Our incredible South Africa road trip took place in 2019. We spent just over a month exploring this beautiful country and were thrilled to finally be on the African continent. We were curious to experience a different side of Africa and discover more of its incredible diversity.
At the time, we were only eight months into our full-time travels, so we were still figuring things out as we went. Our planning style, how fast we moved, and even the way we chose destinations were all still evolving.
We started with a simple list of things we wanted to see in South Africa, and wildlife was right at the top. After eight months on the move, and especially after a very hectic three weeks traveling through India, we were all craving a slower pace. So we decided to rent a car in Cape Town and slowly make our way towards the world-famous Kruger National Park, driving along the Garden Route.
For those who don’t know, the Garden Route stretches along South Africa’s southern coastline from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east. It is known for its lush forests, rivers, lagoons, mountains, and beautiful beaches. It sounded like the perfect route for a family road trip.
The plan was simple: book accommodation as we went, follow our curiosity, and gradually explore this corner of South Africa at our own pace.
Looking back now, it became one of the most memorable road trips of our travels. We encountered incredible wildlife, explored stunning landscapes, met fascinating people, and collected stories that we still talk about today.
A beautiful Airbnb we stayed in Buffalo Creek, South Africa
Exploring Capetown
We flew into South Africa from Zambia and planned to spend a week exploring Cape Town before beginning our road trip across the country.
One of the first places we visited was downtown Cape Town. As we looked around, my attention was immediately drawn to the balcony of Cape Town City Hall. It was here that Nelson Mandela made his first public speech on February 11, 1990, after spending 27 years in prison. Standing there and seeing his statue below, it was easy to imagine that historic moment. For a brief second, history felt very real.
We spent several days walking along the waterfront and exploring different parts of the city. Eventually, we rented bikes to cover a little more ground. Cape Town is much larger than it first appears, and with three young kids, we quickly realized we needed a more efficient way to get around.
That led us to one of our favorite family travel solutions: a hop-on, hop-off bus.
When traveling with younger children, these buses can be the perfect compromise. You get to see a lot without spending the entire day listening to complaints about tired legs!
Bike riding along the coastline in Cape Town
One day, while exploring, we heard music drifting through the streets and decided to investigate. A local festival was taking place, and before we knew it, we had joined in. The streets were alive with music, art stalls, food vendors, and activities for children. People were dancing, smiling, and simply enjoying the moment. It was one of those unexpected discoveries that often become some of the best travel memories.
Nelson Mandela statue at the Cape Town City Hall balcony
Later, we made our way to the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap.
Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cape Town and is famous for its brightly painted houses. It has long been home to the Cape Malay community, descendants of enslaved people brought to South Africa by the Dutch during the 16th and 17th centuries. The tradition of painting the houses in vibrant colors is said to have begun as a celebration of Eid, and over time, it became one of the most recognizable sights in Cape Town.
Walking through the streets felt like stepping into a giant rainbow. Every corner seemed brighter than the last, making it impossible to resist taking photo after photo.
Cape Town turned out to be a wonderful introduction to South Africa, blending history, culture, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately made us feel welcome.
Enjoying a Festival in downtown Cape Town and a shot of the colorful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood
Up to Table Mountain
A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t feel complete without visiting Table Mountain.
There are two ways to reach the top: hike or take the cable car. We were briefly tempted by the idea of hiking, but quickly came back to reality. No one was particularly excited about carrying our two-year-old once he decided walking was no longer fun!
So we opted for the cable car instead, and honestly, it turned out to be an adventure in itself.
Gondola ride up to Table Mountain
The first cable car was built in 1929 and could carry just 25 passengers. Today, the rotating cable cars can carry up to 60 people, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the incredible views on the way up.
Once we reached the top, we were greeted by breathtaking views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. It was absolutely stunning.
It was also incredibly windy!
On a clear day, the views seem to stretch forever. We were lucky enough to arrive on one of those beautiful days. Unfortunately, while we were admiring the scenery, a fire broke out on the mountain opposite us. The fire ended up burning for more than 24 hours before it was finally brought under control.
Views from the top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain has a fascinating history. The indigenous Khoisan people called it Hoerikwaggo, meaning “Mountain in the Sea.” Later, Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha named it Taboa de Cabo, or “Table of the Cape,” before Dutch settlers eventually adopted the name Tafelberg, which translates to Table Mountain.
The mountain is believed to be around 240 million years old, making it one of the oldest mountains in the world—older than the Alps, Rockies, Andes, and even the Himalayas.
Of course, its most recognizable feature is its flat summit, which stretches roughly three kilometers across and gives the mountain its famous table-like shape.
In 2012, Table Mountain was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Whether you hike to the top or take the cable car like we did, it’s easy to understand why it has become one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks.
Fire across from Table Mountain
Visiting a winery in Cape Town
Our hop-on, hop-off tour also included a stop at a winery, and we thought it would be a fun experience.
I grew up watching my grandparents make their own wine. It was a simple process, done on a small scale and mainly shared with family and friends. Because of that, I was curious to learn more about how a larger winery operates and how the process differs.
We decided to visit Groot Constantia Winery.
Cosimo and I joined the wine tour while Mass, Emma, and Luca enjoyed the beautiful grounds. The guide walked us through the winemaking process, explaining each step while showing us around the property.
What made the experience especially memorable was watching Cosimo. He became completely fascinated by the process and asked question after question. His curiosity even impressed the guide, who happily took the time to answer every one of them.
Moments like these are one of the reasons we love worldschooling. Sometimes learning happens in a classroom, and other times it happens while standing in a vineyard halfway around the world.
At the end of the tour, there was a wine tasting—just for me! I have to admit, it was the first time I truly enjoyed a rosé wine. We liked it so much that we left with three bottles.
Afterward, we reunited with Mass, Emma, and Luca and enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the vineyards. It was one of those simple travel days that ended up being unexpectedly enjoyable.
Before visiting South Africa, I had no idea how important wine production was to the country. I also didn’t realize how many fantastic wineries could be found around Cape Town. It turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises that made us appreciate South Africa even more.
Visiting Groot Constantia Winery
Meeting penguins at Boulder Beach
We had finally picked up our rental car and were ready to begin our South African road trip. Before heading off along the Garden Route, however, there were a couple of places near Cape Town that we simply couldn’t miss.
The first was Boulders Beach.
There is something slightly surreal about seeing penguins in Africa. When most people think of penguins, they imagine Antarctica or icy landscapes, not sunny beaches and rocky coastlines.
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of around 3,000 African penguins, and it offered us the chance to see them up close in their natural habitat. African penguins are endangered and can only be found in the wild in a few areas of the South African and Namibian coastlines. Because of this, the colony at Boulders Beach is carefully protected.
Visitors explore the area via a series of wooden boardwalks that allow you to observe the penguins without disturbing them. It was wonderful watching them waddle across the sand, interact with one another, and go about their day completely unfazed by the people around them.
The kids absolutely loved it, and so did we.
One thing we’ve learned through our travels is that wildlife encounters are often most meaningful when the animals are simply being animals. No performances, no tricks, just the opportunity to observe them respectfully in their natural environment.
Looking at the African penguins at Boulder Beach
Our second stop was Cape Point.
Although many people believe it to be the southernmost point of Africa, that title actually belongs to Cape Agulhas, located about 300 kilometers further east. Even so, Cape Point is a place that shouldn’t be missed.
The landscape here feels wild and dramatic. Rugged cliffs plunge into the ocean, powerful waves crash against the rocks below, and the views seem to stretch endlessly in every direction. Standing there, looking out over the coastline, it was easy to understand why this part of the world has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries.
It felt like the perfect final stop before beginning our road trip along the Garden Route.
Stop at the Cape of Good Hope
Driving the Garden Route in South Africa
We packed up, said goodbye to beautiful Cape Town, and finally started driving along the famous Garden Route.
The Garden Route is a stretch of South Africa’s southern coastline that runs between Mossel Bay and Storms River. It is known for its incredible natural beauty, from lush forests and mountain ranges to lagoons, rivers, dramatic coastlines, and endless beaches.
As we drove, it quickly became clear why so many people consider it one of the most scenic road trips in the world.
Every day seemed to bring something different. One moment we were driving past farmland and rolling hills, and the next we were stopping to admire rugged coastlines or towering mountains.
Views on the famous Garden Route
We made many stops along the way, but one place in particular completely captured our hearts: Wilderness.
What was originally meant to be a short stop turned into a much longer stay. For some reason, Wilderness immediately felt different. Life seemed to slow down there. The pace was relaxed, the beach stretched on forever, and every day felt simple in the best possible way.
Mass was especially inspired by the area and decided to renew his paragliding license. What started as a spontaneous idea turned into a ten-day course.
While he spent his days flying up and down the mountain and landing on the beach below, the kids and I settled into our own routine.
Each morning, we would have breakfast at a little place down the street from our Airbnb before heading to the beach for the day. The water was much colder than we expected, but that certainly didn’t stop the kids from jumping in.
Looking back, some of my favorite travel memories aren’t always the big attractions or famous landmarks. Sometimes, they are the quieter moments when life slows down, routines develop, and a place begins to feel almost like home.
Wilderness was one of those places.
Leaving wasn’t easy, but eventually it was time to continue our journey and see what else South Africa had in store for us.
Mass paragliding in Wilderness, South Africa
Sleeping at Knysna Elephant Park in South Africa
Once our time in Wilderness came to an end, we discovered an experience that immediately caught our attention: spending a few nights at Knysna Elephant Park.
The park offers visitors the opportunity to encounter African elephants up close, feed them, walk alongside them, and learn more about these incredible animals. However, what made this experience even more special was that they also offered accommodation on-site.
During the day, we spent time interacting with the elephants and learning about their stories. In the evenings, we would sit in the common area, chat with other guests, and watch as the elephants made their way toward their boma (night camp).
What fascinated me most was learning that the elephants could choose where they wanted to spend the night. Depending on the weather, they could sleep inside or remain outside. During our stay, only one elephant came into the boma for a while. I guess the weather was simply too beautiful to stay indoors!
Knysna Elephant Park opened in 1994 and was the first facility in South Africa dedicated to caring for orphaned African elephants. Over the years, the park has rescued and cared for more than forty elephants, including orphaned calves, relocated elephants, and animals saved from culls.
Some eventually became part of the resident herd, while others were relocated to reserves and facilities throughout South Africa based on their personalities, social bonds, and welfare needs.
For all five of us, this was a truly magical experience. Beyond simply seeing elephants, it gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation for these gentle giants. It was also a reminder that there are people around the world dedicating their lives to helping and protecting wildlife.
Looking back, this wasn’t just an unforgettable wildlife encounter. It was one of those experiences that helped shape how we think about conservation and the importance of supporting places that genuinely care for the animals in their care.
Our magical time at Knysna Elephant Park
Exploring Kruger National Park in South Africa
Finally, it was time to go to the Kruger National Park!
We spent days researching where to stay and the best way to explore such a vast park. Should we stay inside the park? Should we book guided safaris? There were so many options that it took us a while to decide.
As I was browsing through booking.com, one property immediately caught my eye. It was a beautiful house located on a golf course in Phalaborwa, just outside the park. It looked perfect for our family, so we booked it.
What we didn’t expect was our welcome.
As we pulled into the driveway, we suddenly found ourselves staring at four giraffes, including a baby, casually walking nearby. We all got out of the car and just stood there, amazed.
We hadn’t even entered Kruger yet, and South Africa was already surprising us.
Finding giraffes on our arrival at the Airbnb
Self-Drive Safari or Guided Safari?
After reading many blogs and talking with several South African families we met along the way, we decided to do a self-drive safari.
The main reason was Luca. At the time, he was still very young, and we weren’t sure how long he would happily sit through a guided safari without becoming restless. We didn’t want to disturb other guests if he suddenly decided he was done with wildlife for the day.
The fact that guided safaris can also be quite expensive certainly helped us make the decision.
As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. The moment we entered the park, Luca was completely captivated. Wildlife had his full attention
For two days, we spent hours driving through the park, stopping whenever we spotted animals and simply enjoying the experience of never knowing what might appear around the next corner.
I was amazed by how much wildlife we were able to see without the help of a guide. We spotted giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, countless birds, and even a hyena mother with her babies.
Every drive felt different. Every turn brought a new surprise.
We loved it so much that we stayed longer than planned and had to keep an eye on the clock to make sure we reached the exit gates before closing time. One evening, we cut it a little too close, but after several apologies and a few understanding smiles once they saw the kids, everything worked out fine.
We saw so much wildlife at Kruger National Park
One of our most memorable travel moments happened while driving through the park.
We stopped when we noticed a massive elephant approaching the road ahead of us. He positioned himself in the middle of the road, blocking traffic while the rest of his herd safely crossed.
We quietly waited. Then someone looked behind us. Another enormous elephant had stepped onto the road behind our car and was doing exactly the same thing.
Suddenly, we were trapped in the middle. An elephant in front. An elephant behind. And a herd crossing safely between them.
It wasn’t exactly the situation we had planned to find ourselves in. Nobody spoke very much.
I remember holding my breath as we waited patiently for the herd to pass.
Eventually, the last elephant crossed, and the two guardians slowly moved away after giving us one final look.
Only then did we breathe again.
To this day, it remains one of our favorite travel stories.
Was a Self-Drive Safari Worth It?
Absolutely.
We often get asked whether Kruger is worth visiting without booking an expensive guided safari, and for us, the answer was yes.
Of course, guides bring incredible knowledge and often help you spot animals you might otherwise miss. But our self-drive experience allowed us to move at our own pace, spend as much time as we wanted at each sighting, and create some unforgettable memories as a family.
Kruger National Park was everything we had hoped it would be and remains one of the highlights of our time in South Africa.
One final stop: Pilansberg National Park
Our flight home was out of Johannesburg, but I’ll be honest—we never really explored the city itself.
After spending so much time surrounded by nature and wildlife, it was hard to imagine doing anything else.
Mass had arranged to do a paragliding flight with a local pilot, but the weather changed unexpectedly and the flight was cut short. The pilot suggested we visit Pilansberg National Park, which was located not too far away.
We are so glad we took his advice.
Pilansberg National Park is located within an ancient extinct volcanic crater and offers a landscape very different from Kruger. Between the grasslands, rocky hills, wooded valleys, and unique geological formations, it felt like another side of South Africa entirely.
One thing we quickly learned during our month in South Africa was that there seemed to be a national park around every corner!
We spent the day driving through the reserve, enjoying one final wildlife adventure before our departure. Then came the moment we still talk about today.
As we were driving along a narrow road, a rhino suddenly crossed directly in front of our car. It happened so fast that there was barely any time to react. Thankfully, Mass’s reflexes were quicker than the rhino’s timing, and he accelerated just enough for us to avoid a collision. For a few seconds, everything happened in a blur.
Then it was over. We sat there in disbelief, realizing just how close we had come to hitting such a massive animal.
Later, one of our friends told us that a rhino in the same park had actually damaged their car during a similar encounter.
Needless to say, we felt very lucky.
Looking back, it was the perfect final wildlife story for our South African adventure. After giraffes in our driveway, elephants surrounding our car in Kruger National Park, and nights spent watching elephants at Knysna Elephant Park, it somehow felt fitting that South Africa had one last surprise waiting for us before we left.
Our thoughts about our trip to South Africa
At the time of our travels through South Africa, we weren’t making YouTube videos yet. However, we did record a few moments and, of course, took hundreds of photos. Looking back through them while writing this post felt a little like reliving the entire experience all over again.
Even though several years have passed since this trip, the memories remain incredibly vivid.
We still talk about the giraffes that greeted us in our driveway before we even entered Kruger National Park. We remember sitting quietly in our car while a herd of elephants crossed the road around us. We remember watching elephants return to their boma at Knysna Elephant Park and the rhino that almost rearranged our travel plans on our final day.
South Africa gave us exactly what we needed at that stage of our travels. After months of constant movement, it gave us space to slow down. It gave us time in nature. It gave us unforgettable wildlife encounters.
And it reminded us that some of the best travel memories happen when you leave room for plans to change.
Looking back now, I realize that this trip took place when we were still very new to full-time travel. We had only been on the road for eight months and were still learning how we wanted to explore the world as a family. In many ways, South Africa helped shape that journey.
Travel has a wonderful way of expanding our understanding of the world. Through different landscapes, cultures, traditions, languages, wildlife, and people, we slowly begin to see how diverse and interconnected our planet truly is.
Every place we visit leaves something behind. Every experience, challenge, and moment of wonder becomes part of who we are.
South Africa was one of those places.
It wasn’t just another stop on our world tour. It became one of the many experiences that helped shape our family, our perspective, and our understanding of what it means to truly be part of this world.
Wishing you all happy travels.
South Africa showed us one side of Africa through its incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable road trips. Later in our travels, Morocco introduced us to a completely different side of the continent, filled with bustling medinas, desert camps, mountain villages, and vibrant culture.
If you’d like to continue exploring Africa with us, you can read about our Morocco road trip from Casablanca to Tangier here: Morocco with kids.
