Garden Route with kids

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, stretching along the country’s southeastern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Known for its green forests, beautiful beaches, and charming towns, this over 200km route offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families. Traveling the Garden Route with kids means uncovering interactive activities, animal encounters, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of stops to keep young explorers engaged. Although you can easily drive through the whole route in a couple of days, it is worth to dedicate a bit more time, stop for longer along the way and enjoy to the fullest the beautiful scenery and other family friendly attractions. The below 5 days itinerary is perfect for those of you who like to explore the places at a slow pace.

Day 1: Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is a historical town known for its stunning beaches and mild climate. It is a great place to begin your family journey. It’s rich in history and offers several exciting activities for kids and adults alike. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex offers kids a chance to experience a piece of history. The highlight is the replica of the Dias Caravel, a ship dating back to the 15th century, which kids can explore. There’s also a Post Office Tree, where sailors once left messages for passing ships—a fascinating story to share with children. Garden Route is obviously perfect for families who love the beach life. In the Mossel Bay area, the Santos Beach is safe and family-friendly, with gentle waves that make it ideal for young swimmers. The beach has picnic areas, and there are often dolphins swimming just offshore, which is a treat not only for kids!

If you are not into Museum and you prefer something more active then, you must visit the Cape St. Blaize Cave. In my opinion, it is an absolute must see if you are in the area. This coastal cave, located just underneath the Cape St. Blaze Lighthouse, was inhabited by early humans, and visiting provides a glimpse into the area’s ancient history. The cave is always open to visitors.

In addition to the cave’s visit you can hike a beautiful panoramic trail of 13km that starts just at the lighthouse. The trails offers fantastic coastal views. It takes around 6 hours to hike up from the parking lot and although it’s not a demanding trail you still have to be moderately fit to accomplish it. Don’t underestimate it especially if you are visiting in the summer. I would say that it is recommended for kids used to walking uphill, 5 year old or older. Keep in mind that it is 13km one way so it’s worth arranging a transport from the cave to the starting point of the trail. Of course, you can walk back but that means it will take you almost the full day and make sure that your kids are able to hike 27 km in one day. Not impossible but quite demanding. Alternatively you can just walk part of the trail. More details about this trail can be found on the alltrails.com

Day 2: George and Wilderness

George and Wilderness are your next stop along the route, just 60 km from Mossel Bay and in both towns you will be able to enjoy lush green landscapes, river activities, and scenic beaches perfect for family outings.

If you are here just for one day I would suggest you to experience the Wilderness National Park Canoeing. Take a family canoe trip down the Touw River for an unforgettable experience. The gentle current and lush scenery make it suitable for kids, and families can spot kingfishers, herons, and other bird species along the way. You can either rent your own Canoe here or enroll for a guided river safari here. If you would like to have more detailed information about the park itself and various options of visiting it, check the Parks official website.

If you are not into water sports, you can choose to visit the Redberry Farm in George. The strawberries season in South Africa runs from August to December but at this farm you will find them all year round. The farm is a fun stop, especially for the families with smaller kids. Here they can pick their own strawberries and navigate the largest hedge maze in the southern hemisphere. There’s also a mini-train ride and playground for the little ones. All in all, great experience for the whole family.

Whatever you have chosen to do during the morning, in the afternoon head to the Wilderness Beach. This wide, sandy beach is perfect for picnics, beach games, and sandcastle building. The lagoon is a safe spot for children to paddle in the shallows, and the beautiful surrounding landscape makes it ideal for a family photo session.

For the sunset, head to Map of Africa Viewpoint. Named for the landscape’s resemblance to the African continent, this viewpoint offers an incredible panorama of the river and surrounding valleys. It’s a short drive from Wilderness and makes for a memorable photo stop.

Day 3: Knysna

The Garden route continues to Knysna, just 46 km away from Wilderness so it is relatively short and scenic drive. Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s most popular towns so expect it to be more crowded than other destinations. This charming town is nestled between lush forests and a serene lagoon. It’s packed with family-friendly activities that will keep kids entertained while offering adults a taste of local charm.

After a tasty breakfast in one of many cafés at the Waterfornt, head to Featherbed Nature Reserve. It is a private own Reserve, accessible by ferry only and in order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. You have to book your entrance in advance directly on the parks website. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the park on your own. The Park offers guided tours with or without lunch. The whole guided experience is around 3 hours, ferry ride included, and it allows you to understand the area’s natural and cultural history. Kids love the open-air truck ride to the top of the reserve, followed by a relaxed walk down through forest paths.

If a guided tour in the park is not an experience for you, have a look at many boat trips offered by the agencies at the Waterfront. You can also rent your own boat and spend the day in the sea. Many tours offered in Knysna are catered to families and provide an opportunity to see Knysna’s famous Heads – two towering cliffs at the lagoon’s entrance. Check the Knysna Head Explorer for the organized tours and Knysna Boat Rentals if you prefer to go by yourself.

You can also avoid any ferry or boat riding and head directly to the Jubilee Creek Picnic Site located in the Knysna Forest. This peaceful picnic spot has a lovely swimming area perfect for young children. Families can hike a short trail along the creek, play in the shallow pools, and enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by towering trees.

If time allows you, go to Knysna Elephant Park. This sanctuary allows kids to get up close and personal with rescued elephants. The park is committed to ethical treatment and education, and families can learn about these gentle giants and their conservation.

In the evening have a stroll and a bite at Knysna Waterfront.

Day 4: Plettenberg Bay

On your fourth day visit Plettenberg Bay, just 30 km from Knysna. As all other destinations on the Garden Route it is known for pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Here you will also find eco-parks that focus on wildlife conservation. This is a fantastic stop for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and animal encounters. There are plenty of activities for the whole family and if you are spending just one day here, you will have to choose because it is difficult to go everywhere.

The absolute highlight for me is the Robberg Nature Reserve which offers several hiking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs. The shorter hikes are suitable for families. Keep you eyes open because it is very common to spot seals and bird colonies. If you are lucky you might even see dolphins or whales off the coast.

If you are traveling with smaller kids that are not quite ready for a hike, then head to Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight aviary in the world. Birds of Eden is home to hundreds of bird species from around the globe. Kids can spot colorful parrots, toucans, and other exotic birds up close in this stunning rainforest environment. Just next door to it you will find Monkeyland – a sanctuary for rescued primates. You will be able to walk through the forested habitat and see monkeys, lemurs, and gibbons swinging from the trees in a natural setting. Guides provide fascinating information about these primates, making it both fun and educational

Finally, if your kids are into adrenaline activities, head to Adventure Land Water Park. It is located just outside Plettenberg Bay and it offers water slides, splash pools, and even go-karting.

Day 5: Tsitsikamma National Park

Here comes your last day of your Garden Route trip. Reserve the whole day for a visit of Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is situated at the eastern end of the Garden Route, just 25 km from Plettenberg Bay and it is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, lush forests, and diverse outdoor activities. It’s a great place to finish your journey with memorable adventures.

Start your day at the iconic Storms River Mouth. The suspension bridge across the river provides thrilling views of the crashing waves below and is a popular spot for photos. Kids will love the excitement of walking across the swaying bridge. For an unforgettable experience, book a canopy tour that takes you and the kids on a zipline adventure through the indigenous forest. With platforms high up in the trees and knowledgeable guides, this activity is safe and accessible for children six and older.

If ziplining is not your activity, then choose a short walk along that leads to the famous “Big Tree,” an ancient yellowwood towering over 36 meters high. It’s an easy walk for families and provides a wonderful introduction to the region’s rich biodiversity.

If your kids are 8 or older then you should opt for the kayak and lilo tour through Storms River Gorge, an adventure that includes paddling and floating through breathtaking rock formations. It’s a unique way to experience the park from a new perspective and creates lasting memories. If you are interested, check for more info and book online on the website of Untouched Adventures.

Tsitsikamma is also known for its diverse marine life, and dolphin and whale-watching tours are available for families. The best time for whale watching is from July to October, but dolphin sightings are common year-round.

Practical Tips for your trip:

Plan Scenic Stops
The Garden Route has numerous scenic lookouts, such as the Wilderness Lookout Point and Kaaimans River Bridge. Plan to take short breaks at these viewpoints so kids can stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery.
Snack and Picnic Supplies
Many of the national parks and beaches have picnic areas. Packing healthy snacks and picnic supplies allows for spontaneous stops.

Rain Gear and Layered Clothing
The Garden Route’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack rain jackets and layers to keep everyone comfortable.
Book Ahead
Some of the popular attractions along the Garden Route, especially during school holidays, can fill up quickly. Be sure to book accommodations, canopy tours, and any wildlife encounters in advance.

Accommodation

You will find different options for your overnight stay along the Garden Route. I advice you to stay couple of nights in Mossel Bay and 2 nights Plettenberg Bay area. In addition to the famous booking platforms, feel free to check the local Mossel Bay Tourism website and browse among many hotels, guesthouses, camping grounds and self catered apartments available in the area. When you think about Garden Route, you obviously may want to hire a camper van. Yes, that is an option and there are safe campground where you can sleep immerse in the nature. For instance Dibiki Camsite is super organized with good facilities. It also offers bungalows in addition to the camper spaces so, check it out even if you are not planning a camper trip.

The Garden Route in South Africa offers an abundance of family-friendly activities and breathtaking natural scenery, making it the perfect destination for travelers with kids. From historical landmarks in Mossel Bay to the forests of Tsitsikamma, each stop along this route provides unique experiences that appeal to all ages. With a mix of outdoor adventures, animal encounters, and fun-filled beaches, the Garden Route is sure to leave your family with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for South Africa’s diverse landscapes.

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