World-famous for its unique vegetation, wildlife, gorgeous coast, and distinct ecosystems, South Africa tops the travel bucket list of many vacationers. The marvelous country sits on the southernmost tip of the continent of Africa. Home to the Big Five, Kruger National Park welcomes tourists for incredible safari experiences. You can embark on a hike or take the cableway to reach the top of Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain in the country. Your kids will love watching cute little penguins in Boulders Penguin Colony. You may also have a fun-filled day at Happy Island Waterworld, the largest water park in Africa.
Staying in a family-friendly resort will add more fun and comfort to your holiday. Kids’ pools, family-friendly activities, kids’ meals, and other features will make it an enjoyable experience for the whole family. For a fantastic stay, scroll down to find the top family resorts in South Africa.
Tip from Content Creator
South Africa is beautiful - but is it safe for a family holiday? While it's rich with culture, natural biodiversity, and amazing food, it does require extra vigilance.
Here are a few things to be aware of before booking one of the family resorts below:
LOAD SHEDDING
South Africa has implemented load shedding over the last few years. The electricity shuts down for hours at a time. This is something to be aware of when booking accommodations - look for ones that have generators.
SECURITY
If your accommodation has an alarm system - always set it when leaving. Most houses use security services that patrol the area and respond to any calls - fast. If your house has a gate - always ensure it is fully closed before leaving.
DRIVING
Avoid driving at night and always drive with the doors locked regardless of the time.
CAR GUARDS
We always get full protection for our rental car (regardless of the country) - but when you park your car in South Africa, most places/roads will have a car guard. Pay them 15-20 ZAR (0.80-1.06 USD) to look after your car for a few hours.
WALKING ALONE
I would never hike/walk alone in the early morning or at night. Always go with someone.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Citrusdal (from USD 96)
Excellent value for money, but food and drinks can be pricey.
Beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, spacious and clean rooms, friendly and accommodating staff.
Stunning mountain views, tranquil setting, great for a relaxing getaway.
Delicious breakfast with a wide variety, good dinner options, but some guests found the food to be pricey and lacking in variety.
Nestled in Cederberg Mountains, the family-friendly Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort welcomes you to spend quality time with your dear ones. It boasts contemporary family rooms and suites. You can even find a fully furnished kitchen in the two-bedroom chalet unit. The on-site Kloof Restaurant greets you to enjoy savory meals. A kid-friendly buffet is also available for the young ones. By paying an extra charge, you can get kids’ meals that will take care of your child’s nourishment.
The children’s playground and kids’ club are the best attractions for your playful young ones. There is also a games room available. You may play mini-golf with your family and make memories. For exploring the surroundings, hiking, cycling, and bird watching are the best options.
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort by Dream Resorts
Address: N7 Piekenierskloof Pass
1052.86 km (654.3 mi) from Himeville Museum
2. Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, Hazyview (from USD 207)
Good value for money, but some aspects could be more affordable
Unique outdoor shower and bath, spa treatments, beautiful setting on the Sabie River
Stunning location on the Sabie River, tranquil and rejuvenating, close to Kruger National Park
Delicious breakfast, lovely restaurant, some menu items could be improved
Looking for a leisure vacation? This 5-star resort can be the right choice for an ultimate relaxing experience with family. Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa lies on a 100-hectare (247.1-acre) farm and offers you family rooms with outdoor showers by the river. You can have morning tea on the private deck of your room and unwind in the bath while watching forest views. Summerfields Kitchen and River Café offers breakfast and delicious meals.
There is an outdoor pool, where grown-ups in the family can swim. Your children will enjoy playing board games and puzzles or having a picnic. Guided tours among the macadamia trees and rose plantations will make your stay more enjoyable. Horse riding and game drives are other activities that you can enjoy with your family by paying an extra charge. Pets are welcome here, too!
Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa
Address: R536 Sabie Road
546.35 km (339.5 mi) from Himeville Museum
3. Safari Plains, Mabula (from USD 527)
Enrich your family holidays with wildlife experiences in Safari Plains. It lies on an extensive private game reserve, thereby offering you a unique vacation experience. You can witness the Big Five in the game reserve. Stay in air-conditioned family safari tents that come with a sunken bath for you to soak in. Each suite features a private wrap-around deck for kids to play around.
You don’t have to worry about your child’s diet, as kids’ meals are available here. There is also an outdoor pool with a shallow end where your little one can enjoy a swim.
Every day, you are entitled to two game drives. You may also go for safari walks, quad bike adventures, horseback safaris, and hot air balloon rides. Avail of the babysitting service to care for your infant while you are away.
Safari Plains
Address: Portion 2 of Farm Witfontein No. 526 KQ, Rooiberg Road
578.8 km (359.7 mi) from Himeville Museum
4. ATKV Drakensville, Bergville (from USD 30)
For a memorable family vacation, choose ATKV Drakensville. Here, you can stay in air-conditioned family rooms, each with a private bathroom. Each unit also features a flat-screen television for indoor recreation. A delicious breakfast is available for guests every morning. After breakfast, the playful young ones will enjoy exploring the children’s playground. A games room is also available.
The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Your kids will enjoy gliding down the water slide in the outdoor pool. You may also challenge your kids to a game of darts. If you are looking for outdoor fun, go hiking and cycling in the surroundings.
ATKV Drakensville
Address: Canal Road off the R74 Main Road
131.89 km (82.0 mi) from Himeville Museum
South Africa Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
South Africa Tour Guide
Jakes
Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always a... Read more
Tours by Jakes
5. Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, Southern Drakensberg (from USD 55)
Get a one-of-a-kind family holiday experience in Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort. It features five on-site restaurants. Bistro Café and Glengarry are open during the daytime, while Vine Knot and Bergview Restaurant are open only to serve you delicious dinners. Your young ones will enjoy healthy kids’ meals that are available at an extra charge. Five-person family rooms are also available here.
Your children will have a great time at the kids’ club. The on-site water park is another great place to spend time. The water slides will fascinate your kids and ensure a good time. The outdoor pool is also a great spot to splash in the water with your children. You may cap off the day by enjoying some warm moments playing board games with the little ones.
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort
Address: Southern Drakensberg, Drakensberg Gardens Road
26.05 km (16.2 mi) from Himeville Museum
6. ATKV Hartenbos (from USD 53)
Reasonably priced accommodation with self-catering bungalows and clean facilities.
Close to beach, play park, and shopping facilities. On-site restaurants with reasonably priced dining options.
Excellent location within walking distance to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Safe and secure area.
Variety of dining options nearby, including a fancy beachfront restaurant with reasonably priced meals.
If you are planning a beach holiday with your family, make reservations in ATKV Hartenbos. You will get to stay in comfortable beachfront family rooms here. With Hartenbos Beach a short walk away, you can enjoy the sand and sea whenever you want. The resort boasts a children’s playground that your kids would love to explore. There is an outdoor pool for kids to splash in. By paying an extra charge, you can explore the water park and make the most of your family vacation.
The resort also features a picnic area where you can have wholesome afternoons. If you are looking for some outdoor fun, you may go fishing and hiking in the surroundings.
ATKV Hartenbos
Address: c/o Cape of Good Hope & Majuba Avenue
850.64 km (528.6 mi) from Himeville Museum
7. ATKV Natalia, Kingsburgh (from USD 15)
Indulge in a relaxing stay in this fabulous resort. You will love the family-friendly features of ATKV Natalia. Here, you get to stay in family rooms with a kitchen, dining space, and a private bathroom. Healthy breakfasts and meals are available at the on-site restaurant, Kits Koswerf, for guests. The children’s playground and kids’ outdoor play equipment will keep your enthusiastic kids engaged.
The resort boasts two swimming pools open for all age groups to make your holiday more enjoyable. One of the pools also features a water slide that your kids can access and make a splash in the water. You may also have fun fishing and going on beach excursions nearby.
ATKV Natalia
Address: 35 Elizabeth Avenue Illovo Beach
134.99 km (83.9 mi) from Himeville Museum
8. Pine Lodge Resort, Gqeberha (from USD 40)
Enjoy a unique experience of waking up to the sound of waves in this oceanfront resort. It boasts well-equipped timber cabins. Pine Lodge Resort is tucked in Cape Recife Nature Reserve. The on-site restaurant serves delectable meals. If you are staying with young ones, kid-friendly buffets can take care of their diet.
A children’s playground and outdoor play equipment are available for the recreation of the young guests. Additionally, you can enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool with your kids. Hiking, playing mini-golf or table tennis, cycling, and fishing are other activities that you can enjoy with your whole family. The resort is also a great venue for hosting intimate ceremonies with up to 300 guests.
Pine Lodge Resort
Address: Marine Drive, Summerstrand
595.5 km (370.1 mi) from Himeville Museum
9. First Group Knysna River Club, Knysna (from USD 90)
Perched on the edge of Knysna Lagoon, First Group Knysna River Club is a fantastic option for a refreshing excursion with the family. You can stay in the plush lagoon-side chalets. Nature lovers will have a great time staying amidst forest ferns and having access to a private jetty to explore the area. The fully stocked kitchen in every chalet will help you enjoy homemade food. You can also savor delicious meals comprising seafood and meat, as well as vegetarian delights, at the on-site restaurant.
Besides the usual outdoor pool, a kids’ pool is also available here. After pool time, kids can explore the indoor play area to keep busy. By paying an extra charge, you can keep your children engaged in the kids’ club. Other fun activities include playing mini-golf or table tennis or going cycling or hiking.
First Group Knysna River Club
Address: Sun Valley Drive, Costa Sarda
773.36 km (480.6 mi) from Himeville Museum
10. Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa, Gravelotte (from USD 175)
For a fun-filled family holiday amidst nature, choose this 5-star resort. Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa, Gravelotte offers you air-conditioned family rooms and suites to enjoy a luxury stay. You can also find comfortable tents that make your nature escape more authentic. Every morning, you can relish continental breakfast. The on-site restaurant, SECTION XV, serves you a variety of cuisines. For your young ones, you can request kids’ meals for an extra fee.
There is an outdoor swimming pool open for all age groups so you can splash in the water with your kids. Babysitting services are also available to assist you to take care of your young ones. Feel free to challenge your teen to a game of table tennis. After a fun day, pamper yourself with a relaxing therapy or soak in the paid hot tub to unwind.
Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa
Address: Farm Rubbervale Section 15
656.59 km (408.0 mi) from Himeville Museum
Create memories with your family in South Africa
Blessed with spellbinding biodiversity, South Africa offers a wealth of natural wonders and fun things to do. Staying in a family-friendly resort will enrich your travel experience and make your vacation even more memorable. So, set off on an exciting journey and reserve one of these top family resorts in South Africa.
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