South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel through South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), combining cultural and wildlife experiences on this 12-day family adventure.

Highlights

Visit a great spread of Southern African game reserves, putting you and your family right in the midst of the mighty 'Big Five' game of Africa.
Camp at Kruger National Park under the African night sky. Experience the sights and sounds of the wild, perhaps the roar of a lion as you and your family drift off to sleep.
Meet local families and learn about different South African cultures on an immersive and enriching homestay experience at Phiring village.
Beautifully lit by candles and paraffin lanterns, your spacious campsite in Hlane National Park is just a stone's throw from a floodlit waterhole frequented by elephants and rhinos.
Explore Kosi Bay by kayak – the kids will love paddling around the mangroves and learning about traditional fish traps.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Overland truck,4X4

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Johannesburg, South Africa

Finishes

Johannesburg, South Africa

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 12 noon. Afterwards, head out on a cycling tour of Soweto – an exciting opportunity to get an insight into contemporary life in South Africa. You’ll visit the formal migrant workers’ hostel and be introduced to conditions of male mine workers and meet the families that live here today. Cycle through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and continue to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the historical landmark of the 1976 student's uprising, proceed to the famous Vilakazi street where Nelson Mandela used to live.

Included Activities:

Soweto - Cycle Tour

Accommodation:

Indaba Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Today is a travel day. Depart Johannesburg early this morning and travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal. Here you will camp at an ecolodge just outside of Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, which is home to some amazing wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and wild dogs. The rest of the day is free for you to get settled into your surroundings.

Accommodation:

Bonamanzi Game Reserve (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Embark on an adventure through the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa. You’ll spend the day roaming around the park in an Open Safari Vehicle, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. While you're here, you'll have the chance to see some of the 'Big Five' – African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion and African leopard. There will also be a good chance of spotting the white rhino, as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has the largest population of these near-threatened creatures in the world. A series of conservation efforts has saved them from extinction and their population is once again on the rise. The park also boasts some 400 species of birds, including the African finfoot, bat hawk and white-backed night heron.

Included Activities:

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park - Game drive

Accommodation:

Bonamanzi Game Reserve (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Kosi Bay

Depart the game reserve this morning and travel northeast to the coast, visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. The location of the bay is amazing. On the one hand there is picturesque jungle with wild figa and monkey orange trees, and a grazing area for hippos; on the other, a mangrove and coral reef that's teeming with aquatic life. Your accommodation, Kosi Bay Lodge, will be in comfortable log chalets. Enjoy a night under the stars as you relax around the campfire.

Accommodation:

Kosi Bay Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Kosi Bay

This morning, you and the family will get to explore Kosi Bay by kayak. It is particularly famous for the traditional Tsonga fish traps built to trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide. The Tsonga people, who have made this land their home for more than 1,000 years, are experts in fish traps and the construction of fishkraal. There is also the opportunity to snorkel over the coral reef in search of some colourful fish. You’ll then have the rest of the day free.

Included Activities:

Kosi Bay - Kayaking

Accommodation:

Kosi Bay Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Hlane National Park

Drive north, stop to stock up on supplies then reach the small land-locked kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), home to Hlane National Park. A vast expanse of bushveld and its ancient hardwood trees make the national park home to the largest wild herds in Eswatini. Your camp is spacious and has plenty of tree coverage, making for a nice spot to relax and be greeted by the odd inquisitive impala, warthog or nyala. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided mountain bike trail, bird walk or game drive and explore the greater Hlane area. In the absence of electricity in Ndlovu Camp, the area is romantically lit at night with candles and parafin lanterns. It's also within easy reach of Ndlovu's semi-open-air restaurant and floodlit waterhole. Hlane Activities Center, a braai/barbeque area (with firewood provided), communal kitchen, and hot showers are all available.

Optional Activities:

Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari (200 ZAR)
Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive (335 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Ndlovu Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Hlane National Park

Explore Hlane National Park on a game drive. This park used to be a private royal hunting ground, which gives you some idea of its calibre as a wildlife-viewing destination. It is Eswatini's largest park, spanning an impressive 30,000 hectares. Landscape-wise, it’s a flat lowland area with some grasslands and shallow pans. There's a great chance of catching sight of wildebeest, zebra and impala, especially in the drier months. Notably, cheetahs were reintroduced to the park relatively recently. The park also has an abundant and diverse array of birdlife, boasting the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in all of Africa.

Included Activities:

Hlane Royal National Park - Guided 4x4 Sunset Game Drive

Optional Activities:

Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive (335 ZAR)
Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari (200 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Ndlovu Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Kruger National Park

Cross back into South Africa and journey to Kruger National Park – one Africa's very best wildlife arenas. On arrival you’ll start a game drive as you head towards your overnight campsite. Later on, there will be the option of a night drive with the park guide. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Included Activities:

Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Accommodation:

Skukuza campsite or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kruger National Park

Enjoy further explorations of Kruger. You will embark on a second game drive today, hopefully spotting some animals you didn't cross off the list yesterday! One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park boasts more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species. The big five and the endangered African wild dog are no exceptions. Depending on the areas you visit, you'll have the chance to see some exotic birds along the way, from the tiny bronze mannikin to the more conspicuous ostrich. Keep an eye to the sky where, if you're lucky, a giant eagle owl or martial eagle might be soaring.

Included Activities:

Kruger National Park - Full Day Game Drive

Accommodation:

Skukuza campsite or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Phiring village

Leave Kruger this morning and make your way to Phiring village for a special homestay experience. You’ll be hosted by a local family with a 'mum', who’ll make you feel part of her own family. While you’re at the village, there’ll also be the chance to take part in a range of traditional activities, including floor-making, cooking, dancing or going for a scenic walk through the surrounding mountain area. Your stay here helps to provide local women and youth with economic independence and social empowerment.

Included Activities:

Phiring Village homestay experience

Accommodation:

Phiring homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Blyde River Canyon

Say your farewells to the locals of Phiring this morning, then travel to Blyde River Canyon. One of South Africa's most spectacular attractions, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and probably the greenest. It's an excellent place for walking. The sheer-sided walls of the canyon rise over 2,000 metres and the vegetation varies wildly, from dry rocky sections to rainforest, depending on the altitude. You will explore the stunning Bourke's Luck Potholes, where shadowy rock formations take on different colours and shadings in the changing light.

Included Activities:

Panorama Route - Three Rondavels
Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes

Accommodation:

Forever Resorts Blyde River Canyon (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Johannesburg

Enjoy a morning of free time before returning to Johannesburg. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival at Tambo International Airport in the afternoon (usually between 2pm and 4pm). If you prefer, we can also drop you at the original joining point location. Please advise your booking agent before you depart or your leader during your welcome meeting on day 1. Please do not book any onwards flights until after 8pm this evening.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,560

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel through South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), combining cultural and wildlife experiences on this 12-day family adventure.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Emma

Traveled, April 2024

04/12/2024

I would recommend a family trip with Intrepid to anybody wishing to provide their kids with magical, cultural experiences with like minded people. Our adventures in South Africa could not have been better!

5.0

Dona

Traveled, April 2023

04/17/2024

I can't say enough good stuff about this trip. For my daughter's first trip to Africa, our time with Intrepid absolutely exceeded expectations. It was just a pleasure to travel with other families and by the end of it, my daughters were in tears saying "we don't want this to end!!" We've all made lifelong friends and can't wait to travel with Intrepid again!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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