Looking for some egg-citing Easter family holiday ideas? Look no further! From the iconic Garden Route to the wild Kruger National Park, South Africa boasts a wide range of destinations that are perfect for family adventures during the Easter break, while close-by Indian Ocean destinations like Zanzibar, Mozambique and Mauritius offer cost-effective holidays for the whole family.
When it comes to planning a family-friendly Easter getaway, South Africa has no shortage of amazing destinations to choose from. One of the most popular options is, of course, Cape Town. Spend your Easter break hunting for Easter egg hunts in the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, enjoy free music concerts at the V&A Waterfront and hiking or take a cable car ride up Table Mountain for breath-taking views of the city.
Head outside of Cape Town up the lush Garden Route, stopping first at the charming town of Knysna. Here, you can take a leisurely cruise on the lagoon, explore the enchanting Knysna Forest, or indulge in the freshest seafood at the waterfront.
Next up on the Garden Route is Plettenberg Bay, known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life. Take the kids on a thrilling whale-watching excursion or explore the Robberg Nature Reserve, home to seals and seabirds.
For the adrenaline junkies in the family, Jeffreys Bay is a must-visit destination. With some of the best surf breaks in the world, it's the perfect place to learn how to ride the waves or simply watch the pros in action.
Further along the coast lies Durban, a city that offers a mix of cultural experiences and adventure. Explore the bustling markets, visit the uShaka Marine World, or take a rickshaw ride along the beachfront.
If you're looking for a wildlife adventure, head to the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. This vast game reserve is home to the iconic Big Five, as well as a variety of other animals and bird species. Embark on thrilling game drives and guided bush walks to get up close and personal with Africa's majestic wildlife. Or how about the Pilanesberg National Park in North West? Here you can stay for two nights at the 4-star Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge from only R5,456 per person sharing, including breakfast and dinner and one daily game drive. The best part is 2 kids under 12 stay and eat free when sharing with 2 adults! Full deal details and Ts and Cs here.
Last but not least, venture into the Eastern Cape, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking landscapes, wildlife reserves, and the famous Addo Elephant Park.
Mauritius, with it’s abundance of family-centred resorts that offer a plethora of land and sea activities included in the package, is a perennial favourite for South African families. Beachcomber resorts are a popular choice due to offering packages that include flights, hotel transfers, accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily and land and water activities. Plus one or two children (depending on the hotel) under 18 share and eat for free, which radically reduces the cost of a family holiday in Mauritius.
While the resorts are destinations in themselves, but your family would miss out if you didn’t explore some of the other amazing land and sea activities the island has to offer (more on these later…).
Zanzibar is another cost-effective favourite for Easter holiday breaks. From ancient spice tours to swimming with dolphins, Zanzibar offers an exotic mix of attractions for the whole family. Plus there are some great deals on offer, like 7 Nights at LUX* Marijani from R27,950 per person sharing.
Hop across the border to Mozambique, where the pristine coastline invites families to enjoy activities like dhow cruises and island hopping, creating holiday memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. You can visit Mozambique for less with this four-night deal for the 4-star Massinga Beach Lodge, from R18,893 per person sharing. If you want five-star luxury in Mozambique, how about 4-nights at the five-star White Pearl Resort from R27,338 per person sharing. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book.
If you're in Cape Town, don't miss the Two Oceans Aquarium, a world-class marine attraction that offers interactive exhibits and daily shows. The kids will love getting up close to penguins, sharks, and turtles, while learning about the importance of ocean conservation. For the ultimate spoil in Cape Town, consider a two-night stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa from R4,428 per person sharing.
Head out to the Cape Winelands for a day of exploring the many wine farms offering activities the kids will love, like Segway tours through the vineyards, mountain biking, strawberry picking, tractor rides and good old fashioned picnics on the lawns.
Or head to the Cape’s South Peninsula where the kids can learn how to surf at Muizenberg beach, get up close to penguins at Boulders Beach or snorkel at Windmill Beach in Simonstown, horse ride on Noordhoek beach, search for gemstones at Scratch Patch and visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, to name but a few of the attractions and activities (ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more ideas and/or visit our Activities online booking platform for deals).
If you’re heading to the Garden Route make sure to visit the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. These ancient limestone caves are a natural wonder, with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
From Oudtshoorn, take a short drive towards the coast to Knysna. Start your visit with a leisurely boat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon and spot dolphins and seals. For a dose of adventure, explore the Knysna Forest. This ancient forest is home to a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the elusive Knysna elephants, known for their mysterious presence in the area. While in Knysna, why not take advantage of this fantastic deal: stay for 2 nights at the Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa from R3,260 per person sharing. Full deal details and Ts and Cs here.
Or you can take a trip on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train. This vintage train takes you on a scenic journey through the Garden Route, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside. Kids will love the experience of riding a historic steam train and watching the landscape pass by.
From Knysna, head a bit further down the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. Start your day with a visit to the Robberg Nature Reserve, a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals and seabirds. Kids will love visiting the Birds of Eden sanctuary, the largest free-flight aviary, as well as Monkeyland, the world’s first free roaming, multi-specie primate sanctuary. Or head to the Plettenberg Bay Puzzle Park where the whole family can challenge their problem-solving skills with a range of puzzles, from mazes to mind-bending optical illusions.
If you're looking for more adventure, head to the Tsitsikamma National Park, a short drive from Knysna. This pristine wilderness area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining.
Even further down the Garden Route is the family-favourite Jeffrey’s Bay, for its world-class surf breaks, which attract surfers from all over the globe. If you’re more comfortable on land, visit to the Surf Museum that pays tribute to the history and culture of surfing in South Africa, showcasing vintage surfboards, photographs, and memorabilia.
There’s more to J-Bay than surfing, though. Take a stroll along the pristine beaches, go fishing, or explore the nearby nature reserves like the Kabeljous Nature Reserve is a great place for a family hike, offering stunning views of the lagoon and an abundance of birdlife.
You can experience the best of the Garden Route with a 7 night tour from R24,880 per person sharing, including all transport, all accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and all tour activities listed.
For more Garden Route activities for the whole family, visit Sure Travel’s Activities online booking platform and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent.
Durban is always a winner for year-round balmy weather, perfect for family holidays. Start your visit with a trip to the uShaka Marine World, a world-class marine theme park. Here, you can explore the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, watch dolphin and seal shows, and even go snorkelling with sharks.
For a taste of local culture, head to the Victoria Street Market. This bustling market is a sensory delight, with its vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try the famous bunny chow, a Durban specialty. If you're looking to relax and soak up the sun, head to the popular Durban beachfront. For a unique experience, take a rickshaw ride along the beachfront, a fun and memorable way to explore this picturesque beachfront.
And don’t forget to visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium. This iconic stadium offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the SkyCar ride, which takes you to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the coastline. Kids can also enjoy the Adventure Walk, a thrilling guided tour that takes you on a walk along the stadium's arch.
Or how about heading down to KZN's South Coast for a stay at the 4-star Wild Coast Sun? This kid-friendly hotel is offering families a special deal: a 2-night stay is priced from R2,011 per person sharing, plus up to 2 kids stay and eat breakfast for free when staying with 2 adults. Full deal details and Ts and Cs here.
Drakensberg is another top KZN destination for families, especially with fantastic family deals like this: 2 Nights at the 3-star Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa from R3,506 per person sharing, including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, plus a guided morning hike daily. Full deal details and Ts and Cs here:
These are just a few of the many family-focussed activities and special deals Durban has to offer. Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options and/or visit our Activities online platform for deals.
Last but not least, don’t forget the Eastern Cape! Be prepared to be amazed by its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage. Cintsa is a favourite, thanks to its wide beaches, horse-riding and laid-back vibe.
A visit to the Addo Elephant Park is an absolute must. Here, you can embark on a thrilling game drive and spot elephants, lions, zebras, and a variety of other animals in their natural habitat. The reserve also offers guided walks and horseback safaris, allowing you to get even closer to the wildlife.
For a taste of local culture, visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu. This museum pays tribute to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, one of South Africa's most beloved leaders.
Want more family-friendly activity ideas for the Eastern Cape? Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options and/or visit our Activities online platform for deals.
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park and exploring the vibrant underwater world is a must for ocean-loving families. Or you can don a special dive helmet for an undersea walk that does not require any swimming or diving experience; truly ideal for the whole family (age 7 and above). For a fully immersive experience, book a swim-with-the-dolphins tour, where you and your family can dive in and try keep up with the hundreds-strong pod of dolphins that cruise the island’s waters daily.
On land in Mauritius, take the family to Casela World of Adventures, an adventure park that offers everything from zip-lining and quad biking to interacting with lions and tigers. A visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, with its famous giant water lilies, should also be on your to-do list. And be sure to take the kids to see the “Seven-coloured earths” at Chamarel, a natural phenomenon that will leave everyone in awe.
These are just a handful of the many activities that make Mauritius the perfect family holiday destination. Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options and/or visit our Activities online platform for deals.
Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island" due to its long history of spice production, and a spice tour offers a fascinating glimpse into this part of the island's culture. Families can learn about the different spices grown on the island, see how they are harvested, and even sample some of the fresh spices.
Another must-do activity in Zanzibar is swimming with dolphins. The warm waters around the island are home to dolphins, and families have the opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures.
For families who enjoy water sports, Zanzibar’s coral reefs are teeming with marine life, offering excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving for the whole family.
Look for more Zanzibar activities here, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options.
Mozambique's pristine coastline invites families to enjoy activities like dhow cruises. Dhows are traditional sailing boats, and a cruise on one of these wooden vessels is a fantastic way to explore the coastline and its hidden treasures. Island hopping is another must-do activity in Mozambique. The country is home to a string of beautiful islands, each with its own unique charm. Families can spend their days hopping from one island to another, exploring the untouched beaches, and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters.
For families who enjoy wildlife encounters, a visit to the Gorongosa National Park is a must. This park is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and zebras.
This is just a taste of the family-fun to be had in Mozambique this Easter! Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more ideas and/or visit our Activities online platform to see options and get great deals.
To make the most of your Easter getaway, it's important to plan your itinerary in advance. Start by deciding on the destination(s) you want to visit and the activities you want to experience. Consider the interests and preferences of each family member to ensure everyone has a memorable time.
If you're traveling with young children, it's a good idea to include a mix of fun and educational activities. Plan visits to child-friendly attractions, such as theme parks, animal sanctuaries, and interactive museums. Allow for some downtime as well, so you can relax and recharge before the next adventure. Importantly, book accommodation with a kids’ club and/or babysitting services so that you can also have some downtime while the kids are well-entertained and well-cared for.
Remember to make reservations for popular restaurants and accommodations to avoid disappointment, and to research the opening hours and availability of attractions and activities, as some may have limited access during the Easter break. Better yet, pre-book your activities via Sure Connect’s Activities platform, where you’ll find great deals for activities, excursions, tours and more.
Sure Travel has a wide range of packages available for travel within South Africa and abroad. Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for special offers, like kids sharing and eating for free on select Beachcomber packages, and 3rd and 4th guests sailing for free on select Norwegian Cruise Lines cruises.
