What are you looking for

Close search

Swap the Chill for a Thrill: 8 Top Family-Friendly Tropical Holidays for SA Winter Breaks

Now’s the perfect time to plan a tropical island getaway to escape South Africa’s winter chill, and the good news is you don’t have to go far. 

Escape SA's winter chill with a tropical family break

With affordable flights, all-inclusive packages and plenty of child-friendly activities, these eight exotic escapes offer everything you need for a memorable June/July holiday the whole family will love.

 

1 | Mauritius: The Classic Family Favourite

A short flight from Johannesburg or Durban, Mauritius is an easy win for South African families. With a familiar culture, kid-friendly food options and plenty of all-inclusive resorts, it's the perfect blend of tropical escape and home comfort.

Mauritius is a favourite with South African travellers, and for good reason

Family Thrills Include

  • Glass-bottom boat rides and snorkelling off Grand Baie
  • Family-sized beach villas with kids’ clubs and nanny services
  • Day trips to Casela Nature Park or Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth, to name but a few of the island’s non-beach attractions (more here).

 Why SA Families Love Mauritius

  • Direct flights
  • No visa required
  • Great winter weather
  • All-inclusive resorts that are affordable (think kids stay free!)
  • Plenty of activities for the whole family

Go Here With Sure!

Sure Travel has a range of packages for Mauritius this June/July holidays. Book by 30 April 2025 to get discount rates at several Veranda resorts, including: 5 Nights at Veranda Pointe Aux Biches from R14,900 pps7 Nights at Veranda Palmar Beach from R19,200 pps; 7 Nights at the 4* Veranda Paul & Virginie from R20,015 pps

Or take a 5 night family holiday at a range of Beachcomber properties, including: Mauricia Beachcomber from R21,160 pps; Victoria Beachcomber from R26,030 pps; Trou aux Biches Beachcomber from R34,860 pps; Dinarobin Beachcomber from R34,030 pps. These are only a few of the deals on offer; contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for more discount deals. 

  

2 | Seychelles: The Snorkelling Paradise

If your family loves the ocean, Seychelles will blow them away. With calm, shallow waters perfect for younger children, and vibrant coral reefs for older kids and parents to explore, this island nation is a hidden gem.

Explore the underwater wonders of the Seychelles this winter

Top Activities

  • Snorkelling and turtle-spotting at Anse Lazio
  • Island-hopping adventures and scenic catamaran cruises
  • Biking through nature reserves on La Digue Island

Why SA Families Love Seychelles

  • Short flights from South Africa
  • Quick and easy e-visas
  • All-inclusive resorts that offer value for the whole family
  • Outdoor activities for the whole family 

Go Here With Sure!

Sure Travel has several packages for Seychelles this SA winter holidays, like 7 Nights at Fisherman's Cove from R32,695 pps and 6 Nights at Constance Lemuria from R55,260 pps. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for these and other deals for the Seychelles.


3 | Maldives: All-Inclusive Luxury for Every Age

Often seen as a honeymoon destination, the Maldives is also becoming increasingly family-friendly. Many island resorts now cater specifically to kids, offering kids’ clubs, splash pools and water sports galore.

Step into exclusive paradise in the Maldives

Don't miss

  • Sunset dolphin cruises and glass-bottom kayaking
  • Floating breakfasts and private family beach picnics
  • Underwater restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience

Why SA Families Love Maldives

  • Short flights and visa free (for 30 days)
  • Exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • Incredible nature and adventure activities
  • Family package specials where kids stay and eat free

Go Here With Sure!

Take the family to Maldives with special offers from Sure Travel, like 7 Nights at the 4-star Sun Siyam Olhuveli from R49,700 pps, or 7 Nights at Kandima from R47,640 pps.  Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more Maldives family packages.


4 | Thailand: Zip-lining, Elephants and Tropical Fun

Thailand offers unbeatable value, warm hospitality and endless entertainment for families. Think sandy beaches, cultural experiences and wild adventures — all in one trip.

Thailand's tropical islands are tantalising for the whole family

Must-do Activities

  • Zip-lining through the jungles of Phuket
  • Visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai
  • Street food markets and longtail boat rides in Krabi

Why SA Families Love Thailand

  • Frequent and affordable flights
  • Visa free (for 60 days)
  • All-inclusive package deals (kids stay and eat free)
  • Super family friendly

Go Here With Sure!

Travel to Thailand for less with Sure Travel this winter with deals like 7 Nights at La Flora Khao Lak from R19,250 pps; 7 Nights at Robinson Club Khao Lak from R20,270 pps; or 7 Nights at the luxury 5-star Keemala Phuket from R46,790 pps. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for more deals.


5 | Bali: Culture, Nature & Family-Friendly Resorts

With its lush rice terraces, dramatic coastlines, and welcoming locals,Bali is a dream for adventurous families. The island’s unique blend of spirituality, culture and laid-back vibes makes it a rich playground for kids and adults alike.

Bali welcomes family travellers

Fun for Families

  • Surf lessons in Kuta or Nusa Dua
  • Monkey Forest visits and cultural performances in Ubud
  • Kids’ clubs at luxury resorts and affordable villas with private pools

Why SA Families Love Bali

  • Excellent value for money, including affordable flights
  • Visa free (for 30 days)
  • Strong wellness offerings for parents; plenty of activities for kids
  • Gentle introduction to Southeast Asia culture and cuisine

Go Here With Sure!

Travel to Bali with deals like 6 Nights Magical Bali with Costsaver from R14,872 pps; to more luxury packages like 7 Nights at Sol by Melia from R37,755 pps or 7 Nights at Seminyak Beach Resort from R40,615 pps. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for more deals. 


6 | Zanzibar: Spice Island Adventures

A hop across the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar offers an exotic mix of African charm and tropical flair. It’s a wonderful choice for South African families seeking something a little different — with plenty of culture, history and beach time.

The Spice islands are calling this winter...

Adventure Highlights

  • Snorkelling trips to Mnemba Atoll
  • Exploring Stone Town’s winding alleyways
  • Spice farm tours and dhow cruises

Why SA Families Love Zanzibar

  • Short flights and visa free
  • All-inclusive package specials (kids stay and eat free)
  • Immersive cultural experiences  

Go Here With Sure!

Sure Travel has a range of package for Zanzibar this winter, like 7 Nights at Dreams of Zanzibar from R21,270 pps and 7 Nights at Sandies Baobab from R25,835 pps. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options. 


7 | Mozambique: Easy, Affordable, and Close to Home

Mozambique is a favourite for local families looking for a close-to-home island break. With rustic beach lodges and untouched coastline, it’s ideal for a simple, barefoot kind of holiday.

Sail into the sunset in Mozambique

Family Favourites

  • Snorkelling and kayaking in the Bazaruto Archipelago
  • Horse riding on the beach
  • Fresh seafood braais by the water

Why SA Families Love Mozambique

  • Short flights or easy drive from South Africa
  • Quick and easy e-Visa on arrival
  • Super affordable accommodation, food and activities
  • Laid-back beach holiday with activities for the whole family

Go Here With Sure!

Sure Travel has a glut of deals for Mozambique this June/July holidays, like 6 Nights at the 4-star Machangulo Beach Lodge from R14,158 pps; 4 Nights at Vilanculos Beach Lodge from R20,557 pps; and 5 Nights at the 4-star Massinga Beach Lodge from R21,947 pps. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for details.


8 | Madagascar: A Wild and Wonderful Family Adventure

For families who want to go beyond the usual beach holiday, Madagascar offers an off-the-beaten-track adventure full of natural wonder.

Say hello to the lemurs in Madagascar

Don't Miss

  • Wildlife safaris to spot lemurs and chameleons
  • Hiking through rainforests and baobab forests
  • Unique beaches with rock formations and tidal pools

Why SA Families Love Madagascar

  • Unique eco-adventure destination
  • Short flights from SA
  • All-inclusive resorts, with some offering kids stay-and-eat-for-free specials

Go Here With Sure!

Take a luxury family Madagascan holiday with a 7 Night stay at the luxury Constance Tsarabanjina from R76,900 pps. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency for more cost-effective deals. 


Ready to Swap the Chill for a Tropical Thrill?

Whether you're craving adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural experiences or pure beachside relaxation, there's a tropical island with your family’s name on it for the upcoming June/July school holidays.

Why spend the winter holidays in SA when you can escape to tropical climes?

And with great-value packages, direct flights from South Africa and winter sunshine guaranteed, there’s no better time to plan your escape from the cold.

Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for tropical island deals for the June/July holidays

Contact us today for exclusive winter holiday deals, all-inclusive family packages, and personalised recommendations for your dream tropical escape.

 

Log In to Access Your Suitcase

You need to log in to add packages to, and manage, your suitcase. Please log in or register.