We know what it’s like to travel with kiddies, and therefore how important planning your family safari holiday is to make sure you don’t miss out and get that trip you’ve always dreamed of.

Now that February half term is over, you have the next family holiday to look forward to, and if you haven’t already started planning, then great news! We can help you get it all locked in. Before you know it, it’s going to be Easter Holidays and then October half term and then…. Christmas. And, where better to go than somewhere SUPER family-friendly, like South Africa? Even better - why not let us help you out a bit?

Here are a few of our properties for you to consider in the Eastern Cape, South Africa – not least because they are entirely malaria-free.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Eastern Cape region has spectacular game viewing with some wonderful luxury safari options in Private Game Reserves which truly are magic. They offer fantastic game viewing, including the big five (elephants, buffalos, lions, rhinos and even elusive leopards!) – and not all on the back of a vehicle either. Some of the reserves offer you the chance to go bushwalking, kayaking, and even the opportunity to jump on a river cruise to see the game from the water – and an entirely different vantage point.

As a region, the Eastern Cape sets itself apart as the adventure province of South Africa. This means that you aren’t just limited to safaris. For those of you hankering for some epic outdoor adventures with the family, we think the Eastern Cape is the best place to explore. From incredible trails in the mountains to stunning blue-flag beaches, the Eastern Cape really does have it all. Even better news? The weather! The amazing thing about the Eastern Cape is they don't experience extreme temperatures in either direction which makes a family holiday to this beautiful part of South Africa an absolute pleasure at any time of year, not just in the summer.

We’ve hand-picked some of our favourite family-friendly private game reserves for you within the Eastern Cape and are delighted to share them with you below. These places truly make an extra effort to engage children so that they learn about the bush in a fun and interactive way, while parents can still get to enjoy all that luxury safari holidays have to offer.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is 22,000 hectares of wilderness playground when it comes to family holidays. With just 26 rooms split across five different and distinctive safari lodges and villas, you’re in for an absolute treat with a stay here. Kwandwe tailor every safari to suit each family’s unique sense of adventure. Kids of all ages are welcome on the twice-daily game drives around the private reserve, and they offer an abundance of things to keep little busy-bodies entertained. Rarely have we seen a four-year-old sit more quietly, as the guides really do bring them into the experience! Special date nights can also be arranged, as little-legs can be taken care of at no additional cost. Game drive times are flexible, and there is no minimum age restrictions to allow for the ultimate tailored family safari destination.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

If you’re looking for a private game reserve that combines incredible learning opportunities with a luxurious setting, then Shamwari Private Game Reserve is your answer. The reserve has tonnes to offer, with plenty to keep those youngsters entertained, both in the bush and out of it. We particularly love the Shamwari Riverdene lodge, as not only do they have a dedicated Coordinator to help book in exciting activities for your darlings but is also has child-care as an additional option for folks who want to catch a romantic, well-deserved supper (or a few extra G&Ts!). Kids can go wild at the Safari Adventure Centre, including jumping into the Shamwari Riverdene swimming pool or enjoying time in a treehouse like no other with connected suspended walkways, an adventure slide, zipline, and if that’s not enough they also have a climbing wall.

What we are really proud of is that Shamwari Private Game Reserve is intensely passionate about conservation. Their Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and their Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre have both been so highly recognised that Shamwari has now been positioned as leaders in conservation. They have established several awareness centres, making Shamwari a great option for those looking to gain a real insight into conservation efforts at their best – this really will be a family safari adventure you won’t forget!

Kariega Game Reserve

‘Children are very important people, and we take great care in giving them the best experience ever. After all, happy children make a happy family!’

What better way to introduce your “Kids on Safari” programme? Kariega Private Game Reserve tailor-make children’s programmes, making sure your little ones have the most incredible fun but also ensuring they feel inspired, excited, educated and exhilarated all at the same time. As private game reserves go, Kariega makes for a hugely exciting family safari holiday.

We just love this place. There are a few lodges which are super child-friendly and take kids of all ages, and some are best for those kiddies who are 10-going-on-18! The great news is we know them all (very well), so we can help you pick the perfect base while on the Kariega Private Game Reserve. Also ideal for little ones are the huge variety of children’s activities that take place every day including a guided trail walk, creating moulds of animal tracks, target practice with a traditional ‘kettie’ (handheld slingshot), arts and crafts, Bushman painting and environmental education.

Remember, all of our trips are entirely bespoke, so we can’t wait to help you design the perfect trip for you and your loved ones in one of our Eastern Cape malaria-free private game reserves. Let the family safari fun begin!