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Africa

  • Kids in forest with a magnifying glass

It’s as though Mother Nature couldn’t decide which environs she loved most.

It’s as though Mother Nature couldn’t decide which environs she loved most.

Wildlife, winelands and desert – yes – the image conjured with those three words is surely one of Africa. While this trio are what put the region on the map for adventurous twosomes, families certainly aren’t left out of this brilliant and diverse continent.

Safaris tend to be in the blood, the love of them is passed down through the generations. That’s why grandparents can often be found rallying the grandkids at the first opportunity they get. When they’re finally old enough to appreciate that the early wake up calls are worth it to spot lionesses stalking the Kalahari in the morning haze.

They tend to drop the pin on South Africa for these trips, not just because it has some of the best biodiversity in the continent, but because it also comes equipped with some seriously cool cities that boast history and art scenes that could outdo any curriculum. That’s only just scratching the surface though, because with 50-plus countries to choose from there’s bound to be a few good options for beach bums. The archipelago of Zanzibar is somewhat of a wildcard, but with its bohemian vibe, mellow pace and decidedly quieter yet still sugar-white sands, it gives the Maldives a run for its money.

A small herd of zebras looking towards the camera

The classic
city & safari duo

Safari car driving on dirt as the sun shines
Like cookies and cream or Timon and Pumbaa, some things are just better when they are together.

Described by Sir Francis Drake as ‘the fairest cape in all the world’, the vibrant city of Cape Town is the starting point for this South African discovery. A jam-packed five days ensure plenty of moments to pursue pastimes that will please the whole clan. Children lead seaside explorations by bike and hear stories of the Mother City’s history before setting off on garden treasure hunts and penguin spotting. While downtime comes in the form of kid-friendly sundowners and a stop at a local farm village for homemade ice cream. Then, it’s into the wilderness for a stay in Malaria-free Madikwe where you may spot the Big 5. Days here are spent indulging in bush breakfasts, nature walks and game drives, and give little ones the chance to create a keepsake to treasure forever during an African beading lesson. By evening, come together to enjoy boma dinners and stargazing before retiring to your suite to snuggle down to the ambient orchestra outside. 

To the Cape Peninsula
and beyond

An aerial view of a coastal city with a mountain in the middle
Swapping game drives for farm life and dusty savannahs for bustling streets, experience a different side of South Africa’s west – wildlife still guaranteed.

King of Africa’s urban jungles, the Mother City is where the journey begins with One&Only Cape Town acting as basecamp. Hidden in the shadow of Table Mountain, this vibrant city invites scavenger hunts of all shapes and sizes, ticking off the essential sights from historic gardens and street art alleys, to nature trails from the mountain to the sea. Then, the winelands are given a kid-approved makeover at Babylonstoren, a working wine and fruit farm in the Drakenstein Valley. Getting their hands dirty by helping out with the farm animals, harvesting veg from the gardens and making their own bread. Grootbos Garden Lodge rounds off the trip. The Marine Big 5 here aren’t the only things to prompt involuntary squeals of delight though. Noses are pressed against the glass on an airborne whale watching expedition, fairies are sought in the 1,500-year-old Milkwood forest, and new friends are made during a game of football at the Grootbos Sports Foundation.

The Indian Ocean
alternative

A sail boat at waters edge
ZANZIBAR

Off the coast of Tanzania lies an easy-going archipelago. Subtle in its pride when it comes to its Maldives-rivalling sands and mellow pace, Zanzibar is the natural place to reflect and spend time together – whether as post-safari relaxation or equally as a stand-alone destination.

A bohemian ambience fills historic Stone Town where labyrinthine alleys lead to bustling bazaars, the stalls brimming with exotic antiques and hand-carved furniture that hint of India and the Middle East. Beyond the urban maze, palms and thatched cottages fringe pale sandcastle-worthy beaches, where little toes paddle in the warm waters.

Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.