South Africa and Mauritius Family Holiday

South Luangwa National Park was first founded as a protected game reserve in 1904 yet has remained untouched by the mass tourism of more well known parks.

Often referred to as Africa’s last great wilderness, the South Luangwa National Park lies in a fertile valley that supports an abundance of big game and is a must-see destination on a Zambia family safari looking to escape the crowds.

South Luangwa National Park is the pride of Zambian safari. Home to four of the Big Five, the park is principally known for its predator populations, including lion, leopard and the critically endangered African wild dog.

Cape Town holidays offer you a unique combination of experiences found nowhere else on the continent.

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and a dramatic, picture postcard situation, Cape Town rivals the world’s most celebrated coastal cityscapes.

South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ makes full use of its abundant natural riches to offer a host of activities that will have you wishing you’d stayed for another night.

A vibrant, multi-cultural society has emerged from a chequered colonial past. This is nowhere more evident than in the melting pot of international cuisines for which Cape Town is internationally renowned.

The vibrant Northern coast, stretching between the bustling fishing villages of Tombeau Bay and Grand Gaube, is the cultural hub of Mauritius.

Grand Baie, once a sleepy village, has transformed into the tourist capital of northern Mauritius. It features a dense concentration of sandy beaches around its emerald bay, offers countless excursions from e-bikes to caving, and has a growing reputation for its restaurants and nightlife. It’s easy to see why many luxury Mauritius holidays choose to base themselves here.

However, the Northern coast also offers quieter villages and secluded corners for families seeking a more tranquil holiday. The Northeast coast, in particular, is less developed, with resorts like Lux* Grand Gaube providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Kariega Main Lodge, just 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth, is perfect for families seeking an authentic safari experience in a malaria-free environment.

Family-owned since 1989, this 11,500-hectare private reserve boasts diverse ecosystems and an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five. Twice-daily game drives offer close encounters with lions, elephants, and more, while the nearby Kariega and Bushmans rivers provide stunning settings for river cruises and canoeing. The bordering rivers also provide a haven for twitchers who will have the chance to view an abundance of birdlife including the magnificent African fish eagle.

The spacious, air-conditioned log chalets offer comfort and privacy, with large viewing decks ideal for spotting wildlife. Parents can relax at the lodge’s pool or enjoy a spa treatment while children are entertained in a dedicated children’s playroom stocked with games, books, and puzzles.

The Clarendon Fresnaye, nestled along the scenic slopes of Lion’s Head, offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities in one of Cape Town’s most desirable suburbs.

This historic boutique hotel, once the residence of the Earl of Clarendon, provides a serene retreat that combines rich heritage with modern comforts. Its 16 beautifully appointed rooms are designed to accommodate families seeking a comfortable and memorable stay.

Families will find plenty to do both on the property and in the surrounding area. The hotel’s expansive gardens, lush with blooming bougainvillea, provide a safe space for children to play, while the two sparkling swimming pools offer hours of fun and relaxation. Parents can take advantage of in-house babysitting services, allowing for a worry-free evening out or a rejuvenating spa treatment.

Set on a picturesque, sheltered bay on the popular north-west coast, Victoria Beachcomber is a great family-friendly resort.

The resort is conveniently located halfway between the tourist hub of Grand Baie and Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, and is renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Its spacious two-bedroom family apartments offer a great base for any luxury Mauritius holiday, boasting incredible sea views and shared outdoor living areas.

Victoria Beachcomber specialise in active family holidays, offering special programmes for all ages. Kids can enjoy creative workshops, discovery sessions, and beach games at the Kids Club, while teens socialise in their own dedicated space and teens-only disco nights. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at the Spa Beachcomber, or try a range of watersports like snorkelling, kayaking, and water skiing. The on-site Beachcomber Diving Academy is award-winning and offers specialist training for all ages.

For younger explorers, Kariega Main Lodge offers a range of kids safari activities.

The “Kids on Safari” programme provides educational activities like bushcraft, animal tracking, and arts and crafts. Children can also participate in nature walks and fun skills like slingshot practice.

The One & Only is conveniently located on the vibrant V&A Waterfront, providing a great base from which to explore Cape Town.

Iconic Table Mountain overlooks a vibrant city, bursting with fine-dining restaurants, renowned museums and galleries, and world-class attractions.

Cape Town and its surrounds are home to abundant marine life and form part of a unique ecosystem – the Cape Floral Kingdom. The latter can be explored at the wonderful Kirstenbosch Gardens, perhaps lingering longer to enjoy a summer open air concert.

South Africa family holidays will often include a visit to the aquarium, the Cape Point ostrich farm or a boat trip out to Seal Island. This tiny speck of land is home to thousands of cape fur seals, as well as the marine predators that consider them a delicacy.

Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa stands out as a leading dive destination in Mauritius, having received the Indian Ocean Leading Dive Resort nomination by the World Travel Awards from 2016 to 2021.

The Beachcomber Diving Academy delivers personalised instruction for all ages and experience levels and allows guests to explore the best dive sites on the island.