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Garden Route Overview


Dramatic river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests are the quint ... READ MORE

In and Around Garden Route


Author:Samantha Black
Submitted:05 May 2009

Dramatic river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests are the quintessential Garden Route images. Stretching from anywhere between Stilbaai and Mossel Bay in the west, to Stormsriver or Port Elizabeth (PE) in the east, it's a gorgeous stretch of coastal paradise strung out along the N2. Purists will squash it up between Mossel Bay and Stormsriver but, as the popularity of the Garden Route grew and small towns at its edge realised the marketing potential, it just seemed to spread. No problem - it spread to some cool places.

The towns generally accepted to be part of the Garden Route are Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Stormsriver. Stilbaai and Albertinia have snuck in on the West and Humansdorp and even Port Elizabeth are muscling in from the east. Inland, the Little Karoo and Route 62, which have no pretensions to being the Garden Route, are often treated as the same destination, as it's pretty easy zigzag between them by driving the many scenic passes over the Outeniqua Mountains. Initially the Garden Route was seen as very much a beach and/or family holiday destination, which it is, but there is also so much to do. There's great hiking, with rambles ranging from an hour to a few days covering rocky coasts, deep forests, pretty fynbos and long sandy beaches. The diving is good, as is the surfing, and there are some fun sea kayaking and flat water paddling trips. Some of the country's best mountain bike trails snake through the forests, and there are horse trails for every taste and level of ability. Tandem skydiving, paragliding, and a range of scenic flights all offer different birds eye views.

The Garden Route offers some of the best boat based whale watching in the world, flower lovers and birders will also have a field day traipsing off through the forest or the fynbos, and there are numerous national parks and nature reserves. Steam buffs will love the narrow gauge Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. For the more culturally inclined, there are township tours, museums, lovely old buildings, funky craft shops, markets, art galleries and loads of live music venues. And, of course, a flotilla of great restaurants - many of which specialise in seafood - in each town. The Garden Route is a golfer's dream destination - you could play a different course every day for a week and still have a few left over.

Of course, this is not all good news as golf courses use an exorbitant amount of water and take up vast amounts of space but, as long as the golf-estate-building spree fizzles out soon, there should be sufficient space remaining between the fairways for a bit of forest, perhaps some shops and even a house or two. But that's not your problem, is it? If you fancy a round in paradise, get in now before it closes down. And if golf is too slow for you - there are more international standard polo fields in Plett alone than there are in the rest of the country put together. You could spend anything from a weekend to a month at a tailor-made polo clinic.

But what the Garden Route is most suitable for is relaxation - and even that's been somewhat institutionalised with almost every second hotel housing a wellness centre or spa. Not that that's a problem, mind. After a hard day on the beach you'll probably need a chocolate mud bath, colour therapy or hot stone massage.


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Knysna Lagoon Knysna Lagoon
© South African Tourism

Knysna loerie Knysna loerie
© South African Tourism

Whale in Plettenberg Bay Whale in Plettenberg Bay
© South African Tourism

Forest Lichen Forest Lichen
© South African Tourism

Fynbos - Outeniqua Heather Fynbos - Outeniqua Heather
© South African Tourism



Accommodation near Garden Route

(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
Goose Valley BB3 |
GOOSE VALLEY BB3

Self Catering, Resort in Plettenberg Bay
Maximum guests: 8

Modern self-catering apartment, sleeps 8 people; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen, large living room, large patio (can be enclosed). Upmarket apartment with TV, DVD player, DSTV (satellite) decoder and sound system. ...Read More

Rooms/Units from R600-R1,800

3 Guest Comments




Margies Place |
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MARGIES PLACE

Self catering / Vacation rental in Old Place
Maximum guests: 16

Warm and friendly is the welcome you will receive. We offer elegant and tasteful units and the view. is stunning! All our units have their own parking and entrance, DStv, fully equipped kitchens and braai facilities. There is a lovely clear pool to keep you cool on those hot summer days.
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Per person sharing from R150 Rooms/Units from R150-R2,100

8 Guest Comments


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' Mont Fleur-Wilderness ' |
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' MONT FLEUR-WILDERNESS '

Bed and Breakfast in Wilderness
Maximum guests: 12

Mont Fleur, a 4-star B&B and Highly Recommended by AA, is nestled against the Wilderness mountainside with breathtaking views of the ocean and the lagoon. Close to all amenities, walk to the beach, lagoon, or variety of restaurants. A short drive will take you to golf in Knysna, the Caves in Oudtshoorn, or the surf in Victoria Bay.
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Per person sharing from R295 -R495

17 Guest Comments


40% discount  see terms & conditions


Prospect Cottage |
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PROSPECT COTTAGE

Self Catering in Paradise
Maximum guests: 6

Prospect Cottage is a charming, spacious, comfortably furnished three bedroom home suitable for up to six people. We have been operating for 11 successful years, and offer excellent value for your money. It is also an ideal venue for honeymooners as they have space and the privacy of the entire house and garden.
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Per person sharing R275 Rooms/Units from R950-R1,500

10 Guest Comments


25% discount  see terms & conditions


Linkside 2 Guesthouse |
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LINKSIDE 2 GUESTHOUSE

Guest House in Mossel Bay
Maximum guests: 12

As an intimate new B&B, Linkside 2 offers visitors a complete personalized experience. Meticulous attention to detail and imaginative finishing touches are complemented by first-class luxury and exquisite views across Mossel Bay. ...Read More

Per person sharing from R400 -R750

10 Guest Comments


10% discount  see terms & conditions


Villa Afrikana Guest Suites |
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VILLA AFRIKANA GUEST SUITES

Guest House in Paradise
Maximum guests: 12

Situated in the town of Knysna, to many considered the heart of the Garden Route. 5 Star Villa Afrikana Guest Suites is perched high above the town, on a hill fittingly called "paradise" overlooking the Knysna Heads and surrounding lagoon. ...Read More

Per person sharing from R850 -R1,050

12 Guest Comments




Knysna Tonquani Lodge & Spa |
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KNYSNA TONQUANI LODGE & SPA

Guest House in Welbedacht (Knysna)
Maximum guests: 28

Knysna’s multi award winning lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites with every conceivable comfort. The Spa has been designed to ensure total relaxation and privacy and clients enjoy the exclusive use of the Spa facilities during their treatment. There are all kinds of treatments and therapies to relax, replenish and invigorate. ...Read More

Per person sharing from R395 -R1,695

8 Guest Comments


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Serenity Retreat |
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SERENITY RETREAT

Self Catering in Stormsriver
Maximum guests: 12

A peaceful alternative to the often hectic Travel trail this Self Catering Retreat is a Safe Haven for Travellers seeking Time Out in the Tsitsikamma. Find some Serenity whilst surrounded by the Perfect Fusion of Nature and Adventure that is Tsitsikamma. Affordable, clean and comfortable self catering accommodation.  ...Read More

Per person sharing from R150 -R250 Rooms/Units from R300-R1,400

10% discount  see terms & conditions


Heatherhill |
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HEATHERHILL

Self Catering in Plettenberg Bay
Maximum guests: 4

Heatherhill is in picturesque countryside near Plettenberg Bay. It offers magnificent sea & mountain views. The beautiful beaches of Keurboomstrand are nearby.The 90 acre farm offers tranquility, privacy, many lovely walking paths.  The cottage with sundeck sleeps up to 4 people, equipped kitchen, ensuite bathroom, dstv, bbq  ...Read More

Rooms/Units from R500-R780

4 Guest Comments




Hildesheim Guesthouse and Self Catering - Wilderness |
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HILDESHEIM GUESTHOUSE AND SELF CATERING - WILDERNESS

Guest House, Self Catering in Wilderness
Maximum guests: 20

Situated in the heart of the garden route, near Knysna, George, Mossel bay and Outshoorn, only four hours drive from Cape Town, Hildesheim guesthouse offers four star accommodation surrounded by the beautiful Outeniqua mountains. Join us for sundowners whilst watching breathtaking sunsets and enjoy your breakfast in spectacular surroundings whilst the sun rises over the mountains. ...Read More




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