Safari and the City: An Active Family Adventure in South Africa

On arrival at the airport, our representative will assist you with collection of your rental car. Allow around four hours to drive to Nkomazi Reserve, a 58-square-mile stretch of pristine nature on the border with Swaziland. Check-in for two nights in a luxury camp set on the banks of the Komati River. Your family tent, set on a raised platform, features a private bathroom, a living room and a terrace with a private pool which is sure to go down a treat with your youngsters. Alternatively, you can swim in the communal pool or head to the mess tent’s cosy lounge for excellent views of the reserve.

Nkomazi Reserve is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos and elephants, so expect some great wildlife viewing and encounters with exciting larger game species. Plains wildlife include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and hartebeest to name but a few. The reserve offers endless beauty, with a mixture of open plains, hills, rivers and mountains. Discover it all on two safari outings, one in the morning and one late afternoon, followed by sundowners at dusk. There’s plenty to do in between drives too, from bird watching to fly fishing. Cool off in your private pool by day and, at night, gather around the communal campfire to admire the starry sky and share stories of the day’s adventures.

Hop in the car for a scenic one-hour-and-45-minute drive to White River and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. The Panorama Route is so named for its unbelievable views at every turn. It traverses the Great Escarpment all the way down to the Kruger Lowveld via mountain passes, and is a paradise for nature loving families, with countless waterfalls, hiking trails and adventure activities along the way. On arrival in White River, check-in to your charming accommodation with cosy rooms, a renowned restaurant and lush gardens bordering a large swimming pool.

Drive for two hours before checking in for two nights in a private villa nestled in the heart of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. The estate spans 1,680 acres and is home to a variety of animals including impalas, warthogs and kudus. Explore the beautiful estate on foot or enjoy a mountain bike safari in the company of a private guide, with the chance to spot giraffes, zebras and antelopes in an exceptional natural setting.

Among South Africa’s world-famous safari reserves, Kruger Park is the country’s big hitter. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from your Hoedspruit base, it sits on the border with Mozambique. A true animal sanctuary, it covers some 7,700 square miles of unspoiled nature in which nearly 860 protected species roam free. After paying your entrance fee, you can cruise the park's trails in your own vehicle and play an epic game of I-Spy as you search of the ‘Big Five’: elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions and leopards. There’s a host of other wildlife to discover too, including the (arguably unfairly named) Ugly Five: hyenas, wildebeest, vultures, warthogs and marabou storks. When you’ve had your fill of impressive wildlife, make your way back to Hoedspruit for a night of rest and relaxation.

After a quick 15-minute drive to Hoedspruit Airport, drop off your rental car and hop on a two-hour-and-45-minute flight to Cape Town Airport, where you’ll collect your new rental vehicle. The Mother City of South Africa is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination in a striking natural setting. Surrounded by dramatic coastline, it boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches a stone’s throw from the city centre, including Clifton, Camps Bay and Muizenberg. Famously dominated by Table Mountain, Cape Town’s warm climate, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes offer something for everyone. Settle in for four nights in a boutique hotel with beautifully appointed rooms, a sunny terrace and a small pool.

Discover the delights of Cape Town during a family-friendly walking tour with a local – an unbeatable way to learn more about the legislative capital’s rich history, culture and architecture. Take in its famous sights and secret delights as you wander past the old buildings and landmarks that make up the city’s beating heart. Discover the Company's Garden, a beautiful 17th century park created by the East India Company to supply ships with vegetables and spices. Visit the District Six Museum, which tells the story of the forced removal of residents during apartheid, and vibrant Long Street’s famous street art. There’s also an opportunity to do some shopping at Green Market Square, one of the city’s oldest markets, where you’ll find plenty of handmade textiles, crafts and artisan jewellery. The tour concludes with a stroll through the Malay district of Bo-Kaap, known for its colourful houses and rich cultural heritage. The fun continues on water, with a kayaking trip to see the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach. Paddle along the coastline’s kelp forests and rocky outcrops, stopping at a beautiful cove to swim and snorkel before reaching the beach where the penguins reside. Observe the colony up close as they waddle and play while learning about their environment from your experienced guide.

Get ready for a guided hike up Chapman's Peak – a towering mountain that rises above the coastal town of Hout Bay. Starting at sea level, the trail winds up the mountain through fynbos vegetation and rocky outcrops. Along the way, steal sumptuous glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding peaks. The summit serves up breathtaking views of Hout Bay, Fish Hoek, Noordhoek Beach and even Gordon's Bay and Table Mountain on a clear day. To the south, you can see Cape Point and Kommetjie. This hike is a little on the challenging side so better suited to older children.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive to Gordon’s Bay, southeast of Cape Town. Check-in for two nights in a beautiful period residence with extensive gardens descending towards the sandy beach where your youngsters can blow off some steam, and simple but comfortable rooms that offer pretty views of the bay. When the sun shines, you can enjoy al fresco family breakfasts beside the lovely pool.

Thrill-seeking youngsters will be in their element today with zip lining in the Elgin Valley – an exhilarating experience offering a different perspective on the beautiful surroundings of Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve. The cables are suspended between 13 platforms, allowing you to glide through the air at high speeds while enjoying incredible views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Other activities on offer in the area include swimming, surfing, fishing and hiking in the nearby mountains. Explore the local wineries (with grape juice for your younger travellers), take the sublime road trip from Clarence Drive to Rooi Els, go whale spotting (from August to October), visit the secret penguin colony at Stony Point or the stunning Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The options are endless.