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South Africa Family Multisport

South Africa Family Multisport

Let us introduce your family to the remarkable diversity of South Africa in a way that only Backroads can. Actively discover the country’s wonders, getting in tune with the area’s sights, scents and sounds -- and have the experience of a lifetime in the process. Hike along Cape Town’s Table Mountain and gaze upon the coastline Sir Francis Drake heralded as the "fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the Earth." Walk to the Cape of Good Hope, then bike on the Cape Peninsula, past rare mountain zebras, breaching whales and unique flora. Ease into the gracious lifestyle of the Cape Winelands and walk amid brightly colored protea and a rich variety of bird life. In the Drakensburg Mountains, hike along the edge of the Great Escarpment, part of a tremendous plateau that stretches through much of southern Africa. Then experience classic Africa on thrilling safaris on foot and in open-topped Land Rovers in a private portion of Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries.

Days 1-2 cape town

Meet in Cape Town Hike along the slopes of Table Mountain, the city’s cloud-draped landmark Walk the length of the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, with chances to spot ostriches, Cape mountain zebras, baboons and rare African penguins Follow the famed Cape Argus bike-race route to Chapman’s Peak Kids learn to make traditional wire art with local craftsmen.

Days 3-4 franschhoek

Our morning tour of a vibrant local township provides an intimate look at a part of Cape Town that few tourists see Take a scenic spin through the historic Cape Winelands While baboons bark in the surrounding hills, hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, famous for its huge variety of protea Come face-to-face with a cheetah at a rehabilitation center for injured cats Stroll through beautiful Franschhoek (or "French Glen"), renowned for its long tradition of viticulture and delicious cuisine.

Days 5-6 graskop

Fly from the hills, farms, valleys and vineyards into the vast savanna of "classic" Africa Visit an elephant sanctuary and take the opportunity to feed and touch these magnificent animals Walk to the edge of the Great Escarpment, a tremendous plateau brimming with indigenous forests, streams and waterfalls Shop for African crafts in the small artisan town of Graskop.

Days 7-9 kruger national park

Travel to Ngala, a private reserve within Kruger National Park, for unforgettable excursions into the bush On foot and in open-topped Land Rovers, view the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos) and other fascinating creatures like the dung beetle and lilac-breasted roller Delight in a thrilling nighttime game drive Stroll through a local tribal community and learn about its interesting pre- and post-apartheid history Fly to Johannesburg.

big map South Africa Family Multisport

INFORMAL OASES: Casual Inns

The Alphen Hotel (2 nights): This casually elegant and historic hotel is a national monument, located in a beautiful setting of ancient oaks and gardens.

Protea Hotel Franschhoek (2 nights): Enjoy a swimming pool and comfortable accommodations just a stone’s throw from town.

Graskop Hotel (2 nights): Guest rooms are quaint and full of character at this casual bed-and-breakfast, which also offers a swimming pool and gardens.

Ngala Private Game Reserve (2 nights): Featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, this classic Colonial-style African luxury lodge features authentically decorated chalets, a large swimming pool, open-air dining and a spectacular location overlooking a busy waterhole.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

South Africa Family Multisport
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum age for the trip: 12 years.

Guest Trip Reviews

The regal leopards at Londolozi. Herds of trumpeting elephants in Botswana. Breathtaking scenery of Cape Town and the Drakensburg Mountains. I've been fortunate to see South Africa's great diversity and beauty as a student on anthropological expeditions, and our new family multisport trip gives you the opportunity to show this incredible world to your children. Special activities just for the kids include tracking animals and searching for ancient rock paintings. Evenings, you'll relax amid the luxurious comforts of our lodges and feast on the delicious fresh cuisine of the region. A true family adventure!
Christian Chumbley - Regional Manager Asia, South Africa & the East Coast