South Africa Garden Route – Glentana, Mossel Bay & Heidelberg

South Africa Garden Route from Glentana to Heidelberg. Enjoy scenic drives, coffee stops, farm-to-table dining, essential baby travel tips.

Main Journey – From Glentana to Heidelberg
Events – Highlights of the Day
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Local Travel Tips – Exploring the Garden Route
Travel Reflections

Main Journey – From Glentana to Heidelberg

A Freezing Night in Glentana – Our First African Camping Experience

Camping in Africa was not as easy as we had imagined.

At 3 AM, the cold woke up Hugh. Without a camping mattress, the cold ground seeped through the tent.
At 5 AM, Julie and Sweetie also woke up, unable to withstand the temperature drop.
Fortunately, Sweetie was warm and comfortable, thanks to the extra layers of clothing we had dressed her in.

We quickly packed up our tent in just 10 minutes and decided to warm up in the car while driving to Mossel Bay.

Looking around, we realized we were the only campers without a caravan—perhaps because everyone else knew how cold it would get.

As we drove, the Garden Route sunrise over the ocean was absolutely stunning.

Coffee Break in Mossel Bay – The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

Mossel Bay is a beautiful coastal town, well-organized with a peaceful atmosphere.
After a long, cold night, we desperately needed a hot cup of coffee.

We found The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery, which had excellent reviews on Google Maps.

The moment we walked in, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filled the air.
The interior was cozy and charming, with many small decorative details.
We ordered coffee, cake, and a babyccino for Sweetie, who loved having her own special drink.

Sweetie, curious about coffee, kept asking, “Is this coffee?” as she sipped on her hot chocolate.
She also had fun playing her new favorite game—pretending to be a princess arriving at court.

A Surprise Safari Stop

As we drove towards Cape Agulhas, we saw a sign for a Safari Park.

Out of curiosity, we stopped to check the prices.
Just beyond the gate, African herbivores were roaming freely—a reminder that we were truly in Africa.
The park offered game drives for 450 ZAR per person ($39 USD), but since the schedule did not fit our plans, we decided to skip it.

We were tempted by handmade animal-skin pouches at the souvenir shop but resisted, knowing we still had a long journey ahead.

Lunch at The Blue Crane Farm Shop – Heidelberg

On our way to Witsand, we stopped for lunch at The Blue Crane Farm Shop, a farm-to-table restaurant in Heidelberg.

The restaurant was part of a farm that produced cheese, dried meats, and syrups, all available for purchase.
We ordered a homemade burger, a pie, and coffee, all made with fresh farm ingredients.

While waiting for the food, Sweetie found a new friend—a farm cat.

She was thrilled and jumped with excitement, trying to pet the cat as it wandered around.

The food was delicious, and we noticed that South African coffee is consistently good and affordable.

After lunch, Sweetie played with the cat a little longer before we finally convinced her, “It’s time to go!”

Events – Highlights of the Day

Woke up freezing at 3 AM during our first African camping night
Saw a breathtaking sunrise over the Garden Route
Had a warm coffee break at The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery in Mossel Bay
Stopped at a safari park and saw African animals up close
Had a delicious farm-to-table lunch at The Blue Crane in Heidelberg
Sweetie made a new cat friend at the farm

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

How to Stay Warm When Camping in Africa

Bring a thick sleeping bag—our one sleeping bag was not enough.
A camping mattress is essential—the cold ground can make sleeping uncomfortable.
Dress your baby in layers—Sweetie stayed warm thanks to extra clothing.

Keeping a Baby Entertained on a Road Trip

Sweetie enjoyed looking out the window at the passing scenery.
She loved playing pretend games, like acting as a princess arriving at court.
Animals always caught her attention—whether at a safari park or a farm.

Local Travel Tips – Exploring the Garden Route

Hidden Gems Along the Route

The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery (Mossel Bay) – Great coffee and cozy atmosphere.
The Blue Crane Farm Shop (Heidelberg) – Fresh, homemade food and local products.
Witsand – A small, scenic coastal town worth visiting.

Driving the Garden Route

Fuel stations are frequent, so gas is not a major concern.
No need to rush—the journey itself is beautiful, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Be flexible—spontaneous stops can lead to amazing discoveries.

Travel Reflections

African Camping is Tougher Than Expected

The temperature drop at night was extreme.
Better preparation is necessary, especially for winter camping.

The Beauty of the Garden Route is in the Journey

There is no need to rush from town to town.
Every stop along the way has its own unique charm.

Small, Unexpected Stops Make the Best Memories

The farm restaurant in Heidelberg was not a planned stop, but it turned out to be a great experience.
Sweetie’s excitement over a simple farm cat reminded us to appreciate the little moments.

After a cold but memorable night, we continued our journey along the Garden Route, looking forward to more adventures ahead.