South Africa
There is more to South Africa than its size. Three times the dimension of Texas, the second largest American state, this complex family travel destination varies greatly from bustling modern cities to quaint villages and towns and from a raw subtropical coastline to the Kalahari Desert and bushveld in the north. What's more, South Africa's wealth extends beyond chic, metropolitan Cape Town and the abundant wildlife found in the Kruger National Park.
Penned the ‘Rainbow Nation’ for its cultural diversity, South Africa has reconciled with its past and is truly a coming together of the continent's cultures. Take-in one of the many cultural events and enjoy theatre, dance, opera, and cabaret as well as classical music and jazz. Visit a museum and introduce the kids to the history of South Africa as well as fine art and African craft. Tour a World Heritage Site and discover the complexity, not to mention the atrocities, of mankind.
In South Africa, the diversity extends to the wild. With over 800 species of birds and animals, a wildlife safari goes well beyond the Big 5 (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo). And wildlife viewing need not be limited to the bush. With 3000 km or nearly 1900 miles of coast, South Africa is one of the best places in the world to observe sea life, even from shore.
Outdoor activities do not end there. South Africa is an adventure traveler's paradise, even for those traveling with kids. Try you hand at scuba diving, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, ;canoeing, surfing, hot air ballooning and even hang gliding.
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South Africa hotels and accommodation
Jaci's Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Madikwe Game Reserve Dwaalboom, North West tel: +27 (14) 778 9900
Not only is Jaci's Safari Lodge hip, it welcomes kids. Built around an ancient termite mound on the bank of the Groot Marico River, this African safari lodge is a family oasis in the heart of the South African bushveld.
   Bongani Mountain Lodge, Mthethomusha Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Mthethomusha Game Reserve, Mpumalanga tel: +27 (11) 809 4300
Location may be the biggest draw at this CC Africa safari lodge but children's activities run a close second. At Bongani Mountain Lodge kid-friendly extends beyond the kitchen, children aged 6 and up are allowed on game drives.
 Galago Camp, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: vacation rental / self-catering
Djuma Game Reserve Mpumalanga tel: +27 (13) 735 5118
Galego Camp, a self-catering safari camp, comes complete with land rover, guide and tracker. This private retreat, located in the Djuma Game Reserve in Sabi Sands, sleep 10 making it perfect for family safaris.
 Kosi Bay Country House, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: b&b / guesthouse
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve KwaZulu-Natal tel: +27 (0) 35 592 9665
The simple Kosi Bay Country House offers budget conscious travelers an alternative to camping. Accommodation is self-catering, half board or B&B. Linens and towels are provided. Some rooms have a shared bath.
   Kosi Forest Lodge, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve KwaZulu-Natal tel: +27 (0)35-474 1473
The 16-bed privately run Kosi Forest Lodge is barefoot luxury at its best. And while this luxury lodge offers a variety of activities from canoeing to turtle viewing it may not be appropriate for electronic or screen dependent kids.
  Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape tel: +27 (11) 809 4300
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, a CC Africa property, is a member of Relais & Chateaux and it welcomes families. Children under 5 are not permitted on game drives; participation of kids 6 to 11 is at the discretion of the lodge.
 Madikwe Hills, Madikwe Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Madikwe Game Reserve North West tel: +27 (13) 737 6626/7
At Madikwe Hills the accent is on luxury. This South Africa safari lodge welcomes children of all ages but limits the number of younger guests. Families traveling with children under 10 will be accommodated in the family suite.
    Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Reviews
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Madikwe Game Reserve North West tel: +27 (11) 809 4300 or +1 (888) 882 3742 (toll free in U.S. only)
Madikwe Safari Lodge, a CC Africa luxury lodge, welcomes children 12 and up. This luxury lodge complete with private plunge pools is ideal for families that want to be coddled on a wildlife safari.
 Mosetlha Bush Camp , Madikwe Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
Madikwe Game Reserve North West tel: +27 (11) 444 9345
Mosetlha Bush Camp is ideal for families with older children in search of a true outdoor experience. The raised wooden cabins at this unfenced bush camp may be simple but the experience is wholly African.
Mseni Lodge, Sodwana Bay National Park
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Sodwana Bay KwaZulu-Natal
The rustic cabins at the Mseni Lodge are ideal for families looking to explore Sodwana Bay. This self-catering or full board accommodation offers both a babysitting service and children's menu (evening only).
  Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
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Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Sun City Resort Sun City, North West 7130 tel: +27 (11) 780 7800
The Palace of the Lost City hotel is true opulence in the bush. This member of the Leading Hotels of the World is a fabrication of African myth. Activities including the kids club, Kamp Kwena, are open to all Sun City guests for an additional fee.
 Protea Hotel Shakaland, Eshowe
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Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
14km past Eshowe on R66 Eshowe, Kwazulu Natal tel: +27 (0) 35 460 0912
The Protea Shakaland is more than a hotel. A stay at this accommodation cum cultural center affords families with a taste of Zulu culture. Sleep in a beahive 'hut' and partake in a cultural tour that includes Zulu dance and traditional customs such as spear making.
 River Private Game Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Sabi Sands Game Reserve Mpumalanga tel: +27 (31) 583 2840
The River Private Game Lodge may have less of an “Out of Africa” feel than other South African safari lodges but it offers all of the comforts of home. Children aged 10 & up are allowed on game drives. Kids 12 & up can partake on bush walks.
Sodwana Bay Camp, Sodwana Bay National Park
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Type of Accommodation: vacation rental / self-catering
Sodwana Bay KwaZulu-Natal tel: +27 83 255 5717
The rustic Sodwana Bay Lodge caters to scuba divers that seek the independence of self-catering accommodation. Each of the 20 rooms, made of natural materials, has an en suite shower, mosquito nets, ceiling fans and balcony.
 Sun City Cabanas, Sun City
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Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Sun City Resort Sun City, North West 7130 tel: +27 (11) 780 7800
The Sun City Cabanas, a popular Sun City hotel, offers a casual atmosphere. Family Cabanas accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (combined age of the kids must be 18 or less). Apart from the swimming pool, all Sun City activities are resort wide.
 Tsitsikamma Lodge, Tsitsikamma National Park
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Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Storms River Tsitsikamma National Park Western Cape 6308 tel: +27 (42) 2803802
Just 25 km (15 miles) from Tsitsikamma National Park the cozy log cabins Tsitsikamma Lodge are nestled between the mountains and the sea. The lodge caters to more than couples; the friendly service extends to families.
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