Garden Route
The Garden Route runs along the Western Cape coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and is so called because of its abundant plant life, Grootbos Nature Reserve alone has over 750 species of Fynbos. The Garden Route is sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests offer hiking trails and numerous eco-tourism activities. Nearly 300 species of bird are found in a variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands. Explore the Knysna Heads that protect the naturally occurring Knysna Lagoon.
Ten nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. Various bays along the Garden Route are nurseries to the endangered Southern Right and Humpback Whales which come there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December). Hermanus can give you some of the best land based whale watching in the World.
The Garden Route and its surrounds are not only home to spectacular beaches and forests — some of South Africa’s most prestigious malaria free safari lodges and game reserves are scattered along this stretch as well. Offering the closest ‘real safari’ experience to Cape Town and located in malaria-free areas.
Hotel
Kanonkop House
Garden Route, Knysna, South Africa
Kanonkop House, perched in a private and peaceful indigenous forest Kanonkop has breath-taking views of the Knysna lagoon and the giant sandstone cliffs, (known as the famous ‘Knysna Heads’), which dominate the entrance to the Indian Ocean. Knysna is an eco-wonderland offering magnificent beaches, hiking, walking, cycling and water activities.
Elegant Kanonkop House offers personal, family managed, award winning, boutique accommodation, consisting of 7 spectacular individual designed and decorated suites. Breakfast and all drinks from the bar, internet, safe parking, afternoon high tea, friendly service and concierge are included in the rate.
Villa-Exclusive use
Morukuru Ocean House
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Morukuru Ocean House's 4 suites all have their own en-suite bathrooms and glass doors overlooking the ocean. The interior design is inspired by the surrounding fynbos dunes and is of the highest quality. Ocean House includes amazing views, top service, a wide range of activities from guided marine walks and mountain-biking to sandboarding and of course 100% privacy.
A sparkling pool, delicious food, lovely drinks served by your personal butler, your own private kitchen with chef, open plan lounge areas, dining areas, garden with amazing views, romantic fireplaces and more.
Safari Lodge
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Ecca Lodge offers breathtaking views onto an escarpment of steep shale cliffs. With only 6 suites, of which 3 are dedicated to families, the lodge is intimate, relaxed and trendy, with décor inspired by the vibrant colours and textures of the African people. Highlights of the guest areas include expansive wooden viewing decks, an open interactive kitchen and a rim-flow lap pool.
Rooms are airy and open, with barely a barrier between the indoors and the African bush. Wraparound wooden decks with private plunge pools and outdoor showers provide relief from the heat of the day. Super-king sized beds, large bathrooms with free-standing baths and separate lounge area.
Safari Lodge
Shamwari Bayethe Tented Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Shamwari strives to deliver a safari experience that leaves you feeling revitalised, refreshed and relaxed. And, for a safari experience with a difference, our guests can stay in the luxury tented accommodation at Bayethe Lodge.
For a luxurious, malaria-free experience, look no further than Bayethe Tented Lodge. This tented paradise offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in utter tranquillity, surrounded by the rich vegetation of this unique location that provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush.