Cape Town

Best-value Cape Town family hotel – The President Hotel 

Best iconic experience with a brilliant kids’ club – The Mount Nelson

Best for a beach-and-city stay in Camps Bay – The Bay Hotel 

Best for five-star family luxury with a kids’ club – One&Only Cape Town

Safari

Best for an easy first safari, just 90 minutes from Cape Town – Melozhori Private Game Reserve

Best malaria-free safari for younger children – Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Best fenced reserve for nervous parents wanting to see the Big Five – Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Best for a private family safari – &Beyond Phinda Homestead

 Best for a first luxury Kruger safari – Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

KwaZulu-Natal

Best for beach + safari + childcare in one easy all-inclusive package – Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort

Best for a beach holiday off the beaten track – Zimbali Resort

The Winelands

Best for families who want a wine estate with childcare – Spier Hotel

Best for farm-loving families – Babylonstoren

Best for Winelands fun without leaving the children behind – Boschendal

Hermanus

Best farm stay – High Season Farm

Best for a walk-everywhere stay that’s close to the waterfront and the town – Harbour House Hotel

Best for outdoorsy families who love a bit of adventure – The Coot Club

The President Hotel, Cape Town

This is the one to look at if you want a proper Cape Town hotel that doesn’t cost a fortune. Perched on the Atlantic Seaboard in Bantry Bay, it’s in a brilliant position for exploring the city, with Camps Bay, Clifton and the V&A Waterfront all easily accessible. The big win for families is that it has tons of family-friendly accommodation, including apartments and suites. There’s a dedicated kiddies’ play area, a designated children’s section of the pool and a kids’ menu, while children aged 12 and under stay and eat breakfast free under the hotel’s current family policy. Babysitting can also be arranged. It’s not a kids’ resort as such – and that’s actually part of the appeal. Parents get a proper hotel, good restaurants, a spa and that lovely sea-view setting while children have enough to keep them occupied. For a personalised quote for The President Hotel, chat to our expert travel agents

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The Mount Nelson

The Nellie, as locals affectionately call it, is the iconic Cape Town hotel. Set in nine acres of gardens in the heart of of the city, it’s perfectly placed for Table Mountain, museums, the Waterfront and the city’s restaurants. It’s grand for sure, but it’s not stuffy and kids are most welcome. In fact the children’s offering is excellent. The supervised Nellie & Nelson Activity Centre caters for those aged 4-12, with storytelling, games, crafts and African-themed activities, while teenagers get their own lounge. There are also two heated pools, tennis, gardens to explore and plenty of family-friendly dining options. Babysitting is available, as are cots, children’s amenities and even child-sized robes and slippers. It’s a particularly lovely choice if you want somewhere that feels special for parents but has enough going on that children genuinely enjoy being there and most of all it’s one of the most famous five-star hotels in the world – renowned for classic South African hospitality

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The Bay Hotel

If you’re heading to Cape Town with children and want somewhere that feels like a proper beachy holiday as well as a great base for sightseeing, you can’t do better than The Bay Hotel. Right on the seafront in glamorous Camps Bay, you’ve got the Twelve Apostles rising behind you, the Atlantic Ocean in front and one of the prettiest sandy beaches just across the road. Basically, it’s the sort of place where you can tick off Table Mountain in the morning, then be back in time for a paddle in the waves. And there’s plenty to keep children happy without leaving the hotel. There are four swimming pools, including heated pools, plus tennis, squash and padel courts for sporty families, plus a the spa for grown-ups and great dining options with really good room service and poolside menu

Family rooms are particularly good, with interconnecting rooms and spacious family options sleeping up to two adults and four children, while some rooms have daybeds that work brilliantly for little ones. We’d look at the pool-access rooms if you can – having your own patio with the pools and gardens practically on your doorstep is exactly the sort of thing that makes family holidays easier

The location is the real star. Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, with a lovely promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and ice-cream shops, while the city centre, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch are all an easy drive away. There’s no kids’ club, so this isn’t one for families looking for childcare. But if you want beach, pools, brilliant views and easy access to Cape Town’s biggest attractions, it’s just perfect

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One&Only Cape Town

If you want to go big in Cape Town, this is the place. Right on the V&A Waterfront, the One&Only gives you that delicious combination of five-star hotel glamour and being able to walk out of the door into one of the city’s easiest family areas. It’s all right there on your doorstep, from sightseeing tours to the awesome Two Oceans Aquarium. The family accommodation is excellent, including a two-bedroom Island Family Suite sleeping up to six, which feels more like a luxe apartment. There’s a fantastic KidsOnly club for those 4-11 year-olds, with babysitting also available for younger children which means parents can have some for sightseeing on their own or to pop to the lovely spa for a treatment. There’s a huge outdoor pool, excellent restaurants and the sort of service that makes travelling with children noticeably easier. Children under 12 are currently complimentary, including a cot or rollaway bed, while older children attract a supplement

££££

Melozhori Private Game Reserve 

Want a safari but don’t fancy putting the children on another internal flight? Melozhori is your answer. Less than two hours drive from Cape Town in the Overberg, this is a malaria-free, predator-free private reserve where you can get a proper taste of safari without the logistics of getting to Kruger. It’s especially good for younger children because the reserve is designed around a gentler, more relaxed experience. Families can head out on private game drives to spot zebra, giraffe, eland, kudu and other wildlife, or explore on foot, mountain bike or e-bike. There’s also a pool, hot tub, firepit and pizza oven. Accommodation ranges from an all-inclusive lodge to self-catering cottages, with the latter particularly useful for those who like having their own space and kitchen. There’s no formal kids’ club or dedicated babysitting service, so this place is more about doing things all together

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Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Safari with little ones can be brilliant – provided you pick the right lodge. Gondwana, near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, is a malaria-free Big Five reserve and one of the more accessible ways to introduce young children to safari. Full board and with two game drives per day included in your stay, this lodge really does make it easy to relax. Families with children under 12 can stay in the child-friendly Lehele Family Villas, which have three or four bedrooms, living areas, kitchens and big decks. There’s a pool to splash in and children’s menus. The Junior Ranger programme is amazing and starts at age four, introducing children to tracking, wildlife and conservation, while younger children can join special family drives. They spend two hours a day with rangers learning new skills and safely exploring. Babysitting is available in the villas, too. Children under three cannot join scheduled Big Five drives, but private vehicles can be arranged, making this one of the more flexible safari options for families with toddlers

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Shamwari Private Game Reserve 

If you love the idea of safari but the thought of taking small children into a huge, unfenced wilderness makes you feel just a tiny bit nervous, Shamwari is a brilliant choice. Set in the Eastern Cape, this enormous private reserve is malaria-free and it’s perimeter is fully fenced, which is a big reassurance for parents. The wildlife stays where it should, there are no worries about wandering elephants turning up at the swimming pool, and you can relax a little more about younger children enjoying the great outdoors. It is also wonderfully family-focused. Riverdene Family Lodge is the place younger children. You’ll find family rooms, interconnecting rooms, microwaves, cots and almost any other kit you might need. Then there are other touches, like the pool at Riverdene being fenced for safety which is a big plus point. There’s so much aimed at youngsters here such as the brilliant Kids on Safari programme. Rather than expecting children to sit through endless grown-up game drives, they can get involved with fun, hands-on activities that teach them about the bush, wildlife and conservation. Children aged four and over can join game drives in a private vehicle, while younger ones can be looked after by a childminder. And the wildlife? It’s the real deal. Shamwari is home to the Big Five, so you still get that proper, heart-in-your-mouth safari experience – just with a few extra family-friendly boxes ticked

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Still a bit unsure of how to make safari with toddlers work? Chat to our family travel experts who can talk you through every detail

&Beyond Phinda Homestead 

If the budget allows, Phinda Homestead is rather spectacular. Tucked into Phinda Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, this is a completely private, sole-use safari villa with four en-suite bedrooms, its own ranger, tracker, chef, butler and host. In other words, the entire safari is built around your family – you decide when to head out, when to eat and how much wildlife spotting everyone can cope with before somebody needs a snack. Between game drives there is a private pool, spa and gym, while the villa itself has a lovely relaxed, family-home feel rather than feeling like a formal hotel. The WILDchild programme is available here too, with bush activities designed for children aged 3-12. There isn’t a strict minimum age for staying at the Homestead, making it a particularly good option for families with babies and younger children, although safari activities for little ones are subject to the reserve’s child policy

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Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge 

If you want the classic Big Five safari experience with a proper children’s programme, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge will give you all that and more. Family run since 1979, it sits in the Sabi Sand, next to Kruger, where the wildlife viewing is spectacular. There are four luxury lodges to choose from and all come with everything a family could need, completely catered and with a team who will tailor your stay to your needs – nothing is too much trouble here. The EleFun Centre is the star attraction for children aged 4-12, with separate Junior Tracker and Junior Ranger activities, bush walks, crafts, animal identification and child-friendly game drives. Children aged six and over can join regular safari drives; younger children can join if a private vehicle is booked, subject to availability. Babysitting is also available. This place is very much about conservation and children will leave with a much better understanding of the wildlife and bush thanks to the focus on including youngsters as much as possible

££££

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort 

This is the new kid on the block – and a very exciting one for families. Opened in July 2026 on the Dolphin Coast, around 45 minutes north of Durban, Club Med brings its famously easy all-inclusive formula to South Africa for the first time. There are kids’ clubs and childcare from 4 months to 17 years, a family pool, masses of sports and activities and, rather wonderfully, Club Med’s first dedicated surf school, where children can learn from age eight. And then comes the really clever bit: you can add a stay at Vikela Safari Lodge, turning a beach holiday into a two-centre adventure. The safari lodge sits in a huge private reserve, so you can essentially do breakfast on the beach and Big Five by the end of the holiday. If it’s a hassle free two-centre holiday you are after with excellent childcare then this is a definite contender

££££

Zimbali Resort 

For those who want a straightforward beach-and-pool holiday, Zimbali is hard to beat. A firm favourite with local families, it is set on the KwaZulu-Natal coast near Ballito, it combines a beautiful beach setting with pools, waterslides, sports facilities and plenty of space to run around. The Y-Univers Kids’ Club is for children aged 5-12, with swimming, crafts, sports, games and storytelling. Younger children can use the club with a parent or babysitter, and babysitters can be hired through the concierge. There are also playgrounds, trampolines and multiple pools, while children aged 12 and under can benefit from family offers including complimentary breakfast when sharing with two adults. It works particularly well as a few days tacked onto a Cape Town-and-safari itinerary – or as a standalone Indian Ocean beach break

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Want to find out more about this lesser-know tourist area? Let our family travel experts fill you in on why KwaZulu-Natal should be on your radar

Spier Hotel 

Spier is so much more than just a hotel. Set on a historic wine farm in Stellenbosch, around 40 minutes from Cape Town, it combines vineyards, gardens, art, restaurants and wide-open spaces with a genuinely relaxed family atmosphere. Stay for a few days or a week – you won’t run out of things to as family. Having recently undergone a massive renovation, Spier is a work of art in itself. Expect beautiful communal spaces both indoors and out that offer lots of lovely spots from which to sit and enjoy the views or chill out with a coffee and a book. The accommodation includes villas and interconnecting rooms and all are quite honestly exquisite with stunning furnishings (think four poster beds and plush sofas) and every in-room amenity families need – from well stocked mini fridges to lush toiletries

The fantastic Buzz Kids’ Club is complimentary for hotel guests and is designed for children aged 3-12. Activities change with the seasons and include bug spotting, flower threading, nature walks, drawing, crafts and exploring the farm. Babysitting is available for younger children and in the evening. There’s also a large heated pool, bicycles and expertly crafted grounds encased in dramatic scenery. Then there’s the spa, wine tasting and topnotch dining with menus so good you’ll struggle to choose just one dish and plenty on offer for little ones too with a great selection of kid’s meals

Spier is a real all rounder of a place. Sophisticated enough for parents who value this level of five-star style and service, but a complete focus on the whole family so that everyone has a great time. If you want to see SA at it’s best book a stay here

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Babylonstoren 

If your children think holidays should involve feeding donkeys, collecting eggs, baking bread and generally getting gloriously grubby, check out Bablonstoren. One of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek valley, this place is as beautiful as they come – but beneath all that polished design is a brilliant family playground. Children can get stuck into rural life and enjoy the likes of scavenger hunts on the awesome grounds, while mum and dad can sample some of the most delicious food and wine imaginable – the charcuterie board is out of this world. There are also family workshops, bicycles, a swimming pool, farm walks and plenty of places to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery – a description that really isn’t an exaggeration here

There isn’t a traditional drop-off kids’ club, but regular children’s activities are aimed at different age groups, and babysitting can be arranged – very handy when you want to enjoy one of Babylonstoren’s grown-up dinners. Families should book the two-bedroom cottages or family accommodation; the Farmhouse itself isn’t suitable for children. Also be sure to venture out to other local vineyards as many are very family-friendly with playgrounds, kids’s menus and lovely farm shops

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Love the idea of a wine tasting break that’s also fun for the kids? Chat to our family travel experts who can plan every last detail to make sure everyone has a great time

Boschendal

If you think a stay in the Winelands means endless wine tasting while the children shuffle around looking bored, Boschendal is here to prove you very, very wrong. This beautiful working farm between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is one of our favourite spots for families because there is simply so much more going on than wine –  though we do like that too!

The setting is breathtaking (we don’t use that word lightly), with mountains, vineyards, gardens and tons of space for children to run wild. Families can explore walking and cycling trails, go horse riding, visit the gardens and generally enjoy the sort of fresh air freedom that makes everyone sleep very well at night. There are bikes to hire, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to get stuck into proper farm life on one of SA’s oldest wine estates that offers 1,800 hectares to explore

The accommodation is equally lovely, with cottages and larger houses giving families their own pad. Many have kitchens and outdoor space too, making this a great option with little ones as you can work to your own schedule. There isn’t a traditional all-day kids’ club, but Boschendal is very much about getting children outdoors and giving them space to explore. Babysitting can be arranged too

Food is a big part of the experience, and thankfully there are some excellent child-friendly spots to choose from. The Deli is great for easy breakfasts and casual lunches, while picnics on the farm are perfect for families who don’t want another formal restaurant meal. The Werf Restaurant offers something a little more special when parents fancy a proper grown-up meal too – although children are still very welcome

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High Season Farm 

If your children would choose feeding chickens and jumping in puddles over sitting quietly in a fancy hotel, High Season Farm is going to be a hit. Tucked into the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, just outside Hermanus, this gorgeous working farm is all about space, freedom and letting little ones get stuck into country life. The self-catering cottages are wonderfully spacious, with kitchens, fireplaces, private gardens and braais (BBQs), making them particularly handy if you want a relaxed self-catering vibe. Delicious breakfast and dinner baskets can be arranged and there is also well stocked farm shop with a fab range of fresh produce, homemade frozen meals, assorted meats for the braai, frozen pizzas, cold drinks, and sweets – so no need to pop to the supermarket if you don’t want to. Add to that housekeeping and a laundry service too – just what you need with little ones

There’s an outdoor pool, playground, farm animals, dams and acres of land to explore, while kiddos can also get involved with feeding the animals and spotting the farm’s Nguni cattle. Stunning Hermanus is only around 20 minutes away, so you can easily combine farm life with whale watching, beaches and ice creams, while the vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are practically on the doorstep. Just an hour from Cape Town this place is ideal if you want to step off into a rural idyll after city sightseeing

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The Coot Club

If your idea of a perfect family holiday involves getting everyone off their screens and properly outdoors, then Coot Club could be right up your street. Set beside the Klein River Lagoon near Stanford, around two hours from Cape Town, this wonderfully laid-back hideaway is less traditional hotel and more enormous natural playground

The setting is rather spectacular, with mountains, lagoon, fynbos and the wild beaches of Walker Bay all on the doorstep. Days are spent kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, playing lawn games and exploring nature trails. There are also pools, a treehouse and indoor play spaces. Older children can get stuck into activities such as sandboarding and water sports too

You’ll stay in gorgeous cottages and boathouses that blend seamlessly into the landscape and come with panoramic windows to always keep those spectacular views in sight. This is a stylish spot that does rustic chic with all the mod cons thrown in – cots and highchairs are available, and some cottages even have their own hot tubs

Food is refreshingly relaxed too. The Clubhouse is the social heart of Coot Club, with easy-going meals that work brilliantly for families, while braais, picnics and informal outdoor dining add to the wonderfully laid-back feel. There isn’t a traditional kids’ club here – this is definitely more about giving children the freedom to roam and play outdoors – but there is an indoor play space, and childminding can be arranged if parents fancy a little grown-up time

What really makes this place spectacular, though, is the location. Walker Bay is one of South Africa’s best whale-watching regions, while the surrounding nature reserve is packed with birds and beautiful walking trails. This isn’t a slick, formal five-star resort – and that’s exactly why we love it. Coot Club is all about simple family adventures, fresh air and giving children the freedom to explore

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Work a trip to Hermanus seamlessly into your SA itinerary by chatting to our family travel experts about it

Harbour House Hotel 

Want to be able to leave the car parked and actually walk everywhere? Harbour House is the one. Right in the heart of Hermanus, overlooking the Old Harbour, this stylish hotel puts you within easy strolling distance of the waterfront, shops, restaurants and the famous cliff path. There are two pools for cooling off after a day exploring, and families can choose from spacious accommodation including studios with kitchenettes or the brilliant Family Adventure Pad, which sleeps two adults and two children. For bigger families, the Harbour Square Residences have separate bedrooms, living and dining areas and kitchens, giving everyone a bit more room to spread out. The real star, though, is the location: Hermanus is one of South Africa’s best spots for land-based whale watching, with whales often visible from the coastal paths between June and December. You’re also close to beaches, nature reserves and the wineries of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. There’s no kids’ club here, but if your children are happiest exploring, swimming and eating ice cream, it’s a winner

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