A Family Affair: 7 Active Family Holidays

Transport your kids to a different kind of playground on an adventure the whole family will remember years on.

From exploring exotic animals in the jungles of Costa Rica and meeting local children in the mountain villages of Nepal, to seeing the 'real' Madagascar out of the theatres, the hardest part will be choosing which adventure to go on.

Check out our top family-friendly destinations that offer something truly special for all ages and interests.

Visit the island of Lemurs

Imagine the reaction on your children’s face when they learn that they will visit the famous island featured in the film Madagascar. Take them on a fun adventure that will involve and delight your offspring every day, with much to see and do.

The essence of Madagascar is the unique wildlife and while you’ll probably remember the scenes of dancing lemurs in the film, you won't forget your first real-life sighting of lemurs scampering through the foliage. See this and other animals in the wild when you pass through lush rain forest, terraced fields and small village communities. We take you to a private reserve travelling along wild coasts where you are free to go for a swim, visit the local fishing village, walk on the beach or continue exploring the wild on foot and by boat.

View Madagascar trips.

Camp and trek in Nepal

If you like to introduce your children to trekking, the low altitude parts of the Annapurna foothills are the place to be. During the day, be rewarded by spectacular views of the Annapurna range and walk through alpine meadows and magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron.

Enjoy family-time away from the crowds at a relaxed and family-friendly pace. In our private eco-camps, spend time dancing, singing and playing games of volleyball and cricket with the local crew. Visit local schools and take a safari in Chitwan National Park to spot rhino, crocodile and other wildlife.

View family adventures in Nepal.

Wildlife treasure hunt in Costa Rica

Only for those that fear no heights! Take your family to Costa Rica and spend two days spotting as much wildlife as you can when you traverse treetop walkways and suspension bridges in Monteverde cloud forest.

The primary cloud forest is home to 400 species of birds; 100 species of mammals such as sloth, primates and armadillo; 120 species of amphibians including salamander and of course the red-eyed leaf frog; and 2500 species of plants, so who will be the first to spot a toucan?

Get hands-on in Asia

From a painting class in Saigon and spending the night with a local family in the Mekong Delta to cycling the country roads of Hoi An and making traditional lanterns, our Vietnam Family Explorer trip promises plenty and delivers more to offer new experiences for the children (and perhaps parents and grandparents as well).

You'll also head to the local market to shop for ingredients, like shrimp paste and lemongrass, and learn to prepare exquisite Vietnamese food. Who’s spring rolls or pho will be the best?

This active family holiday departs between July and January.

Unveil Inca myths in Peru

Uncover, together with your family, the myths of ancient Inca civilisations in Peru and explore the best the country has to offer by bike, kayak and on foot.

The visit to Machu Picchu will bring memories that last a lifetime and the stories from our guide help your children understand life in ancient times.

Explore the famous Urubamba River, visit the ‘mini Galapagos’ of Peru, and trek through the spectacular Amazon rainforest; looking out for monkeys, capybaras and hoatzin. There’s so much on this adventure packed trip to mention here, so check it out.

Our activity-filled adventure in Peru departs in September, June and July, with the option for other departure dates available upon request.

Search for South Africa’s Big 5

The kids will be spoilt for choice on what to do in one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks, home to an array of plants and animals including the Big Five and over 360 species of birdlife.

Immerse in nature, go on a game viewing safari, birdwatch and star gaze; a wildlife experience in Pilanesburg (close to Johannesburg) is a great way to spend quality time with the family in a fun and educational atmosphere. There’s even a resident hippo in the waterhole at your Bakubung Bush Lodge and a traditional bushveld boma barbecue experience.

Or for those visiting Cape Town or who are on a self-driving holiday along the country’s beautiful coast, a visit to Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is a must.  Situated along the Garden Route, the impressive 10,000+ hectare landscape offers spectacular game viewing in an open sided 4x4 safari vehicle or on board a river cruise where you can spot an abundance of African wildlife – often up close – including giraffes, elands, zebras and wildebeests.

Both our South Africa Pilanesberg Family Safari and Eastern Cape Family Safari trips depart daily, year-round.

Get back to nature in Tasmania

After a short getaway that takes your family into the great outdoors? Why not explore Cradle Mountain National Park on a series of stunning walks designed with the family in mind?

Carrying just a day pack, explore the base of the Great Western Tiers on foot before a visit to the fascinating caves of the Mole Creek Karst National Park. There are several impressive walks to choose from over the next two days where you can even tackle the summit of Cradle Mountain, sharing 360-degree views of Tasmania's highest mountains and surrounding wilderness area. It will inspire your kids to want to explore even more.

Take the family to the incredible Tasmanian wild on our 3-day Cradle Mountain Short Escape, which departs between September and January, as well as in April.

More than just sightseeing

As the saying goes, a family that plays together, stays together; so, get a hands-on education like no other as you delve into new cultures and explore spectacular sites alongside your kids or grandkids.

Our specially tailored itineraries have been crafted for the most entertaining and interactive experiences the whole family will love! What’s more, we’ve made holidaying with us super easy with all tour arrangements taken care of – so that’s meals, accommodation, airport transfers, as well as permit and entry fees for parks and sites, all included.

View our full range of Family Adventures or get in touch with our adventure experts who are more than happy to help discuss your options or come up with ideas you hadn’t thought of before.

What do you love about travelling with the family? Let us know in the comments below.