The unexpected appearance of baboons during a picnic on the beach, a mountain hike, or an outdoor trip can turn a planned event into a memorable, yet negative, experience. Although these intelligent primates are fascinating to observe from a distance, they are also opportunists and have learned that people often carry easy prey.
Baboons approach picnic areas not due to natural aggression, but because of their high adaptability and intelligence. They are constantly searching for easy food. Over time, many baboons living near popular tourist areas have learned that food is often found in bags, backpacks, and coolers.
Unfortunately, if people intentionally feed baboons or leave food unattended, this reinforces such behavior, increasing the likelihood of future encounters.
The first and most important rule when encountering a baboon is to remain calm. Running away, shouting, or making sudden movements can escalate the situation. Instead, one should remain composed, monitor the animal without staring directly into its eyes, and slowly back away if it is safe. Direct eye contact can sometimes be interpreted as a challenge.
Never feed baboons, even if it seems harmless. Feeding teaches animals to associate humans with food, encouraging them to approach more visitors in the future. This can also intensify conflict between humans and baboons, often leading to tragic consequences for the animals themselves. If a baboon manages to steal your lunch, do not try to trade your belongings for extra food.
One common mistake is assuming that closed bags are sufficient. Baboons have excellent vision and can recognize food packaging even from a considerable distance.
If you are having a picnic, you must observe the following precautions: store food in airtight containers until consumption; immediately dispose of food scraps; never leave coolers or bags unattended; keep car windows closed if food is inside. The fewer temptations there are, the less interest baboons usually show.
Many people instinctively start waving their hands, throwing objects, or shouting. While remaining calm and confident is acceptable, aggressive confrontation with a baboon can turn against you, especially if it is a large adult male. Never corner a baboon or block its escape route. Like most wild animals, they tend to react defensively if they feel trapped.
Children are naturally curious, and a baboon might seem amusing to them from afar. It is necessary to ensure that children stay close to adults and avoid running either towards or away from baboons. Pets can also provoke confrontation. If necessary, keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to chase or bark at baboons.
If a baboon is heading toward you, you should remain calm. You need to lift small children without making sudden movements and secure any visible food. It is advisable to slowly move to a safe area or toward a vehicle. It is important to give the baboon enough space so that it can move away. Remember that baboons are usually interested in your food, not in you personally.
This happens more often than many visitors realize. If a baboon gets into a car through an open window or door, you must remain calm. Do not try to physically force it out. If it is safe, exit the vehicle and wait for the animal to leave on its own. Do not offer it food as an incentive to exit. Trying to snatch food or forcibly drive the animal out can lead to injuries.
Warning signs explaining current activity in the area are often posted in popular baboon habitats. If baboon monitoring staff or wildlife experts ask visitors to leave the area, remove food, or avoid certain sections, you must follow their instructions. Their goal is to ensure the safety of both people and baboons.
Although baboons may seem playful or even human-like, they remain wild animals with strong jaws and sharp teeth. They should be observed from a respectful distance; resist the temptation to get close for a selfie and never attempt to touch them. One careless encounter can endanger both people and baboons.
South African baboons are an integral part of the local fauna. Observing a troop crossing a hillside or watching their natural foraging can be a highlight of the trip. Proper food storage, giving baboons space, and following local rules help keep these intelligent animals in the wild while ensuring safety and minimizing stress during your outdoor adventures.
Road trips possess a unique romance: open roads, stops in small towns, picturesque mountain passes, and the opportunity to pull over and admire the view. However, adding a baby to the back seat can turn this dream into a real test of endurance.
The good news is that traveling with a small child doesn't have to feel like a fight for survival. A little planning, realistic expectations, and a willingness to accept a slower pace can turn the journey into part of the adventure. These practical recommendations will help make the miles more enjoyable for everyone, whether you are heading down the Garden Route, exploring the Wild Coast, or driving to the Drakensberg.
Before having children, many of us defined the success of a road trip by how quickly we reached our destination. With a baby, the criteria for success change. You must expect that stops will happen more frequently than the navigator predicts. Diaper changes, bathroom breaks, requests for snacks, and sudden tantrums—all become part of the experience. Including extra time in your itinerary removes unnecessary pressure and gives everyone permission to enjoy the trip rather than rushing through it.
Sometimes the most memorable moments happen during an unplanned stop at a farm stall or in a quiet picnic spot you would have driven past if you hadn't stopped.
Every baby has its own rhythm, but many parents find that it is best to leave shortly before nap time or early in the morning. If the child usually sleeps for two hours after lunch, plan the longest stretch of the journey for that time. Some families prefer to leave before sunrise so that babies sleep through the first part of the trip. Instead of forcing the baby to adapt to your schedule, you should work according to their usual routine.
Prolonged time in a car seat causes discomfort for both adults and energetic babies. Planning stops every couple of hours allows children to stretch, snack, and burn energy before resuming travel. For infants, such pauses are also ideal for feeding, diaper changes, and getting fresh air.
Choose stopping places with enough space, not just gas stations. A grassy area for a picnic, a playground, or a quiet resting spot will allow babies to release energy before getting back in the car.
Ask any experienced parent for the best road trip advice, and it will likely be about snacks. Instead of putting everything in one large bag, divide snacks into individual, easily accessible portions. Offering small choices throughout the day helps prevent hunger-induced tantrums and keeps little hands busy.
Good options include: fresh fruits that travel well; cheese cubes kept in a cooler bag; rice cakes or crackers; dry cereal; fruit purees; easy-to-drink water bottles. Many experienced parents also advise keeping several favorite treats in reserve for true emergencies, rather than giving them up at the first sign of displeasure. Discussions among parents constantly emphasize the value of a 'snack strategy' on long journeys.
Novelty plays a huge role. Instead of packing one large box of toys, wrap or pack several small activities separately and introduce them throughout the trip. Sticker coloring books, magnetic drawing boards, reusable coloring pages, finger puppets, and soft sensory toys can buy precious time. Even a toy the baby hasn't seen in weeks can suddenly seem brand new.
There is nothing shameful about strategically using screens. Download favorite episodes, audiobooks, or children's music playlists before leaving home, especially if your route includes remote areas with no mobile reception. View screen time as one tool in your arsenal, not the entire plan. Alternate entertainment with songs, conversations, simple games, and sightseeing to make the trip feel more varied.
The most necessary items should never be hidden under luggage. Keep within easy reach a bag containing: wet wipes, diapers, a change of clothes, plastic bags for dirty clothes, hand sanitizer, water, a favorite soothing toy, and basic first aid supplies. Don't forget any prescription medications your child might need, as well as plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, wipes, and toiletries. Having everything handy can save you from unpacking the trunk at every stop.
Comfort is important, but safety comes first. Before departing, check that your child's car seat is installed and adjusted correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking into account the child's height and weight. Throughout the trip, children must remain properly restrained, even during short drives or moments of distress. Although there may be a temptation to loosen the belt or take the child out of the seat during a tantrum, this significantly increases the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision. South African road safety organizations, including the Road Traffic Management Corporation and Arrive Alive, continue to insist that properly secured child restraints are one of the most effective ways to protect young passengers.
Perhaps the biggest life hack for road trips is accepting that not everything will go according to plan. Someone will probably spill juice. Someone might cry for reasons no one fully understands. Lunch might happen an hour later than expected. This is simply part of traveling with small children. Instead of striving for a perfectly executed itinerary, focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere where delays become opportunities, not sources of frustration.
Years later, your baby won't remember how many minutes you spent in traffic near George or whether you arrived exactly on schedule. They might remember chasing birds at a roadside picnic, watching baboons along a mountain pass, or sharing cookies while watching the sunrise through the window. It is these moments that turn an ordinary trip into a family adventure.
Traveling with a baby will almost always take longer than expected, but a slow pace does not mean a worse one. Some of the country's most memorable trips are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with the ability to stop, explore, and follow unexpected detours that make road trips so valuable. Plan wisely, allow for plenty of breaks, and remember that the destination is only part of the story. Sometimes the best family memories begin long before arrival.
Searching for unusual places to stay in South Africa doesn't always mean choosing five-star luxury or postcard-worthy landscapes. Sometimes the very place where you stay becomes the most memorable story after the trip.
Across South Africa, old grain silos have been transformed into designer retreats, railway carriages have found new life in rural areas, and shipping containers have become surprisingly stylish accommodation options. Beyond floating houses and cave luxuries, there are also Airstream glamping campers, proving that accommodation can be as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Grain Silos at The Silo Hotel
The Silo Hotel, located above the V&A Waterfront, is one of the most famous examples of adaptive reuse in South Africa. It is built inside a historic grain elevator complex that was previously used to store maize for export, occupying the upper floors of the old silo structure above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Architect Thomas Hittervik preserved the industrial character of the building by adding iconic curved glass windows protruding from concrete pipes. Inside, every room is unique, and the circular walls reflect the original grain storage bins. Despite being a luxury experience, The Silo demonstrates how industrial architecture can become one of the country's outstanding accommodation spots.
Container Cabins at AfriCamps
What started as an innovative glamping concept has turned into one of South Africa's most popular hotel chains. Several AfriCamps properties use repurposed transport containers in guest reception areas, service buildings, and in their design philosophy, while others showcase container-inspired architecture alongside luxurious canvas tents. Their new projects continue to explore sustainable building methods, showing how recycled materials can create stylish housing without compromising comfort. These modern retreats combine eco-conscious thinking with boutique hospitality, offering views of vineyards, mountains, or wildlife reserves.
Staying in Train Carriages at Santos Express
For travelers dreaming of sleeping on a train without leaving the station, Santos Express offers just that. Located right on Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, decommissioned South African Railways carriages have been converted into accommodation overlooking the Indian Ocean. Depending on the room, you might wake up to the sound of waves instead of steam engines. Its seaside location combined with the nostalgia of vintage rail travel makes it one of the most distinctive overnight stays on the Garden Route.
Floating Houses at Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats
Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats offers the opportunity to wake up amidst the calm waters of a national park. These houseboats, moored in the turquoise waters of the Kraalbaai Lagoon on the West Coast, combine the freedom of living on the water with all the comforts of home. Guests can spend days swimming directly from the deck, kayaking in the lagoon, or simply enjoying uninterrupted views from sunrise to sunset. Due to the absence of roads, traffic, or crowds, staying on such a boat feels wonderfully removed from daily hustle, making it one of the most memorable experiences in South Africa.
Cave Suites in Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Few places offer such a dramatic lodging option as Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in Cedarberg. The renowned Cave Suites are built into natural sandstone formations, meticulously designed to blend with the surrounding landscape rather than dominate it. Although inspired by shelters once used by the San people, the suites include modern amenities while retaining a sense of wilderness. The reserve's remote location also makes it one of the best places in South Africa for stargazing.
Overnight Stay in an Airstream on the Roof at The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
Sleeping in a vintage trailer is unusual enough, but doing so on a rooftop in the heart of Cape Town is something else entirely. The Airstream Trailer Park at The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel features seven beautifully restored vintage American Airstream trailers, each individually decorated by local designers. Situated above bustling Long Street, these trailers create a playful contrast between the nostalgia of retro travel and the energy of the city below. With a rooftop garden, outdoor cinema, and views of Cape Town, it is one of the country's most creative urban accommodation options.
Old Mac Daddy with Rural Charm
The vibrant Airstream trailer park at Old Mac Daddy has become a true icon of South African travel. Although technically vintage American Airstream caravans, not buses, each one has been individually designed by local artists around a different creative theme. Combined with views of the mountains opening onto Elgin vineyards, the result is playful, nostalgic, and completely unlike traditional hotel stays. Common areas, outdoor events, and beautifully decorated interiors make it one of the most photographed places to stay in the country.
Container Eco-Cabins at Coot Club
On the outskirts of Klein River Lagoon near Stanford, Coot Club has embraced modern architecture through its collection of eco-cabins and thoughtfully designed residences. Several structures utilize modular construction inspired by shipping containers, blending sustainability with Scandinavian-style interiors and unobstructed lagoon views. Kayaking, birdwatching, and easy access to Walker Bay complement the appeal for travelers seeking something both unusual and deeply connected to nature.
Treehouse Stays at Tsala Treetop Lodge
Although Tsala Treetop Lodge was not converted from industrial structures, it deserves mention for its extraordinary approach to accommodation design. Located high among the local forest canopy near Plettenberg Bay, the lodge's wooden suites and villas resemble modern treehouses suspended over the forest floor. Stone, wood, and glass are combined to create housing that seems almost hidden in the landscape. This proves that unusual places to stay are not always built from recycled materials; sometimes the architecture itself transforms the experience.
Travelers are increasingly seeking personal, rather than predictable, experiences. Repurposing existing buildings also supports sustainable tourism by giving old structures a new purpose instead of replacing them. From grain silos and railway carriages to caves and converted churches—these accommodation options preserve a piece of South Africa's history while offering something truly memorable. They invite travelers to slow down, appreciate thoughtful design, and see destinations from a completely different perspective.
The best trips are often remembered for their surprises, and sometimes it's not the destination itself, but the place where you sleep at night. Across South Africa, abandoned grain silos, railway carriages, ancient caves, and historic buildings have found a second life, proving that excellent accommodation can tell its own story. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a weekend trip, or a family vacation, these unusual places to stay in South Africa offer more than just a place to sleep. They invite you to discover the country from another perspective, with every unforgettable check-in.
The author shares their experience visiting the Cape Canopy Tour, replacing a traditional festive lunch with a more thrilling adventure. This tour takes place high above the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, located near Grabouw, and promises impressive views, waterfalls, and plenty of zip-lining for thrill-seekers.
Located about an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Elgin Valley, the Cape Canopy Tour offers a guided excursion through the picturesque Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The adventure includes 11 thrilling zip lines, 13 mountain platforms, and a crossing over a suspension bridge. Guests can enjoy incredible views of waterfalls, local fynbos, and rugged mountain gorges. Professional guides accompany participants throughout the route. The total duration of the tour is about four to four and a half hours, including safety briefing, equipment preparation, travel to the starting point, and the zip-lining course itself.
The event begins with a brief safety briefing and viewing an instructional video that thoroughly explains the tour's operation and procedures at each zip line. The instructions are simple, even for those who have never zip-lined before. Next is the gearing-up stage: participants put on a safety harness, helmet, and gloves, after which the guides carefully check the reliability of all equipment before movement begins. Instead of hiking up to the first platform, all passengers sit in one of the company's safari-style 4x4 vehicles for a scenic ride up the mountain. This part of the experience proves quite pleasant as the vehicle slowly moves through the reserve, building anticipation. Once the first platform is reached, the real excitement begins.
The feeling of overlooking the mountain gorge and realizing the upcoming glide along the steel cable caused my heart to race. However, this fear lasted only about five seconds. The moment I stepped off the platform, the fear vanished, replaced by pure delight. The ride was not like a stomach-dropping rollercoaster; it was smooth, calm, and surprisingly relaxing. The winter period turned out to be a wonderful time to visit: the cool air made the activity comfortable, and the mountains looked lush and dramatic after the seasonal rains. The waterfalls murmured in the gorge, complementing the already magnificent landscape. Not all group members felt confident at heights; some admitted to being very nervous before the first zip line and needed encouragement from the guides. Nevertheless, by the end of the tour, every single one of them said they would gladly repeat the activity. A large part of this success is due to the guides: they possess knowledge, reassure, and know how to maintain a fun atmosphere without compromising safety. Their calm confidence quickly transfers even to the most hesitant adventurers. I was so satisfied that I didn't want the tour to end on the last platform.
At the time of writing, the Cape Canopy Tour costs approximately from 1,195 Rand per person, although prices may vary slightly depending on booking platforms and conservation fees. This price includes all necessary protective gear, helmet, safety harness, gloves, professional guide services, safety briefing, 4x4 transfer to the starting point, and the organized canyon tour through the reserve itself. As with most outdoor active recreation, it is recommended to check current rates before booking, as seasonal rates can change.
Although the tour suits most relatively active people, there are certain exceptions. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions that might worsen during the activity, or those who have difficulty walking on uneven terrain or performing a short ascent at the end of the route. If you have any health or mobility concerns, it is best to discuss them with the operators before making a booking.
If one zip-lining adventure is not enough, there are several other amazing locations for Canopy Tours across South Africa, each showcasing its unique landscape. These include: Cape Canopy Tour in Elgin, Western Cape; Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour in Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape; Karkloof Canopy Tour in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal; Drakensberg Canopy Tour in Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal; Magaliesberg Canopy Tour in the North West Province; and Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour in Limpopo. Each location offers its own unique panorama, ranging from ancient indigenous forests and river gorges to majestic mountain scenery.
Without a doubt, yes. It is a rare adventure that manages to combine thrills without being overwhelming. The combination of breathtaking views, friendly guides, and a well-organized process makes it suitable for both experienced adrenaline junkies and beginners. The author confirms that they will definitely repeat the tour and are ready to take every Canopy Tour in South Africa. If you are looking for a reason to step out of your comfort zone while admiring the country's most beautiful landscapes from a completely new perspective, this adventure is definitely worth adding to your travel list.
