South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers

Intrepid South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers

12 Days from $2,095 AUD pp

Explore South Africa's abundant wildlife, Zulu culture and dramatic scenery

Start: Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish: Johannesburg, South Africa
Destinations: South Africa, Swaziland
Style: Basix
Theme: Family

Trip Code: UWFS
Physical rating: ♦♦◊◊◊
Ages: Min 10
Group size: Min 2, Max 16

south-africa-giraffe-wild-nature-wildlife-animals

zulu-south-africa-child-boy-woman-village

Your sense of adventure doesn’t disappear just because you have kids, so why should your family holidays be limited to the usual suspects?

Travel through South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland), combining cultural and wildlife experiences. The tour starts with an introduction to South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto, before heading out into the wilderness. Once on the road you’ll stop at a Zulu village and experience activities such as hiking, kayaking and rafting before arriving at Kruger National Park for unbelievable wildlife watching.

Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you
Minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old
A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel
A single supplement is available on this trip

Day 1: Johannesburg

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 12 noon. Afterwards, head out on a 2 hour cycling tour of Soweto – an exciting opportunity to get an insight into contemporary life in South Africa. You will cycle to some of the most interesting historical sites around Soweto. Visit the formal migrant workers’ hostel and be introduced to conditions of male mine workers and meet the families that live here today. Cycle through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and continue to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the historical landmark of the 1976 student's uprising, proceed to the famous Vilakazi street where Nelson Mandela used to live.

There will be the chance along the way to visit a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the next few days. There's WiFi available at your accommodation (the first 30 minutes are free).

Note: If you do any exploring on your own today, be sure to get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you're used to, and doing a bit of homework can significantly reduce the risk.

Accommodation

Rivonia Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Soweto Cycle Tour

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2: Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Today is a travelling day. Depart Johannesburg early this morning and travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal (560km/350miles - approximately 9 hours). Here you will camp at an eco-lodge just 20 kilometres from Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. The park is home to some amazing wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and wild dogs.

At our camp, you'll have access to a fully stocked communal kitchen, gas stoves, kitchen utensils, a fridge and freezer, a braai (for grilling) and a campfire area. Camping guests are more than welcome to use the swimming pool, bar and restaurant in the lodge. There are also showers, wash basins and toilets available. With the group's assistance, your crew will prepare meals, and the group will help with washing up. The tents are 2 x 2 metres across and 1.7 metres high.

Tomorrow we head out on a game drive.

Accommodation

Wildebees Eco Lodge or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Embark on an adventure through the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa. While you're here, you'll have the chance to see some of the 'Big Five' game – African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion and African leopard. There will also be a good chance of spotting the white rhino, as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has the largest population of these near-threatened creatures in the world. A series of conservation efforts has saved them from extinction and their population is once again on the rise. The park also boasts some 400 species of birds, including the African finfoot, bat hawk and white-backed night heron.

It is approximately a 40km drive from our overnight camp to the gate of the park. Leaving just after breakfast we spend the whole day in the park. With a picnic lunch along the way, the day will be full of animal watching.

Accommodation

Wildebees Eco Lodge or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)

Included Activities

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park - Game drives

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Kosi Bay

Depart the game reserve in the morning and visit a Zulu village with a local community guide. Then, travelling northeast to the coast, visit the beautiful Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (160km/100miles - approximately 5 hours including time spent at activities). The location of the bay is amazing. On the one hand there is picturesque jungle with wild figa and monkey orange trees, and a grazing area for hippos; on the other, a mangrove and coral reef that's teeming with aquatic life. Your accommodation, Kosi Bay Lodge, will be in comfortable log chalets. Enjoy a night under the stars as you relax around the campfire.

Accommodation

Kosi Bay Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Zulu Village Visit

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Kosi Bay

We have a full day ahead as we explore Kosi Bay by kayak.

Kosi Bay is one of very few places on earth where five different species of mangrove trees are found in one area. It is particularly famous for the traditional Tsonga fish traps built to trap fish moving in and out of the estuary with the tide. The Tsonga people, who have made this land their home for more than 1,000 years, are experts in fish traps and the construction of fishkraal.

There is also the opportunity to snorkel over the coral reef in search of some colourful fish.

Accommodation

Kosi Bay Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Kosi Bay - Kayaking

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Hlane National Park

Driving north, you will reach the small land-locked kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), and Hlane National Park (220kms/135miles - approximately 6 hours depending on border crossing). At some point today you'll be able to visit a market or shop to buy anything you might need. A vast expanse of bushveld and its ancient hardwood trees make Hlane Royal National Park home to the largest wild herds in Eswatini. Your camp is spacious and has plenty of tree coverage, making for a nice spot to relax and be greeted by the odd inquisitive impala, warthog or nyala. If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided mountain bike trail, bird walk or game drive and explore the greater Hlane area. In the absence of electricity in Ndlovu Camp, the area is romantically lit at night with candles and parafin lanterns. It's also within easy reach of Ndlovu's semi-open-air restaurant and floodlit waterhole. Hlane Activities Center, a braai/barbeque area (with firewood provided), communal kitchen, and hot showers are all available.

Accommodation

Hlane Royal National Park or similar - (Basic camping) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Hlane Royal National Park - Bush Walk - ZAR200
Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive - ZAR335

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Hlane National Park

Explore Hlane National Park on a game drive. This park used to be a private royal hunting ground, which gives you some idea of its calibre as a wildlife-viewing destination. It is Eswatini's largest park, spanning an impressive 30,000 hectares. Landscape-wise, it’s a flat lowland area with some grasslands and shallow pans. There's a great chance of catching sight of Wildebeest, zebra and impala, especially in the drier months. Notably, cheetahs were reintroduced to the park relatively recently. The park also has an abundant and diverse array of birdlife, boasting the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in all of Africa.

Today's game drive is in an open vehicle with a park guide and takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Accommodation

Hlane Royal National Park or similar - (Basic camping) (1 night)

Included Activities

Hlane NP - Game Drive

Optional Activities

Hlane Royal National Park - Game Drive - ZAR335
Hlane Royal National Park - Bush Walk - ZAR200

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: Kruger National Park

Crossing back into South Africa, journey to Kruger National Park – one Africa's very best wildlife arenas (130kms/80miles - approximately 4 hours).

On arrival at the park we start our game drive as we head towards our overnight campsite. The game drive will be in the overland truck and takes approximately 3 hours before reaching camp to set up.

Later on, there will be the option of a night drive with the park guide. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Accommodation

Skukuza campsite or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)

Included Activities

Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Optional Activities

Kruger National Park - Night 4x4 Game Drive (from price) - ZAR240

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Special Information

On occasion, especially during the peak months and school holidays of May, June, July and December we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering camp ground.

Day 9: Kruger National Park

Enjoy further explorations of Kruger. You will embark on a second game drive today, hopefully spotting some animals you didn't cross off the list yesterday! One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park boasts more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species. The big five and the endangered African wild dog are no exceptions. Depending on the areas you visit, you'll have the chance to see some exotic birds along the way, from the tiny bronze mannikin to the more conspicuous ostrich. Keep an eye to the sky where, if you're lucky, a giant eagle owl or martial eagle might be soaring.

Today's game drive will be in our overland truck and will be a full day in the park.

Accommodation

Skukuza campsite or similar (Basic Camping) (1 night)

Included Activities

Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Special Information

Day 10: Blyde River Canyon

Today we set off to visit parts of the Blyde River Canyon, including the three rondavels en route to Graskop (120kms/75miles - approximately 6 hours). One of South Africa's most spectacular attractions, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and probably the greenest. It's an excellent place for walking. The sheer-sided walls of the canyon rise over 2,000 metres and the vegetation varies wildly, from dry rocky sections to rainforest, depending on the altitude. You will explore the stunning Bourke's Luck Potholes, where shadowy rock formations take on different colours and shadings in the changing light.

Accommodation

Mogodi Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 11: Blyde River Canyon

Enjoy a day of free time with your family. There are many activities on offer. You can choose to take a treetop canopy tour, or perhaps explore the countryside.

Accommodation

Mogodi Lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 12: Johannesburg

Enjoy a morning of free time before returning to Johannesburg (410km/255miles - approximately 7 hours). Your trip comes to an end upon arrival at Tambo International Airport in the afternoon (usually between 2pm and 4pm). If you prefer, we can also drop you at the original joining point location.