Is It Safe To Take Children On A Trip To South Africa?

South Africa is generally considered safe for tourists, with the US, UK, NZ, Canadian, and Australian travel advisories rating it at Level 2. However, it requires a “High Degree of Caution” due to its well-regulated tourism industry. As of November 2019, children traveling on passports of visa-exempt countries will only require a valid passport to enter or exit South Africa.

South Africa is generally a safe place to visit, with most tourists visiting Cape Town, going on safaris, and enjoying beach breaks. The FCDO travel advice for South Africa includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences.

For children traveling with kids, they must carry relevant paperwork, including birth certificates, and supporting documents are not required. The areas in which visitors typically stay, such as Cape Town’s city centre and inner suburbs, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and safari destinations, are among the safest in the country.

South Africa offers many amazing experiences for children and families, including malaria-free safari lodges, malaria-free touristy parts around the city, well-equipped lodges, camps, and guides, and safaris without epic drives or antimalarials. As of November 2019, children travelling on passports of visa-exempt countries will only require a valid passport to enter or exit South African ports of entry.

All minor children traveling through any South African port of entry must have an unabridged birth certificate or an equivalent document. While South Africa may not be the safest country in the world, it is one of the most beautiful ones. Family-friendly activities such as zip-wires, penguins, safari, boat rides, kayaking, and more make it a superb place to take the kids.

Is Cape Town safe for white tourists?

Cape Town is considered safe by the UK Foreign Office, but it has high crime rates, particularly violent crime, including murder. Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice ranks it among the most violent cities in the world. Tourist-friendly areas like the V and A Waterfront have tight security, while Table Mountain’s busy areas are safe. Popular beaches have lifeguards and shark spotters, so be aware of warning signs and read the local laws.

Are kids allowed in safari in South Africa?

Many lodges and camps have age restrictions, with the usual age limit being six years for walking safaris and gorilla trekking. This means that accommodation choices are limited to the few places that don’t have age restrictions in place. Many lodges and camps are unfenced, allowing wildlife to wander through, which is not enough security for little children. Malaria zones must be avoided as very young children may not be able to take malaria prophylactics.

Travel on small planes can cause discomfort for small children due to their unpressurized nature and potential turbulence and thermals. Limited luggage allowances are also important for little children, as they may need to carry a lot of paraphernalia like prams, nappies, formula, and clothes. Safari shops for souvenirs and basic toiletries are often limited, and baby items are rarely available in the bush.

Private game-drive vehicles are often preferred by lodges and camps, but they can be expensive and require passengers to be quiet and sit still when viewing game. Some policies restrict how close guides with young passengers can get to predators, making viewing of big cats and other unpredictable game like buffalo difficult or distant.

Safari can be hot, dusty, and bumpy, making it difficult for families to cope with tired toddlers on long road transfers or changing them without access to restrooms. Few lodges and camps offer full activities or facilities for young children, such as television or Wi-Fi signals. The safari schedule requires adults to be up before dawn for early morning game drives and turn in after dinner and drinks around the campfire.

Family units are in limited supply and go quickly, especially during peak season. Book early to ensure you have a family-friendly suite.

Is South Africa good for a family holiday?

South Africa is a top family vacation destination due to its city fun, action-packed resorts, beautiful beaches, and Big 5 safari parks. The country’s excellent infrastructure makes it suitable for families of all ages, and independent families can explore at their own pace. South Africa is home to legendary wildlife preserves like the Kruger National Park and malaria-free game reserves. Most safari lodges offer interactive children’s programs and animal encounters, while adventure sports like cycling, hiking, and horse-riding are available.

Wi-Fi is also available to keep teens connected with their friends back home. Cape Town is a must-see for families, with attractions like Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, and Boulders Beach penguins. A road trip along the Garden Route offers a scenic stretch of coast with quaint villages and exciting activities like whale watching and bungee jumping.

Is Johannesburg safe for white tourists?

Johannesburg is a relatively safe city for tourists, with its numerous fine dining restaurants, trendy bars, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. However, petty theft is the biggest risk, similar to Cape Town. To stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

When traveling to South Africa, keep in mind the following safety tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to potential dangers.
2. Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.\n3

Can you take kids to South Africa?

Traveling with children and unaccompanied children in South Africa requires special requirements. The South African Department of Home Affairs provides more information. Vaccination requirements include a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination if coming from a transmission risk country. For more information, visit TravelHealthPro’s South Africa guide.

Do I need malaria tablets for South Africa?

Malaria is a risk in certain parts of South Africa, so it’s crucial to take a malaria prescription before leaving and follow the doctor’s instructions. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for healthy US citizens in foreign countries, as vehicles, buses, trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and animals share the same lanes of traffic.

Is South Africa safe to visit with kids?

South Africa offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers of all ages, with modern cities, great roads, and accessibility. The Garden Route is an ideal destination for families, offering plenty of places to stop, eat, and sleep, as well as interactive activities. However, wildlife viewing requires patience and silence, and open-sided vehicles provide little protection from the sun or heat. Children younger than eight may not get much out of a game drive, and bush walks can only be carried out by those aged 12 or 14. Camping is another option for older kids, as it offers a more intense experience, as it allows them to experience the natural environment 24/7, experiencing the sounds, smells, and noises at night.

Is Johannesburg safe for families?

Johannesburg is a popular tourist destination with a high crime rate, making it advisable to ask local guides or hotel staff for specific areas to avoid. If you encounter crime, it’s likely theft, so keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also important to plan your route before leaving to avoid checking your phone in the street. When stopping at red lights, especially in quiet areas or at night, be cautious and avoid driving after dark. Outside major cities, it’s generally safer, but still take precautions. Some of the best South Africa tours include wildlife viewing, safaris, hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.

Is Cape Town or Johannesburg safer?

Cape Town offers a safer holiday destination than Johannesburg due to increased crime, while Sandton is a safer suburb to stay in during a visit to Johannesburg.

Is South Africa safe for tourists now?

South Africa is experiencing increased caution due to crime and civil unrest, with violent crimes such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks being common. GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes, as it may suggest shortcuts through townships, increasing crime risks. In Cape Town, tourists using GPS apps have been routed through residential areas with high crime rates.

To return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport, take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request a rental car company to collect your vehicle and arrange an airport transfer from taxi companies or ridesharing services.

What should I be careful of in Cape Town?

To protect yourself from terrorism, it is essential to hide your PIN, be cautious of strangers offering assistance or trying to lure you to ATMs, and only change large amounts of money in secure locations. The UK faces a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, affecting UK interests and British nationals. Staying aware of your surroundings is crucial, and UK Counter Terrorism Policing offers information on staying safe abroad and how to reduce your risk in the event of a terrorist attack. South Africa is also likely to face terrorist attacks.