Explore the Panorama route in style

If you are anything like us… a weekend at home feels a little bit like a waste. I mean it just feels so much longer if you actually do something instead of just (trying) to lie on the couch (negotiating who’s turn it is to entertain baby), or catching up on that pile of washing or again, trying to tidy the house. So, we much rather pack our bags and head out for another adventure because (spoiler alert)! Monday the house, the washing and all the chaos will still be waiting for you!

We did this fun filled road trip in just 1 day!

Baberate: 4/5

Rating our adventures for Mom’s and Dad’s travelling WITH baby

5 = Baby proof adventure

4 = Great fun with baby!

3 = Lots of fun but requires a little bit of planning.

2 = Not suitable for baby-explorers.

1 = Mmm… I’m all for adventure but this is just torture!

The day is a mix between activities and restaurants, so I opt for a comfy yet cute outfit.

Stripy sneakers are perfect for exploring and you’re right on trend.

Our matching navy-and-white stripe T’s are comfy and stylish.

I use to hate pets! This pet converted me. It just folds around your head, soft like a mother’s touch.

SHOP OUR LOOK

Stripe T-shirt @Foschini

Jean shorts @Lula

Sneakers and Pet @Cottonon

Minki looks like a mini-me adventurer in her stripe T-shirt and denim shorts from @Woolworths and a vintage hat.

We started out bright and early and left Nelspruit at 08:00. If you’re a coffee-lover (read snob) like us, you just have to get your first cup at Coffee Etc in Sabie.

Make sure to pop in at the local bookstore its right behind the coffee shop and it’s a hidden gem full of fabulous second-hand finds. Remember to stop at an ATM to draw some cash!

Hubby’s favourite stop is of course the Sabie Brewing Company. For all the girly girls out there who prefer nice, cosy coffee shops, this was a pleasant surprise. Yes, it’s still a pub, but it’s clean and nicely decorated. Head for the couch area, where baby can crawl around, while you relax and experience a taste sensation. The beer is delicious; the food is great and its family friendly.

Minki was crawling around and smashing the door in prospective client’s faces, she enjoyed the (free) bread that was served with the beer and even had a quick taste of the beer!

Not as tasty as Purity but at least she tried!

Next stop: the Mac Mac Pools. For just R20 per person, these pools are a true hidden gem. There’s a nice atmosphere and although we were just dropping by for a quick swim, it felt like we could chill there for a day.

The scenery is amazing and the water is refreshingly cold; we were taking turns watching Minki, swimming to the nearby waterfall, while she was having a ball splashing in the swallow pool.

The restrooms are not great, so I just quickly changed into dry clothes and must admit it felt more hygienic to change Minki’s diaper outside in the fresh air, than inside in the cramped restrooms. But: feeling totally refreshed we all put on some dry clothes and head on out to our last stop: Graskop.

Graskop is a quaint little town between the mountains. We were starving and Minki was so tired after experiencing the Mac Mac Pools that she passed out.

We headed for our favourite spot Harries Pancakes (they have great coffee and the best pancakes obviously)! With Minki snoring away in her pram we were enjoying cappuccino and the proudly South African bobotie pancake (which is a must). Also never leave without sharing (or having your own) milk tart pancake. It’s. To. Die. For. Promise.

That’s it for one Saturday and with our tummies filled, we headed back home, satisfied that we created a lot of new memories: Ready for our next adventure.

Do this! (because I said so)!

Get up early so you can drink your 1^st cuppa of coffee at Coffee Ect.

Never attempt a road trip with a baby without droëwors and biltong!

Draw money at the ATM in Sabie for entrance fee to the Mac Mac Pools.

Bring a plastic bag – your clothes are going to be wet after swimming.

Pack dry clothes.

Wear sneakers.

Order the milk-tart pancake!

Taste a new beer!

Stop at the 2^nd hand bookstore and buy a classic book.

Wear sunscreen!

Have fun!