3 Unique 7-Day Family Safari Itineraries in South Africa from Boston

Day 1: Option 1 Travel to Pilanesberg

Boston to Johannesburg to Pilanesberg on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Fly Boston to Johannesburg

Qatar Airways economy flight with Doha layover. Approx 20 hours total. Cost effective for family travel.

USD$900, 20h

11:00pm

Arrive OR Tambo Airport and overnight near airport

Relax at Aviator Hotel before safari transfer next day.

USD$100 per room, Overnight

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Day 2: Option 1 Pilanesberg Safari Begins

Pilanesberg National Park on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Aviator Hotel

Family-friendly buffet with varied options.

USD$20 per person, 1h

9:15am

Transfer to Bakubung Bush Lodge

2.5-hour private vehicle transfer to safari lodge.

USD$300 family round trip, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Bakubung Bush Lodge

Family suite with pool, kid meals & guided safaris.

USD$250 pp per night - full board & game drives, 3 nights

3:30pm

Afternoon game drive

See wildlife in open safari vehicle guided by experts.

Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

African cuisine suitable for kids and adults.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 3: Option 1 Safari Activities

Pilanesberg National Park on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Morning game drive

Best wildlife spotting at dawn with expert guides.

Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Buffet with pancakes, fresh fruits for children.

Included, 1h

10:30am

Relax or pool time

Swim and unwind while kids enjoy playground.

Included, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at lodge

Light meals served in indoor or outdoor areas.

Included, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon game drive

Chances to see big cats and elephants at sunset.

Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner

International cuisine adapted for children.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 4: Option 1 Return to Johannesburg

Pilanesberg to Johannesburg on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Final morning game drive

Early sighting opportunities and farewell to wildlife.

Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast & checkout

Fill up before journey back to Johannesburg city.

Included, 1h

10:30am

Private transfer to Johannesburg

2.5-hour drive to The Maslow Hotel with family amenities.

Included in transport, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at hotel

Relaxed family-friendly meal with kids’ options.

USD$25 pp, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Gold Reef City

Theme park with rides and games for the entire family.

USD$15 adults, USD$12 children approx, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mugg & Bean

Casual dining suitable for children with a variety of choices.

USD$20 pp, 1.5h

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Day 5: Option 1 Explore Johannesburg

Johannesburg on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Maslow

Buffet spread with healthy choices for kids and adults.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Apartheid Museum visit

Educational and suitable for older children; open 9am-5pm.

USD$9 adults, USD$5 children, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vovo Telo

Bakery café with fresh breads and kid-friendly menu.

USD$20 pp, 1h

1:30pm

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Relaxed family stroll or picnic with open play space.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Local Grill

South African dishes with children’s options available.

USD$30 pp, 1.5h

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Day 6: Option 1 Departure Day

Johannesburg to Boston on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick buffet to start the travel day.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Airport transfer

Private car to OR Tambo International Airport.

Included, 1h

12:00pm

Return flight to Boston on Qatar Airways

Economic ticket with Doha layover.

USD$900, 20h

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Day 7: Option 1 Arrival in Boston

Boston on May 26, 2025

7:00pm

Arrival

End of safari trip with family memories.

Included, N/A

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Day 1: Option 2 Travel to Madikwe

Boston to Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Fly Boston to Johannesburg

South African Airways economy with direct flights available some days; approx 18 hours total.

USD$950, 18h

11:00pm

Overnight in Johannesburg

Stay at Garden Court hotel near airport to rest before driving to reserve.

USD$90 per room, Overnight

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Day 2: Option 2 Madikwe Safari Start

Madikwe Game Reserve on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Garden Court

Standard buffet with options for children and adults.

USD$18 pp, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Madikwe Game Reserve

Approx 4 hour private drive northwest to reserve.

USD$350 family return transfer, 4h

1:00pm

Check-in at Madikwe Safari Lodge

Luxury tented family suites with pool, game drives, and meals included.

USD$300 pp per night full board with activities, 3 nights

3:30pm

Afternoon game drive

Guided wildlife drive to spot rare species including wild dogs.

Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Healthy, locally sourced meals with kid-friendly menus.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 3: Option 2 Full Safari

Madikwe Game Reserve on May 22, 2025

6:30am

Morning game drive

Enjoy close encounters with big five animals and birds.

Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Fresh fruit, cereals, and speciality items for kids.

Included, 1h

10:30am

Pool and nature walk

Swimming and guided walks suitable for children.

Included, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at lodge

Seasonal dishes in a shaded outdoor dining area.

Included, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon game drive

Experience sunset while viewing wildlife.

Included, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner

Family-friendly meals with cultural touches.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 4: Option 2 Return to Johannesburg

Madikwe to Johannesburg on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Final morning game drive

Farewell wildlife viewing before departure.

Included, 3h

10:30am

Checkout and transfer

Drive back to Johannesburg and check-in to Protea Hotel.

USD$120 per night family room, 2h30m transfer

1:30pm

Lunch at hotel

Casual dining with kids menu available.

USD$25 pp, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

Interactive science museum perfect for children, open until 5pm.

ZAR80 (about USD$5) per person, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Family-oriented dining offering variety.

USD$20 pp, 1.5h

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Day 5: Option 2 Johannesburg Leisure

Johannesburg on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Protea Hotel

Buffet with plenty of children’s favourites.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lion Park

Drive through park to see lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife. Open 8am-5pm.

USD$20 adults, USD$12 kids approx, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Informal eatery serving grilled meals suitable for children.

USD$18 pp, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Johannesburg Zoo

Enjoy diverse animals in open spaces. Kids will enjoy interactive zones. Open 9am-5pm.

ZAR145 (USD$9) adults, ZAR85 (USD$5) children, 2.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Piza e Vino

Relaxed Italian restaurant with kid-friendly pizzas and pastas.

USD$25 pp, 1.5h

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Day 6: Option 2 Flight Home

Johannesburg to Boston on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and pack

Healthy take on buffet breakfast.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to OR Tambo Airport

Private vehicle to international airport.

Included, 1h

12:00pm

Fly back to Boston via South African Airways

Economy class returning home comfortably.

USD$950, 18h

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Day 7: Option 2 Return Arrival

Boston on May 26, 2025

6:00pm

Arrival at Boston Logan

End of great family safari experience in South Africa.

Included, N/A

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Day 1: Option 3 Cape Town & Garden Route

Boston to Cape Town on May 20, 2025

10:00am

Fly Boston to Cape Town

Emirates flight via Dubai with competitive pricing and good service. Approx 21 hour journey.

USD$980, 21h

8:00am next day

Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

Transfer to accommodation in Cape Town city centre.

USD$50 private transfer, 30m

9:00am

Check-in at family friendly hotel

Stay at Radisson Red Cape Town Battery Park - fun vibrant hotel with pool and family amenities.

USD$150 per night, Stay 2 nights

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Day 2: Option 3 Explore Cape Town

Cape Town on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet including fresh fruit and pastries.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Table Mountain

Take cable car for stunning views; open 8am - 7pm, suitable for children.

USD$25 adults, USD$13 children, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at V&A Waterfront

Many kid-friendly restaurants with scenic harbour views.

USD$25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Two Oceans Aquarium

Explore marine life; great for children, open 9am to 6pm.

USD$15 adults, USD$8 children, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Harbour House

Seafood restaurant with kid-friendly options.

USD$30 pp, 1.5h

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Day 3: Option 3 Garden Route Safari

Cape Town to Garden Route on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Early start with packed breakfast option.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Fly to George Airport then drive to Garden Route Game Lodge

Fly 2 hours, then 45 mins transfer to lodge.

USD$250 flight per person, USD$150 transfer family round, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Garden Route Game Lodge

Family-friendly lodge with kid’s activities, pool and safari drives included.

USD$280 pp per night full board with safari, 3 nights

3:30pm

Afternoon safari drive

Spot wildlife including kudu, hippos, and rhinos.

Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Variety of dishes with children’s favourites.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 4: Option 3 Full Safari Days

Garden Route Game Reserve on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Morning safari drive

Enjoy sightings of diverse wildlife and birds.

Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Healthy buffet with fresh options for kids.

Included, 1h

10:30am

Guided nature walk or pool time

Choose between quiet walks or relaxing by the pool.

Included, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at lodge

Seasonal dishes catering to family tastes.

Included, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon game drive

Late safari to spot elusive creatures at dusk.

Included, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner

Local and international cuisine with children’s menu.

Included, 1.5h

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Day 5: Option 3 Return to Cape Town

Garden Route to Cape Town on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Early morning safari drive

Final chance to see wildlife close up.

Included, 3h

10:30am

Check-out and transfer to George Airport

1-hour airport transfer to fly back to Cape Town.

Included, 1h

12:30pm

Fly to Cape Town Airport

Short flight to Cape Town city.

USD$250 pp, 2h

3:00pm

Check-in Radisson Red Cape Town Battery Park

Relax and enjoy hotel amenities with kids’ areas.

USD$150 per night, 1 night

4:30pm

Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Enjoy scenic walks, open spaces and family fun. Open 8am-7pm.

USD$10 adults, USD$5 children, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Comfortable dining with menus for kids and adults.

USD$30 pp, 1.5h

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Day 6: Option 3 Flight Home

Cape Town to Boston on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and pack

Hearty buffet breakfast before departure.

Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Cape Town International Airport

Private car transfer to airport.

USD$50, 30m

1:00pm

Fly Emirates to Boston via Dubai

Economy class flight with quality service.

USD$980, 21h

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Day 7: Option 3 Arrival in Boston

Boston on May 26, 2025

8:00pm

Arrival

Return home with wonderful safari and cultural memories.

Included, N/A

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