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)