Travelling to South Africa for a little bit of winter sun is ideal for family with young children as there is just a 2 hour time difference meaning no jet lag! We took a night flight which meant our little boy slept most of the 12 hours flight time and although slightly tired managed to enjoy his first day without tears, went to bed at a respectable time and slept through! Always a good start to a holiday.
South Africa has a vast coastline that shares two bodies of water, the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean and Cape Town itself has its fair share of beaches either on the door step or within easy reach. Although the Cape can be quite windy there are still plenty of sheltered beaches to find offering fine white sand ideal for sand castle building
Sunset in Camps Bay
Camps Bay – located within a 15 minute drive of central Cape Town this wonderful area is safe and clean, this is a tourist hot spot. There are fab restaurants, villas and apartments and a wonderful sandy beach with safe enclosed swimming bay for young children.
the kids get to cook their masterpieces at Col’Cacchio
The food here is amazing and it will suit even the fussiest of eaters. The main staple seemed to be fish and meat. Famously known for their Braais the South African’s know how to prepare fine meat and fish dishes and the avocado is to die for! In fact I can honestly say it is the best avocado I have ever tasted! Couple of good chain restaurants to recommend for families basic dining are: Primi – there is one in Camps Bay, wonderful selection of tantalising dishes you won’t be disappointed and in Central Cape Town Col’Cacchio, possibly the best pizza we have ever tasted. If you are looking for a variety of foodie recommendations visit our Eating in Cape Town South Africa post. (coming shortly)
This is as close as Freddie would get! Boulders Beach
Sit with penguins on the beach! Boulders Beach is a fab beach, known for its large boulders (obviously) and very friendly penguins. The water is calm and has lots of little coves to explore too. If you want some more Cape Town area family friendly beach ideas see our top 5 beaches in and around Cape Town. (coming shortly)
The Two Oceans Aquarium
Fabulous aquarium. The Two Oceans Aquarium is ideal for youngsters to learn about the marine life found in the two oceans around Cape Town. So while mum, dad, uncle, aunt or older brother or sister is roughing it out at sea with the wild sharks, whales and more the more timid and younger members of the family can enjoy the legendary predator tank, touch star fish and other marine life in the touch pool and more!
The Tablecloth on Table Mountain
Table Mountain and the Lions Head are the two main large attractions and our son loved the fact you could see Table Mountain from just about anywhere in Cape Town. We took a cable car to the top where Freddie thought the view was ‘amazing!’ More info on Table Mountain here. (coming shortly)
Aquilla Nature Reserve, Freddie loved it here
It just so happens that African animals are amongst some of the favourite animals of young children and so it goes without saying that a venture to a safari park or one of the many wildlife centres will go down a treat with young travelers. We visited Aquilla Nature Reserve about 2.5 hrs from Cape Town.
Family friendly wine farms. You may think that the younger members of the family might not be welcome in the wine areas, think again! Many of the wineries around the Cape Town area have great family facilities from paddling pools, and water slides to picnic areas and pony rides or just open spaces to enjoy! Try Franschhoek for some inspiration.
Kirstenbosch Sunday family concert
Kirstenbosch – lose yourself with the kids in one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world with children’s play areas and various events throughout the year including fabulous early Sunday evening concerts ideal for all the family with the glorious Table Mountain as an amazing back drop…
We loved Cape Town it is a beautiful part of the world, with an interesting history. We highly recommend a family holiday there. for more ideas visit the Cape Town official tourist website
