Want a break from the house? Pack up your kids and the car and hit the road to one of these foodie destinations.

South Coast

From Durban, head towards the Eastern Cape for beautiful views of the ocean on the one side and the hills on the other. Every now and again you’ll also come across breathtaking gorges and rivers made for kayaking. Watersports not your thing? Worry not – there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied here, including Butterfly Valley, Red Desert (the world’s smallest desert) and Riverbend Crocodile Farm. The South Coast is also home to more golf courses than any other area in South Africa. But we’re not here just for the fun and adventure – we’re here for the food, and the South Coast has lots to offer in this regard too.

The Waffle House (Ramsgate)

Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, your waffle dreams are bound to come true at The Waffle House. Sit outside on the wooden deck and admire the view of the Indian Ocean or sit on the veranda and listen to the birds as they dart across the lagoon. If you want a sweet waffle, choose from one of the fruit and nut options or one of the three chocolate waffles on offer (from R44 without ice cream). Savoury waffles are divided between vegetarian and meaty options.

 

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Mac Banana (Port Edward)

Want more carbs? Head to Mac Banana’s Banana Cafe for the ultimate pancakes and the best banana milkshake you’ll ever taste. The pineapple shake is also highly recommended. As at The Waffle House, Mac Banana offers both sweet and savoury options – we suggest ordering one sweet and one savoury and dividing it so that you get the best of both worlds. (Prices start at R53 per pancake.) If you can’t possibly eat another bite, head to Mac Banana anyway so the kids can explore the animal farm while you stock up on food and wine. You can even grab boardgames and other activities at this one-stop-shop. Or enjoy a family adventure by playing paintball or ziplining.

Beaver Creek (Port Edward)

Head up into the hills for gorgeous views of the sea and amazing coffee. Arrive by 12pm for a tour of the coffee plantation, during which they’ll explain exactly how coffee is grown and made. During the holidays, it’s essential to book ahead for one of these tours – they’re an hour-long and cost R60 per person. Visit their website to book. There’s also a jungle gym for the kids so you can relax with your coffee and cake while they work off their energy.

 

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The Midlands Meander

Stretching from just beyond Mooi River in the north to Hilton in the south and Karkloof in the east to the Drakensberg in the west, the Midlands Meander is a collection of tourist routes, so you know there’s a lot to see and do here. Highlights include wine tasting at Piggly Wiggly, getting a taste of history at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and shopping at one of the many unique farmstalls and shops in the area. You won’t be disappointed food-wise either.

Terbodore Coffee Roasters (Howick)

This coffee brand may be found in coffee shops all over South Africa now, but there’s nothing like the majestic backdrop of their first location, set among the meadows of the Midlands. You can also meet the Great Dane who is the symbol of the Terbodore brand. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or light meal to go with your coffee at Terbodore’s restaurant.

Piggly Wiggly (Lions River)

The aforementioned Piggly Wiggly offers a multitude of activities for the whole family. Play mini-golf, go wine tasting or visit the farm and reptile park. Stop by Chocolate Heaven for chocolate that runs the gamut of flavours from classics like caramel to the more exotic such as biltong-flavoured. Then head to Wedgewood for the finest nougat and biscuits. For lunch, head to Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop or The Pizza Place.

 

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Nottingham Road Brewing Company (Nottingham Road)

Visit Rawdon’s Hotel for the oldest independently owned craft brewery in South Africa where you can enjoy beer- and gin-tasting. For a bite to eat, head to Rawdons Boar’s Head Pub and Restaurant. Order snacks to go with your drinks or have a more substantial pub lunch – the beef pie is a must (R110).