Region: Garden Route

Properties in the Garden Route region.

Hunter’s Country House Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Wonderfully traditional country house hotel with luxurious and large rooms 

This is a fine 5 star hotel at its luxurious best, set in a beautiful setting with a remote feel yet close to the main highway and only 10 minutes away from Plettenberg Bay. This is gracious country living based around 23 romantic thatched cottages each with exquisite decor and ultimate luxury. The restaurants are renowned for the sumptuous cuisine and in the heat of the day why not cool off with a drink by the side of the pool. The staff are very attentive and you will find a level of service comparable, if not exceeding, that in luxury hotels worldwide. This is a very popular destination for weddings with is pretty thatched chapel set in the forest.

About the location

This is, however, not a beach hotel so is more suited as a romantic location for couples. From here, however, it is a short drive to Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and the Garden Route Wine Route.

Leisure Isle Lodge, Knysna, Garden Route

Leisure Isle Lodge is one of the few lodges in Knysna on a beach

Leisure Isle Lodge is situated close to The Heads, where the Knysna lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, this small, luxurious hotel is just a few metres from the beach. You can walk across a very quiet road to the beach and relax under one of the hotel’s umbrellas. This is one of the best beaches for swimming in Knysna. As you wade into the lagoon  you will see an amazing number of shells coming alive and moving around at great speed. Alternatively you could decide to relax beside the pool with a book from the lodge’s library.  All 11 rooms are exceptionally well appointed,  vary in size, and suites are available. One of the suites is a large penthouse complete with entrance hall and lounge with fireplace. Every room has a ceiling fan and underfloor heating for those chilly winter nights. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis but you can book for lunch and dinner at the lodge’s own restaurant. Picnics can also be arranged.

About Leisure Isle Lodge’s Location

This is a quiet residential location set apart from the bustle of Knysna. The town is a 10 minute drive and here you will find plenty of good restaurants.   For Golfers, the hotel has preferential rates at Simola Golf Course which is a 15 minute drive. Knysna’s indigenous forest is a short drive away. You may see the impressive local bird – the Knysna Loerie – or you may be fortunate to spot one of the last wild forest elephants. A short drive away, you can visit Millwood which is the site of one of the first gold rushes in South Africa. At the weekends there are several interesting craft markets from nearby Sedgefield to the Saturday Market near Plettenberg Bay. The wonderful beaches and the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve are a 20 minute drive. The various animal sanctuaries at the Crags are an easy 30 minute drive. In short, there is so much to do and Leisure Isle Lodge will provide the perfect base.

Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Treetop living at its absolutely most luxurious…….you will be amazed and captivated by this unique property

The sister hotel to Hunter’s – it shares the same driveway – could not be more different in style. Here you will find the same 5 star luxury and attentive service but the ambience is similar to some of the bush camps built around and up trees! This is more for the adventurous (and more athletic) than Hunter’s with the rooms reached along boarded walkways above the forest. Climb up some stairs into your room complex and you will be amazed! Each suite has its own plunge pool (yes aloft in the trees) that you can sit beside in complete privacy. The suites comprise a lounge area and bedroom divided by a stone chimney and fireplace for those cool autumnal evenings. The bathrooms can only be described as an incredible feat of design (if sometimes a little impractical) with granite bathtubs and basins and beautiful showers. The central complex is complete with a first class dining room that serves fine ?nouvelle? style cuisine and the lounge has great views. This is definitely a must for people looking for something a little different.

About the Location

Whether you just want to relax in a truly romantic location, arrange your destination in Tsala’s chapel in the forest or use this asa a convenient and different base from which to explore the Garden Route, this lodge has one of the biggest ‘wow’ factors of any property we have seen.

Fynbos Ridge, Plettenberg Bay

Fynbos Ridge is an old favourites set in its own Nature Reserve close to the wonderful resort town of Plettenberg Bay

Fynbos Ridge is well appointed and set in extensive grounds, which is a private eco-reserve. Recent wild fires in early 2017  have damaged the vegetation and the pool area but we expect a quick recovery. The owners have created a tranquil environment. Here you can live in the unique cape fynbos, which is one of the key floral kingdoms of the world. The accommodation is 5 beautifully appointed large bedroom suites in the main house where you will be accommodated on a bed & breakfast basis. Dinner can be provided on request. There are 3 self-contained cottages and one studio unit. The cottages are some of the finest we have seen and can accommodate up to six but in a very spacious and private environment. For chilly autumn and winter evenings there are log fires. For the frequent warm, fine evenings you will have all that you need to cook the traditional South African way with all the Braai (barbecue) facilities you need.

About Fynbos Ridge’s Location

Plettenberg Bay is nearby (7 minutes drive) where you will find excellent food shops. These include Woolworths, which UK travelers will recognise as identical to Marks & Spencer!  You will find this an excellent base for walking, Trails can be found on the property, in the nearby Harkerville Forest, on Robberg Peninsula or along one of the many wonderful beaches nearby. The pristine Tsitsikamma Forest and Coastal National Park is a 45 minute drive. Bustling Knysna is just a 15 minute drive. There is an interesting local wine route. There are 16 wineries producing some excellent and little known wines. A number of the wineries serve great farm to table food to compliment a wine tasting. The fascinating animal parks in The Crags are just a 15 minute drive. These allow you to get close to many cats, elephants, monkeys, birds and even snakes. Most of these animals have been rescued from inappropriate captivity.

The Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Top of the range hotel with a true South African ‘feel’ in a stunning location

This is luxury accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. This is a sister company to  The Marine (Hermanus) and The Cellars – Hohenhort (Cape Town). These are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none. There are a number of room options ranging from a luxury room that may have a view of the car park, to sea facing luxury rooms with incredible views across the bay. There is also a house that can be rented on a self-catered basis. Enjoy the infinity pool with an amazing view of the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

Beaches are very close and a further appeal is that the centre of Plett is just a 5-minute walk away. You can choose to eat at one of the many good restaurants locally or indulge yourself in the hotel’s own, elegant, if a little formal, restaurant – Sand. From here you can enjoy the many activities in Plett including whale watching, in season, hiking on the beautiful Robberg Peninsula or just relaxing on one of the many beaches.

Tamodi, The Crags, Garden Route

Tamodi Lodge is for the nature lover with views from each room of the indigenous forest and the Outeniqua Mountains

Tamodi  is an exquisitely designed typically African lodge  overlooking the  thickly wooded valleys of The Crags. The lodge is 15 minutes’ drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay. The lodge has just four rooms and suites, Each room and suite has wonderful views and access to the extensive balcony with infinity pool. Each room has a distinctly African feel with comfortable beds and over-sized bathrooms – some with private outside showers. Underfloor heating is provided for those chilly winter nights. Tamodi has two large lounges with three massive log fireplaces to make your stay cozy even during the winter months. Sumptuous breakfasts are provided. Tamodi is for nature lovers! You will enjoy the quiet solitude of the African bush with the occasional sightings of baboons and vervet monkeys. This is a great location for bird watching.

About Tamodi’s Location

Tamodi Lodge is located 7 minutes drive from the main N2 highway in the midst of the forest. Keurboomstrand with its spectacular beach scenery and renowned beach restaurant Enrico’s is just a short 10 minute drive. Guests wishing to enjoy horse riding will not be disappointed as Tamodi is also an equestrian center.  The fascinating animal parks in The Crags are within a 10 minute drive. These parks enable you to get close to small cats, birds, elephants, monkeys and, yes, even snakes! The highest bungy jump in the world is a 30 minute drive and the Tsitsikamma National Park is 45 minutes away. You will enjoy a walk on the beach at Nature’s Valley  which is one of the most unspoiled locations along The Garden Route. The Plettenberg Bay wine route is close by  and a hike on the spectacular Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve is just a 20 minute drive.

Aquavit, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Aquavit is a beautiful property with one of the best views in Plettenberg Bay from your room!

Aquavit is all about luxury, comfort and spectacular views. The property has one of the top ratings on Trip Advisor of any establishment in South Africa and clearly deserves its 5 star rating. Aquavit has five exquisitely appointed rooms. Each room has its own semi private balcony or poolside patio. The owners have decorated each room in light earthy tones which, with the crisp white bed linens and huge windows gives a very airy and spacious feel. The large sliding windows open onto the balcony or poolside patio. Here you can relax in a lounger over looking one of the best views of Plettenberg Bay we have encountered. Aquavit is a small property and very popular so in the main season you should book well in advance to ensure availability. We at South Africa Sun are sure you won’t be disappointed.

About Aquavit’s Location

Plettenberg Bay is the gem of the Garden Route. The three main beaches are among the finest in South Africa. All the beaches are within a 5 minute drive of Aquavit. The town of Plettenberg Bay has some excellent restaurants so you will not be short of fine places to eat. If you enjoy a relatively easy hike choose the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve. The location offers a variety of hikes from the relatively easy to the fairly challenging. With each hike, however, you will be rewarded with some of the best photo opportunities. Robberg Peninsula was the site of the first semi permanent settlement in South Africa when  a Portuguese ship foundered in 1630. The survivors stayed for nine months before departing on the two ships they built.

You can drive from Aquavit to the numerous activities close by. Plettenberg Bay has its own wine route featuring 17 wineries and just 15 minutes’ drive away you can enjoy the fascinating animal parks at The Crags. Drive 30 minutes to the world’s highest bungy jump. A further 20 minutes will take you to the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River where you can enjoy a Tree Top Canopy Tour.

On The Beach, Wilderness, Garden Route

On the Beach is a stunning all suite boutique hotel set on the spectacularly photogenic Wilderness beach

This is a relatively new hotel with 7 beautifully appointed suites. 6 rooms overlook this amazing beach while 1 has a mountain view. You can enjoy the relaxing and restful sound of the Indian Ocean as you lie in bed and wake up to breakfast served in the sun lounge overlooking the pristine beach. Lunch and dinner can also be provided but the center of the little town of Wilderness is a 5 minute stroll. Here you will find interesting shops and restaurants. This is rated 5 star.

About On The Beach Location

Wilderness is a great location to use as a base to explore the Garden Route and the Little Karoo. Wilderness is adjacent to a beautiful nature reserve and at the start of South Africa’s Lake District. While rip tides make Wilderness beach unsuitable for swimming, Victoria Bay close by is perfect for swimmers and surfers alike. Trendy, bustling Knysna is a 35 minute drive set around a spectacular lagoon and here you will find interesting shops and restaurants. The upmarket resort town of Plettenberg Bay with three stunning beaches, great hiking and some of the best restaurants in the Garden Route is a 45 minute drive. In the other direction, drive over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass close to the principal Garden Route town of George and after an hour’s drive you will arrive in Oudsthoorn which is the center South Africa’s Ostrich industry. Here you will be able to learn about these fascinating birds and buy ostrich leather goods at very competitive prices. The world famous Cango Caves are just a 15 minute drive from Oudsthoorn.

Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Storms River

Great accommodation in a rustic, village style setting in an historic location

This is a unique property with 22 exquisitely decorated rooms in individual historically styled cottages set around a ‘village green’. The dramatic backcloth is the Tsitsikamma Mountains. There are also some more rooms set in rustic log buildings. The property dates back to the 1840s with the original Hunters Pub supplying weary travelers negotiating the tortuous Storms River Pass, which is still in operation as a walking and mountain biking trail, that starts close to the hotel.

About the Location

Storms River Village is the home of Storms River Adventures which offers an amazing zip line experience 90 ft above the floor of the forest. Here you will see majestic specimens of the indigenous trees in this temperate rain forest as you speed from tree to tree high in the canopy. They also offer mountain biking, tubing on the Storms River, kayaking and abseiling. The nearby Tsitsikamma National Coastal Park has dramatic coastal scenery, some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in Africa and an extensive boardwalk to a pedestrian suspension bridge across the Storms River Mouth. There are numerous hiking trails including the start of The Otter Trail which is a 5 day hike to Nature’s Valley close to Plettenberg Bay.


Garden Route Region

Garden Route

Weather in Garden Route

Summer  (November – March) Temperatures reach a high in the mid-30C but pleasantly cool evenings. Excessive heat is rare and it is possible to get occasional rain.

Autumn  (April/May) Temperature highs in low 20C falling overnight to around 13C

Spring  (September/October)  Temperature highs in low 20C falling overnight to around 13C

Winter  (June – August) Temperatures tend to be mild during the day (16C to 20C) and normally a minimum of 3C overnight. Snow is very rare but can fall on the mountain tops in July and August. The area around Wilderness and Storms River is prone to sea mist.

The coast is spectacular and beautiful mountains are punctured by tortuous passes. There are lively towns in the summer, extreme adventures and sports, sweeping beaches, challenging golf courses and, of course, wildlife and the unique fynbos vegetation.Plettenberg Bay is regarded by some as the jewel of the Garden route flanked by the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance. Knysna , famous for its oysters is known for its near perfect lagoon. In season the town is lively with numerous bars and fun places to eat. Search for the elusive Knysna Forest Elephants, rumoured to be the last totally free ranging elephants in South Africa.

Wilderness has one of the most photographed cliff top views in South Africa. Storms River is a small village in the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest – a temperate Rain Forest but also a place where you can bungee jump, abseil, horse ride and also enjoy the unique Tree Top Canopy Tour. At nearby Storms River Mouth are some of the earliest traces of human habitation. There are many animal related parks celebrating elephants, monkeys, snakes and birds. Bird life is amazing for its variety including the shy, but beautiful, Knysna Loerie. Whales can be seen at Plettenberg Bay between June and December.

Places to go in the Garden Route

  • Beaches for Swimming & Surfing  Plettenberg Bay, Cape St. Francis, Victoria Bay & Herold’s Bay.
  • Beaches for Scenery & Walking  Keurboomstrand, Nature’s Valley & Wilderness.
  • Nature Reserves  Robberg Peninsula (Plettenberg Bay) and the Tsitsikamma National Parks are the main reserves.
  • Hiking  The Otter Trail is a 5 day hike along the Tsitsikamma coast but book well in advance.
  • Towns  Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Cape St. Francis, Jeffery’s Bay and Mossel Bay are the main coastal towns.
  • Activities  Bungee Jumping (Bloukrans Bridge), Horse Riding & Tree Top Canopy Tours & much more!
  • Golf   Fancourt, George, Pezula and Goose Valley are just some of the excellent world class golf courses found in this area.
  • Eating out is easy with many good restaurants.

Accommodation in Garden Route

The Garden Route extends for 500 kms along the coastal area from Swellendam to near Port Elizabeth and is one of the playgrounds of South Africa. Some of the finest South African luxury hotels can be found as well as more affordable but excellent bed and breakfast lodges.