5 Must-Know Tips for Travelling to South Africa with Kids
From one young family to another – written between toddler snack times and sorting baby clothes
As parents of a busy two-year-old (with baby number two arriving soon!), we know first-hand what it’s like to travel with little ones. Between naps, snacks, early bedtimes, and the never-ending hunt for kid-friendly stops, planning a smooth, enriching trip takes a bit of know-how.
We’ve also had the joy of welcoming many travelling families to San Gabriel Homestead, and through those shared stories and experiences, we’ve picked up a few golden tips.
So here it is—from our homestead to yours: the five things we think every overseas family should know when planning a trip to South Africa with kids.
1. Hire a Car and Go at Your Own Pace
One of the best ways to travel South Africa with kids is to hire a car and go self-drive.
It gives you the freedom to pull over for a snack, let the kids nap in their car seat, or stretch your legs when the wiggles hit. Whether you drive a portion of the Garden Route from Cape Town or meander through the Winelands, a road trip offers flexibility, comfort, and access to all the little gems you’d miss on a guided tour.
Some of our most treasured memories come from these drives—finding an unexpected beach, watching ostriches cross the road, or stopping for ice cream at a farm stall. Travel at your family’s rhythm, and you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
2. Travel in Shoulder Season – Fewer Crowds, Better Prices
If you can, try visiting in April–May or September–October. These shoulder season months are our favourite time to travel with little ones.
- In April and May, wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals gather near water sources after the dry summer.
- In September and October, you can catch the wildflower season blooming in Namaqualand and experience peak whale-watching in Hermanus.
You’ll also benefit from lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds, which always makes for a more relaxed and flexible trip. And the weather? Still warm enough for outdoor play, but without the intensity of mid-summer heat.
3. Trust Us: Stop at Woolworths
We often laugh with guests about how Woolworths becomes a parenting lifeline during their trip. It’s true—Woolies Food is a must.
Think: fresh fruit, toddler-friendly snacks, quality ready-meals, and picnic essentials. Whether you’re prepping for a game drive or winding down after a long travel day, it’s a reliable source of easy, wholesome meals the kids will actually eat.
We always keep a stash of their yoghurt pouches, muffins, and mini meatballs on hand. It’s saved more than one meltdown in our family!
4. Winelands + Safari = The Perfect Combo (With One Honest Tip)
Many families ask us if they can do a safari without flying all the way to Kruger—and the answer is yes, but choose carefully.
There are reserves near Cape Town like Aquila and Inverdoorn, but we personally don’t recommend them. These commercial game parks often feel staged and unnatural, with large crowds and a theme-park atmosphere. It’s not the kind of experience we’d choose for our own kids.
If you’re not travelling in summer, and malaria risk is low, Kruger is still the gold standard for a real safari. But if that’s too far, Addo Elephant National Park and the Eastern Cape reserves are fantastic alternatives. They’re still wild, spacious, and much more rewarding—especially if you make a road trip out of it.
Looking for local options that don’t involve an overnight safari?
- Giraffe House is a relaxed animal sanctuary just a short drive from us—perfect for toddlers.
- Vredenheim Big Cat Park offers safe, up-close encounters with lions and cheetahs.
Also don’t overlook smaller reserves like De Hoop Nature Reserve or Bontebok National Park. They may not have the Big Five, but they offer wide open spaces, grazing animals, and a much more natural and gentle introduction to South Africa’s wild side—perfect for little ones.
5. Stay Longer in One Spot (and Choose a Place That Feels Like Home)
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is this: don’t move around too much.
Kids thrive in rhythm and routine, and hopping from place to place every night can be exhausting for everyone. We always recommend choosing a central, family-friendly base and staying at least four nights. It allows time to settle in, explore slowly, and enjoy simple joys like morning walks and late afternoon swims.
At San Gabriel Homestead, we’re lucky to be just 30 minutes from Cape Town, while also giving you easy access to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and surrounding wine farms. But more than that, it’s a place where kids can just be kids:
- Animals to feed
- Space to run freely
- A pool to splash in
- Quiet corners for naps and cups of tea
We offer self-catering cottages with the option of adding a seasonal breakfast in our Food Studio—because sometimes, it’s just easier when someone else handles the morning.
And if you’re visiting between November and April, don’t miss our Family Pizza Experience. It starts at 17:00 to accommodate early bedtimes, and features a relaxed evening of wood-fired, handmade pizzas served outdoors under the trees. It’s one of our favourite ways to connect with other families and unwind after a day of exploring.
Some of our most special memories—both our own and those shared by guests—are from the slow days. The ones where no plans are made, and joy comes from sunshine, animals, and a meal shared together.
Final thoughts? South Africa is a dream for families, and it’s even better when you travel with the confidence that it doesn’t need to be rushed or complicated.
If you’re planning a trip with little ones, we’d love to welcome you to San Gabriel Homestead—a place built by family, for families. We’ll be here, animals and all, to make your stay feel relaxed, real, and filled with the kind of memories that last.
Warmest wishes from our family to yours,
Shanè, Renier, Basson & Baby on the Way
San Gabriel Homestead – Stellenbosch, South Africa
Farm-grown | Family-run | Kid-approved
