ve arranged 10-nights that will see you dive headfirst into some serious adventure as we take you from the Kalahari through to the Cape. Here, our Big Five looks a little different to the usual as, alongside lion and rhinos, we’re throwing in whales and sharks to give you an all-around experience of South African wildlife. There’s even the opportunity to spot that rarest creature of all, the pangolin, if you’re very lucky. Then, at the end of each day, return to some of South Africa’s most beautiful hotels, even spending a night sleeping beneath the stars.

A family safari in South Africa

Having made yourself at home in the Kalahari ecosystem, we always encourage you to take a step back and admire the wild environment that you’ll call home for the next four nights; a home of 1,000km2 that is. It’s just you and the vast expanse of nature here and there’s no time like the present to get out and explore on this family trip. Continuing the trend of doing it differently, however, we’re stripping you of the Jeep safari and instead, getting you saddled up to head out in search of South Africa’s wildlife on horseback. Witness black rhinos, antelope, cheetah, hyena and lions all going about their day-to-day life while an expert safari guide leads you through the bush, share their incredible wisdom along the way.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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From the Big Five safari to some smaller friends, be sure to stop by the local meerkat colony. Friends to Tswalu Kalahari they are wild colonies that have become familiar with humans, so don’t be alarmed if you find one casually resting on your doorstep. Elsewhere, Tswalu is known as a hotspot for pangolin so do keep your eyes peeled at all times. They allude many – but certainly not all.

Then, for the grand finale to this family safari, we can’t imagine anything more spectacular than a night sleeping under the stars. Just you and the expanse of the Kalahari. It will be a moment you’ll never forget, and trust us – you’ll never see stars like it.

Continue your family trip in Cape Town

From hordes of wildebeest to the bright lights, you’ll swap Kalahari for Cape as you head into the shadow of Table Mountain to check in for three nights at the effortlessly elegant Cape Grace. Set in the heart of Cape Town’s Victoria and Albert Waterfront, your family is in the perfect spot to discover local bars and restaurants – and to head out to Robben Island to walk in the historical footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Tomorrow, why not become your own captain aboard ‘The Spirit of the Cape’? This 56ft Aicon fly-bridge luxury motor yacht which is privately owned by The Cape Grace makes for glamorous days out at sea as you visit Hout Bay or Cape Point. Enjoy sunset drinks while on board – it’s the best view taking in the whole of Cape Town.

For thrill chasers, the following day of this adventurous family trip to South Africa gives you the chance to take a hike up Table Mountain. Though we all know what goes up must come down – so why not abseil down? From 112m off Table Mountain, you can bounce your way back down to the ground. 1,000m above sea level you’ll be rewarded with unprecedented views over Cape Town. Or if abseiling is too innocent for you, then take a leap off of Bloukrans Bridge – the highest commercial jump site in the world. At only 216m you’ll be fine, it’ll be a breeze.

Swimming with sharks in South Africa

After all that adrenaline, it’s time to escape to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for the final days of your family trip to South Africa. This stunning eco-friendly collection of lodges overlooks the beauty of Walker Bay and is surrounded by indigenous Fynbos (shrubs) and forest-clad hills. A mecca for lovers of South Africa’s wildlife. Grootbos doesn’t disappoint as you explore the bush by 4×4, horse or casually by foot, before heading out in search of the whales that grace the coast. See them by boat or by scenic flight but if you really want to take the plunge? Head into the deep blue for a swim with Great Whites. It’s bound to get your blood pumping.

As the sun rests on your last night, look out onto the reserve with a glass of crisp South African wine and let your disappointment about going home wash away, thinking instead about all you’ve seen over the last 10 days. South Africa – you are our family adventure hero.

Where to rest your head

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Walker Bay

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve can supply you with the best of both worlds – sumptuous beaches as well as lush forest. Accommodating only 27 luxury…
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Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa’s cosmopolitan hub, and in hotel stakes, Cape Grace is sitting as high as Table Mountain when it comes to prestige.…
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Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

Nestled in the heart of the South Kalahari, the luxurious surrounds of Tswalu are the pinnacle of safari chic. Constructed from local stone and rich…
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