5 visa-free destinations for South African families: Plan your next adventure
The festive season is just a few months away and now is the right time to plan your next family adventure.
Choosing a family destination can be tricky and with a limited time frame for planning, it’s wise to opt for a destination that doesn’t require a visa.
There are a total of 105 visa-free travel destinations that South African passport holders can travel to allowing travellers to pick destinations that align with the experiences that are on their bucket list.
An added perk to some of these destinations is that they are on the continent reducing the time spent travelling from one destination to the next.
These destinations are also family-friendly with activities suitable for the whole family. If you’re planning to spend some time exploring outside of the country with your family, here are some destinations to consider.
Affordable beach getaway in Vilanculos Mozambique
For a family looking for an affordable beach getaway, Vilanculos is a seaside town in Mozambique fast becoming a favourite destination.
The town is about 750km north of Maputo, Mozambique's capital and South African travellers can reach the destination by taking a direct flight from Johannesburg to the town. The town itself is compact and easy to get around on foot.
As a popular tourist destination, Vilanculos has beautiful beaches along its coastline with Bazaruto National Park visible across its bay.
The town’s beaches are superb for horse riding and guided trails and visitors can set sail on a dhow to cruise on the crystal clear waters while lunch is prepared on board.
You can also visit Bazaruto National Park where you can snorkel or dive and see a variety of marine species including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and Hump Back Whales in season.
Where to stay? At R4 623 a night for 4, Vilanculos Beach Lodge and Restaurant would make the ideal place to stay for your epic family adventure.
Island living in Koh Samui Thailand
If you’re looking to explore Asia, Thailand is the perfect destination. The island of Koh Samui has calm, pristine and safe beaches perfect for young children to play in the sand and splash around in the water.
For older kids, there are plenty of water sports to enjoy, from snorkelling and diving to jet skiing and parasailing.
The island is also home to several family-orientated attractions such as the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, the Na Muang Waterfall and the Elephant Sanctuary.
Families can take a cooking class together and learn how to make traditional Thai dishes for a truly unique experience.
In addition to the attractions mentioned above, families can also take a day trip to the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park, go on a bike ride through the island's lush interior or take a boat tour to enjoy the splendid coastline from a different perspective.
Consider a stay at Melati Beach Resort & Spa starting from R5 326 a night for 4.
Beach to bush experience in Tanzania
Tanzania has world-class attractions that appeal to all ages ranging from beach days in Zanzibar to safari experiences in the Serengeti National Park.
As a family destination, the beaches are sheltered with accessible shorelines and while some activities may be age-specific due to safety reasons, experiences like snorkelling amid the kaleidoscopic marine life of Tanzania’s islands and reefs could be your child’s starting point for a lifelong love affair with the sea.
The Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s best safari destinations and you can visit Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, all within a short drive of each other, and experience thrilling animal sightings.
If you’re looking for a lesson on culture, much of northern Tanzania occupies the traditional lands of the Maasai, and there are numerous opportunities for a guided encounter with a Maasai community.
This is especially the case around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where village visits take you through a small Maasai community.
Consider a stay at Pearl Jungle Resort starting at R1 147 a night for 2 near Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Learn about different cultures in Singapore
To learn about how different cultures converge in the modern world, Singapore is a destination that offers families a taste of Southeast Asia in a safe and easy-to-navigate package.
The city of Singapore has an East meets West vibe, great green spaces and lots of family attractions.
Singapore is one the most modern cities in all of Asia and one of the cleanest big cities in the world.
It consists of one main island, which is the cosmopolitan trendsetter, and over 50 smaller islands, where the pace of everyday life moves a little slower. It’s perfect for those looking to explore two holidays in one.
The city-state is packed with iconic architecture, state-of-the-art attractions and action-packed theme parks, green spaces, and an incredible diversity of culture and tradition.
Singapore’s melting pot of Malay, Chinese, South Asian, Southeast Asian, European and Peranakan traditions have all played a special part in creating Singapore’s unique identity and enviable ideology of racial and religious harmony.
Where to stay? Ibis Styles Singapore On Macpherson makes the perfect home away from home from just R 3 933 a night for 4.
Authentic safari in Zambia
Zambia has excellent potential for a memorable family holiday for families with teenagers and older.
You can enjoy whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River, bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge and abseiling into the Bakota Gorge as part of family bonding activities.
Families with younger children can enjoy a half-day tour of Victoria Falls or visit the Victoria Falls Snake Park or Crocodile Ranch in and around Livingstone.
Zambia also boasts some of the best walking safaris in Africa. In fact, it’s in the Luangwa Valley where the concept of walking safaris first began.
Their award-winning guides undergo rigorous testing, and many are specifically trained to guide young adults. Walking through the bush with some of the world’s best safari guides can be the perfect recreation for inquiring young minds.
However, it should be noted that national parks do not allow children under 12 to join a walking or canoeing safari.
If you’re visiting Luangwa Valley, consider a stay at The Bush Box for R3 437 a night for 4.
If Livingstone is your destination then consider staying at The Nkhosi Livingstone Lodge and Spa starting from R5.610 a night for 4.