South Africa is a great destination for families because there are multiple direct flights from the United States and a wide variety of landscapes. Most people are familiar with Kruger. However, there is amazing wildlife and scenery in the Kalahari Desert and KwaZulu Natal–which are also malaria-free. August is also a wonderful month for viewing wildflower blooms in the Cape Floral Kingdom along the Garden Route.
Arrive in Cape Town and take a couple of nights to relax after your long flight with world class cuisine in one of the most scenic wine regions in the world. Spend days in the spa, walking the gardens, or biking between wineries. There are many wonderful kid friendly hotels in the area to choose from.
Return to Cape Town for a flight to the Kalahari desert in the north. Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve and hosts a maximum of 40 guests on 250,000 acres. There is a surprising variety a wildlife in the arid reserve though it is more widely dispersed. The kids will love a visit to the local meerkat colony.
A private home is available for exclusive use here.
Charter a flight to the south to the 54,000 acre Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. The reserve is a leader in wildlife conservation, and guests even have the opportunity to join the veterinary team on a rhino tagging project.
Private villas and family friendly camp options are available.
As an alternative to a charter flight to Kwandwe, there are scheduled flights to the greater Kruger area.
Fly back to Cape Town and finish your trip with a water safari at Grootbos Private Game Reserve. The Forest Lodge is a great property for kids with multiple pools and a variety of activities. You can spend time on the beach, go whale watching, and see some of the world’s most spectacular wildflower blooms.