Holiday guests visiting the stunning coastal areas surrounding the Cape have longed to discover the famous and incomparably beautiful Garden Route, a compilation of wonderful and unique seaside villages, amazing birdlife and wildlife, fragrant and enticing forests, some of the country’s most spectacular beaches as well as a number of lakes and lagoons that all tie together to create this magical and magnificent meander. Throughout the year and from one season to the next, the Garden Route is well known for being an incredible sight to behold, where the scenery alone is enough to leave visitors in awe – this is likely the reason why guests continue to enjoy road trips along these winding streets with loved ones and friends.

The mesmerizing Garden Route starts with the village of Mossel Bay on the West Coast and ends with Storms River along the Eastern Cape. Along the way, guests will come across a world of family-friendly attractions that introduce interactive wildlife sanctuaries, artful and quirky stores, magical coffee shops and divine restaurants that showcase local produce and celebrate traditional flavours. In the colder winter months, The Garden Route is popular among visitors who wish to enjoy quieter surroundings and fewer crowds, while also being the ideal time for dolphin or whale sightings from these picturesque beach fronts.

Holiday accommodation can be found in a variety of forms as guests enjoy every town that encompasses the Garden Route. Our Holiday Apartments selection boasts a variety of self-catering holiday villas, homes and apartments to guests, some with exceptional ocean views and others closer to the mountains, lush plant life and natural splendor. To browse through our entire selection of luxury holiday accommodation options in the Garden Route, click here.

Destinations along the Garden Route

Knysna – A beautiful paradise that offers guests unforgettable experiences, Knysna is an easy favourite and is considered a top holiday destination for adventure and natural beauty. The Knysna heads are easily the best attraction in Knysna and can be observed from Leisure Isle, while Knysna lagoon and an indigenous forest provide stunning scenery.  Dolphin sightings are common while visiting Knysna and Knysna’s oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. To view stunning accommodation in Knysna, click here. 

Plettenberg Bay – A haven for beach lovers who wish to soak up the sunshine and holiday vibes and engage in a number of exciting activities as well, Plettenberg Bay has it all. From some of the best restaurants and a few renowned animal sanctuaries, as well as the Robberg Nature reserve which offers amazing hiking trails and stunning panoramic views.  Look Out Beach and Central Beach are both beautiful and have surf breaks. To view amazing holiday accommodation options in Plettenberg, click here. 

Mossel Bay – This friendly harbour town in the Garden Route offers something to appeal to everyone’s taste, with a number of family friendly attractions to be enjoyed on vacation. Other than the lovely natural assets and beautiful ocean views that follow, Mossel Bay is home to the historical Bartolomeu Diaz Museum and the welcoming Garden Route Casino. Mossel Bay’s Santos Beach has received blue-flag status and is truly a wonderful beach to enjoy, with amazing views and a number of water-based activities to partake in. For a full list of our available self-catering holiday accommodation options in Mossel Bay, click here. 

George – A small town resting beneath the Outeniqua Mountains and located in the centre of the Garden Route, George is considered the business hub of these areas. This charming town is perfect for a peaceful getaway and also provides visitors with a number of entertainment opportunities. While enjoying your time in George, engage in some exciting bike trails or 4X4 trails at the Witfontein Nature Reserve just to the north, or meet friendly locals at the rustic Hops Valley Farm Stall. For a selection of stunning holiday homes and apartments, click here.

Tsitsikamma – A multi-dimensional destination along the Garden Route that will truly inspire and delight visitors, Tsitsikamma National Park is nothing short of exquisite and offers endless awe inspiring beauty. Enjoy something different, perhaps a horse drawn carriage trail through stunning boutique wine farms and farmlands with exceptional views, or a kayaking adventure up Storms River Mouth. Tsitsikamma name comes from the Khoi word meaning ‘place of abundant or sparkling water’. To enjoy our full range of accommodation options in Tsitsikamma, click here. 

Restaurants of the Garden Route

Ristorante Enrico – Located almost right on the shore of Plettenberg Bay and showcasing a view that leaves guests enchanted, Ristorante Enrico is a popular restaurant that has locals hooked and tourists filled with awe and wonderment. The logo says it all “Any closer and you will get wet!”  – Not only are the views  something truly out of this world, from endless blue skies to rough ocean waters lapping into jagged rocks, the dishes served up are consistently of the highest quality standard, with a clear passion for Italian flavours and excellent service. Ristorante Enrico is a hot spot for whale and dolphin watching, the gorgeous outside seating area is made up of a large terrace which overlooks Robberg from across the bay. Enjoy sundowners with friends and become a part of the light-hearted atmosphere.  The exciting menu comprises of some amazing pizzas and pastas where Italian flavours and textures come through beautifully. Guests can also enjoy a selection of meat and seafood mains, or even some light antipasti’s and scrumptious desserts.  Ristorante Enrico is open from 12 – 10 pm everyday except Mondays.

East Head Cafe, Knysna –With an unbeatable view that looks right through the Knysna Heads, East Head Cafe is a well deserved favourite among tourists in the Garden Route. Literally situated on the rocks of the famous Eastern Head and displaying the most gorgeous views, diners will be dazzled by the melodic beauty of this setting as they indulge in some flavourful dishes. Choose from either indoor or outdoor seating – inside, the wood burning fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere while large windows seemingly float above the blue ocean waters. Outside, the views are magical and the ambiance is bustling and vibrant. The East Head Cafe is considered a local landmark and brings friends together for a great time over good food and wine. The breakfast menu is a comprehensive one, with a selection of typical classics like bacon, egg and mushrooms or healthier options with fruits, honey and yogurt. The lunch menu is available from 11:30 am onwards, and includes favourites like fish and chips, seafood curry and gourmet burgers. There is a lovely dessert menu as well as an inspired wine and beverage collection that offers anything from artisanal cocktails, fine wines, craft beer, good coffee and speciality teas.   Open daily from 8 am to 3:30 pm.

Activities around the Garden Route

Treetop Canopy Tours – The perfect adventure filled activity for those seeking an adrenaline rush that involves the fresh outdoors, the Treetop Canopy Tours will have you whizzing above the beautiful Tsitsikamma Indigenous Forest.  Experience this adventure for some truly unforgettable memories – enjoy a guided hike and a thrilling zipline from platforms that are built around the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, some of which are 700 years old. This adventure offers a unique perspective to admire the stunning forest from 30 feet high and learn more about this area through a professional tour guide leading you through the canopy tour. Operated by Stormsriver Adventures, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours introduces tourists to this regions unparalleled beauty in the best way possible, incorporating adventure, education and stunning natural elements. As you enjoy your time, be sure to keep a look out for monkeys and Knysna Loeries. These tours use only the best equipment available; making sure this eco-adventure is safe and comfortable as well as fun. The Treetop Canopy Tour can be enjoyed in any weather conditions and includes a light meal and refreshment which can be enjoyed either before or after. Some hiking is involved (about 600m), so it is advisable that those partaking should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Kids from the age of 5 can enjoy this tour as well, with the assistance of a tour guide.

Featherbed Nature Reserve – Explained perfectly with its slogan ‘unforgettable, natural, real’, The Featherbed experience is one that every visitor to The Garden Route should indulge in at least once. The beauty of Knysna can be discovered in a unique and engaging way through amazing moments spent on the Knysna Lagoon or while unveiling the spectacular natural surfaces of the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Knysa’s famous lagoon has five fresh water rives flowing in from the gorgeous Outeniqua Mountains – these meet with the Indian Ocean waters beneath the stunning Knysna Head which are majestic sandstone cliffs that tower over Knysna Lagoon and have become a landmark in Knysna. For memorable and exciting family adventures or even a special day outing with your significant other, some of the activities to consider here are cruising the lagoon , enjoying the wonderful Cruise restaurant and some spectacular nature trails and hiking Knysna Heads. There are a variation of boat fleets which offer cruises over lunchtime or as the sun sets, for a more personal experience the Leisure Sail is an hour and a half long and includes a sundowner platter and wine, while there is a cash bar available. For those who wish to enjoy the ultimate eco-nature experience and buffet lunch, the Eco Experience & Lunch option is 4 hours long and includes a ferry trip, 4×4 vehicle drive and outdoor lunch at the Featherbed Nature Reserve. The tour guides are passionate and knowledgeable, resulting in a truly special experience all-round.

What’s coming up this Winter?

Plett Food & Film Festival 2017 – An exciting and much anticipated event that is hosting its 4^th edition this year, the Plett Food & Film Festival offers guests visiting the Garden Route with some superb cuisine and amazing films, as well as compelling live entertainment. The films showcased here are unique and locally produced in South Africa with no limited to genre or style, from old classics to artful and less well known movies, some of which have received international acclaim.  On the other side, well trained and inspiring chefs create some spectacular dishes to appeal to enthusiastic foodies who partake in the Plett Food & Film Festival – many of these chefs will be on hand to discuss their inspiration, motivation and innovative techniques to those interested in learning more. The food and film aspects come together beautifully in their storytelling, where many of the dishes prepared are made to reflect the film being shown and to highlight important features. This is truly a unique dining experience which can be enjoyed by all. Enjoy interacting with like-minded individuals who share a love of wonderful local foods and the craft of film at this year’s Plettenberg Food & Wine Festival, which takes place from the 10th to the 12th of July 2017.

Accommodation in the Garden Route

Kanonkop Luxury Villa, Knysna – What better way to enjoy a vacation in Knysna than by staying in a luxurious self-catering villa, offering guests the freedom to come and go as they please and plenty of privacy. This spacious 3 story villa can accommodate 6 guests and features 3 gorgeous bedrooms, each featuring king sized beds and complete with en-suite bathrooms. With wrap-around glass walls providing guests with panoramic views over Knysna Lagoon and toward Knysna Heads, as well as covered decks and a rim flow pool right above an indigenous forest, every moment spent here will be one to remember. Elegantly decorated and very modern, this villa comprises of private balconies, an open plan layout, complimentary wine and beer as well as a fully equipped, state of the art kitchen. Find out more by clicking here.

Cliffedge, Knysna – Experience a wonderful romantic getaway in this unique and rustic cabin for two, providing guests with enviable views of Knysna’s indigenous forest and the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains. This apartment is incredibly cozy and stunning, with a ceramic fireplace (complimentary wood provided) to set the mood. With its blond wooden accents and large glass sliding doors opening up to the outstretched balcony, guests can enjoy open plan living where the views can be enjoyed throughout. Enjoy a sunset barbeque on the deck and admire the birth stars and fresh clean air. This intimate cabin provides guests with a basic kitchen set up too, as well as free wireless internet connection and a TV with limited DStv connection. Find out more by clicking here.

Ulubisi House, Mossel Bay – For the ultimate bush getaway that enjoys all the attractions encompassed by the Garden Route, Ulubisi House is themed to represent the vibrant and eclectic African culture with no expanse spared toward luxury and style. Discover the big 5 as you enjoy memorable safari experiences, spent time in the Jacuzzi or entertain with friends over an outdoor BBQ as the night sky showcases clear stars and beautiful mountain views. Inside, the spacious living areas are decorated with safari and African styles in mind, while the fireplace keeps everything warm and high thatch ceilings with hanging lights set a wonderful ambiance. Modern amenities such as a plasma TV and free Wi-Fi can also be enjoyed, while your own field guide, chef and butler keep everything in check. Find out more by clicking here. 

Fifty6 Self Catering House, George  – For the perfect self-catering holiday in the Garden Route, why not experience the charming town of George first hand? This lovely and newly restored mid century house has all the appeal of an old fashioned, spacious design while being incredibly cosmopolitan and stylish. This holiday home is able to accommodate a large group of 8 people in its 4 en-suite bedrooms. Featuring a fully-equipped kitchen that is open planned leading to a 12 seater dining area, large windows allow plenty of natural light to flow in and create an airy ambiance. Wooden floors and light colours create a peaceful setting. Guests can also enjoy a braai outside. Find out more by clicking here.

The River House – Plettenberg Bay – Located on the banks of the Piesang River, this spacious and beautiful self catering family home offers guests an exciting vacation setting in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay area of the Garden Route. The River House reflects quirky characteristics and antique accents of African decor, where up to 10 guests can stay together. The living areas are kept warm with an indoor fireplace, while the outdoor entertainment deck and unique boma braai area are perfect for socializing at any time of the year, with the wetlands and mountain views create a wonderful backdrop. The hotel’s restaurant is a short walk away and is a stylish dining hall filled with character and providing a charming ambiance, for a wonderful fine dining experience. Find out more by clicking here.