The Garden Route
is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa.
It stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River which
is crossed along the N2 coastal highway over the Paul Sauer Bridge in the
extreme eastern reach of the Western Cape. It includes towns such as Mossel
Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.
It has a maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly
winters. It is one of the richest all-year-round rainfall areas in South
Africa, most rain falling in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds
from the Indian Ocean rising and releasing their precipitation along the
high mountain ranges just inland of the coast.
The Route is sandwiched
between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean. The
Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape
Fynbos and temperate forest and offer hiking trails and eco-tourism activities.
Nearly 300 species of birdlife are to be found in a variety of habitats
ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands. 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
Whale which come there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December).
Although the most popular exploration of the Garden Route is by car, it
is also the site of Africa's last remaining passenger steam train, the
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe.
Brenton
Place, Self-Catering Townhouse, BRENTON-ON-SEA Do you yearn for a piece
of heaven on earth, a resting place built on rocks, where the Southern
Right Whale can be seen when they return from the South Pole (July to November)
to mate and to give birth to their calves? There is just such a place,
where the lapping of foam-white waves soothes a fatigued mind and body....
George is a city
in South Africa's Western Cape Province. It has a population of approximately
104,700 and is the administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route.
George is a popular holiday and conference centre.
The city is very centrally
situated: halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and centre of the
Garden Route. It is situated on a 10 kilometre plateau between the majestic
Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south.
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers, and mild
to chilly winters. It is one of the highest rainfall regions in South Africa.
Most rain falls in the winter and spring months, brought by the humid sea-winds
from the Indian Ocean. Any time of the year is good for visiting the area,
depending on whether one enjoys a peaceful retreat during the winter months,
or a bustling holiday destination during the summer.
Fancourt
Hotel & Spa, GEORGE South Africa's only privately
owned premier 36-hole golfing and leisure destination - elegant accommodation
in historic manor house and stately garden lodges. 4 fine restaurants
- Italian grill rooms, as well as 24 hour room service.
Fourways
Guesthouse, GEORGE Set
in a large, peaceful garden in the leafy outskirts of George, Fourways
offers spacious, comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality and a high
level of personal service. All 3 rooms (2 suites, each with a separate
lounge, and one large twin) open onto a sunny stoep and overlook the pool
with uninterrupted views of the Outeniqua mountains beyond.
Knysna (pronounced
NIZE-nuh or NACE-nah, probably from a Hottentot word meaning "ferns") is
a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the
Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres
east from the town of George on the N2 highway. The town is primarily
built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, fed by the Knysna
River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands.
These are popularly known as the "Knysna Heads," and have become infamous
due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous
and unpredictable waters. Near them are geological formations, known locally
as "The Map Stones." To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane or temperate
rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20 km until changing to fynbos
or macchia high up in the Outeniqua Mountains.
The early development of
Knysna as a port was driven by the timber industry, where persons such
as George Rex played a significant role. Being a difficult port to enter,
a harbour pilot was employed to assist large vessels. One of the better-known
pilots was John Benn, originally a shipwright from Mossel Bay, appointed
as pilot in 1868 and whose name is borne by a luxury double-deck pleasure
cruiser currently operating as a tourist attraction on the Knysna lagoon.
The port was officially closed in 1954. The town, and its surrounding
areas, became the site of a massive search after young University of Cape
Town student, Rosalind Ballingall, went missing on 12 August, 1969. It
is believed she had lost her way in the deep, dense Knysna forests. Over
the many following years, rumours surfaced about her background: her involvement
with cults and hippies however most proved to be insubstantial. No clues
to aid in her search or to uncover her whereabouts were discovered. She
was never found and was officially declared dead in 1986.
The town is a popular destination
for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among
the British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate.
Recently the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers,
as the town boasts many world class golf courses. Knysna too is a favourite
haunt of artists, restaurateurs and hippies. Knysna's other claims
to fame are as the end point of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam railway,
and as home to the fabled Knysna forest elephant. Unfortunately, due to
recent heavy flooding in the area, the railway line has been damaged. It
has been rescheduled to run between George and Hartenbos until further
notice
Elephant
Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge, KNYSNA Elephant
Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge is situated on the Welbedacht Cliffs in Knysna.
Each suite has panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.
Forest
Edge – Nature-lovers’ Retreat, Self-Catering cottages, KNYSNA EXPERIENCE
TRANQUILITY, ROMANCE & PRIVACY in NATURE at one of SA's BEST (AA: Highly
Recommended & 2006 Award Finalist). Nature-lovers' retreat:
birds, game, secluded rock pools, forest walks & biking trails. Sundowners
with fireflies and cosy log-fires. Experience the Magic of the Forest...
Off the beaten track, quietly nestling in the Millwood Indigenous Knysna
Forest, Garden Route, Western Cape: a self-catering vacation haven for
nature-loving families, stressed-out city-dwellers, adventurers & honeymooners.
Each fully equipped 2-bedroomed cottage houses up to 5 persons.
Hide-Away
Guest House, KNYSNA This
beautiful Cape Colonial property is set opposite the tranquil waters of
the picturesque Knysna Lagoon and is close to town - it's a mere 5 minute
walk to the edge of Knysna town. All rooms have been tastefully furnished
and have en-suite bathrooms with shower, TV, mini bar, tea/coffee tray,
hairdryers, fans and gowns. Guests have access to a swimming pool
and small gym.
Inyathi
Guest Lodges, Knysna Set in a beautiful, mostly
indigenous garden Inyathi Guest Lodges give the feeling of being in an
African village instead of in the centre of town. Inyathi Guest Lodges
offer little wooden chalets, each double-bedded chalet superbly finished
and decorated with ethnic African arts and crafts from different parts
of the continent. All chalets have bathroom en-suite, while most of them
have a private verandah as well. All the chalets have their own private
entrance, which, together with the garden setting, gives you the feeling
of being in an African village, while actually being in the centre of Knysna.
Knysna
Manor House, Guest House/Bed & Breakfast, KNYSNA Experience
personal service and Victorian charm at this three star, AA Highly Recommended
guesthouse accommodation that is nestled in the heart of Knysna, and situated
on the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa. Our home overlooks
the Knysna Lagoon and is within walking distance to banks, shops, restaurants
and the Knysna Waterfront. From the original yellowwood floors, to
the character of each individual room, the Victorian theme is carried throughout
our charming B&B. Our accommodation consists of thirteen en-suite
rooms that are lovingly furnished and are equipped with a TV, fan, heater
and tea / coffee making facilities.
Knysna
Tonquani Lodge, Guesthouse \ B&B \ Self-Catering, KNYSNA Knysna’s multi award winning
lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites
with every conceivable comfort including minibar, complimentary port and
chocolates, tea, coffee and biscuits, TV, hair dryer, heater and fan. Nine
units have airconditioner, Jacuzzi and fireplace and the executive chalet
has a private spa for the ultimate in pampering. All units have private
patios and barbecues and are serviced daily. For our guests’ convenience
we offer an affordable on-site laundry service. Sun loungers invite you
to enjoy the welcoming coolness of the main swimming pool which is set
in tranquil gardens. Three units have private splash pools and there is
secure on–site undercover parking. Play a game of croquet on the manicured
lawns or laze beside the swimming pool.
Point
Lodge, Guest House/B&B, KNYSNA POINT LODGE is peaceful
and secluded with panoramic views across the lagoon to the Knysna Heads.
Superbly situated, RIGHT AT THE WATER’S EDGE, the gracious double storey
is set in beautiful gardens and owners Ryk and Amanda Cloete offer professional,
personal service and are able to help with any local information.
Each room is individually decorated in comfortable style. A scrumptious
full English and continental buffet breakfast is served in the dining room
from 8am. Guests are welcome to make themselves at home in the lounge and
honesty bar, which all overlook the lagoon.
Villa
Afrikana, Guest House/B&B/Self-Catering, Paradise, KNYSNA Villa
Afrikana is perched high above the town, on a hill fittingly called “Paradise"
overlooking the world renown Knysna Heads and surrounding lagoon.
With its summery, gleaming white, the geometric architecture of Villa Afrikana
is already quite a sight. The stylish interior is just as defined in the
same perfect white. A modern, unpretentious interior gives the compact
Villa Afrikana a surprisingly open feel to its rooms. Look out for the
eye-catching artworks and cleverly placed objects. The attractive style
encompasses a total of 5 suites and a small apartment in this Guest House
/ Bed & Breakfast on the Garden Route.
Mossel Bay (Mosselbaai
in Afrikaans) lies on the southern coast of South Africa, east of the Cape
of Good Hope and west of Humansdorp. It lies on the Indian Ocean coast
and is part of the Garden Route. Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu
Diaz arrived here on February 3, 1488, thus proving to his sponsors that
Africa had a southern tip; making it theoretically possible to sail from
Europe to India. Originally called by Diaz Aguada de São Brás
(Bay of Saint Blaise), the village/harbour was renamed Mosselbaai (Bay
of Mussels) in 1601 by Dutch navigator Paulus van Caerden, as he found
the bay to be abundant with mussels. He also called a nearby bay, where
he found cattle herders, Vlees Bay (Bay of Meat).
Huijs
te Marquette Guest House, MOSSEL BAY Huijs te Marquette guest
house (small family hotel) offers true South African style, hospitality
and ambience. Each of the 12 bedrooms (6 classic and 6 luxury) has it's
own en-suite bathroom, individual character and attraction.
Oudtshoorn is the
largest town in the Little Karoo region of South Africa. The town is also
home to the world's largest Ostrich population with a number of specialized
ostrich breeding farms such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich
Show Farm. Oudtshoorn is the start of the Route 62 wine route.
Tourist attractions in Oudtshoorn
and the surrounding areas include:
Cango Caves
Safari Show Farm
Highgate Ostrich Show Farm
Cango Wildlife Ranch [1]
CP Nel Museum
The area is also famed for its
biodiversity, with the area home to a unusually large number of species
of succulent plant. There are also several wine producers in the region.
Adley
House, Bed & Breakfast, OUDTSHOORN This
magnificent Sandstone Victorian Homestead is situated on an acre of land
in a quiet up market residential area near to the centre of town.
Rated 4 stars by the S.A. Tourism grading council, it has 14 Air Conditioned,
individually decorated rooms with T.V, tea and coffee facilities, Hairdryers,
bar fridge and all the necessary amenities to make your stay most pleasant.
Chandelier
Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm, OUDTSHOORN Situated
between the lush green Garden Route and the wide-open spaces of the Klein
(Little) Karoo with the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges as backdrop.
If you are looking for an oasis to get away from it all, Chandelier is
the place to be. At Chandelier, the Ferreira family has created something
special, in a malaria free environment, for those who yearn to spend some
quality time close to nature.
De
Opstal Country Lodge, OUDTSHOORN Situated
in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley, 12 km from Oudtshoorn en route
to the world renowned Cango Caves. The Lodge consists of original
farm buildings, circa 1830, with the stables, wagon house, farmhouse, share-croppers
house, garden and pool suites, all restored to provide great comfort with
garden patio entrances, remote controlled airconditioning, fire places,
mini bar and TV with M Net and bathrooms with spa-bath, shower and private
toilet.
Hlangana
Lodge B&B, OUDTSHOORN Oudtshoorn's
premier destination. This highly recommended lodge offers individually
decorated en suite rooms, all equipped with queen size beds or twin beds,
TV, mini-bar, safe, telephone, free coffee/tea and air conditioning.
A warm welcome awaits you in this Victorian Lodge with its exotic garden
settings. Relax at the large salt water swimming pool and enjoy the
superb views of the Swartberg Mountains. Try the fitness center, hire a
mountain bike or just enjoy a drink at the fully licensed bar. Opened
in 1996, Hlangana Lodge has been the home away from home for many visitors
to our beautiful town.
Villa
Rustique Guesthouse & Fine Dining Restaurant, OUDTSHOORN Villa
Rustique guesthouse offers 5 luxury rooms (1 Honeymoon suite) all en-suite,
with private entrance and air conditioning. 365 days a year, when
the weather is fine, we let you enjoy our superb champagne breakfast buffet
on the patio around the pool. Guests can relax and stay refreshed
around the swimming pool or enjoy a day trip to the local Oudtshoorn attractions.
Villa Rustique is located in a quiet residential area of Oudtshoorn, the
city of ostriches and the world famous Cango Caves. Villa Rustique
fine dining restaurant welcomes you to experience our passion and respect
for fresh ingredients in our well balanced dishes.
Plettenberg Bay is
a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This bustling seaside
town is world famous for its scenic beauty and is popular with both local
and domestic visitors. It was originally named "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful
bay) by early Portuguese explorers and lies on South Africa's spectacular
Garden Route 210 km from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town.
Alkantmooi
Self-Catering, near PLETTENBERG BAY Alkantmooi
is situated about 6 km north of Plettenberg Bay and 2 kms off the N2 highway
to Port Elizabeth. (opposite the Keurbooms Forever Resort). We offer a
beautiful, private and fully equipped luxury apartment with an open plan
lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The lounge leads
onto a covered wooden deck with gasbraai facilities, pool table and a magnificent
180 degree views of Plettenberg Bay, the Keurbooms and Bitou Estuaries
and the mountains to the west. The view also includes fynbos and forest
which is teaming with life.
Halcyon
House, Guest House, PLETTENBERG BAY Halcyon
House is a 4 star Guest House situated within 3 minutes' walking distance
of renowned Robberg Beach, where dolphins play. En-suite rooms (including
Honeymoon Suite) with sea-views, and spacious living areas with swimming
pool and patio, sunny North terrace, pub area with satellite TV and pool
table ....
Hog
Hollow Country Lodge, PLETTENBERG BAY 12
uniquely individual rooms offer uninterrupted views over the indigenous
forests and Tsitsikamma Mountains. These comfortable African-styled
rooms, situated in the gardens surrounding the main house, are decorated
in earthy colours, naturally woven fabrics, artifacts and tones from north-eastern
Africa, and local handcrafted woods.
On
Good Land, Self-Catering Guest House, PLETTENBERG BAY On
Good Land is an upmarket self-catering holiday guest house in the country,
5 minutes from the beautiful village of Plettenberg Bay and 2 minutes from
the Robberg Nature Reserve. Overlooking indigenous forests, this
guest house is a home away from home. Situated on 6 hectares of fynbos
on a cliff top with views over Plettenberg Bay and the Outeniqua mountain
range, it offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 rooms en-suite). A large
communal open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen opens onto a large covered
deck, overlooking the forest, completes the picture. Fully equipped
with everything you may need to make your stay a happy one including, washing
machine, tumble dryer, dish washer and microwave oven.
Southern
Comfort Western Horse Ranch, PLETTENBERG BAY Situated on the Garden Route
halfway between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, we own a Horse Ranch run by
the Glinister family. Hostel offers small dorms, ensuite, self-catering,
tree house and campsite accommodation. Also cater for parties, teambuilding
and big groups of up to 80 people.
The
Little Sanctuary Bed & Breakfast, PLETTENBERG BAY The
Little Sanctuary Bed & Breakfast offers charming rooms with private
entrances and magnificent views of the beach from your private patio, from
where you may be fortunate enough to witness large schools of dolphins
frolicking in the surf or Southern Right whales coming into the bay to
calve. Each en-suite double room is tastefully furnished with magnificent
views of the Indian Ocean, Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Keurbooms lagoon.
Your accommodation has been purpose designed to ensure your comfort and
privacy, with private entrances and sliding doors opening onto a patio
on which your sumptuous English breakfast (weather permitting) will be
served.
Bay
Tree House, Boutique Guest House, WILDERNESS Bay Tree House is situated
in
Wilderness, a magical place on the south western coast of South Africa,
in the heart of the world famous Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most
beautiful recreation areas. From the majestic Outeniqua mountains to the
North, the pristine forests with clear gushing streams, the sparkling cool
waters of our rivers, lagoons and lakes, to the jewel that is the warm
Indian ocean. Bay Tree House has three luxuriously appointed en-suite
rooms featuring private patios under the shade of indigenous trees.
