Affordable and Family-Friendly 7-Day Safari Adventure in South Africa from Boston

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer

Johannesburg, South Africa on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Boston to Johannesburg

Depart from Boston Logan International Airport via Qatar Airways with one stop in Doha; total flight time around 18 hours with excellent customer reviews for family comfort and competitive pricing approximately USD 1,200 per person round-trip.

USD1200, 18h0m

6:30pm

Arrive in Johannesburg and Ground Transfer

Upon arrival, pick up a pre-booked comfortable family SUV rental from Avis for flexibility and ease of travel to the hotel and later safari lodge transfers; vehicle cost approx USD 50 per day.

USD50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Hotel Check-in at Garden Court OR Tambo

Stay overnight at Garden Court OR Tambo, located near Johannesburg airport; this family-friendly hotel offers good comfort and complimentary breakfast with room rates around USD 80 per night.

USD80, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant specialising in local and international cuisine, suitable for families with kids.

USD40, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 2: Journey to Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel, providing a good start before heading to the safari lodge.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kruger National Park

Drive about 4 hours north to the Kruger area in the pre-booked SUV; scenic route with potential stops at small towns on way.

USD0 (included in vehicle rental), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

Enjoy a casual family lunch at the Rest Camp restaurant inside Kruger National Park featuring local dishes and kid-friendly options.

USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Safari Afternoon Game Drive

Join a guided afternoon game drive with an experienced ranger; great opportunity to spot The Big Five and educate the kids about wildlife conservation. Drives last approx 3 hours until sunset.

USD60 per person, 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at family-friendly safari lodge

Accommodation at a mid-range family lodge like Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, offering family rooms and evening meals with kids activities included; price around USD 250 per night.

USD250, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Dinner at the lodge's main restaurant serving fresh local ingredients, with menus that accommodate both adults and children comfortably.

Included, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 3: Full Day Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa on July 3, 2025

6:00am

Early Morning Game Drive

Early guided morning drive to catch animals at their most active; good for family photography and seeing wildlife before the heat of the day.

Included, 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Buffet breakfast at the lodge with fresh fruits, eggs, and pastries to recharge after the drive.

Included, 1h0m

10:30am

Leisure and Wildlife Education

Enjoy leisure time at the lodge pool or participate in educational talks or short nature walks suitable for kids.

Included, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Lunch buffet with light and healthy options for all ages.

Included, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Another guided drive to explore different areas of the park, focusing on birdwatching and smaller animals to engage children’s curiosity.

Included, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner while sharing the day’s adventure stories.

Included, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 4: Exploration and Relaxation

Kruger National Park, South Africa on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the lodge.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit to Kruger Park Visitor Centre

Drive to the nearby Kruger Park Visitor Centre to explore interactive exhibits perfect for kids to learn about the park's ecosystem and conservation efforts.

USD5 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Satara Camp Restaurant

Lunch in Satara Camp, offering a variety of grilled and fresh food balanced for adults and children.

USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Self-Drive Safari

Use your rented SUV for a self-guided drive allowing flexible stops and more relaxed wildlife watching matching family’s pace.

Included, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Lodge and Dinner

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Included, 1h0m

View Hotels

Day 5: Cultural Experience

Kruger National Park, South Africa on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Buffet breakfast before the day’s activities.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Guided Visit to Local Village

Take a family-friendly guided tour to a local village to experience traditional South African culture and crafts, engaging for all ages. Lasts about 3 hours.

USD40 per person, 3h0m