In July, we spent 12 days exploring South Africa — and it completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a stunning country, full of natural beauty, culture, and wildlife. Honestly, it feels underrated compared to other destinations.
This post is just a quick overview of our trip. If you’d like a detailed breakdown — including our full itinerary, family-friendly safari tips, and how we made the Garden Route road trip with kids work smoothly — I’m putting together a complete travel guide that will be available soon.
Johannesburg: A Gentle Start
We arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and stayed two nights to recover from the long flight. Traveling with our 4- and 6-year-old meant pacing ourselves, and Johannesburg gave us a soft landing before the adventure kicked off.
Safari in the Eastern Cape
From Johannesburg, we flew to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, rented a car, and drove to a game reserve. This was our very first safari experience — and it was unforgettable.
Yes, going on safari with kids has its challenges, but watching them spot elephants and giraffes for the first time was worth every bit of effort.
The Garden Route Road Trip
Next, we began the legendary Garden Route toward Cape Town. Along the way we made overnight stops in:
- Knysna – famous for its lagoons and forests
- Oudtshoorn – ostrich capital with unique caves
- Swellendam – a charming historic town
Driving the Garden Route gave us time to slow down and soak in South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
Cape Town Finale
We wrapped up in Cape Town, a city that truly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world. After exploring the coast, mountains, and vibrant streets, we flew home from here, ending our 12-day journey.
Weather in July
Since we traveled in July (South Africa’s winter), temperatures were often in the single digits Celsius but thankfully dry — perfect for road tripping and exploring without the summer crowds.
A Glimpse of the Beauty
Here are a few snapshots I took on my phone that give just a taste of how stunning South Africa really is:
