South Africa

South Africa pairs Big Five safari country with a mountain-backed capital and three coastlines, making it one of the most complete family introductions to the continent.

13Destinations

20Family attractions

5Types of day out

Quick facts about South Africa

Best time to visitMarch – December

CurrencyRand

LanguageEnglish, Afrikaans, Southern Ndebele

Time zoneSAST (UTC+2)

PaymentCards in cities, cash elsewhere

English spokenVery High (EF EPI #13)

1Top family destinations in South Africa

Cape Town7 family attractions Johannesburg2 family attractions Augrabies1 family attraction Phalaborwa1 family attraction Pretoria1 family attraction

2Explore by region

Gauteng3 family attractions Western Cape9 family attractions Eastern Cape2 family attractions Northern Cape1 family attraction

3Things to do in South Africa

Nature & Hiking12 places Zoos & Aquariums5 places Amusement Parks1 place Museums1 place Viewpoints1 place

Tours & tickets in South Africa

Bookable tours via GetYourGuide. Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel essentials for South Africa

eSIM for South AfricaAiralo: mobile data without roaming Car hire in South AfricaAutoEurope: compare rental companies

Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

4Practical essentials

Dish to tryBobotie

CapitalPretoria

Plug typesEuroplug, BS 546, IEC 60906-1

DrivingDrive on the left

Emergency number112

Calling code+27

Daylight10–14 hours of daylight

Population62,027,503

Daylight is the range from the shortest to the longest day. English level: EF English Proficiency Index.

5Recently updated guides

Where to See Wildlife with KidsJul 27, 2026 The Family Packing List That Fits in One BagJul 27, 2026 Flying Long-Haul with Kids: What Actually WorksJul 27, 2026 8 Family Destinations Worth the FlightJul 27, 2026

6Plan your trip to South Africa

Getting thereFlights, trains & driving

Where to stayFamily-friendly hotels

Getting aroundDrive on the left

Travel budgetCards in cities, cash elsewhere

Packing listPlugs: Europlug, BS 546, IEC 60906-1

Travel with kidsTips for a smooth trip

Safety & healthEmergency: 112

Useful infoCalling code +27

7South Africa with kids – highlights

Why families love South Africa

Cape Town anchors most first-time family trips: a stroller-friendly waterfront, a cable car up Table Mountain, and a penguin colony you can walk to on a boardwalk.

Read our top picks →

Easy to travelCards in cities, cash elsewhere · English: very

Food to tryBobotie

So much to see20 family attractions in 13 destinations

Memories that lastExperiences your kids will never forget

8Popular searches about South Africa

South Africa with kids Cape Town with kids Johannesburg with kids Augrabies with kids Nature & Hiking in South Africa Zoos & Aquariums in South Africa Amusement Parks in South Africa Museums in South Africa Family food in South Africa