South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa's Garden Route is a magical and mystical destination that is affectionately known as South Africa's Garden of Eden. The majesty of the Garden Route is conspicuous, thanks to its stunning wide coastline with golden beaches, glorious mountains, meandering rivers, indigenous forests, luxury accommodation, gourmet restaurants, and the warm Mediterranean climate. The Garden Route attracts artists, poets and tourists because of its extra - ordinary beauty and bustling coastal towns. To entirely benefit from the pleasure of the Garden Route, we recommend staying at the Hunters Country Lodge.

There are plenty of activities waiting to be experienced along the Garden Route, making it more than just a beach holiday destination. There is plenty to do along the Garden Route including riding ostriches, bungee jumping, surfing and hiking. Nature enthusiasts will delight in knowing that there is a great diversity of both bird and animal life within this region. The Knysna Loerie is the most famous indigenous bird to be found within this region and visitors marvel at the call of the Loerie that is only to be surpassed by it spectacular colourings.

There are plenty of watersports and things to do within the Garden Route area and activities include surfing, whale and dolphin watching, sea kayaking, great diving, sailing, and even shark cage diving.

There are a number of five star hotels and game lodges along the Garden Route for any type of budget.

Here is a list of a few of the Garden Route’s gems, each with its own interesting factors.

Montagu

Montagu is a small historical town that was built in the 19th century and offers visitors a chance of exploring a beautiful stretch of country. Engage in mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, visits to art galleries, strolls through wildflowers, bird watching and trips to the hot springs. The Montagu region is also known for the warm kindness given to its guests by the residents. Enjoy a range of luxury country house accommodation when you stay in Montagu and enjoy all the fine homebaked products from this quaint trendy country town!

Mossel Bay

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay is blessed with great all year round weather. Mossel Bay makes for a great year round holiday destination. There is plenty of opportunity to engage in a variety of watersports on offer, including adventure sports, great white shark cage diving, scuba diving, bungee jumping and a number of other beach based activities. In addition, the town has well established road and rail networks and a variety of luxury accommodation.

Swellendam

Swellendam is situated halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route. It is a quaint traditional town with fertile valleys and undulating farm lands. With the Breede River meandering through this town, it makes for an ideal stopover. Swellendam is located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and offers a range of activities for just about anyone!

Hermanus

Hermanus is known as the whale watching town of the Garden Route and is located along the scenic coast of Walker Bay. The Overberg Mountains create a magnificent backdrop to the bustling seaside town of Hermanus. Hermanus thrives during whale season and the town is alive with activity. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants overlooking the bay, shop around the markets and engage in the many activities that are on offer in Hermanus - Cape Town's favourite luxury seaside town!

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is the ostrich safari destination of South Africa and is located a mere 55 km away from George. Oudtshoorn is also home to the Cango Caves where there are daily tours through the caves. Witness the spectacular stalagmites and stalagmites in the world renowned Cango Caves. Ride an ostrich and be entertained by one of the many ostrich displays or choose to wander around the famous Cango Wildlife Ranch which offers the opportunity of interactive wildlife tourism. Dive with Nile crocodiles, take in an ostrich show and watch a snake show.

George

George is one of the country’s oldest towns and it is located right in the heart of the Garden Route. George is a mere stone's throw away from the grand Outeniqua Mountain and the Indian Ocean. The world renowned Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate is located within George and we highly recommend this for your luxury Garden Route accommodation. George is a great town for mountain biking and hiking and is close enough to the ocean to go whale watching, surfing (Victoria Bay), and scuba diving.

Knysna

Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route, with its thriving artistic atmosphere it is a haven for those seeking hedonistic pleasures. From fine dining through to luxury waterfront accommodation, Knysna has it all. Take leisurely walks through indigenous forests, go shopping in the many markets or stroll through the Waterfront and dine at one of the many restaurants.

Storms River/Tsitsikamma

This small settlement is situated just outside the renowned Tsitsikamma National Park and offers superb views of the gorge. The Storms River is host to a number of adventure activities and remains one of the most beautiful, pristine and untouched natural indigenous regions within the Garden Route.

Plettenberg Bay

Also heedlessly branded “Plett”, this trendy town is one of the most well-liked areas within the Garden Route and is just a short drive from Knysna. The town is characterized by  long sandy golden beaches and warm waters, and the surrounding area is inundated with luxury holiday houses and hotels. The weather is tame, and there is plenty to do including skydiving, gliding, hiking, championship golf courses, whale watching, polo fields, and many other activities that make Plett a popular holiday destination for locals. At night, Plettenberg Bay is lively with pubs, night-spots and admirable restaurants. There is a wide diversity of accommodation available along the Garden Route and we highly recommend staying at the Hunters Country House for a luxury Garden Route destination.