Discovering the Wonders of South Africa: A Family Adventure
South Africa, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, has captured my heart. Our journey began in Johannesburg, leading us to the awe-inspiring Kruger National Park. The sight of lions, elephants, zebras, and other wildlife in their natural habitat was truly breathtaking. As we traveled southwest, the landscape constantly transformed – from flat and dry terrains to marshy wetlands, lush greenery, majestic mountains, and the stunning coastline. Cape Town, with its myriad of attractions for all ages, was particularly enchanting.
South Africa is an exceptional holiday destination, and I highly recommend exploring it with your children. Here are five compelling reasons why a family trip to South Africa should be on your bucket list.
1. Encounter with Wildlife
Children are naturally drawn to animals, from the tiny garden worms to the majestic elephants in the zoo. Imagine the thrill they would experience seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild! South Africa boasts several kid-friendly parks such as Addo National Park, Kololo Game Reserve, and Pilanesberg National Park. These parks are easily accessible and offer unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences.
2. Minimal Jet Lag
Despite the nearly 13-hour flight from Amsterdam to Johannesburg, the minimal time difference means you won’t have to deal with jet lag. It typically takes children a day to adjust to each hour of time difference. So, flying to another continent without having to deal with significant time adjustments feels like a luxury!
3. Ease of Travel in South Africa
South Africa boasts excellent road conditions and widespread English proficiency, making it easy for you to navigate the country independently. We enjoyed the freedom of exploring this stunning country at our own pace, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town (with a brief domestic flight). South Africa is also an ideal destination for RV travel, especially with young children, as everything you need is within arm’s reach. Tenzing Travel offers special kids holidays to South Africa, allowing you to experience the country in a rental car.
4. Child-Friendly Environment
South Africans are known for their child-friendly attitude. Your kids will be warmly welcomed everywhere you go. Finding child-friendly accommodations is easy, and most restaurants offer children’s menus and play areas to keep your little ones entertained.
5. High-Quality Healthcare
When traveling with kids, it’s essential to consider the quality of healthcare in your destination. We’ve found that South Africa offers high-standard healthcare facilities. In urban areas, you’ll find both government hospitals and private clinics, both providing good healthcare. Private clinics tend to be less crowded but slightly more expensive. Always check what your health or travel insurance covers before you travel abroad.
If you’re up for an adventure, consider overlanding Africa with your kids. Jenny and her family did just that and shared their experience in this article, “FAQ: Overlanding Africa with kids.” It’s definitely a bucket list experience!
So, has traveling South Africa with kids earned a spot on your bucket list after reading this article? We can’t wait to hear your travel stories!