Garden Route & Eastern Cape
The N2 highway running east from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth passes through some of the world’s most attractive coastal scenery – an enchanting coastline of lagoons and lakes, breath-taking bays, steep cliffs and wide estuaries, with a hinterland of mountains, spectacular passes, rivers, waterfalls and ravines. This is the Garden Route.
The ‘jewel’ of the Garden Route is the lagoon-estuary town of Knysna. Don’t miss a boat trip across the Knysna lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve, the bustling Knysna Quays and the Knysna Elephant Park.
Upmarket Plettenberg Bay is a beach-lover’s paradise: long stretches of soft white sand give way to the warm Indian Ocean. This is an excellent base from which to explore the Garden Route – from whale- and dolphin-watching boat excursions to treetop canopy tours in the Tsitsikamma Forest and bungee-jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge (at 216 metres, this is the highest bungee-jump in the world).
The inland village of Oudtshoorn is a good overnight stop. The ‘Ostrich Capital’ of the world is home to the Cango Caves – a labyrinth of massive caverns and inter-leading passages in the Swartberg mountain range.
Then head for the sleepy charm of the white-washed village of St Francis Bay en route to the ‘Friendly City’ – Port Elizabeth, the gateway to the game reserves of the Eastern Cape. A safari here is the ideal partner to a trip along the Garden Route.
Highlights and suggested day tours during any trip to the Garden Route & Eastern Cape include:
- Indulge in oysters and champagne in Knysna
- Visit the Birds of Eden and Monkeyland Primate Reserve
- Bungee-jump or do a treetop canopy tour
- Visit an Ostrich Farm and the ancient Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn
- Visit Knysna’s Featherbed Nature Reserve
Garden Route & Eastern Cape Accommodation
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Gorah Elephant Camp
Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern CapeGorah Elephant Camp is home not only to the Big 5 but also the two ocean predators – the shark and the whale, making it a Big 7 experience, with the best of both worlds a bush and beach location. Gorah Elephant camp offers an unforgettable, exclusive adventure in the heart of the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park.
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Kariega Game Reserve
Eastern CapeA natural extension to the Garden Route, this malaria-free, Big 5 private game reserve is set in 9,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness. Offering guests a choice of three superb luxury lodges and unforgettable guided game viewing. Kariega is family owned and run and is an ideal destination for families.
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Lake Pleasant Living
Sedgefield, Garden RouteSituated in the heart of the scenic Garden Route, Lake Pleasant Living offers guests luxury accommodation and facilities with breath taking views. The ‘Bistro on the Lake’ is open daily and is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and sundowners and guests can also make use of the Health Spa, indoor heated relaxation pool and gym.
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African Relish
Prince Albert, Garden RouteAfrican Relish is situated in the historic village of Prince Albert, nestled at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountains offering guests a unique cooking experience. Accommodation is in beautifully restored and appointed Victorian and typical Karoo self-catering cottages. Guests are guaranteed to leave with special memories.
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Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate
Garden RouteGuests will enjoy a luxury golf resort experience at the famous Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate situated in South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route region. Indulge in a stay in the beautiful boutique hotel set in the restored Manor House, 150-years old and a National Monument. You will be spoilt with the classic opulence, indulgent sophistication and luxury amenities and facilities on offer here. From the contemporary Luxury Suites with their sensual decor to the Grand Suites with their spacious and elegant living areas and the ultimate in sophistication, the Master Bedroom with its unsurpassed spacious elegance. When not on the Gary Player-designed courses, guests can spend time in the world-class spa, relaxing in the stylish restaurants and eateries or exploring the lush surrounds of the region.
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Pumba Private Game Reserve
Pumba Game Reserve, Eastern CapePumba Private Game Reserve, nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, is the perfect destination for those in search of a unique, five-star African bush safari. Pumba offers a rich, biodiversity-filled, Big Five game-viewing experience and the reserve boasts two unique lodge settings. Msenge Bush Lodge, overlooking the Kariega River floodplain, complete with waterhole and panoramic views of the Zuurberg Mountains, offers 11 thatch-and-glass-enclosed chalets, while Water Lodge, perched on the banks of Lake Kariega, has 12 stone-and-thatch waterfront chalets, leading off meandering timber footpaths.
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Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve
Port Alfred, Eastern CapeEscape to a sanctuary set along a vast, private expanse of world-famous pristine beach in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape region. Nestled in the midst of an exotic ocean/game reserve, this is an ultra-luxurious haven for world travellers, complete with five star dining. From the moment you arrive, Oceana offers a thousand reasons for you to never leave. It’s truly the best of all possible worlds. Where Ocean, Earth and Heaven meet...
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Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern CapeThis award-winning game lodge is set on 25 000 hectares of privately owned prime wildlife terrain in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Shamwari, which means friend, is where guests and wildlife live in harmony for a special moment in time. Shamwari has six unique luxury lodges: Long Lee Manor, Riverdene Family Lodge, Eagles Crag Luxury Lodge, Bushmans River Lodge, Sarili Lodge, Bayethe Tented Lodge and Lobengula African Lodge.
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Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Knysna, Garden RouteExperience Pezula, Africa’s most luxurious award-winning resort, perched on the eastern head of Knysna Lagoon, with exquisite views of the Indian Ocean, the famous lagoon and the Pezula Championship Golf Course. Indulge in gourmet food at Zachary’s Restaurant; be pampered in the multi-award winning spa; horseback ride or hike through ancient indigenous forests; picnic on the exclusive, secluded Noetzie beach and relax in your sumptuous suite.
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Views Boutique Hotel
Wilderness, Garden RouteOffering unabashed luxury and pure indulgence, the exquisite Views Boutique Hotel & Spa is set overlooking the beautiful Wilderness beach and Indian Ocean. Enjoy sophisticated dining, scenic splendours and exciting land and water activities including golf, fishing, forest walks, hikes and more. Easily accessible from the George Airport which is a 25-minute drive away, Views is an idyllic base from which to explore the Garden Route.
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