Overview
Children and beaches are inherently made for each other, so most of our beach destinations will be perfect for kids.
South Africa generally has an active sea with rolling breakers. This is great for body boarding and surfing. But not so ideal if you are looking for the complete range of water sports offered in flatter waters. Similarly, waves are fun for kids. But also add an element of risk for younger children. In contrast, most of Mauritius and Zanzibar are surrounded by coral reefs so that the sea close to the beach is calm.
Safari & Beach Family Holidays - Other factors to consider:
- Do you want a ''safari and beach'' family holiday? If so, South Africa is the perfect option as KwaZulu Natal and the Garden Route/Eastern Cape combo both offer easily travelling and no need to fly to the beach.
- How far do you want to travel? There are some stunning beaches in Mauritius (or the Seychelles). But they involve a fairly long flight and an overnight stay in Johannesburg prior to the flight.
- What sort of family beach holiday are you looking for? Waves or calm lagoon waters?
- When are you travelling? Northern hemisphere summer holidays mean winter in the Cape – great for beach walks but not beach & swimming weather! At that time of year, you’ll need to head to the north of South Africa or the sub-tropical islands of Mauritius, Mozambique or Zanzibar…
So there are several options:
- Opt for a South Africa beach, safari and sightseeing holiday
- Combine South Africa with Mozambique or Mauritius for the beach
- Combine Tanzania with Zanzibar, or Kenya with its coast
Other Safari & Beach Family 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
Back to our Main Safari & Beach in Africa page
Not sure where to take your kids in Cape Town?
Check out our Top 20 places to visit for kids & families in Cape Town Get our Free guide hereKate Bergh
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST