
South Africa
South Africa - Authentic family self-drive tour
South Africa - Authentic family self-drive tour
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Johannesburg/Durban
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Guesthouses, lodges and camps
Overview
With the whole family you travel by rental car through KwaZulu-Natal. In the northern Drakensberg, hiking, horse riding and fly fishing await; then safaris in the Nambiti and Babanango game reserves, nature around St Lucia and relaxing days on the coast near Umdloti.
Experience an unforgettable family trip in South Africa: the whole family travels by rental car through the fascinating KwaZulu-Natal region, where children and parents alike get their money's worth. This carefully put-together tour combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and impressive wildlife into a unique adventure. Your family-friendly South Africa trip begins in the majestic Drakensberg. A wide range of activities such as hiking, horse riding and fly fishing await you here. You then head to the Nambiti Game Reserve, a malaria-free reserve that is home to the famous Big Five. Here you can watch lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo in their natural habitat. Another highlight of your family holiday in South Africa is a visit to the Babanango Game Reserve, a paradise for nature lovers with diverse flora and fauna. In St. Lucia you have the opportunity to explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Take the children on a boat trip on Lake St. Lucia and watch hippos and crocodiles up close. Your child-friendly round trip ends with a relaxing stay on the beach at Umdloti. Here, by the sea, you can look back on the experiences of the past days. With a rental car including fully comprehensive insurance and accommodation in beautiful locations reserved in advance, you travel with your family through KwaZulu-Natal. Family-friendly activities await in the Drakensberg, the Big Five in the malaria-free Nambiti Game Reserve, impressive nature in the iSimangaliso Wetlands, and time to relax with the children in St. Lucia. This family trip offers you accommodation in unique locations reserved in advance and a rental car with fully comprehensive insurance, so that you and your family can discover the beauty of South Africa without a care.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Johannesburg – Northern Drakensberg
The Cavern
Welcome to your family trip in South Africa! Today your self-drive tour with children through South Africa begins. You arrive at Johannesburg airport and pick up your rental car. You drive to your accommodation. High at the foot of the spectacular northern Drakensberg, set in a 3,000-hectare private mountain reserve and surrounded by mighty mountains, dense forests and bubbling streams, lies a unique family resort – The Cavern. This child-friendly resort, approx. 50 km from Bergville and 30 minutes from the Royal Natal National Park World Heritage Site, has received numerous awards and prizes over the years. The Cavern offers all kinds of activities for families with children, including two guided hikes daily, fly fishing and horse riding for experienced and less experienced riders. Mountain bikers will be kept busy on the trails for days. Those who prefer a quieter family holiday in South Africa can relax by the pool with a book, a cup of tea or a cold beer. For those seeking a challenge, there is tennis, lawn bowls and board games. For children there are pony rides, canoeing on the dam and a safe, exciting playground in the garden.
Arrival in Johannesburg – Northern Drakensberg
Day 1
The Cavern
Welcome to your family trip in South Africa! Today your self-drive tour with children through South Africa begins. You arrive at Johannesburg airport and pick up your rental car. You drive to your accommodation. High at the foot of the spectacular northern Drakensberg, set in a 3,000-hectare private mountain reserve and surrounded by mighty mountains, dense forests and bubbling streams, lies a unique family resort – The Cavern. This child-friendly resort, approx. 50 km from Bergville and 30 minutes from the Royal Natal National Park World Heritage Site, has received numerous awards and prizes over the years. The Cavern offers all kinds of activities for families with children, including two guided hikes daily, fly fishing and horse riding for experienced and less experienced riders. Mountain bikers will be kept busy on the trails for days. Those who prefer a quieter family holiday in South Africa can relax by the pool with a book, a cup of tea or a cold beer. For those seeking a challenge, there is tennis, lawn bowls and board games. For children there are pony rides, canoeing on the dam and a safe, exciting playground in the garden.
Your accommodation: The Cavern
3 nights · double room · full board The Cavern is beautifully set in the northern Drakensberg and is one of the region's most traditional family-run establishments. Surrounded by green nature, the lodge offers a particularly relaxed and nature-oriented atmosphere. The extensive grounds blend harmoniously into the landscape and invite you to consciously enjoy the tranquillity of the Drakensberg. Hiking trails start right at the lodge and lead through forests, along small waterfalls and up to impressive viewpoints. The rooms and suites are cosily and comfortably furnished and spread across the extensive grounds. Natural materials, warm colours and beautiful views of the surrounding nature create a pleasant feel-good atmosphere. Particularly lovely is the mix of personal hospitality, good food and the many ways to experience the surroundings, actively or in a completely relaxed way.
Your accommodation: The Cavern
3 nights · double room · full board The Cavern is beautifully set in the northern Drakensberg and is one of the region's most traditional family-run establishments. Surrounded by green nature, the lodge offers a particularly relaxed and nature-oriented atmosphere. The extensive grounds blend harmoniously into the landscape and invite you to consciously enjoy the tranquillity of the Drakensberg. Hiking trails start right at the lodge and lead through forests, along small waterfalls and up to impressive viewpoints. The rooms and suites are cosily and comfortably furnished and spread across the extensive grounds. Natural materials, warm colours and beautiful views of the surrounding nature create a pleasant feel-good atmosphere. Particularly lovely is the mix of personal hospitality, good food and the many ways to experience the surroundings, actively or in a completely relaxed way.
Days 2–3
Northern Drakensberg
The Cavern
The second stop of your South Africa family trip awaits you: The impressive Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal rises to 3,000 m and offers countless breathtaking views and hikes. To the Zulus they are known as the Barrier of Spears, and to the first European settlers as the Dragon Mountains. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is one of South Africa's 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both for its importance as a natural habitat and for its many rock paintings. For thousands of years these mountains were home to the San people, who left their traces on the walls of numerous sandstone caves. Today most of the Drakensberg is protected and is a major attraction for nature lovers. The most famous and probably most photographed rock massif in the northern Drakensberg is a steep rock face aptly known as the Amphitheatre. It is located in the Royal Natal National Park, which offers some of South Africa's most beautiful mountain scenery. The Amphitheatre is approx. 5 km long and approx. 500 m high. Its summit, Mont-aux-Sources, is the source of the mighty Orange River. This river flows west into the Atlantic and, at the end of its journey, forms the border between Namibia and South Africa. Mont-aux-Sources is also the source of the Tugela River, which plunges down the mountain in 5 tiers. The Tugela Falls are the second-highest waterfall in the world. The northern Drakensberg offers many different hiking trails, from leisurely walks for families with children to demanding hikes. In the Royal Natal National Park, trout fishing, horse riding and swimming in the mountain rivers and pools are particularly popular activities. Other adventure activities such as quad biking, mountain biking and more are also on offer throughout the area.
Northern Drakensberg
Days 2–3
The Cavern
The second stop of your South Africa family trip awaits you: The impressive Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal rises to 3,000 m and offers countless breathtaking views and hikes. To the Zulus they are known as the Barrier of Spears, and to the first European settlers as the Dragon Mountains. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is one of South Africa's 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both for its importance as a natural habitat and for its many rock paintings. For thousands of years these mountains were home to the San people, who left their traces on the walls of numerous sandstone caves. Today most of the Drakensberg is protected and is a major attraction for nature lovers. The most famous and probably most photographed rock massif in the northern Drakensberg is a steep rock face aptly known as the Amphitheatre. It is located in the Royal Natal National Park, which offers some of South Africa's most beautiful mountain scenery. The Amphitheatre is approx. 5 km long and approx. 500 m high. Its summit, Mont-aux-Sources, is the source of the mighty Orange River. This river flows west into the Atlantic and, at the end of its journey, forms the border between Namibia and South Africa. Mont-aux-Sources is also the source of the Tugela River, which plunges down the mountain in 5 tiers. The Tugela Falls are the second-highest waterfall in the world. The northern Drakensberg offers many different hiking trails, from leisurely walks for families with children to demanding hikes. In the Royal Natal National Park, trout fishing, horse riding and swimming in the mountain rivers and pools are particularly popular activities. Other adventure activities such as quad biking, mountain biking and more are also on offer throughout the area.
Days 4–5
Nambiti Game Reserve
The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
You continue to the Nambiti Game Reserve. Located between Johannesburg and Durban in north-eastern South Africa, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers the ultimate escape in a malaria-free region in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. The world-famous elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos and over 40 other species roam the area. The reserve has a species-rich landscape of riverine bush, extensive savannah, grassland and thornveld. Visitors can look forward to wildlife viewing, birdwatching, swimming, game drives and stargazing under the beautiful African night sky. The family-friendly Springbok Lodge is located in the middle of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The coming days of your family holiday in South Africa are available for game-viewing activities.
Nambiti Game Reserve
Days 4–5
The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
You continue to the Nambiti Game Reserve. Located between Johannesburg and Durban in north-eastern South Africa, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers the ultimate escape in a malaria-free region in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. The world-famous elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos and over 40 other species roam the area. The reserve has a species-rich landscape of riverine bush, extensive savannah, grassland and thornveld. Visitors can look forward to wildlife viewing, birdwatching, swimming, game drives and stargazing under the beautiful African night sky. The family-friendly Springbok Lodge is located in the middle of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. The coming days of your family holiday in South Africa are available for game-viewing activities.
Your accommodation: The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
2 nights · double room · full board 2 game activities per person per night included The Springbok Lodge lies in the malaria-free Nambiti Game Reserve near uMnambithi/Ladysmith and offers a classic safari experience in a scenic region of KwaZulu-Natal. The combination of open plains, gentle hills and bushland creates a particularly varied backdrop for wildlife viewing. The accommodation consists of stylish safari tents on raised wooden platforms that harmoniously combine comfort and nature experience. Large windows and private decks offer beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, while the furnishings create a cosy and authentic safari atmosphere. Between game drives, the pool area, the open lounge and the restaurant invite you to relax.
Your accommodation: The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
2 nights · double room · full board 2 game activities per person per night included The Springbok Lodge lies in the malaria-free Nambiti Game Reserve near uMnambithi/Ladysmith and offers a classic safari experience in a scenic region of KwaZulu-Natal. The combination of open plains, gentle hills and bushland creates a particularly varied backdrop for wildlife viewing. The accommodation consists of stylish safari tents on raised wooden platforms that harmoniously combine comfort and nature experience. Large windows and private decks offer beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, while the furnishings create a cosy and authentic safari atmosphere. Between game drives, the pool area, the open lounge and the restaurant invite you to relax.
Days 6–7
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Valley Lodge
Your family trip continues to the Babanango Game Reserve. The Babanango Game Reserve lies on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is a malaria-free reserve that is home to a range of African wildlife. The reserve extends over 22 hectares across the beautiful Babanango Valley in Zululand and offers unspoilt shores, meadows, gentle hills, lush forests, rivers and mangrove swamps. It has three family-friendly lodges: the Valley Lodge, the Zulu Rock Lodge and the Matatane Camp, all of which offer incredible places to stay. This paradise for bush lovers gives visitors the chance to discover a wide variety of free-roaming wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, hyenas and zebras, rhinos and over 283 bird species. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, game drives, hiking and mountain biking. The Babanango Valley Lodge was carefully designed for families and gives guests of all ages lasting memories. Parents can relax in the inviting lounge area and enjoy delicious cocktails from the well-stocked bar while keeping an eye on their children splashing in the pools. As the day draws to a close, the enchanting boma invites families and friends to gather around the crackling fire and have dinner in a cosy atmosphere.
Babanango Game Reserve
Days 6–7
Babanango Valley Lodge
Your family trip continues to the Babanango Game Reserve. The Babanango Game Reserve lies on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is a malaria-free reserve that is home to a range of African wildlife. The reserve extends over 22 hectares across the beautiful Babanango Valley in Zululand and offers unspoilt shores, meadows, gentle hills, lush forests, rivers and mangrove swamps. It has three family-friendly lodges: the Valley Lodge, the Zulu Rock Lodge and the Matatane Camp, all of which offer incredible places to stay. This paradise for bush lovers gives visitors the chance to discover a wide variety of free-roaming wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, hyenas and zebras, rhinos and over 283 bird species. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, game drives, hiking and mountain biking. The Babanango Valley Lodge was carefully designed for families and gives guests of all ages lasting memories. Parents can relax in the inviting lounge area and enjoy delicious cocktails from the well-stocked bar while keeping an eye on their children splashing in the pools. As the day draws to a close, the enchanting boma invites families and friends to gather around the crackling fire and have dinner in a cosy atmosphere.
Your accommodation: Babanango Valley Lodge
2 nights · double room · full board 2 game activities per person (children from 8 years) per night included The Babanango Valley Lodge lies in the malaria-free Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a stylish safari experience in a still little-visited and particularly scenic region of South Africa. The lodge combines modern comfort with a quiet, close-to-nature atmosphere. The spacious suites are elegantly furnished and offer plenty of privacy as well as beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Natural materials, warm colours and large windows create a bright and relaxed feel-good atmosphere. Amenities include comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and private terraces. The open main area with restaurant, lounge and pool invites you to relax between activities. Particularly lovely is the quiet location in the middle of the reserve, away from larger tourist crowds.
Your accommodation: Babanango Valley Lodge
2 nights · double room · full board 2 game activities per person (children from 8 years) per night included The Babanango Valley Lodge lies in the malaria-free Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a stylish safari experience in a still little-visited and particularly scenic region of South Africa. The lodge combines modern comfort with a quiet, close-to-nature atmosphere. The spacious suites are elegantly furnished and offer plenty of privacy as well as beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Natural materials, warm colours and large windows create a bright and relaxed feel-good atmosphere. Amenities include comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and private terraces. The open main area with restaurant, lounge and pool invites you to relax between activities. Particularly lovely is the quiet location in the middle of the reserve, away from larger tourist crowds.
Days 8–11
St Lucia
Lidiko Lodge
Today you and the whole family continue towards the coast. St. Lucia is only 2.5 hours from Durban, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. St. Lucia lies on the St. Lucia estuary, which at 85 kilometres long is one of the largest in Africa. The area enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, not to mention the warm Indian Ocean, which can be enjoyed throughout the year. In 1999 St. Lucia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is South Africa's first World Heritage Site. The abundance of wildlife and the natural beauty of this area are breathtaking. To this day you can watch hippos wandering through the streets at night in search of grass. The nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers various unique habitats, including lagoons, reed and papyrus swamps, mangroves and swamp forests, different types of bushveld and savannah, subtropical coastal forest, dunes and sandy beaches as well as the offshore coral reefs. The region offers a wide choice of activities such as mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to night safaris and hippo and crocodile cruises. Perfect conditions for your family trip.
St Lucia
Days 8–11
Lidiko Lodge
Today you and the whole family continue towards the coast. St. Lucia is only 2.5 hours from Durban, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. St. Lucia lies on the St. Lucia estuary, which at 85 kilometres long is one of the largest in Africa. The area enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, not to mention the warm Indian Ocean, which can be enjoyed throughout the year. In 1999 St. Lucia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is South Africa's first World Heritage Site. The abundance of wildlife and the natural beauty of this area are breathtaking. To this day you can watch hippos wandering through the streets at night in search of grass. The nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers various unique habitats, including lagoons, reed and papyrus swamps, mangroves and swamp forests, different types of bushveld and savannah, subtropical coastal forest, dunes and sandy beaches as well as the offshore coral reefs. The region offers a wide choice of activities such as mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to night safaris and hippo and crocodile cruises. Perfect conditions for your family trip.
Your accommodation: Lidiko Lodge
4 nights · double room · with breakfast The Lidiko Lodge is located in the centre of St Lucia at South Africa's iSimangaliso Wetland Park and offers a warm, family-run atmosphere in a tropical garden. Designed in African colonial style, the lodge has cosy rooms and suites, a quiet pool area and loving details that make your stay particularly personal. Thanks to its central location, beaches, restaurants and excursions for hippo and safari tours are quickly reached. The lodge is an ideal base for experiencing the region's diverse wildlife – from hippos and crocodiles to sea turtles and the Big Five in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. All in all, Lidiko Lodge offers relaxed, close-to-nature and hospitable accommodation for explorers and those seeking relaxation.
Your accommodation: Lidiko Lodge
4 nights · double room · with breakfast The Lidiko Lodge is located in the centre of St Lucia at South Africa's iSimangaliso Wetland Park and offers a warm, family-run atmosphere in a tropical garden. Designed in African colonial style, the lodge has cosy rooms and suites, a quiet pool area and loving details that make your stay particularly personal. Thanks to its central location, beaches, restaurants and excursions for hippo and safari tours are quickly reached. The lodge is an ideal base for experiencing the region's diverse wildlife – from hippos and crocodiles to sea turtles and the Big Five in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. All in all, Lidiko Lodge offers relaxed, close-to-nature and hospitable accommodation for explorers and those seeking relaxation.
Days 12–13
Umdloti – Entspannung am Strand
Fairlight Beach House
The coming days of your family holiday are free for relaxation. The small holiday resort of Umdloti lies on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, at the mouth of the Mdloti River on the Dolphin Coast. This stunning coastal town is known for its mild subtropical climate, beaches, natural rock pools and sparkling, warm sea that is perfect for swimming. Visitors can look forward to spotting dolphins, whales and a wide variety of marine life, and to exploring the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, which covers more than 26 hectares. It has a picturesque picnic area, a wide variety of bird species, wonderful walking trails and old ruins. Other popular activities include fishing, surfing, diving, windsurfing, horse riding, kitesurfing, golf and much more. Enjoy the last days of your round trip with the family.
Umdloti – Entspannung am Strand
Days 12–13
Fairlight Beach House
The coming days of your family holiday are free for relaxation. The small holiday resort of Umdloti lies on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, at the mouth of the Mdloti River on the Dolphin Coast. This stunning coastal town is known for its mild subtropical climate, beaches, natural rock pools and sparkling, warm sea that is perfect for swimming. Visitors can look forward to spotting dolphins, whales and a wide variety of marine life, and to exploring the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, which covers more than 26 hectares. It has a picturesque picnic area, a wide variety of bird species, wonderful walking trails and old ruins. Other popular activities include fishing, surfing, diving, windsurfing, horse riding, kitesurfing, golf and much more. Enjoy the last days of your round trip with the family.
Your accommodation: Fairlight Beach House
2 nights · family room · with breakfast The Fairlight Beach House is a stylish boutique guesthouse in Umdloti, just a few minutes from King Shaka International Airport. Located directly above the beach, it offers a dreamlike view of the Indian Ocean. The guesthouse impresses with modern, individually designed rooms, many with balcony and sea view. Guests particularly appreciate the personal atmosphere, the attentive service and the generous breakfast, often served with a view of the sea. A small pool, a sun terrace and the proximity to restaurants and beach promenades make the Fairlight Beach House an ideal place for a relaxed start or end to a trip to South Africa.
Your accommodation: Fairlight Beach House
2 nights · family room · with breakfast The Fairlight Beach House is a stylish boutique guesthouse in Umdloti, just a few minutes from King Shaka International Airport. Located directly above the beach, it offers a dreamlike view of the Indian Ocean. The guesthouse impresses with modern, individually designed rooms, many with balcony and sea view. Guests particularly appreciate the personal atmosphere, the attentive service and the generous breakfast, often served with a view of the sea. A small pool, a sun terrace and the proximity to restaurants and beach promenades make the Fairlight Beach House an ideal place for a relaxed start or end to a trip to South Africa.
Day 14
Journey home from Durban
You and your family make your way to Durban, drop off your rental car and say goodbye to South Africa. We hope you had a great, memorable holiday with your children! AUTHENTIC FAMILY TRIP THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA.
Journey home from Durban
Day 14
You and your family make your way to Durban, drop off your rental car and say goodbye to South Africa. We hope you had a great, memorable holiday with your children! AUTHENTIC FAMILY TRIP THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA.
Price from
€3,705.00
Services
What's included
All accommodation listed, subject to availability
rental car group N – Toyota Fortuner 4X2 or similar (included: theft and collision damage waiver; unlimited mileage; airport fee; tourism levy; VAT; carbon emissions tax; all additional drivers per rental; young driver surcharge per day and driver; document handling fee; water and underbody damage to vehicles; sandblasting damage; tyre and rim damage, hubcaps and windscreen)
Meals as per programme
Activities as per programme, except those mentioned as optional or recommended
24-hour German-speaking emergency hotline
Reisepreissicherungsschein
Digital travel documents including travel guide
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Trinkgeld
Benzinkosten
entrance fees for additional sights, activities, guided excursions, boat trips and game drives, drinks & extras
services not mentioned in the itinerary
personal expenses
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This self-drive tour is suitable for anyone who wants to discover South Africa individually and at their own pace. The accommodation is reserved in advance, and with your own rental car you are flexible along the way – experience driving on the left is an advantage.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
All prices are “from” prices per person in a double room. We will be happy to give you the exact price for your preferred date in your personal offer. Single room supplement on request.
Notes on the trip
Fahrtstrecke
Johannesburg – Northern Drakensberg – Nambiti Game Reserve – Babanango Game Reserve – St. Lucia – Umdloti – Durban
Notes
Changes to the itinerary are reserved. In general, this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still make your travel wishes come true. Just talk to us.

