Why the Garden Route Is Perfect for Families

There’s something truly special about the Garden Route. This iconic stretch of coastline naturally invites you to slow down and make meaningful memories together while glamping.

Stretching over 468 km along South Africa’s beautiful southern coastline, the Garden Route is packed with fresh air, outdoor adventure, and wide-open spaces where kids can explore while parents actually get to relax.

Did you know? We’ve just launched our new glamping routes pages, making it easy to plan and tailor your journey with things to do, must-see sights, and stops along the way. Check out our Cape Town to Garden Route glamping route.

Here’s why this much-loved route works so well for family travel – and how AfriCamps fits perfectly into the journey.

Stop 1: Oudtshoorn (Ostriches, meerkats and more)

Oudtshoorn is a much-loved family stop – not just for its warm, sunny weather, but for the endless adventure waiting around every corner. Days here are filled with curious discoveries and kid-approved activities, and by the time the sun sets over the Klein Karoo, everyone is happy and ready to sink into the hot tub with the braai firing away.

At AfriCamps Klein Karoo, the fun starts right on the farm, and with Oudtshoorn’s best attractions close by. After a day of adventure, you can relax on your deck, taking in the open landscapes and starry Karoo nights.

Families will love:

• Cango Caves – a fascinating underground adventure that feels like stepping into another world and a must-visit for the whole family.
• Meerkat Safari – early mornings spent watching our curious meerkat family emerge from their burrows is always a hit with the kids.
• Ostrich Farm Tour – a fun, educational tour where kids can get up close with Oudtshoorn’s most famous residents as they learn more about this uniquely South African farming industry.
• Swimming Pool – cool off in the swimming pool, suitable for the kids and parents.
• Fishing in the farm dam – enjoy catch-and-release fishing at the farm dam. It’s a relaxing way to spend time together!

At AfriCamps Klein Karoo, the fun starts right on the farm, with Oudtshoorn’s best attractions just a short drive away. After a full day of adventure, slow evenings unfold on your deck, framed by open landscapes and starry Karoo skies.

Stop 2: Plettenberg Bay (Warm beaches and sun-filled adventures)

Plettenberg Bay is a non-negotiable Garden Route stop, renowned for its 15 km of white coastline dotted with Blue Flag beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, lush forests, and some of the best adventure activities around. AfriCamps at Ingwe offers a warm welcome after full days spent exploring the outdoors, and with beautiful views all around, it’s easy for families to slip into relax mode and truly unwind.

Families will love:

• Bloukrans Bungy – take on the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump at 200m. Ideal for adventurous parents and older kids – and just as thrilling to watch.
• Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour – ziplining through ancient forest trees will leave kids talking about it long after the holiday ends.
• Blue Flag beaches – spend the day at one of Plettenberg Bay’s stunning Blue Flag beaches, including Robberg 5, Lookout Beach, The Dunes, The Waves, Singing Kettle, and Nature’s Valley.
• Animal sanctuaries – no visit is complete without exploring Plett’s animal sanctuaries like Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, and Jukani, perfect for curious little explorers.
• Kid-friendly farm stalls – with jungle gyms, petting farms and more, Plett’s farm stalls are excellent family-friendly additions to your itinerary Nature’s Way Farm Stall is a firm family favourite.
• Swimming pool – the whole family can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool overlooking the lush lawns and panoramic views.
• Canoeing – navigate the river shallows, slide down natural waterslides, swim through rock pools and abseil waterfalls on a canoeing adventure.

Staying at AfriCamps at Ingwe places you right in the heart of the adventure, while still offering peaceful evenings on your deck, surrounded by forest, birdsong and crackling fires.

Stop 3: Wilderness (Slow living and wholesome family moments)

This laid-back corner of the Garden Route is where families truly reconnect. Wilderness offers a rare blend of classic Garden Route scenery and a window into authentic farm life. It’s all about open spaces, fresh air, and the simple beauty of slowing down. It’s an ideal stop for a few easy-going days.

At AfriCamps at Oakhurst, the kids get to experience the simple joys of farm life, while parents enjoy the comfort and ease of glamping on a working dairy farm.

Families will love:

• Farm adventures – feeding animals, collecting eggs, visiting the dairy and petting the donkeys.
• Horse riding & pony experiences – enjoy scenic horse riding through the forests and let the younger kiddies have fun with gentle pony rides around the farm.
• Forest walks to the waterfall – an easy, rewarding walk that feels like stumbling upon a hidden treasure and visit the big yellow wood tree (5km away).
• Close to beautiful beaches – do a beach day, soaking up the sun at Wilderness Beach or Kleinkrantz.
• Mountain Bike Trails – explore 6.5 km of scenic forest single track or take the kids to xx on the kids pump track.
• Dam activities – swimming, canoeing, and fishing make the farm dam a go-to spot for full family fun.
• Kids play area – kids can spend hours of fun at our outdoor play area.

At AfriCamps at Oakhurst, the kids experience the simple joys of farm life, while parents enjoy the comfort and ease of glamping on a working dairy farm. From morning farm adventures to afternoons spent exploring forest trails or paddling in the dam, every detail is designed to make family time memorable, relaxed, and full of discovery.

Stop 4: Addo (Safari moments they’ll never forget)

The Garden Route flows seamlessly into a safari experience with Addo just around the corner. It’s one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife destinations in the country, especially for families.

Families will love:

• Big 5 safari – Addo Elephant National Park is 15 minutes from the camp, offering easy access to unforgettable wildlife encounters.
• MTB & Hiking trails – explore 50km of Hayterdale’s mountain bike trails and hike along Zuurberg Pass and GZT Bridge.
• Pool – cool down by the pool after a day of adventures.
• Sundays River Cruise – breathe in the fresh ocean air a serene river cruise and look out for the birdlife and landscapes! A perfect activity for the whole family.
• Sandboarding – a fun activity for all ages is sandboarding at the Alexandria Coastal Dunes!

For parents, it’s the perfect balance: unforgettable Big 5 encounters by day, and calm, star-filled evenings soaking in the hot tub at night. Staying at AfriCamps Addo, just minutes from Addo Elephant National Park, makes early-morning game drives easy and stress-free, with peaceful afternoons spent back at camp.

Ready to create your own garden route family story?

From ziplining through forests and slow farm walks to wildlife encounters, the Garden Route offers families something truly special – adventure without pressure, and moments that feel real and meaningful. With AfriCamps as your base, it’s easy to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy every step of the journey together.

Book your ultimate Garden Route family escape here.