What to do and Where to Stay on the Garden Route

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Driving the Garden Route is the classic South African road trip. This stretch of rugged coastline reaches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay to Storms River Village. Scattered along the shore are untamed beaches and tiny towns like Wilderness, Knynsa and Plett (Plettenberg Bay to give it its full title).  Just a fraction inland are forests, nature reserves and rivers backed by craggy mountain tops  There are top-notch golf-courses, the freshest of local oysters, and chilled bottles of champagne just waiting to be taken on a sunset trip into the bay.

By far and away our favourite way to reach the Garden Route is to hit Route 62, which passes through tiny Cape Dutch towns and lush farming valleys under wide African skies.  Stop in Oudtshoorn to visit the ostrich farms and Cango Caves, or Montagu for lung-loosening hiking and a nip of local brandy.

Where to stay on the Garden Route?

Most of the places we recommend that you stay at on the Garden Route are guesthouses, or at the very largest, boutique hotels. The staff are, by and large, utterly charming, wine is delicious, and food is to die for.  If you have a particular interest let us know- we’ve got to know (and love) some of the owners over the years, so we’ll do our very best to fix you up with somewhere that’s just right for you.

Make your trip to the Garden Route extraordinary…

and spend a couple of nights snuggled up in a treehouse at Tsala’s (just ask us and we’ll give you the lowdown. Long version or short version). You could leave and you know- see things- but really, you might prefer not to.

Our pick of places to stay along the Garden Route