Family Adventure Travel Destinations To Visit
Here are some of the best destinations to inspire your next family holiday. Of course, they’re all packed full of action, discovery, and quality time.
2min read
Published 7 January 2026
Guest Blogger
Here are some of the best destinations to inspire your next family holiday. Of course, they’re all packed full of action, discovery, and quality time.
Family holidays don’t always have to mean lying by the beach or arguing over who gets the last boerie roll at the braai. We’re an outdoor-loving nation and for many South African families, the best memories come from shared adventures. If you’re the kind of family who prefers spotting elephants on safari, hiking a mountain trail, or paddling a kayak over the more chilled out holidays, we’ve got just the right source of inspiration for you.
In this blog
Safari Adventures in South Africa
If your kids love animals, there’s nothing quite like a family safari. Kruger holidays make it easy, with lodges that include family-friendly game drives, kids’ clubs, and junior ranger programmes.
Pilanesberg and Madikwe are also popular picks because they’re malaria-free and just a short drive from Johannesburg, so you can fit them in for a quick long weekend away. Plenty of lodges offer babysitting and flexible dining, so parents can enjoy sundowners while the little ones tuck into dinner.
One of our favourite things about bush holidays is how they can so easily cater to different ages. While little kids might be in absolute awe of an elephant, older teens who’ve been there and done that in the bush can enjoy an expert POV from a good guide or have fun with their cousins and siblings around the campfire.
For younger children, look for lodges that run shorter game drives or wildlife-themed activities at camp. Teens, on the other hand, often love bush walks and sleep-outs under the stars.
Mauritius for Active Families
It’s no secret that Mauritius is a firm favourite for Saffas heading on holiday. But beyond its beaches, Mauritius is packed with adventure too, so don’t write it off as just a resort or beach holiday. Resorts often run kids’ clubs with snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, and even cooking classes, along with treasure hunts and excursions. Families can also try ziplining, quad biking, or day trips into Black River Gorges National Park for hiking. You could also take a catamaran out to one of the smaller islands for snorkelling, swimming, and maybe even a beach barbecue. Mauritius holidays often include all meals and activities, making it easier to budget for the whole family. And they can be surprisingly good value too!
It’s an especially good pick for families with both younger and older kids, since you can spend one day building sandcastles and the next hiking to waterfalls.
Hiking and Nature in the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is ideal for families who love the outdoors. Days can be spent hiking through mountain passes, horse riding, quad biking, or trying a canopy tour through the treetops. For outdoorsy families, it’s a dream.
For parents on a budget, self-catering chalets and camp-style lodges provide affordable options without sacrificing the mountain views. But there are also plenty of more upscale accommodation options available; so you can come back to luxury after a long hike!
Reunion Island: the perfect balance of Nature & Adventure
Tucked away between Madagascar & Mauritius you'll find the beautiful Réunion Island - a real treat for families who love getting a taste of adventure & the outdoors. Think volcano hikes, waterfalls, black sand beaches and lush rainforest trails all right next door to each other.
The island's got a lovely French vibe going on, which mixes really well with the clear tropical feel of an island. This makes it a super easy to get around & feel at home while on a family adventure. You can have your adventure & still be somewhere that's super safe & accessible.
From a snorkelling in coral lagoons or a paragliding over stunning cliff faces - there's something to keep every age & energy level occupied. And the fact that Reunion is so compact means you can fit loads of different things into your day - have a morning on the beach, followed by a hike to a crater by afternoon - & still be back in time to watch the sunset on the beach with some delicious French pastries.
Costa Rica for Eco-Adventures
If you’re looking further afield, Costa Rica is a family favourite. The country is famous for ziplining through cloud forests, spotting sloths, and surfing on the Pacific coast. It’s a destination that naturally combines fun and education, as kids learn about conservation while seeing turtles, toucans, and monkeys in their natural habitat. And it’s far flung and exciting enough that even the most aloof teen would struggle to roll their eyes at the idea of a family holiday to Costa Rica.
Though it might seem overwhelming booking all these activities, Flight Centre Travel Experts can help with everything from flights, accommodation, tours and activities.
Deserts and Dunes in Namibia
For families craving the real outdoors, Namibia is the real deal – and you can drive there or find affordable flights into Windhoek or Walvis Bay. There’s the imposing dunes in Sossusvlei where you can climb up at down and slide back down barefoot (or maybe try out sandboarding instead!), the thrill of tracking desert elephants in Damaraland, or camping out in the open with nothing but a fire and good company to distract you. Namibia is also a total thrill for anyone who loves driving or 4x4ing, so it’s a really fun family holiday if you have grown up “children” who want to explore.
Culture and Colour in Thailand
Thailand is another destination where adventure comes built in. Families can spend days exploring colourful temples, cycling through rice paddies, and joining cooking classes where kids roll their own spring rolls. The beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui are always winners, but add in a visit to Chiang Mai for elephant sanctuaries and street food markets. There are also loads of National Parks around Chiang Mai, and you could spend days hiking or biking them and exploring a lesser-seen side of this Southeast Asian destination. Plus, Thailand is a great spot for scuba lovers too – so both land and sea adventurers have something to keep them busy on holiday!
Tips for Safe and Fun Family Adventure Travel
- Choose age-appropriate activities. Safaris and hikes are great for most kids above 5 or 6, but white-water rafting might be more for teens. If you’re not sure, ask the tour provider or your travel expert for recommendations or guidance.
- You know your kids best! While some mini-adventurers love wildlife and nature, others might be more into thrill-seeking by riding, climbing, or jumping off everything in sight.
- Book with trusted operators. Whether it’s a safari lodge or a zipline tour, adventure holidays are safest when arranged through established providers.
- Balance activity with rest. Even adventurous kids need downtime, so look for resorts with pools, kids’ clubs, or places where everyone can take a break and relax. That might mean a campsite with loads of space for one family or a luxury suite at a resort for another – and both are fine!
- Keep the budget in check. Packages that include meals, activities, and transport make it easier to plan. See more ideas in our guide to planning a family holiday on a budget.
Ready to Plan Your Family Adventure?
Adventure doesn’t have to mean stress. With family holiday packages and expert advice from Flight Centre, you can find a destination that excites your kids and gives you time to relax too.