We went with our young daughter for a work trip to Cape Town back in 2018 and had a blast. It was one of our favorite places on earth and sparked our love for travel.

However, we will be back in Johannesburg in May. We were thinking of revisiting Cape Town but I am wondering if it's still safe enough to travel with an 11 year old and a 7 year old.

If not - any recs on beaches nearby that we could fly to? We have also looked into Reunion and Mauritius.

Cape Town certainly isn't what it used to be. It's one of the places where they hype around crime isn't that overblown. In the touristy areas like V&A waterfront, Table Mountain, & Camps Bay you can find a safe spot but I wouldn't advise much wandering around, especially in the evenings. I would opt for somewhere you can be more relaxed, but maybe that's just me.

Most of my families have opted for
Mauritius and Seychelles when they're doing a beach stop as part of their S. Africa trip. Mauritius is more common because it's a little easier to get to.

Zanzibar is popular with couples and older travelers but not my favorite for kids. Beautiful Park Hyatt hotel and the spice district is really charming.

Reunion is much more active than Mauritius and Seychelles, which can be a good thing if you're looking for hiking and other outdoor activities. The beach has stronger currents, so it's not a place I'd let my kids swim unsupervised.

As far as resorts go, here are my favorites

Mauritius:
- One&Only Le Saint Gran
- Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
- Shangri La Le Touessrok
- Oberoi Beach Resort
- Hilton Mauritius (in a fun place called Flic-en-flac)


Seychelles:
- Kempinski
- Mango House
- Cheval Blanc
- Waldorf Astoria


Would be happy to answer questions or help with the trip if you're looking for it!

Agree with the description but we chose to stay in the wine towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoeck, Paarl or even one of the oldest wine regions in the world, Costancia. They all are amazingly close to Cape Town. Actually there is so much in the area.

Mauritius is fun with great beaches, food and very safe. A lot of S. African development going on there and is an offshore banking center as well as easy access to Europe.

Seychelles is fantastic diving which is why I went . Quite expensive but did not spend much time in Victoria. I spent most of my time on a boat but hear the resorts or incredible.

Zanzibar is a good visit particularly in the old town. Beaches were ok. Liked it as it was Richard Burtons, the explorer, old hangout.

Bucket list is Reunion and the Comoros islands but hear they have become quite Islamized.

Biggest concern in the area are the Cyclones. Their isolation and economy does not provide much recovery.

Gave this some more thought…I think if you're set on Cape Town, you can make it happen. I would definitely work with a Destination Management Company (DMC) as they'll have the safest & most secure logistics.

Is there any interest in doing a safari? I work with some great reserves in S. Africa if it's something you're interested in.

Best of luck, here to help if you need it!

It can be safe but you're never far away from danger. I agree with whoever above said to stay in a place like Stellenbosch and Uber into and out of Cape Town. Once evening hits, don't move around much.

If you want to go the Stellenbosh route, I'd recommend Spier Farm! Great with kids.

Thanks everyone! Great recs

Also a note about Uber. It's far safer than the taxis, most of which are scams, but also PAY ATTENTION to the route your driver is supposed to take (you can watch on your app).

bthotugigem05 said:

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Also a note about Uber. It's far safer than the taxis, most of which are scams, but also PAY ATTENTION to the route your driver is supposed to take (you can watch on your app).

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Yeah, Taxiing is one of the best was to experience the Cape Town crime.

Hired a car from the airport. Actually easy driving however one has to recognize camera speed traps as well as police shake down scams. Drove to fabulous Hermanus but got caught in a police scam costume $240.

Had to dodge an attempted carjacking last time I was driving from the airport out to Stellenbosch at night. Absolutely unreal, I was shook up for a long time.

Read these reviews below and use common sense, taking an 11 and 7 year old there to me sounds irresponsible.

It's doable. Just have to keep your wits about you and move during the day.

Here4Beer said:

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Read these reviews below and use common sense, taking an 11 and 7 year old there to me sounds irresponsible.

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lol we have been out in Bogota at night with them. Our hosts were local and helped us feel very safe.

Moving around at night in CT is a no go but to say we can't see stuff during the day time is silly to me.

Hiring a car and going through Simon's Town to see the penguins and down to the Cape of Good Hope is an absolutely great day trip.