A scenic byway along South Africa’s incredible coastline
Garden Route
Spanning 450 miles along the coast between the Winelands and Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route yields breathtaking panoramic views over the sea, coastal forests, mountains and vineyards.
Spanning 450 miles along the coast between the Winelands and Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route yields breathtaking panoramic views over the sea, coastal forests, mountains and vineyards.
Why the Garden Route?
To fully appreciate the Garden Route, you’ll want to hire a car and make the drive with some time to spare. This stretch of highway offers a delicious glimpse into South Africa’s diverse geography – from rolling vineyards to prime locations for whale watching and even great white shark spotting.
Make your way from one coastal town to the next, perhaps venturing north to the edge of the Great Karoo, a unique semi-desert landscape with fascinating rock formations. As you make your way along the Garden Route, you’ll pass a number of charming country house hotels, often locally owned and serving up a stellar meal.
This lovely route will even take you to the likes of Kwandwe and Shamwari, known for malaria-free game viewing and luxurious lodges. A road trip along the Garden Route is an ideal escape from the northern winter.
Make your way from one coastal town to the next, perhaps venturing north to the edge of the Great Karoo, a unique semi-desert landscape with fascinating rock formations. As you make your way along the Garden Route, you’ll pass a number of charming country house hotels, often locally owned and serving up a stellar meal.
This lovely route will even take you to the likes of Kwandwe and Shamwari, known for malaria-free game viewing and luxurious lodges. A road trip along the Garden Route is an ideal escape from the northern winter.
- 450 miles of spectacular coastal scenery near Cape Town.
- See vineyards, forests, mountains, orchards and the sea.
- Whale watching, caged shark diving and surfing are all possible.
- Delightful country house hotels.
- Malaria-free Big Five safaris.
- Safely self-drivable.
Best Places to Stay in the Garden Route
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Exuding sophistication, Grootbos Forest Lodge sits within landscaped gardens dotted with indigenous trees. Carefully designed to reflect traditional African warmth and combine it with an intercontinental twist, the lodge fuses aesthetic beauty with ultimate comfort. With breathtaking views and nature to match, stays at Grootbos are undoubtedly memorable.
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
At the edge of Hermanus Lagoon’s glistening waters stands Mosaic Lagoon Lodge. Set in an enviable location, where towering mountains meet the rippling ocean, the lodge is perfect for those interested in marine creatures, bird life and fascinating indigenous flora. Far from a one trick pony, this ecological gem is both an idyllic, remote retreat and an action-packed playground, with a host of activities sure to tickle your fancy.
Tsala Tree Tops
To simply call this a treehouse would be an understatement. Tsala Treetop Lodge is the most incredible, luxury treetop property set amidst the canopy of an ancient indigenous forest. An idyllic forest getaway, you’ll be met with breathtaking views across rolling valleys, spectacular cuisine, and an array of interesting activities. Imbuing a sense of magic and mystery, a stay in this architecturally unique lodge is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Set in spectacular African wilderness surrounds, Ecca Lodge is a unique safari property boasting a revolutionary design where penthouse chic meets the bush. Nestled into a gently sloping, densely vegetated hillside, the Lodge is airy and open with barely a barrier between indoors and the African bushveld.
The Plettenberg
South Africa has added its own unique spin to The Plettenburg: it’s no ordinary beach hotel, but rather has been elevated on account of its position, landscape, and overall quality of design and service to be one of the finest hotels along the Garden Route. Plettenberg is one of the most scenic towns on the Garden Route, and the hotel of the same name is the obvious accommodation choice.
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
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Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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