South Africa,  Hotels

GUIDE: the best hotels for families in South Africa

For a successful family vacation, we recommend a list of child-friendly hotels. All parents know that if your children are happy you can relax! We therefore hope that our selection of best hotels for families in South Africa will make many happy young and old alike! All of these accommodations offer clean, comfortable and spacious family rooms. To learn more about the best route to visit South Africa with the family, we invite you to read our article here.

Tip: For more hotels, you'll find a list of all the establishments we recommend here: The best accommodation for each type of hotel in South Africa

And here you will find our articles on the different routes to visit the country if you are still unsure: The best routes to visit South Africa

The best Cape Town hotels in South Africa for families with children

1. Bergzicht Guest house: Cape Town's best hotel in South Africa for families

Hotel Bergzicht Guest house: the best hotel in Cape Town in South Africa for families
Hotel Bergzicht Guest house: the best hotel in Cape Town in South Africa for families
Hotel Bergzicht Guest house: the best hotel in Cape Town in South Africa for families

Bergzicht Guesthouse is located at the foot of Signal Hill, at the top of the hill in the quiet and affluent area of ​​Tamboerskloof. Its location offers a spectacular view of Table Mountain from its large terrace and swimming pool (perfect for children). This hotel is ideally located for being both 5 minutes from the city center as well as from Clifton beach by taking the Kloof Neck (by car). The Guest House is very well kept with attention to every detail. We felt right at home. It is the ideal hotel for families seeking security.

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2. Ocean View House: the best Camps Bay hotel in South Africa for families

Ocean View House: the best Camps Bay hotel in South Africa for families
Ocean View House: the best Camps Bay hotel in South Africa for families
Ocean View House: the best Camps Bay hotel in South Africa for families

If you prefer to sleep facing the ocean, in a haven of peace, at the foot of Table Mountain then the hotel Ocean View House is made for you. Located in Bakoven just outside Camps Bay, you are only a 10 minute drive from Cape Town city center. In addition, you have many beaches nearby: Llandudno, Camps Bay or even Clifton. This is ideal if your children like to play in the sand. And you can walk to the Camps Bay waterfront bars and restaurants. It's perfect for a drink at sunset.

most : The hotel rooms and swimming pool have a magnificent view of the sea.

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3.Aquila Private Game Reserve: the best child-friendly hotel for a safari in Cape Town

Aquila Private Game Reserve: the best child-friendly hotel for a Cape Town safari
Aquila Private Game Reserve: the best child-friendly hotel for a Cape Town safari
Aquila Private Game Reserve: the best child-friendly hotel for a Cape Town safari

If you don't have the time, money, or the inclination to go to Kruger National Park or Addo Elephant Park, there is only one option left to go on a safari in the surrounding area. from Cape Town: Aquila Private Game Reserve. Located 2 hours drive from Cape Town, it is the easiest private reserve to access for tourists in the region. We recommend that you sleep there to make the most of the animals rather than going back and forth during the day (it's tiring). In the evening, elephants, giraffes, zebras and gazelles come to drink at a water point near the lodge. You can watch them while sipping a mojito from your patio! During the day you have the choice between excursions in 4 × 4, quads or on horseback. At the end of the afternoon, you can relax in their infinity pool with a view of the savannah. It doesn't take more to make this lodge the best hotel for families wishing to go on a safari from Cape Town in South Africa.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Cape Town in South Africa

To discover the region:

Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping: the best hotel for families in St Lucia in South Africa

Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping: the best family hotel in St Lucia in South Africa
Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping: the best family hotel in St Lucia in South Africa
Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping: the best family hotel in St Lucia in South Africa

For lovers of Africa, Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping offers you the opportunity to sleep in a luxury safari tent. Kids will love it! Nothing to do with French camping! In Saint Lucia, the Quechua tent has been replaced by a superb canvas room on stilts. It is definitely one of the Best St Lucia Family-Friendly Hotels in South Africa!

The plus: the pool is very pleasant.

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For further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Saint Lucia in South Africa

To discover the region:

Best Wilderness Hotels in South Africa for Families with Children

1. Moontide Guest House: the best hotel for families in the Wilderness in South Africa

Moontide Guest House: The Best Family Hotel in Wilderness, South Africa
Moontide Guest House: The Best Family Hotel in Wilderness, South Africa
Moontide Guest House: The Best Family Hotel in Wilderness, South Africa
Moontide Guest House: The Best Family Hotel in Wilderness, South Africa

Moontide Guest House is for us the best family-friendly hotel in the Wilderness of South Africa. This corner of paradise located on the edge of the lagoon offers a magnificent view of the expanse of water. You have breakfast (which is very good) on the terrace facing the lagoon and you can swim there without leaving the residence. It's perfect for the kids to have fun. It is impossible not to fall in love with such a relaxing place nestled in the middle of the lush nature of the Garden Route. You will regret it if you only stay one night!

The + : The kayak trips leave directly from the shore of the B&B.

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2. Dune Guest Lodge: a superb hotel ideal for families on the edge of the Wilderness beach

Dune Guest Lodge: a superb family-friendly hotel by the Wilderness Beach
Dune Guest Lodge: a superb family-friendly hotel by the Wilderness Beach

Dune Guest Lodge is a little more expensive than Moontide Guest House but its main asset is its magnificent view of the ocean. Located on the beach, you can swim close to your room or lounge on your terrace facing the sea. It is ideal for letting children have fun in the sand. The hotel is immaculate and it is tastefully decorated. We loved our stay there.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Wilderness in South Africa

To discover the region: The best Wilderness activities on the Garden Route

Tintswalo at Boulders: The best hotel for families located on the Cape Peninsula

Tintswalo at Boulders: The Best Family Hotel on the Cape Peninsula
Tintswalo at Boulders: The Best Family Hotel on the Cape Peninsula
Tintswalo at Boulders: The Best Family Hotel on the Cape Peninsula
Tintswalo at Boulders: The Best Family Hotel on the Cape Peninsula

Tintswalo at Boulders is located just minutes from the center of Simon's Town and just above the penguin colony of Boulders National Park. This extremely advantageous location allows you to have the best possible view of these animals. We recommend that you do as we did and get up early for a chance to swim next to them on the adjacent beach before tourists arrive (it is considered one of the best beaches in Cape Town). Swimming with penguins is an experience that will delight young and old alike! As for accommodation, it is a family hotel offering an exceptional quality of service. The rooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated. In addition, they have a magnificent panoramic view of the ocean and the mountains. If the water in Cape Town is too cold, you will find a swimming pool on the roof top of this child-friendly hotel. Of course to take advantage of all these advantages, the price is much more expensive than the rest of our recommendations near Muizenberg. But if it fits in your budget, then go ahead and sleep in the best family hotel in the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Muizenberg in South Africa

To discover the region:

Boschendal Cottages: the best family hotel on the South African wine route

Boschendal Cottages: the best hotel for families on the South African wine route
Boschendal Cottages: the best hotel for families on the South African wine route
Boschendal Cottages: the best hotel for families on the South African wine route
Boschendal Cottages: the best hotel for families on the South African wine route

To find accommodation on the South African wine route, we think there is even better than the charm of Franschhoek or the entertainment of Stellenbosch. There is the beauty and tranquility of a vineyard. Many wine estates offer rooms and the best hotel for families is by far Boschendal Cottages. This vineyard, which dates from the 17th century, offers the most authentic experience of the wine route. Everything you eat or drink here comes from their organic farm. In addition, you have the chance to sleep in an exceptional place surrounded by vineyards. The view of the mountains and the valley from the terrace is breathtaking. The studios for rent are spacious and located in period buildings built according to Dutch architecture (Cape Dutch style). But rest assured, the interior has been tastefully renovated. Regarding activities, as you are in a vineyard, adults can visit the estate and have their wine tasting! As for the children, they also offer horseback riding and mountain bike tours. In short, it is the ideal choice to isolate yourself far from the city with your family.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend on the South African wine route

To discover the region: The best tour to visit the South African wine route

The best hotels for families in Kruger National Park in South Africa

1. Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best family hotel in Kruger Park in South Africa

Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best family hotel in Kruger Park in South Africa
Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best family hotel in Kruger Park in South Africa
Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best family hotel in Kruger Park in South Africa
Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best family hotel in Kruger Park in South Africa

To be close to the Kruger National Park, we recommend the Sabie River Bush Lodge located next to the Skukuza gate. It is for us the best hotel for families from this region of South Africa. Located on the banks of the Sabie River, this hotel offers a magnificent view of the national park and of the animals that bathe there: hippos, crocodiles and in the evening antelopes and elephants drink there. You can admire this landscape from the swimming pool, the bar or the restaurant. A treat for the whole family! Also you have the choice between luxury tent or normal room. Our advice: nothing better than going on a safari with a night in a (luxury) tent! The little ones will love it for sure!

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2. Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best hotel for families in the South of Kruger National Park in South Africa

Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best hotel for families in southern Kruger National Park in South Africa
Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best hotel for families in southern Kruger National Park in South Africa
Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best hotel for families in southern Kruger National Park in South Africa
Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best hotel for families in southern Kruger National Park in South Africa

If you want to see animals drinking along the river at dusk without paying a fortune to stay inside Kruger National Park then the tip 500 meters from Malelane Gate (literally) is the Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant. It's the best hotel for families near Malelane gate south of the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend at the Kruger National Park in South Africa

To discover the region: Discover the best route to visit Kruger National Park in 2 days

The best hotels for families in the Kruger National Park private reserves

Here is our selection of best family-friendly hotels in private reserves in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

1. Lukimbi Safari Lodge private reserve: the best hotel in Kruger National Park suitable for families

The private reserve of Lukimbi Safari Lodge: the best hotel in the Kruger National Park suitable for families
The private reserve of Lukimbi Safari Lodge: the best hotel in the Kruger National Park suitable for families
The private reserve of Lukimbi Safari Lodge: the best hotel in the Kruger National Park suitable for families
The private reserve of Lukimbi Safari Lodge: the best hotel in the Kruger National Park suitable for families

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is located in the south of the Kruger (which is great if you continue your route to Swaziland (now called Eswatini). the best family-friendly hotel on a private reserve in Kruger National Park and offers premium safaris at affordable prices. If you don't know the difference between Kruger's private reserves and self-drive safaris in the national park then we invite you to read our article: The best private reserves in Kruger Park in South Africa

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2. Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge: the best child-friendly deal on a private reserve

Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge: the best kid-friendly tip on a private reserve
Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge: the best kid-friendly tip on a private reserve
Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge: the best kid-friendly tip on a private reserve
Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge: the best kid-friendly tip on a private reserve

Even cheaper, Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge offers all the advantages of a private reserve without breaking the bank. He is by far the best tip for families at Kruger National Park and we highly recommend it to anyone on a tight budget.

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WARNING : All of these hotels on private reserves in Kruger National Park are in great demand but have very few rooms. It is therefore advisable to book well in advance.

Our opinion between child-friendly hotels on private reserves and those on the main reserve

If you can afford it, we recommend that you stay on a private reserve for two days. This is warranty to see all the animals in no time. Discovering the Kruger National Parc in luxury safari mode is a magical experience that we wish everyone ... That said, discovering the immensity of the park by going on a self-drive safari is also a special adventure (see our tour recommendation in our two articles'The best route to visit Kruger National Park day 1/2'and'The best route to visit Kruger National Park day 2/2'). Having done both, we recommend that all travelers divide their time at the Kruger in half :

 If you have 2 days in the park, do one day on your own and the other on a private reserve. If you have 3 days at the Kruger, do 2 days in private reserve and 1 day on your own (or vice versa if your budget does not allow it).

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat: the best hotel near Royal Natal Park for families

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat: the best hotel near Royal Natal Park for families
Drakensberg Mountain Retreat: the best hotel near Royal Natal Park for families
Drakensberg Mountain Retreat: the best hotel near Royal Natal Park for families

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat offers all the comfort you need with children. They have clean, large and comfortable rooms. This corner of paradise lost at the bottom of a Drakensberg valley also offers an extraordinary view of the Amphitheater. But what makes it different are the wild horses that roam the entire property! Your kids will love you! Dinner is included in the price and is excellent. Everything is homemade and the portions are very generous! This is exactly what we needed to regain our strength after our hike to Tugela Falls in the Royal Natal National Park. This accommodation has a swimming pool but indoor! That way you can use it winter and summer. In addition, you will be surprised by the price ... The night is very affordable which makes it very good value for money. Nothing is missing to award him the palm of best family friendly hotel in Mont aux sources near Royal Natal Park!

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near Royal Natal Park in South Africa

To discover the region: Explore Tugela Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the world

The best hotels for families with children in Addo Elephant Park

1. River Bend Lodge: The best hotel for families in Addo Elephant private reserve

River Bend Lodge: the best family-friendly hotel on Addo Elephant's private reserve
River Bend Lodge: the best family-friendly hotel on Addo Elephant's private reserve
River Bend Lodge: the best family-friendly hotel on Addo Elephant's private reserve
River Bend Lodge: the best family-friendly hotel on Addo Elephant's private reserve

Much more affordable than Gorah Elephant Camp, River bend lodge is no less spectacular. It is located in the middle of Addo Elephant Park and you are surrounded by wild animals who come to drink at the hotel's waterhole. Who has never dreamed of sipping a mojito on their terrace while watching elephants, zebras, antelopes or even buffaloes pass in front of their nose? The chalets offered are spacious and well appointed. They are ideal for a family safari. In addition, guided trips in 4 × 4 are allowed for children which is not always the case in private reserves. In the evening, you can take a dip in the swimming pool or pamper yourself at the hotel spa. The price includes 3 meals per day, drinks (except some wines) and two private guided Land Rover excursions per day. This all inclusive package is well worth it and by far the best family hotel in a private reserve of Addo Elephant Park.

Most : during your safari, you can take a course on wildlife photography to bring home exceptional photos.

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2. Zuurberg Mountain Village: the best family-friendly hotel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa

Zuurberg Mountain Village: the best family hotel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
Zuurberg Mountain Village: the best family hotel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
Zuurberg Mountain Village: the best family hotel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa

We chose to sleep at the hotel  Zuurberg Mountain Village which is located right at the entrance to Addo Elephant National Park and it was a very good strategic choice that we highly recommend. Perched on the heights, this hotel suitable for children offers a breathtaking view of the reserve! The chalets for rent are comfortable and spacious. In addition, they have a very nice swimming pool bordered by a manicured lawn which is often visited by monkeys. You add to all this a very good reception and you get the best family-friendly hotel near Addo Elephant Park in South Africa!

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa

To discover the region: Go on a safari in the Addo Elephant park reserve

Best family-friendly hotels in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

1. Sunshowers Plett: the best hotel in Plettenberg Bay for families

Sunshowers Plett: the best hotel in Plettenberg Bay for families
Sunshowers Plett: the best hotel in Plettenberg Bay for families
Sunshowers Plett: the best hotel in Plettenberg Bay for families
Sunshowers Plett: the best hotel in Plettenberg Bay for families

Sunshowers Plett is a hotel which is located right in front of the lagoon of Plettenberg Bay, making it the ideal place if you want to spend time at the beach with your children. The majority of the rooms are small apartments with very spacious kitchens. They are clean, well appointed for a couple and their children and they have a great view. The combination of location, price and comfort of the rooms make it the best family hotel in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa.

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2. The Bungalow: the best hotel from Plettenberg Bay child friendly

The Bungalow: the best child-friendly hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
The Bungalow: the best child-friendly hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
The Bungalow: the best child-friendly hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
The Bungalow: the best child-friendly hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

The Bungalow is a very friendly hotel located on the beach (perfect for children). It's more expensive and less spacious than Sunshowers Plett, but it's closer to the city center and much more modern. Besides, even if you don't stay there, we recommend that you go there for brunch or lunch! The furniture is very beautiful and very designer. Here, everything is done to make you feel on vacation!

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa

To discover the region:

Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages: the best family hotel near Sani Pass in South Africa

Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages: the best family hotel near Sani Pass in South Africa
Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages: the best family hotel near Sani Pass in South Africa
Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages: the best family hotel near Sani Pass in South Africa
Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages: the best family hotel near Sani Pass in South Africa

Lake Naverone Holiday Cottages is located on the shores of a superb lake at the foot of Sani Pass in the Drakensberg. It is the perfect place for families and groups as they have very nice little houses to rent. You also have the option of renting smaller chalets for couples. The interior is well appointed and comfortable. The view from the terrace on the mountains is magnificent and the sunset is breathtaking with the reflection of the landscape on the water. Also, each cottage is equipped with rowing boats if you want to take a ride on Lake Naverone! This hotel is an ideal haven to relax after a day of 4 × 4 at Sani Pass. It is without a doubt the best family hotel near Sani Pass in Underberg.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near Sani Pass in South Africa

To discover the region: The best recommendations for visiting Sani Pass

San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: the best hotel for families near Oribi Gorge in South Africa

San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: the best hotel for families near Oribi Gorge in South Africa
San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: the best hotel for families near Oribi Gorge in South Africa
San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: the best hotel for families near Oribi Gorge in South Africa
San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: the best hotel for families near Oribi Gorge in South Africa

Located a few kilometers from the Oribi gorges, San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa is the best hotel for families in Margate in South Africa. We recommend it if you prefer the resorts to the guesthouses that we recommend. The rooms are spacious, very well decorated, clean and comfortable. The service is excellent and the seaside hotel has a large swimming pool ideal for children, a gym and even a spa which offers good massages (much appreciated after a day of driving or walking!).

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

To discover the region: Hiking in the Oribi gorges in South Africa

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: the best hotel for families in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: the best hotel for families in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: the best hotel for families in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: the best hotel for families in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: the best hotel for families in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

The best family hotel in Swaziland (now called Eswatini) is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary! You can sleep directly in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary hotel! In terms of location, you can't get any closer… You can get up and get into the jeep directly if you take the sunrise exit in the park. The setting is very beautiful and gazelles and warthogs come right up to your room. This lodge is in total harmony with its environment. You have the choice between sleeping in a traditional hut (very atypical!) Or a chalet (for families). The hut is very nice and it's a unique experience. The interior is basic but still clean and comfortable. No complaints about the service either. As for the price it is really correct, even very affordable.

most : the hotel has a water point near the restaurant where the wild animals drink in the evening.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

To discover the region:

Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's Best Hotel for Families with Children

Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's Best Hotel for Families with Children
Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's Best Hotel for Families with Children
Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's Best Hotel for Families with Children
Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's Best Hotel for Families with Children

Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat is a wonderful accommodation and it's for us Durban's best hotel for families - hands down. The villa is simply sublime: colonial architecture, luxuriant nature, refined decoration, rooms worthy of kings and queens, breakfast terrace with sea view, perfect swimming pool, extremely pleasant garden, warm living room, etc ... It is a true haven peace close to downtown which has a busy list of regular customers! In short, a little piece of paradise for your family not to be missed if you are passing through Durban.

The + : the welcome and the attentions of the staff to make your stay pleasant are highly appreciated.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Durban in South Africa

Our tips for a successful trip:

  • Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices

Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.

  • Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers

You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.

  • Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions

By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.

  • Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price

Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.

  • Don't leave without travel insurance

For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).

  • Want more information about your destination?

Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.

To find out more about South Africa:

Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!