Family Safari & Beach Holidays

The classic family combo – a high-drama safari and afterwards, a more relaxed beach vibe

Few holidays hit that sweet spot for families quite like the safari-and-beach pairing. With high-drama wildlife days giving way to relaxed hours on the sand. Binoculars are swapped for snorkels; and everyone gets their version of a perfect break.

If you’re not quite sure whether a full-length wildlife safari will captivate your crew, a South Africa family safari offers an easy introduction, combination with other family-friendly areas including some beach time.

Or choose a more traditional two-centre safari and beach holiday, shaped around your season, timeframe and budget.

Here are the classic combinations that work beautifully for families:

• South Africa alone
• South Africa + Mozambique  (easy direct flights from the Kruger to Vilanculos)
• Any family-friendly safari destination  with Mauritius
• East Africa + Kenyan Coast or Zanzibar
• Zambia with Lake Malawi for something a little more unexpected

South Africa safari & beach holidays

South Africa is wonderfully flexible for families and works in almost any season.

November to March brings warm Southern Hemisphere summer days—ideal for combining Cape Town’s beaches, the Garden Route, and a malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape . Calm seas, great food, penguin sightings: an appealing blend for children of all ages.

For June to August, when Cape beaches cool down, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of Mauritius, Mozambique, or northern KwaZulu Natal. All pair beautifully with a South African safari. (See our South Africa Family Holidays for more detail).

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Mozambique family holidays

If the words “kids’ club” fill you with mild dread,  Mozambique  may be your antidote. Instead of beach resorts, you’ll find a more natural, barefoot-island fee. Think snorkelling straight off the beach, diving, gentle dhow cruises, and plenty of unscripted family time.

It’s simple to pair Mozambique with a Kruger safari thanks to direct flights.
The water clarity around the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique is among the best in the Indian Ocean, making snorkelling ideal for children learning confidence in the water.

Take a peek at our Kruger Safari & Mozambique family holiday for ideas.

Mauritius family holidays

Mauritius delivers polished service, wide beaches and more water sports than most families can reasonably attempt in a week - some of the finest family-friendly resorts in the Indian Ocean Islands. Some resorts offer excellent children’s clubs giving parents that rarest of commodities: a bit of time to themselves.

Mauritius connects easily with any major safari destination, particularly Johannesburg. You’ll probably need to stay a night near the airport, but you can turn it into a mini adventure by perhaps visiting the Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng, or the Apartheid Museum en route.

Kenya & Tanzania family safaris

East Africa has long mastered the safari–beach combination.

Tanzania combines game-rich national parks with the spice-scented beaches of Zanzibar or quieter neighbouring islands.

Kenya, famously family-friendly, pair the excitement of safari with classic Indian Ocean beach time on Diani Beach Malindi or Watamu.

The Kenyan Coast benefits from steady trade winds, making it a top spot for families keen on kitesurfing lessons.

(See Kenya Family Safaris for more.)

Zambia & Lake Malawi

For families who like their holidays with a hint of trailblazing spirit, this combination is a gem. Think South Luangwa  or nearby  Liwonde National Park  for superb wildlife, followed by relaxed swimming, kayaking and snorkelling in the shimmering freshwater of Lake Malawi .

The easy flight connections between Zambia and Malawi make this surprisingly seamless. Expect intimate lakeside lodges, friendly hosts, and water so clear the kids may attempt to count the fish.

A Note on Itineraries:

Some sample itineraries shown on the site aren’t priced specifically for families, but they illustrate a family-friendly routing. So ask us for a family quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Which safari and beach combination works best for my travel month?
Season shapes everything. South Africa excels from November to March; Mauritius and Mozambique shine from June to August; East Africa works almost year-round with subtle shifts. We’ll recommend the right pairing for your family’s dates.

Are these destinations suitable for young children?
Yes - though certain regions, like parts of Mozambique or remote Tanzania, suit slightly older children. South Africa, Mauritius, Kenya and Lake Malawi are particularly flexible for younger families.

How long should a safari-and-beach holiday be?
Most families enjoy 10–13 nights: typically 3–5 nights on safari followed by 5–7 nights at the beach. Shorter breaks are possible with South Africa and Mauritius combinations.

Tell us your family’s travel month and style, and we’ll match you with the perfect safari + beach pairing.

Other Family Beach Holiday Articles

Best things to do with Kids on the Garden Route

Seychelles versus Mauritius

Mozambique Ocean Experience at White Pearl

8 Reasons to visit Malawi