South Africa

We had a brilliant family trip to South Africa when the toddler was 2.5 years old. Initially I planned the trip just before the toddler’s 2nd birthday in order to save on airfare, but I am glad I waited until he was 2.5 as he was able to get so much more out of this trip. It’s amazing how much of a difference 6 months can make when it comes to appreciating what is around you.

That being said, South Africa – well Capetown, the wine area, and along the Garden Route is what we checked out – is a brilliant family holiday destination with brilliant accommodation, endless restaurants with playgrounds and easy to drive roads.

See below a summary of our highlights, accommodation and favorite restaurants. Do get in touch if you would like to know any more details about any of the below.

CAPETOWN

Accomodation:

  • Thulani River Lodge (Hout Bay)
  • Sunset Manor (Sea Point)

Activities:

  • Hout Bay
  • Cape Point & Simon’s Town penguin colony
  • Constantia Wine Route
  • Muizenberg & Chalk Bay

Restaurants:

  • Dunes (Hout Bay)
  • Mariner’s Wharf (Hout Bay)
  • Brass Bell (Chalk Bay)

PAARL

Accomodation:

  • Cascade Country Manor

Activities:

  • Nederburg Wines (kids wine tasting, playground)
  • Taal Monument
  • Stellenbosh Wine Route – Rustenber Wines (gardens)
  • Stellenbosh (Dorp Street, Church Street)

Restaurants:

  • Dinner at Cascade Country Manor

SKEIDIG GUEST FARM

Accomodation:

  • Skeidig Guest Farm

Activities:

  • Robertson Wine Route – Springfield Wines
  • Robertson Wine Route – Van Loveren (kids wine tasting)
  • Skeidig Guest Farm Tour
  • Blue Crane Farm Shop (permanently closed)

Restaurants:

  • Dinner at Skeidig Guest Farm
  • Christina’s Bistro at Van Loveren (huge portions!)

GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE

Accomodation:

  • Garden Route Game Lodge

Activities:

  • Hout Bay
  • Cape Point & Simon’s Town penguin colony
  • Constantia Wine Route
  • Muizenberg & Chalk Bay

Restaurants:

  • Dunes Hout Bay (playground)
  • Mariner’s Wharf (Hout Bay)
  • Brass Bell (Chalk Bay)

KNYSNA

Accomodation:

  • Stannards Guest House

Activities:

  • Knysna East Head Lookout
  • Knysna Elephant Park
  • Brenton-on-Sea
  • Plettenberg Bay

Restaurants:

  • O’Pescadore at Kysna Quays
  • Fat Fish at Plettenberg Bay
  • Flatline Fisheries (playground)

SWELLENDAM

Accomodation:

  • Aan de Oevert Guesthouse

Activities:

  • Sulina Faerie Sanctuary
  • Bontebok National Park
  • Marloth Nature Reserve
  • Drostdy Museum

Restaurants:

  • Old Gaol on Church Square (playground)

WILDERNESS

Accomodation:

N/A – stopping point to break up drive to Knysna

Activities:

  • Map of Africa Lookout

Restaurant:

  • Salina’s

MOSSEL BAY

Accomodation:

N/A – stopping point to break up drive to Knysna

Activities:

  • Santos Beach & Lighthouse

Restaurant:

  • Jackal on the Beach (not recommended – didn’t take my father’s cheese allergy seriously, returning the same contaminated plate 3 times to the table, trying to just pick off the cheese)