South Africa is a perfect family-friendly holiday destination with much for the kids to see and do – from building sandcastles on golden beaches, swimming in the ocean, taking a joy ride in a theme park, spotting wildlife on a game farm, or enjoying adventure activities at one of South Africa’s many resorts.
Child-friendly facilities are found throughout South Africa. Hotels offer inter-connecting rooms, triple bed arrangements, cots, babysitters, mealtime feeding chairs, and children’s rates. Self-catering properties are also an excellent option, especially establishments that offer multi-roomed cottages and apartments.
During peak holiday time, when South African families take their annual breaks (April, July, and December), coastal resorts offer children’s entertainment programs, movie theatres screen with the latest family-oriented movies, and there are special stage shows like the annual pantomime at the Jo’burg Theatre in Johannesburg.
Theme parks such as UShaka Marine World in Durban, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, and Ratanga Junction in Cape Town are excellent child-friendly facilities in South Africa, as is the Two Oceans Aquarium in the Mother City. Sun City has restyled itself as a family-oriented resort with popular water rides at the Valley of the Waves and animal attractions. Countrywide, there are good zoos, bird parks, crocodile farms, and reptile parks. Some private game lodges may not take children under a certain age, but the national parks are great for family-friendly holidays in South Africa.
If your South African sojourn includes a road trip, national routes are well supplied with ‘pit-stop’ conveniences incorporating gas stations, restaurants, and restroom facilities. Family-style restaurants in South Africa are good about offering children’s menus and keeping the young ones busy with coloring books and crayons as they wait for their meals. Baby food, milk, and nappies are, of course, plentiful in supermarkets. Children’s car seats are available from car rental companies, and airlines will oblige with bassinets – both with advance notice.