Why go on a small group family holiday in South Africa?
South Africa’s National Parks and wild spaces are legendary for their beauty, with millions of tourists heading here every year for safaris, whale watching and driving along the dramatic Garden Route. But you’ll get more out of your family holiday if you take time to learn about its diverse culture and history, too. One of the best ways of achieving this is taking an organised small group tour. You’ll get to all the places that other tourists don’t reach, whether that means spending time in a traditional Zulu village, visiting a nature reserve off the beaten track, or hiking in the rocky wilderness of the Cederberg. With our experienced small group operators you’ll be spared from sorting out the logistics and can be sure that you’re travelling responsibly, too. Plus, small group holidays are often slightly less expensive than tailor made, perfect if you’re a big family after a big adventure.
Our South Africa family Holidays
Cape Town to Victoria Falls small group lodge tour
Classic route lodge safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
From
€3695
21 days
ex flights
Family volunteering with monkeys in South Africa
Family volunteering with baboons in South Africa
From
£1269
14 days
ex flights
Family garden route holiday with safari, South Africa
Family holiday to discover the Cape
From
£3336 to £3675
14 days
inc UK flights
Family horse riding holiday in South Africa
Family horse riding safari holiday in South Africa
From
£1525
9 days
ex flights
South African safaris for families with teenagers
Visit the famous Kruger National Park and Zulu villages
From
£1644 to £1795
12 days
ex flights
South Africa family holidays
South Africa! Beaches, Wineries and Safari!
From
£3200
15 days
ex flights
What does a small group family holiday entail?
Our small group holidays in South Africa are made up of around 12 to 16 people, or three to five families, travelling either in a purpose built overland truck, or in a combination of private minibuses and 4x4s. Some trips are aimed specifically at families with teenagers, so that older kids can hang out with their peers and try out more adventurous activities.
Tours last at least two weeks, and you’ll travel with a minimum of two expertly trained crew – a driver and a guide, for example, with local guides as extra in certain locations. As there are children involved, long drives are kept at a minimum, there are plenty of rest stops and you don’t tend to travel every day, though you should expect some early starts. Teen-friendly trips may include slightly longer drive times.
Small group means massive advantages. You can stay in locally owned, small accommodation, and visit communities without overwhelming them, allowing you a deeper connection with local people. What’s more, your kids will have ready made friends to share their adventures with and you’ll have like-minded fellow parents to relax with after each exciting day.
Tours last at least two weeks, and you’ll travel with a minimum of two expertly trained crew – a driver and a guide, for example, with local guides as extra in certain locations. As there are children involved, long drives are kept at a minimum, there are plenty of rest stops and you don’t tend to travel every day, though you should expect some early starts. Teen-friendly trips may include slightly longer drive times.
Small group means massive advantages. You can stay in locally owned, small accommodation, and visit communities without overwhelming them, allowing you a deeper connection with local people. What’s more, your kids will have ready made friends to share their adventures with and you’ll have like-minded fellow parents to relax with after each exciting day.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Our tours have a minimum age of between seven or 12, depending on the style of trip. For the most part, longer, camping based overland trips are restricted to those aged 11 plus; while trips taking a slower pace, with stays in guesthouses and tented camps are ideal for younger children. On trips for teenagers, your kids will have to be 10 or over and under 18.What are the itineraries like?
Each itinerary is designed to help you discover the best of the country, which means combining heavy hitting highlights with off-radar gems that independent travellers might miss. There will be plenty of wildlife watching on the cards, and you’ll spend time in star attractions such as Kruger National Park then perhaps take in little-known treasures such as Tshukudu Game Reserve, too, travelling with guides who have years of experience in getting the best sightings. Responsible small group holidays also aim to introduce you to local people. This could include being guided around attractions by local guides, visiting local curio markets or traditional Zulu villages or taking a guided tour of Soweto.Our top South Africa family Holiday
Family garden route holiday with safari, South Africa
Family holiday to discover the Cape
From
£3336 to £3675
14 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2023: 1 Apr, 22 Jul, 5 Aug
2023: 1 Apr, 22 Jul, 5 Aug
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about South Africa family or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700
Call us until 6pm
Calling from outside the UK
What are the guides like?
Guides on our small group tours are used to entertaining and engaging children and work hard to ensure that everyone gets as much as possible out of the holiday. They’re keen to share their love of South Africa and are also incredibly patient, making sure that all travellers understand what they’re seeing and doing. While they will strive to make sure that the group has a good time as a whole, they’ll also give everyone lots of private family time, too.