There are several exciting road trip itineraries families can take in Africa. Whether you are a visitor or a resident in any country, a couple with no children, young or old family, there are tons of animals and landscapes. Furthermore, there are fun-filled activities to engage in while taking the trips.
This article will explain some of the 5 road trip itineraries that are family-friendly. Additionally, you will know what each trip entails and what is attractive to make your journey more exciting, among other long-distance driving tips and trip hacks.
1. Oak-lined Avenues of Cape Town to Stellenbosch in South Africa
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Best time of the year to attend: Between October and April, when the weather is relatively warm and suitable for several activities
Suitable for: All family members, but also the youth due to the university life in Stellenbosch
Duration: approximately one hour without stopping, though it can take up to 3 days to give you ample time to enjoy every moment
Things to see:
- Oak-lined avenues
- Architecture
- History and culture of the inhabitants
- Mountains
- Vineyards
Distance:
- 49 km or 30 miles via M12 and N2
- 50.7 km or 31 miles via Baden Powell Dr/R310 and N2
- 52.7 km or 32.7 miles via N1
A road trip from Cape Town to Stellenbosch is one of the most fulfilling road trips you can take with your family. There are plenty of things to see including the few wine estates and beautiful oaks lining the streets.
From Franschhoek, you can head west on the R316 towards Paarl and then backtrack east towards Worcester and Somerset West. You’ll pass through some beautiful country before arriving in Stellenbosch.
This picturesque university town is home to many vineyards and other attractions like Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Tokai Forest Nature Reserve.
2. Dry but Exciting Windhoek to Sossusvlei in Namibia Road Trip
Image Credit: Worldsketchingtour.com
Best time of the year to attend: Ideal all year round but best between April and November
Suitable for: All family members but best for middle-aged due to the harsh conditions
Duration: 5 days
Things to see:
- Wildlife
- Kalahari Desert
- Varied landscape
- Sand dunes
Distance: 1207 km or 750 miles
The Sossusvlei area is one of the most popular destinations in Namibia. The highest dunes in the world are here, and they’re a photographer’s dream come true. During your visits, there’s also plenty to do, such as hiking up some dunes, exploring the nearby townships, or visiting one of the many museums about Namibia’s history and culture.
If you have kids interested in animals and conservation efforts, this is an ideal place to come with them because there are so many desert-adapted animals around. Some of them include springbok (antelope), gemsbok (oryx), and black-backed jackal (jackal).
You can learn more about these animals at a nearby conservation center or book an overnight safari where you’ll get a chance to see even more species up close.
3. The Scenic Cango Caves to the Garden Route in South Africa
Image Credit: Cango Caves
Best time of the year to visit: November to March
Suitable for: All family members
Duration: From 3 days to 14 days
Things to see:
- Garden Route National Park
- Lakes
- Mountains
- Lagoons
- Beaches
- Forests
Distance: 300 km or 186 miles
This is one of the best road trips you can take as a family. It is scenic, and you’ll pass through some postcard-worthy towns and see incredible views of mountains and waterfalls.
This itinerary consists of three stops: Cango Caves, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Plettenberg Bay. You should plan at least four days so that your family can get out into nature as much as possible and you can enjoy a little downtime.
The best time to go is usually from November through April. However, expect crowds if you’re traveling during summertime or around Christmas/New Year’s Eve.
4. Wildlife-Rich Maun to Chobe National Park in Botswana Trip
Image Credit: Safaribookings.com
Best time of the year to attend: Ideal all year round but best between April and October
Suitable for: All family members but also ideal for a couple looking for a honeymoon trip
Duration: From 3 days
Things to see:
- Chobe National Park
- Wildlife
Distance: 185 km or 115 miles
If you’re looking to experience some of Africa’s best road trips, one from Maun, Botswana, to Chobe National Park is an excellent option. It’s a relatively short drive and has easy accessibility for cars or trucks.
You can start your trip in Maun and go to Kasane by following the B1 highway through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This takes about two hours by car. From there, follow the C14 road until you get to Nata (the border between Botswana and Zambia).
The next step is just under three hours on a bumpy dirt road, but anything will do if you have a four-wheel drive. Once you reach Nata town, go left at the roundabout onto the A2 highway towards Kasane town (it takes about 30 minutes).
5. Beautiful Nairobi to Lake Naivasha, Kenya Trip
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Best time of the year to attend: ideal all year round but best between August and October
Suitable for: All family members but best for middle-aged due to the harsh conditions
Duration: from 1 to 3 days
Things to see:
- Rift valley
- Wildlife
- Varied landscape
- Mountains and ranges
Distance: 89 km or 55 miles
In Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and home to some of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks, you will find yourself in a bustling city. The Giraffe Center is a great place to learn about local history and culture.
The center takes care of orphaned giraffes that have been rescued from poachers or farmers who have found them wandering around rural areas. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch here before continuing your journey towards Lake Naivasha, where you may want to stop for a hike up one of its mountains or take in some view-worthy scenery.
Also, you can make a stopover at the ViewPoint area and admire the Rift Valley as it traverses and cuts the country into two. You will see Mt. Longonot, lakes, and the breathtaking view of human activities and roads.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley between Nairobi and Mount Longonot (a dormant volcano). It covers an area of 2,600 square kilometers (998 sq mi) with depths ranging from three meters (9 feet) at its deepest point to ten meters (35 feet).
It is home, among others, to hippos, giraffes, zebras, and birds such as pelicans which make this lake popular among tourists.
Africa is a Great Place for Families to Road Trip
Africa is a great place for a road trip. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, even in cities. This means you can have fun with kids while staying safe and comfortable. Whether in the North, South, Central, East, or West of the continent, there is something for everyone.
A road trip in Africa is all you need to create a family experience. The continent is safe for kids, so there’s no need to worry about lost passports or suspicious locals. Plus, there are plenty of activities that you will enjoy, from watching snow-capped mountains, the big five, freshwater lakes, birds, and rich agricultural lands.
Whenever you think of giving your family a special treat, think of road tripping in one of these itineraries and do not forget to take with you the necessary road trip essentials.
