Family travel in South Africa with children

Travel in South Africa with children

To travel in South Africa with children every family has unique travel wishes often determined by ...

1) Different age of travellers
2) Composition of the family
3) Traveling with toddlers or babies

1) Age differences
Sometimes due to large differences in age (eg grandparents and grandchildren) a trip can quickly become too taxing for one person and boring for the other. The find the correct mix in accommodation and transport is crucial for a successful outcome.

2) Family composition
Travelling with small children and / or teenagers can be a challenge at the best of times. The right activities, variety and travel pace can be the difference between a fun holiday for everyone or an annoying experience for some.

3) Babies and toddlers (children under 6 years)
To be able to go out with very small children requires good planning. We know exactly where and what can (or cannot) be done. For example, avoid malaria areas, child / toddler friendly lodges etc.

Click here for an overview of South African itineraries 

Important legal information for travel with Children!

South Africa is an fantastic destination to travel with children. Many activities are aimed at children and some of the safari lodges offer special activities or game drives for children. In general people are very friendly and travel is safe.

When travelling with children there are a number of rules and formalities that you must adhere to.

The South African Ministry of the Interior has tightened immigration laws as of 1^st of June 2015. An important part of this amendment is the new duty for traveling parents with underage children to be in possession of an original birth certificate of their child/ren. 

Birth certificate and safety.

According to immigration law 6 (12) (a), parents who want to travel with their underage children must have an original birth certificate of their child, on which the parents' details are stated. This is not the municipal extract, but the official birth certificate - question from your municipality for an international excerpt. With this initiative, South Africa hopes to significantly reduce child trafficking and kidnappings.

The complete regulations include the following requirements:

In addition to their passports and tickets, parents traveling with children also carry an original birth certificate of the traveling child/ren;

When children travel without their parents - but with a family member, acquaintance or other guardian or "supervisor" - they must have an official declaration with both parents that the child has permission to travel, as well as copies of the passports of the parents or the legal guardian of the traveling child;

When only one of the parents is traveling with the child, he/she must have a written statement from the other parent, in addition to the valid birth certificate, which gives the child permission to travel;

If necessary, official proof that this single parent has full custody and parental control over the traveling child, or an official death certificate of the other parent of the child.

For more up to date info contact the South African Embassy or consulate near you