South Africa Garden Route with a Baby: Port Elizabeth

Start your South Africa Garden Route road trip from Port Elizabeth to Jeffreys Bay. Get rental car tips, baby travel advice.

Main Journey – Exploring Port Elizabeth & Jeffreys Bay
Events – Highlights from the First Day on the Road
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Local Travel Tips – Road Tripping in South Africa
Travel Reflections

Main Journey – Exploring Port Elizabeth & Jeffreys Bay

Picking Up the Rental Car in Port Elizabeth

Our journey began with a rental car pickup at Port Elizabeth Airport.

We booked our car for 12 PM but arrived at the airport before 10 AM.
Instead of waiting, we paid an extra fee to pick it up early.
The car was newer than expected, and we made sure to check for scratches and take photos before driving off.

Since we planned a long-distance road trip across two countries, we also arranged to return the car in Namibia.

This required advance booking from Korea, as it is difficult to arrange locally.
There was an additional fee for returning the car in a different country.

With everything set, we left Port Elizabeth and started our Garden Route adventure.

First Stop: Jeffreys Bay

Jeffreys Bay, about one hour from Port Elizabeth, is known for its pristine beaches and world-class surfing spots.
Even though it was winter in South Africa, the coastal scenery was breathtaking.

Our first task was to find a good local restaurant for lunch.

Based on reviews, we visited Die Kospot, a small eatery known for its Fish and Chips.
South Africa has a strong British colonial influence, so Fish and Chips is a popular dish.
We ordered fried hake with chips and grilled snoek with rice for 100 ZAR ($9 USD).
The fish was fresh and flavorful, with the hake being especially tender and mild.

After lunch, we walked along Jeffreys Bay Beach.

The beach was almost empty due to the strong winter winds, but the scenery was stunning.
Seashells covered the shoreline, and small succulents and cacti grew naturally in the sand.

While the cold weather made it impossible to swim, the peaceful atmosphere made the visit worthwhile.

Events – Highlights from the First Day on the Road

Picked up the rental car early at Port Elizabeth Airport
Drove to Jeffreys Bay, enjoying the scenic coastal views
Had lunch at Die Kospot, trying traditional South African Fish and Chips
Explored the beach, collecting seashells and enjoying the quiet winter landscape
Planned the next stop along the Garden Route

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Packing for the South African Winter

South African winters (June–August) are not freezing but can be very windy and cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Bring thermal clothing for babies, as the wind chill can make it feel much colder.
Sweetie wore thermal underwear for the first time since we started traveling, which helped keep her warm.

Car Seat Rental

South African traffic laws do not require car seats, but they are strongly recommended.
We rented a car seat for 250 ZAR ($22 USD), which was available directly at the rental office.
Sweetie was excited to have her own “special seat” after months of traveling without one.

Baby-Friendly Food

Many South African restaurants offer simple, fresh food options that are suitable for young children.
Our meal at Die Kospot was mild and fresh, making it easy for Sweetie to enjoy.
Packing extra snacks and drinks for long drives is essential, as road stops may be limited in some areas.

Local Travel Tips – Road Tripping in South Africa

Renting a Car in South Africa

Book in advance, especially if planning to return the car in another country.
Check for scratches and take photos before leaving the rental office.
Gas policy: Cars are rented with a full tank and must be returned the same way.
Drive on the left side of the road.

Shopping for Supplies

South Africa has large supermarkets, making it easy to stock up on road trip essentials.
Popular supermarket chains include Pick n Pay, Spar, and OK Market.
We visited Pick n Pay to buy food, snacks, and camping supplies.
For outdoor gear, Sportsman’s Warehouse has high-quality options, but prices can be expensive.
Budget travelers can find cheaper camping gear at Pick n Pay or other general stores.

Travel Reflections

A Rental Car is the Best Way to Explore the Garden Route
South Africa’s roads are well-maintained, and having a car gives flexibility to explore at our own pace.
Driving along the beautiful coastal highways made us excited for the rest of the journey.
Winter Travel Has Its Pros and Cons
While we missed the warm summer beaches, traveling in winter meant fewer tourists and peaceful landscapes.
The strong winds made it too cold for swimming, but the empty beaches and dramatic scenery were still worth the visit.
Planning Ahead Saves Time and Hassle
From renting a car in advance to checking fuel policies, a little preparation goes a long way.
Finding a car seat rental and knowing where to shop for supplies made our trip much smoother.