South Africa with the family: a dream now closer than ever
With the resumption of direct flights connecting the two countries, one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet is once again getting closer to Brazil.
By Mari Campos
Savannas, safaris, beaches, mountains, wineries, forests, lagoons, museums. There are so many attractions in South African destinations that it would take an entire edition just to list them. The good news is that one of the most captivating countries in the world is drawing nearer to Brazil, with two airlines announcing the resumption of their direct flights to Johannesburg – and the welcome addition of direct flights to Cape Town with one of them.
It’s just a 9-hour flight that separates São Paulo from Joburg – the affectionate nickname that the largest city in South Africa (at the southern tip of the African continent) has received from its residents and frequent visitors for so many years. From there, connections to other corners of the country (and the continent itself) are plentiful and simplified.
To celebrate this great news, how about a delightful family trip there, experiencing live and in vibrant colors much more than any book, movie, or documentary could teach? From safaris to beautiful beaches, in contact with a genuinely hospitable people, fasten your seatbelts and join this well-rounded itinerary for a journey full of emotions and meaningful memories.
Johannesburg, a vibrant metropolis
Joburg is an astonishing city, boasting intriguing cultural and artistic scenes. Is it safe? Tourists should take the same precautions as they do at home. It offers top-notch gastronomy and an excellent hotel network, including incredibly charming properties like the boutique hotel AtholPlace or the luxurious Four Seasons Westcliff Johannesburg. Another practical option is The Maslow, which provides a shuttle to the Sandton Mall, near Mandela Square. This square pays tribute to the country’s greatest icon with a 6-meter statue and hosts various restaurants, cafes, and shops around it.
Its main museums can be highly educational for travelers of all ages, such as the Apartheid Museum, where the separation between white and black people is noticeable even at the entrance. Profound and significant concepts that can be learned from an early age. Take the opportunity to delve into the history of Nelson Mandela and his struggle. On the other hand, the Wits Origins Centre showcases fossils and interactive exhibitions about the origin of humanity.
For those who aren’t heading to Kruger and spending a week in the city, there are possible safaris in national parks or private game reserves reachable by land in the surrounding areas, such as Pilanesberg and Madikwe, both in malaria-free zones and 3 to 5 hours’ drive away. Most car safaris only accept children above 6 years old. However, in Pilanesberg, self-drive safaris (using your own car) or exclusive car safaris (more expensive) are possible. In Madikwe, some lodges offer special kids’ clubs and other activities for younger children.
And for all-encompassing fun, the recommendation is Sun City complex, featuring a water park, golf course, aquariums, waterfalls, casino, and luxury hotels. The renowned highlight is The Palace, the world’s first 6-star hotel (find more details here).
Photo 1: Apartheid Museum / Photo 2: Mandela Square / Photo 3: The Palace, Sun City Complex
The unparalleled excitement of safaris
The renowned South African reputation for thrilling safaris and eco-conscious lodges is no coincidence: the country was one of the pioneers in combining adventure, safety, style, and comfort in tourist explorations of remote and wild locations. Its savannas go far beyond the so-called big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinos): they harbor the most fascinating animal species, from birds to large mammals, and there is no better biology lesson for the little ones than joining a game drive (safaris by car).
Although often associated with romance, safaris are among the best tourist activities for families. The country’s most famous destination is Kruger National Park, accessible via private flights that land directly in private reserves or regular flights to Skukuza, Mbombela, Hoedspruit, and Phalaborwa airports. The world’s largest safari-focused park also allows for self-driven adventures, where you can drive your own car in designated areas. But beware: here, you need to prioritize your safety at all times and remember that these are wild animals that can react unexpectedly. You must drive on the left-hand side, refrain from off-road driving to chase harder-to-spot animals, the roads are paved, and you have to adhere to the schedules set by the local administration, as well as deal with portable toilets and limited infrastructure. These various restrictions can make the adventure less appealing. It’s a pity to travel so far and not have more authentic experiences, with Rangers (professional drivers) who know how to navigate the savanna, respect and approach the animals, and guides who provide biology lessons. Certainly, this extra safety is important.
It’s the private reserves in the surrounding area, in the region known as Greater Kruger, often unfenced from the national park, that bring together the finest lodges, ranging from more budget-friendly options to luxurious hideaways, for epic, unforgettable, and safe wildlife adventures. These journeys are led by experienced and certified guides who provide insights into the formation of territories and intriguing facts about animal behaviors and habits.
Certain reserves, such as Sabi Sands and Manyeleti, predominantly host luxury lodges like Sabi Sabi, Royal Malewane, Thornybush, or Singita – many of them featuring spacious villas designed specifically for multi-generational family trips (learn more about Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge here). However, there are also excellent more affordable choices in the region, like Kapama and Monwana. Most of these accommodations offer children’s materials, booklets to recognize animals and tracks, and provide special attention to kids.
It’s advisable to opt for the all-inclusive programs offered by these lodges, which include transfers, meals, beverages, and two safari outings per day (at dawn and dusk), all covered in the tariff. Just be mindful when making reservations as many lodges have a minimum age requirement (6 years) for children on game drives. Some lodges accept younger children on private jeep tours.
In addition to the traditional open-vehicle drives that allow you to explore the entire savanna, many lodges also provide walking safaris, night safaris, outdoor dinners, and opportunities to visit local communities and conservation projects. These are truly immersive and sustainable tourism experiences where everyone gains valuable insights.
The colors of the fields at dawn, the first sighting of a rhinoceros, a family of elephants bathing together in a small waterhole, breaks for breakfast or afternoon snacks in the heart of the savanna, the sight of vast buffalo herds, a fleeting leopard perched high in a tree, the silhouette of giraffes against the orange-tinged evening sky, the nocturnal focus on lions… no family album or back-to-school essay can do justice to these experiences.
Photos Sabi Sabi Game Reserve
Grand Finale in Cape Town and surroundings
After thrilling adventures in the savannas, there’s nothing better than unwinding with the scent of sea breeze. Cape Town, with its spectacular natural beauty, is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and occupies a peninsula at the foot of the imposing and unmistakable Table Mountain, a massive rocky formation right in the heart of the city.
The summit is easily reachable via rotating cable cars, which in themselves provide entertainment; from the top, on clear days, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. With truly clear skies, you can even see Robben Island, the islet that housed the famous prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, now transformed into a museum.
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens house lush specimens of regional flora protected by UNESCO, including fynbos and proteas – accompanied by unparalleled panoramic views of Table Mountain. During the summer, unmissable open-air concerts take place there on Sundays.
Also downtown, taking a stroll through the always lively Kloof and Bree Streets – more diverse and secure than the famous Long Street – is a must-do. Nearby is Green Market Square, with a delightful open-air craft market perfect for travel shopping (especially if you’re skilled at bargaining). It’s where children will find wooden miniatures of animals seen on safaris.
A bit further away is the colorful Bo Kaap, founded by descendants of slaves and Islamic dissidents from Southeast Asia, built on the hills of Signal Hill. A truly delightful family experience involves culinary and cultural tours of the neighborhood.
The delightful and vibrant V&A Waterfront, a restored harbor area brimming with shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas, and cultural activities, is a must-visit. Families can ride the Cape Wheel there for an unbeatable view of the bay and Table Mountain, and little ones will enjoy the Two Oceans Aquarium. For the older crowd, the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is a treat for selfies and exploration.
The CitySightseeing Bus tourist buses, with one, two, or three-day tickets, can be a great option to explore more distant areas from the city center as well, such as Camps Bay, Hout Bay, the Clifton beaches, and even wineries in the Constantia Valley (some wineries offer activities tailored for kids and excellent restaurants for a lovely outdoor lunch, weather permitting).
The Waterfront, in fact, is a practical and frequent choice for accommodation, with an abundance of hotels and flats available, including the luxurious Table Bay Hotel (which offers direct access to the V&A Waterfront shopping and one of the city’s best locations), One&Only Cape Town, and Cape Grace. However, there are also other excellent lodging options in various areas of the city, including major hotel chains like Marriott and Radisson.
And there’s plenty to see in the city’s surroundings as well. The most famous day tour from Cape Town takes you through ostrich farms and leads to the penguin colony at Boulders Bay – kids often go wild among these friendly creatures – and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. This is where the southernmost point of the African continent is located – Cape Agulhas, popularly known as the Cape of Storms or the Cape of Good Hope – complete with a lighthouse and all. This place is important for children’s learning: remind them that it was here that Portuguese navigators discovered the route to the Indies. Besides the sensation of reaching one of the planet’s extreme landmarks together, the views here are breathtaking. And watch out for the region’s baboons, who enjoy stealing snacks and eliciting laughter from everyone.
With more available time, it’s also worth extending your trip to beautiful Hermanus to see whales (from July to November) and perhaps even taking the excursion to see the great white shark, one of the world’s top predators. With teenagers (many companies don’t allow children under 6 years old, as the tour lasts at least 4 hours, out on the open sea), it’s interesting to observe the animals from the boat – preferably a large one – without necessarily getting into the cage. The adrenaline rush is nearly the same, and everyone remains safe. Another style of excursion includes the delightful Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, brimming with wineries, markets, tasty restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful settings for picnics and outdoor activities, like cycling through the vineyards, all together.
The most hospitable country in the African continent still holds incredible adventures in destinations like the Garden Route, Panorama Route (with the spectacular Blyde River Canyon), Port Elizabeth, Durban, and other National Parks… but that’s a different story, another journey.
Services
How to Get There
Starting from October, direct flights connecting the city of São Paulo to Johannesburg will be resumed by both Latam and South African Airways. The latter will also have direct flights from the capital of São Paulo to Cape Town. Before that, it’s possible to reach South Africa from Brazil via connections in Ethiopia, the Middle East, or Europe, on longer routes.
When to Go
South Africa is a satisfactorily visitable destination all year round. The best time to enjoy safaris is from late autumn to the beginning of the South African spring – May to October. However, it’s worth noting that the country gets colder in winter and there might be more frequent rain in coastal destinations like Cape Town.
The agencies “Viajar com Crianças” (Traveling with Children) and “Viajar com Adolescentes” (Traveling with Adolescents) are experts in these destinations and can organize this trip for your family.
Things the Way Family love to pack in their suitcase:
