Southern Africa Family Journey
11 days—Take a family vacation like no other.
From
$9275 USD
pp
Safari summary
ACCESSIBILITY: This journey can be tailored for those that have physical and/or neuro-diversity needs. We’ll collaborate with you to modify the itinerary as needed to turn your trip into a reality.
South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” offering a seamless blend of safaris, diverse cultural heritage, comfort, and safety that is uniquely suited for families. It is also an easy hop to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, a UNESCO Heritage site with activities including boating, community interactions, safaris, and elephant encounters.
The main draw for families is the wildlife. There will not only be a traditional safari in Greater Kruger but a special stay at The Elephant Camp and a visit to see the penguins in Cape Town. In addition to the wildlife, travel on the rotating cable car up Table Mountain. Historically, take a ferry to Robben Island, the location where Nelson Mandala was imprisoned, now a museum dedicated to the times of apartheid.
On Safari: Three days are spent at a private game reserve, unfenced and bordering the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Resident guides and trackers take you out in open safari vehicles for day and night drives. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and giraffe. At night, guides search the bush for nocturnal species such as bush babies, leopards, porcupines, and aardvarks.
Each day is very different as life unfolds in the bush. There are also educational lectures and programs for young safarists. Family units and private villas are available at many of the Born Free featured properties.
Victoria Falls & Elephant Camp: Located a quick 10 minutes from Victoria Falls' park entrance, The Elephant Camp is on a private concession. Shuttles are run by the lodge, and guests can take a leisurely walk along the gorge, viewing the various vantage points of Victoria Falls.
Elephant Interactions: Highlights of the property are the waterhole in front of the lodge where elephants come to bathe and drink and the elephant sanctuary for orphaned elephants. The sanctuary focuses on anti-poaching efforts as well. The herd has been rescued from either culling or illegal trade.
Included Activities:
Adventure & Tours: Guided tours of Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Canopy Tour.
Elephant Encounters: Interaction with resident elephants and educational talks.
Safari & Nature: Game drives in Zambezi National Park and nature walks.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi Royal
Cultural: Village Tours are intentional and immersive rather than staged.
This South Africa journey is crafted around the family’s interests, ages, and financial resources set aside for the trip.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Moderate activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
- Sightseeing | shopping | markets
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Internal flights
- Meals
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Hot air balloons
- International flights
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 01 - Cape Town, South Africa
Touch down in Cape Town! Once through customs and immigration, you'll receive a warm welcome from your Born Free Safaris host. Most international flights arrive in the evening, so you may want to get some rest after you are escorted directly to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
Day 02 - Table Mountain & City Tour
After breakfast, ascend on the rotating cable car up Table Mountain. On a clear day, you can see from Robben Island to Lions Head and beyond. This afternoon is a City Orientation tour of Cape Town. Visit Greenmarket Square and discover the Castle of Good Hope. Continue to the colorful Cape Malay/Bo Kaap arts district. A walking tour takes you through many artisan houses, with a stop at Streetwires Art Collective, where artists create animals out of small beads and wires.
Day 03
Today we will plan on doing family interest touring. Your Africa Travel planner will discuss the possibilities. Ideas: 1) The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa 2) Full-day Historic Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 3) Half-day ferry trip and touring of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. 4) Visit a Community Project - Meet the amazing people who live around Cape Town. 5) Jewish Museum and Oldest Synagogue
Day 04 - Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Head out with your private guide to spend a full day exploring the Cape Peninsula - Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. This drive is one of the most spectacular in South Africa. The highlight for most travelers is a visit to the breeding colony of African Penguins. Walk out on the reserve boardwalk to get a close glimpse of these adorable creatures. Lunch is included today at a small seaside village.
Day 05 - On Safari
Greater Kruger
The day has come for the anticipated safari. Board a flight to the Greater Kruger region to discover one of the excellent private game reserves that border the Kruger National Park. The wildlife wanders freely between the park and the private reserves. Africa's "Big Five" are among the wildlife that can be seen on your exciting open vehicle safaris.
Day 06
Greater Kruger
Game drives are twice daily, and bush walks are also available. Embrace the excitement of the safari adventure as you wake up early to the sounds of the bush. Then you're off for a morning game drive. Mornings are generally the best time to see the bush in action. Your driver will look for your favorite species, perhaps a lioness and her cubs or the long-necked giraffe.
Day 07
Greater Kruger
The family can head out together for a family nature walk with a professional safari guide. Return to the lodge for lunch, a swim, or a lecture on the wildlife. Then embark on a late afternoon game drive. Sit down to dinner in front of a fire in an open traditional boma. There is often impromptu traditional dancing. The atmosphere is casual, and most evenings are spent chatting with other safari-goers about the day's sightings.
Day 08
Victoria Falls
Bid farewell to South Africa this morning as a short flight takes you to one of the seven natural wonders of the world - the mighty Victoria Falls. The magnificent presence of thundering falls and majestic towers of mist is truly a sight to behold. With any luck, you'll be treated to a display of rainbow arches over the gorge. Your base in Zimbabwe will be The Elephant Camp. The camp is on a private concession and bounded by the Zambezi gorges with views of the Victoria Falls' spray.
Day 09
Victoria Falls
Each day you will be able to select from a menu of inclusive activities: - Morning and afternoon game drives in Zambezi National Park. - We do suggest taking the morning to walk along the Victoria Falls Rainforest gorge. This is the best time to possibly catch the rainbow arch over the gorge. - Lunch at Lookout Cafe, perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. - Evening dinner at the lodge.
Day 10
Victoria Falls
Another day to participate in the numerous included experiences. Additional optional activities include Whitewater Rafting, Helicopter Flightseeing, Canopy zip line, Bike tour, or visit the Chinotimba Township to get a glimpse of local Zimbabwean life.
Day 11 - Your Journey Onwards
Morning activity, breakfast, and then your Southern Africa journey comes to an end as you board your flight to your onward destination.
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