Cape Town, South Africa is the most popular tourist destination in Africa, and there is good reason for it. Cape Town has it all including spectacular natural scenery, beautiful sandy beaches, wild animals and a vibrant city full of attractions for the whole family.

For high adventure among the wild animals, there are safari camps that welcome children. Children need extra care and attention in a safari camp, so they don’t wander off on their own. Child friendly safari camps include accommodation where the whole family can stay together, activities especially planned for children, facilities for babysitting, a menu children will actually love, and game drives that welcome children.

There are two types of game reserves. One type is small and has many of the wild animals including the big five which are the lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, leopard and rhinoceros. The animals are not living as they do in the wild which means they do not hunt for themselves, however, visitors will be sure to see all the animals. The other type is much larger such as Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park. These give the authentic bush experience but don’t guarantee what animals will be seen.

For very young children who may not have the patience to wait for the animals to appear, a day trip to Aquila, the smallest game reserve and very close to Cape Town may be the best option. If the children are over five or six and can understand the slow pace, there are residential safaris for three or four days.

There is plenty to do in the city for children and adults. The Two Oceans Aquarium, the Planetarium which is at the South African Museum, the Cape Peninsula National Park, the cableway to the top of Table Mountain and the Victoria and Albert Waterfront are just a few of the main attractions in Cape Town. The V and A Waterfront has shops, restaurants, local entertainment and is the starting point for all boat cruises.

Animals are everywhere and truly exciting for children to see. Swimming with Boulder Penguins is a rare treat at a beach just 40 minutes from Cape Town in Simon’s Town. They stroll past you while you lie on Boulder Beach and will join you for a swim in the sea. Baboons sit on the side of the road and sometimes wander near picnic sites. Even small children love the whale watching which is about an hour along the coast to Hermanus. Visitors stand on the cliffs and see the mighty mammals glide by. Children also love to see the exotic birds at World of Birds in Hout Bay. It is the largest bird park in Africa and includes monkeys and other small animals. Situated in beautiful tropical gardens with the majestic mountains as the background, it is a major tourist attraction near Cape Town.

Cape Town, South Africa is a fantastic holiday destination for families with children of all ages. From the Green Door Fairy Garden to shark cage diving, there is adventure and entertainment for all.