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.
Safari Lodge
River Bend Lodge
Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park, South Africa
River Bend Lodge is set in the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide diversity of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s River mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.
The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
Villa-Exclusive use
Waterside House
Garden Route, Kysna, South Africa
Step into a piece of paradise on the canals of the Thesen Island marina, a multi award winning development located on the scenic Knysna estuary. Waterside House is a rare gem built in the colonial maritime architectural style. Walk through the front door into pure peace and tranquillity.
Thesen Island is linked by a causeway and bridge to the mainland of Knysna. It is within an easy 10 minutes’ walk to the scenic waterfront and town centre of Knysna. The main harbour town of Thesen Island is a mere 5 minute stroll, here you will find an array of trendy restaurants, bars, bakery and quaint boutiques.
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.
Hotel
The Plettenberg
Garden Route, Plettenberg, South Africa
The Plettenberg, situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay, along the famous Garden Route – is the ultimate South African seaside escape. The five-star hotel, with its 35 beautifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas, showcases the most breathtaking vistas in Southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand.
Guests may enjoy world-class cuisine courtesy of Group Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s SeaFood at The Plettenberg, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
Hotel
The Marine
Garden Route, Hermanus, South Africa
The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay in the Western Cape’s Overberg region, the hotel is the ultimate location for whale watching during whale season – often directly from the comfort of the sea view bedrooms.
Each of these comfortable guest rooms comes with an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and under-floor heating, as well as a king size bed – which in some rooms can also be converted into a twin bed. In addition, several of the Double Rooms open out onto private balconies.
Lodge
Morukuru Beach Lodge
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Morukuru Beach Lodge consists of 4 luxury Ocean View Suites and 1 Dune View Suite with views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding sand dunes. Morukuru Beach Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxury.
Morukuru Beach Lodge operates as a lodge and therefore rooms can be booked individually which makes this ideal for couples travelling, or smaller families. All meals and 2 guided activities daily are included in the rate. Morukuru Beach Lodge may also be booked for exclusive use basis.