Family South Africa Safari & Mozambique Island Escape

Duration
11 Days
Price from
£6,260 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
Madikwe Children On Safari

Trip Highlights

  • Family-friendly safari experiences
  • Island beach relaxation
  • Wildlife encounters for all ages

What's Included

  • Safari game drives
  • Island activities
  • 10 nights accommodation

Our specialist says

Introduce the whole family to the magic of the African bush and its beautiful beaches

This trip is the perfect first family ‘beach and bush’ holiday. Imagine the joy of watching your child’s face light up as they see an elephant for the first time, their eyes wide with wonder as they take in the sheer enormity of the animal. This trip combines South Africa’s malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve with the soft-sand beaches of Mozambique’s Anantara Bazaruto, making it ideal for families with young children, with no jet lag and the peace of mind that comes with a malaria-free environment.

At Lelapa Lodge in Madikwe, the whole family can enjoy the excitement of spotting the Big 5 in a private game reserve, where guides are experts at engaging young minds. The kids club is every parent's dream as your children track animal spoor, enjoy surprise treasure hunts, discover rock painting, and even make cupcakes... all while you unwind by the pool (or join in the fun). The lodge’s family suites are designed with comfort in mind, featuring kids' rooms packed with toys, games, and even bunk beds, so everyone can have their own space.

After your safari, head to Mozambique for a relaxing beach escape at Anantara Bazaruto. Here, you can snorkel with colourful fish, go on island adventures, or try your hand at fishing. With family-friendly villas and plenty of space to unwind, this sandy paradise is the perfect complement to your African adventure.

As family travel specialists, we know how to strike the perfect balance of safety, ease, and excitement. Our team has personally taken children from toddlers to teens on safari, and we understand what matters most when planning a family holiday. From inspiring wildlife encounters to relaxing beach days, every moment of this trip is designed to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

Ali our MD who has been to South Africa and Mozambique with his family says: "Amazing hotels and lodges, simple logistics and some incredible experiences make this quite easily one of the best family combos you can do. Madikwe was created for families and offers a superb game experience with ‘kid friendly’ rangers who will take the younger ones off on a separate drive that focuses on everything from tracking animals to investigating the remains of what an elephant had for breakfast! On the beach you can do everything from diving and snorkelling to sandboarding or doughnutting behind a speedboat. A lot of fun for all age groups and especially good for a cross-generational trip."


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 On to Madikwe

To ease your arrival process after the long flight, you will be met off the aircraft and escorted through passport control and baggage collection, before being handed over to your driver for the road transfer up to the Madikwe Game Reserve. The drive is around 4 hours, so you will arrive at your home for the next 4 nights, Madikwe Safari Lodge where you will be in a family room at their beautiful Lalapa Lodge, built especially for families. Enjoy a late lunch and some time to relax before meeting your guide and fellow guests for afternoon tea and head out on your first game drive – a chance to start spotting Africa’s fabled Big 5.

Day 2 On safari in beautiful Madikwe

Day 3 Exploring Madikwe Game Reserve

Day 4 Enjoy a game drive or relax at the lodge

Madikwe Family Safari1

Apart from the undoubted luxury the lodge offers, one of the stand-out features of a visit to Madikwe Safari Lodge is the quality of the guiding and safaris for both adults and children. Whilst many lodges do offer family safaris (and very good ones at that) the guides here really take things to the next level, ensuring game drives are engaging and interesting for both parents and children, making for a more wholesome family travel experience. Equally, they can split parents and children of needs be, allowing adults time to relax by the pool or enjoy longer game drives, whilst children have a more interactive learning experience, help to make pizzas or look for bugs with their guides. Of course, plenty of time is dedicated to relaxing, enjoying the sunshine and superb food, warm natural hospitality and engaging staff for which the lodge is renowned.

Day 5 To Johannesburg

Day 6 To the beach

Days 7 - 10 Relaxing on the beach

Day 11 Home time

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Alistair

Africa Expert

When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

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