School holidays are just around the corner, and if the thought of keeping your kids busy for two straight weeks has you sweating in your puffer jacket, we’ve got good news. You don’t need to fly overseas or spend a fortune to make the holidays magical—South Africa is full of family-friendly adventures that are just a car ride away.

With First Car Rental, planning a winter road trip with the kids is easy, affordable, and totally doable. From what to pack to where to go, here’s your full guide to surviving (and actually enjoying) a school holiday road trip.

Kid-Approved Road Trip Routes

These are the tried-and-tested routes that pack in fun, scenery, and enough roadside snack stops to keep everyone happy.

Joburg to Clarens

Drive time: ±3.5 hours
Pick-up: First Car Rental OR Tambo or Sandton branches

Tucked away in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens is basically a storybook come to life. With sandstone cliffs, quirky cafes, and a walkable town square, it’s a hit for parents and kids alike. The nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park adds a layer of adventure with wide-open spaces to explore.

Don’t miss:

• Dinosaur skeletons at the Clarens Dinosaur Tour
• Pony rides and quad biking at Bokpoort Adventure Farm
• Toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate by the fireplace
• A morning drive through the national park with picnic stops along the way
• Local art galleries and gift shops for a quick treasure hunt

Pro Tip: Book a self-catering chalet for more space and a kitchen to handle fussy eaters.

Cape Town to Ceres and the Matroosberg

Drive time: ±2.5 hours
Pick-up: First Car Rental Cape Town International Airport

For Capetonians chasing a bit of snow (yes, snow in SA!), Ceres is your closest bet. The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve often gets snow in winter, turning the area into a chilly playground. It’s also a great intro to mountain landscapes for kids who haven’t seen much outside the city.

Don’t miss:

• Snow hikes and snowman building
• Ziplining at Ceres Zipslide Adventures
• Warm apple pie from a local farm stall
• 4x4 trail drives for the more adventurous families
• Visiting cherry and pear farms for tasting tours and fresh juice

Pro Tip: Bring extra socks and gloves—once the kids find snow, they won't want to leave it.

Durban to the Midlands Meander

Drive time: ±1.5–2 hours
Pick-up: First Car Rental King Shaka International Airport or Durban City

The Midlands Meander is like stepping into a winter postcard—rolling green hills, old-school tea gardens, and loads of stop-and-play opportunities. Perfect for young travellers who need regular entertainment along the way.

Don’t miss:

• Piggly Wiggly’s mini train ride and candle dipping
• Chocolate tastings at Chocolate Heaven
• Visit to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• Horseback riding, ziplining, and farm animal visits
• Picnic lunches at open-air farm venues with jungle gyms and tractor rides

Pro Tip: Pack gumboots—it gets muddy, and kids love it.

Gqeberha to Tsitsikamma and Storms River

Drive time: ±2.5–3 hours
Pick-up: First Car Rental Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport

For families wanting something wild, green, and full of action, Tsitsikamma is a guaranteed hit. It’s part of the Garden Route National Park and delivers towering forests, suspension bridges, and dramatic coastline—all perfect for nature-loving kids and adventurous parents.

Don’t miss:

• The Storms River suspension bridge hike (doable even for little legs)
• Treetop canopy tours and ziplining
• Pancakes and milkshakes at Marilyn’s 60s Diner in nearby Storms River Village
• Stop at Big Tree for a short walk to a 1,000-year-old yellowwood

Pro Tip: Bring raincoats and takkies—the forest gets wet but it’s all part of the fun.

The Ride That Makes It All Happen

Let’s be honest—comfort and space are non-negotiables on a family road trip. At First Car Rental, we’ve got just the thing for every family vibe:

• Spacious SUVs for winter gear, camp chairs, cooler boxes, and backpacks
• Automatic sedans for easy highway cruising with the grandparents on board
• Affordable hatchbacks for weekend getaways on a budget
• Tough bakkies for families looking to head off road

And with branches across South Africa, you can pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another—ideal if your trip isn’t a round trip.

Let’s Go!

School holidays don’t have to be stressful—they can be the highlight of the year with just a little planning and the right ride. Whether it’s building snowmen in Ceres, riding ponies in Clarens, or eating chocolate fudge in the Midlands, your winter road trip memories are waiting.

So, pack the snacks, cue the playlist, and book your ride with First Car Rental today.

Because when school’s out, the road is wide open—and adventure is just a drive away.