7-Day Family Safari Adventure in South Africa from Boston

Day 1: Travel to Johannesburg

Boston, USA to Johannesburg, South Africa on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Board an economy flight with Qatar Airways, which offers good value including a layover in Doha. Flight duration including layover is approximately 20 hours.
USD$900, 20h0m

11:00pm

Arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to accommodation near the airport for a restful night before the safari.
Included in ground transport cost, 1h

Day 2: Transfer and Safari Start

Johannesburg to Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Aviator Hotel near the airport

Enjoy a family-friendly buffet breakfast suitable for kids and adults, opening from 6am to 10am.
USD$20 per person, 1h

9:15am

Ground transfer by private vehicle to Pilanesberg National Park

A comfortable 2.5-hour drive northwest of Johannesburg to the safari lodge, with stops for refreshments.
USD$300 round trip per family, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Bakubung Bush Lodge

Family-friendly safari lodge with family suites, swimming pool, kid-friendly meals, and guided game drives included.
USD$250 per person per night full board with game drives, Stay for 3 nights

3:30pm

Afternoon guided game drive

Explore the park with experienced guides to see wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos. Safari vehicles have space for children.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Enjoy African-inspired cuisine designed to appeal to all ages in a family-friendly setting.
Included, 1.5h

Day 3: Full Safari Experience

Pilanesberg National Park on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Morning game drive

Early morning game drive to catch animals during their active hours. Great for photography and to learn about wildlife behaviour.
Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at the lodge

Hearty breakfast buffet with kid-friendly options such as pancakes and fresh fruit.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Relax and pool time

Family time at the lodge swimming pool, or optional visit to the nearby animal orphanage.
Included, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at the lodge

Light, nutritious lunch served in a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon game drive

Another chance to spot wildlife as the sun lowers, with guides explaining animal habits.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Family-friendly dining featuring local cuisine and international dishes suitable for children.
Included, 1.5h

Day 4: Safari and Departure

Pilanesberg National Park to Johannesburg on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Morning game drive

Last wildlife drive with opportunities to spot animals missed on earlier drives.
Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Relaxed breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Transfer back to Johannesburg

Private vehicle transfer to Johannesburg city; estimated 2.5-hour drive.
Included in ground transport cost, 2h30m

1:00pm

Check-in at family-friendly hotel in Johannesburg

Rest at The Maslow Hotel, featuring pools and kid-friendly amenities.
USD$120 per night, Stay 2 nights

2:30pm

Lunch at hotel restaurant

Light meal with diverse options suitable for children and adults.
USD$25 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Gold Reef City Theme Park

A family theme park with rides and attractions for children and adults. Opens 10am to 5pm.
ZAR250 (approx USD$15) per adult, ZAR195 per child, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mugg & Bean

Casual dining offering sandwiches, salads, and meals that suit all ages.
USD$20 per person, 1.5h

Day 5: Johannesburg City Exploration

Johannesburg, South Africa on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast with variety to please the kids and adults.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Apartheid Museum

Educational museum suitable for children over 10, open 9am to 5pm, providing an important history lesson.
ZAR150 per adult, ZAR80 per child, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vovo Telo

A family-friendly bakery and café serving fresh breads and lunches in a welcoming environment.
USD$20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Relaxing afternoon walking among gardens and picnic areas - great for children to run and explore freely.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Rest at hotel

Time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Local Grill

Enjoy South African cuisine with a kid-friendly menu and relaxing atmosphere.
USD$30 per person, 1.5h

Day 6: Return Flight Day

Johannesburg to Boston on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy breakfast to start the travel day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Airport transfer

Private vehicle transfer to OR Tambo International Airport for return flight.
Included in ground transport cost, 1h

12:00pm

Departure from Johannesburg

Board Qatar Airways economy flight back to Boston with layover in Doha.
USD$900, 20h0m

Day 7: Arrival in Boston

Boston, USA on May 26, 2025

7:00pm

Arrival at Boston Logan International Airport

End of a memorable family safari adventure with rich wildlife experiences and South African culture.
Included, N/A