The malaria-free Garden Route is arguably one of the best family vacation destinations in South Africa, and this trip gives you the chance to explore its hidden gems.
Your 8-day family vacation kicks off in Cape Town. Experience the city’s diverse range of activities, from summitting Table Mountain to soaking up the sun on white-sand beaches or exploring the Winelands. From the Mother City, you’ll head to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world. Besides whale watching – which is spectacular from the shore, from the water, or from above, Hermanus offers a variety of things to do, from adventure activities to cultural experiences.
A classic safari in the Gondwana Wildlife Reserve concludes your trip. Seek out the Big 5 on game drives and nature walks before retiring to your luxury accommodation for a restful retreat and quality time with the family.
Your Itinerary
3 nights in Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town, one of the world’s best family holiday destinations. With a wealth of child-friendly activities and things to do, you’ll enjoy three jam-packed days of family fun.
Explore the neighbourhood of the Bo-Kaap and discover its fascinating history; browse museums, monuments and heritage sites – all set within reach of the central business district. Take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, or take the ferry to Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Go shopping, go beach hopping, go wine tasting. Dine in style at one of the Cape Town’s awarded restaurants or tuck into a casual beachfront meal.
Located at the ever-popular V&A Waterfront, your accommodation at the One&Only Cape Town places you within easy reach of fantastic things to do with kids, including the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Town Wheel. In the Southern Peninsula, you can enjoy a morning Penguin Paddle followed by a visit to Boulders Beach and walking tour of Simons Town before heading back to your hotel for even more kids’ activities.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Michelin stars, celebrity chefs, and the most magnificent collection of wines in South Africa are all on the menu at the One&Only Cape Town.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
One & Only Hotel Cape Town
An urban chic waterfront resort with unprecedented levels of luxury, One&Only Cape Town is a place of friendly calm and gracious hospitality for couples and families alike. Here, commanding an enviable spot in the city’s fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the One&Only Cape Townoverlooks the marina with panoramic views of Table Mountain.
2 nights in Hermanus
The next leg of your memory-making family safari in South Africa takes you to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world.
Set on the shores of Walker Bay, surrounded by mountains, indigenous fynbos and dramatic cliffs, coves and beaches, Hermanus is breathtaking. The town buzzes with activity, especially during whale season (July to December), when between 60 and 100 Southern Right Whales visit Walker Bay from Antarctica to breed and rear their young. Unbeatable land-based whale watching opportunities mean that visitors are treated to up-close views of these magnificent giants.
Your accommodation at the 5-star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve places you within ideal reach of fantastic family activities. For adventurers, horse riding, paragliding, kayaking, fishing and hiking are on the menu. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, bird watching, stand-up paddle boarding, lagoon cruises, wine tours and tastings, guided nature walks and archaeological tours of the Klipgat Cave are yours to experience.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Dining at Grootbos is an experience, with its unique combination of fresh organic produce, a world-class natural setting and a hugely experienced culinary team. Every plate of food served is a perfect, colourful piece of art made using only the very freshest ingredients, sourced as close to Grootbos as possible, with many coming from the organic farm on the reserve.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Lush, welcoming and inspiring, the Grootbos Garden Lodge combines African warmth with contemporary design and enjoys panoramic ocean and fynbos views from every angle.
2 nights in Gondwana Game Reserve
Your family safari in South Africa continues in the Gondwana Private Game Reserve. Expect a luxurious malaria-free stay with plenty of opportunities to view the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard). Eland, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with awe-inspiring views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in every direction.
Enjoy an exciting array of activities such as Big 5 game drives, mountain biking, hikes, Africology spa treatments, and the popular Junior Ranger program. Take a guided nature walk through 1,000 different species of fynbos and tick off some of the 300 indigenous and 30 endemic bird species found in Gondwana.
Child-friendly game drives are a must for families. For those parents who need some down time, enjoy a relaxing few hours at Gondwana Nature Reserve’s Spa while your children are entertained by expert Field Guides.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
At Gondwana, you’re treated to African boma breakfasts, scenic veranda lunch platters, evening barbecues, elegant lodge meals, romantic picnics, and cocktails at scenic sundowner spots watching the sun dip behind the mountains. Children’s menus are available for lunch and dinner.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Gondwana Bush Villas
Gondwana’s Bush Villas offer the luxury amenities of a Safari Lodge with all the comforts of home. Designed with families in mind, each stylish villa offers spacious, open plan interiors with three or four en-suite bedrooms and is situated to provide complete privacy and awe-inspiring views from their expansive outdoor decks.
Inclusions
Private transfer from Cape Town International Airport to the One & Only Cape Town Hotel (including VIP Meet & Greet)
3 nights One & Only Cape Town in a Luxury Room on a bed & breakfast basis
Walking Tour of Cape Town City
Visit to Table Mountain
Private transfer from Cape Town to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
2 nights Grootbos Garden Lodge in a One Bedroom on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, select activities)
Private overland transfer from Grootbos to Gondwana (approx 4 hours)
3 nights accommodation at Gondwana in a Bush Vila on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, select activities)
Junior Ranger program for children
Private transfer from Gondwana to George Airport
Scheduled flight to Johannesburg
Meet & Greet
Exclusions
International flights
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities specified as additional / optional in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Notes
Our rates are per person sharing unless expressly identified. Please treat all pricing as a guide only: All rates are an estimation, subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply. Enquire now or speak to one of our expert Travel Planners for updated rates.
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