Updated June 2025
South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the best road trip destinations in the world! Jonny lived in South Africa for several years, and together we’ve spent an additional three months exploring this beautiful country.
We've driven the Garden Route three times, and each journey has only deepened our love for its dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich national parks, and charming towns.
In this guide, we’re sharing some of the most special places to stay along the Garden Route, from luxurious beachfront guesthouses and safari lodges to remote mountain cabins. These wonderful places to stay will help make your trip unforgettable.
Officially, South Africa’s Garden Route begins in Mossel Bay and stretches for around 300 km along the coast to Storms River, passing through iconic and scenic towns like George, Wilderness, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. The Garden Route is one of the best road trips in South Africa and in the world! The best way to see South Africa is by renting a car and passing through the changing landscapes. Driving in South Africa can be exciting, freeing and a real adventure.
However, since most travelers fly into Cape Town to begin their journey, many choose to extend their adventure beyond the official route which is from Mossel Bay to Storms River. With that in mind, we've included several must-visit destinations outside the traditional Garden Route, giving you the chance to turn your road trip into an even more memorable South African experience.
Having driven the Garden Route several times, we've never strictly stuck to the official path — and honestly, that’s where some of the real magic happens. Each time, we've ventured slightly off-route to explore other hidden corners of this route, we've discovered some truly unique places to stay. From mountain hideaways to coastal gems, these detours have made our Garden Route adventures even more unforgettable.
READ MORE | Our Ultimate guide to the Garden Route + itinerary, map and activities
Cape Town
As the common starting point of the Garden Route, you may choose to spend some time in Cape Town when flying into the Mother City. This vibrant and dynamic destination offers so much for the curious traveller and we’d recommend a few extra days exploring the city before or after your Garden Route road trip.
From hiking up the famous Table Mountain to watching African penguins waddle along Boulders Beach, Cape Town is packed with unique experiences catering to the adventurer and laid-back traveller. It’s a place we absolutely love. In fact, it has to be one of our favourite cities, with the perfect blend of mountains and ocean, quirky neighbourhoods, winelands and a vibrant food scene.
READ MORE | 17 Things to do in Cape Town
Tintswalo Boulders
Tintswalo Boulders is a four star hotel overlooking the iconic Boulders Beach and located within Table Mountain National Park. Our room had views across False Bay, and we could even see the penguin colony from our window. The hotel has direct access to the boardwalks behind Boulders Beach, making it very easy to get down to see the penguins.
Stellenbosch
The Cape Winelands are worth visiting for their natural beauty alone, and the wine just happens to be excellent too! Add in the charm of historic Cape Dutch architecture, rolling vineyard landscapes, and a relaxed day spent on a wine tour, and we’re sure you’ll agree it’s time well spent.
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Lanzerac is a luxury hotel set on a private wine estate in the heart of Stellenbosch, surrounded by the majestic Helderberg Mountains. With two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, and spa facilities including treatment rooms, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Cape Winelands and indulging in local vineyard experiences.
Hermanus
We’ll never forget the moment a massive humpback whale breached the water and soared into the air as we drove along the coastal road into Hermanus. It was, without a doubt, the best welcome we’ve ever had to any destination, and a perfect introduction to why Hermanus is considered the best land-based whale watching spot in the world.
You can, of course, also head out on the water by boat. On our trip, we watched in awe as a southern right whale and her calf followed alongside us, even gliding gracefully beneath our boat. It was a magical and humbling experience we’ll always remember.
The Marine Hermanus
Perched on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, The Marine offers one of the best whale-watching spots in town right from the comfort of the hotel. They say the ocean is so close, you can sometimes even hear the whales from your room. This beautifully positioned hotel combines dramatic coastal views with luxurious spa facilities, making your whale-watching experience feel extra special.
Montagu
The spectacular drive to Montagu alone makes it worth a visit — but there’s so much more waiting when you arrive. Nestled in the heart of the Little Karoo, this small historic town is one of South Africa’s top rock climbing destinations and is surrounded by dramatic, mountains that give it an almost Wild West feel.
Montagu is also renowned for its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, adding charm and heritage to its already striking natural setting.
Abrikoos Kloof Private Pod Reserve
We stayed in the Life House, the newest addition to the Abrikoos Kloof collection. The Life House quickly became one of the best places we’ve ever stayed. Accessible only by 4x4, the cabin is perched high in the mountains, offering complete seclusion and jaw-dropping views.
Its remote setting provides unparalleled privacy and a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from the world. If you're looking for an off-grid escape surrounded by nature, this is it.
Swellendam
As the third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam boasts over 50 heritage sites, many of which are beautifully preserved examples of Cape Dutch architecture with gable facades and sash windows. The dramatic Langeberg mountains that loom over the town create an impressive backdrop, and when the sun is low, the shifting colours of the landscape a scene from a painting. Rich in history and natural beauty, Swellendam is a perfect stop for travellers seeking culture, charm, and scenic views.
ARUMVALE COUNTRY HOUSE
We spent a night at this beautiful guest house nestled in the peaceful outskirts of Swellendam. Each room is finished to a very high standard, blending comfort with countryside charm. We stayed in the recently renovated garden cottage, and it was absolutely stunning. The views from the porch framed green pastures with cows grazing against the purple-hued mountains on the horizon - one of the most beautiful sights we’ve seen in South Africa.
Oudtshoorn
Known for its sprawling ostrich ranches and crocodile farms (most famously the Cango Wildlife Ranch), Oudtshoorn offers a unique and nature-filled South African experience. But the real highlight lies underground, the spectacular Cango Caves, believed to be around 20 million years old. Explore the vast caverns, towering limestone formations, and attempt to squeeze through the tight and infamous letterbox for a real adventure, and an absolute must when visiting the area.
ELDORADO PRIVATE COLLECTION
An affordable and cosy self catering option when visiting the Oudtshoorn area. The small gated community boasts a central location to nearby attractions in comfortable apartments with pool facilities and outdoor braai areas.
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is the official start of the world famous Garden Route. Mossel Bay has Santos Beach and the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize lighthouse to explore. Santos Beach has Blue Flag status, which means clean water for swimming and is lifeguarded making it family friendly.
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Less than 30 minutes northeast of Mossel Bay, Botlierskop is a luxury private game lodge that blends epic wildlife encounters, gorgeous facilities, and responsible tourism. On our most recent visit, we booked a couples massage in a purpose-built spa tent; the distant calls of birds and roaming wildlife created one of the most memorable spa experiences we’ve ever had.
Back in 2014, we also joined a lion-walk experience, but Botlierskop has since discontinued such activities and shifted its focus toward genuine conservation. Today, the reserve prioritises habitat protection and ethical wildlife encounters. This positive shift in the tourism industry has been echoed across many South African lodges over the past decade, as they learn from past mistakes. If you’re after relaxation and a conservation-minded safari stay, Botlierskop is an excellent choice.
George
The second largest city in the Western Cape, George is located about halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It can experience very hot temperatures during the summer, as it is situated slightly inland from the coast. The famous Garden Route Botanical Garden is a popular attraction for visitors to George.
French Lodge International
This charming and affordable lodge offers African-themed, thatched rondavel-style accommodation set around a welcoming shared pool. It’s a great base for exploring George and the surrounding Garden Route. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and the warm hospitality adds a personal touch that makes your stay feel especially relaxed and enjoyable.
Wilderness
This dreamy beach town has a relaxed, laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. Wilderness Beach is a vast stretch of golden sand where, if you're lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the waves as the morning sun rises. The town’s natural beauty was recently captured in the Netflix series Tuiskoms (Homecoming), adding a cinematic charm to an already stunning destination.
Escape to the Beach
Utterly jaw-dropping — that’s the only way to describe our first impression of Escape to the Beach. Our room looked directly onto sweeping views of Wilderness Beach. This luxury guesthouse has it all; breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and complimentary snacks and drinks available 24/7.
Sunrise brought golden light and wave-surfing dolphins, but the real magic happened after dark — when bioluminescent algae lit up the crashing waves in a surreal blue glow. It was a moment we’ll never forget.
Knysna
Knysna was one of our main bases along the Garden Route, and with so much to explore nearby, it’s easy to see why. Within a short drive, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Just outside of Knysna is Knysna Elephant Park, the first sanctuary in South Africa established to care for orphaned African elephants. Over the years, the park has made significant strides in improving its approach to tourism, focusing more on animal welfare and significantly reducing hands-on interactions.
No trip to Knysna is complete without a visit to the Knysna Heads, a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the lagoon and ocean beyond. Another must-see is Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to a vibrant collection of rescued and rehabilitated bird species.
Turbine Hotel & Spa
Housed in a beautifully converted former power station, the Turbine Hotel and Spa is a unique boutique hotel located on Thesen Island in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon. It offers stylish and comfortable accommodation, excellent spa facilities, and is perfectly positioned within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and many of Knysna’s best attractions.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay offers dramatic coastal scenery and a touch of laid-back luxury along the Garden Route. The standout attraction is Robberg Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula with hiking trails, cliffside views, and the chance to spot seals and dolphins below.
For surfers, Plett also delivers, with great surf breaks set against the backdrop of its absolutely stunning beaches. Whether you're looking to hike, surf, or simply unwind, Plettenberg Bay is a must-visit stop. Plettenberg Bay is also the perfect base for visiting Tsitsikamma and Storms River areas of the Garden route. There are plenty of activities for adrenaline junkies, from treetop canopy ziplines to the world famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee!
ALKANTMOOI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
Another fantastic stay along the Garden Route, Alkantmooi is a real hidden gem in the hills above Plettenberg Bay. The views across the surrounding nature reserve are absolutely breathtaking, and one of the highlights of our visit was hiring a small private boat to cruise along Keurbooms River estuary.
With Tsitsikamma National Park only a short drive away, Alkantmooi is ideally located for exploring both the coast and forested mountains of this spectacular region.
Jeffreys Bay
J-Bay, famous for its world-class surf, particularly the legendary Supertubes break, is a haven for surfers and beach lovers alike. The town also boasts a wonderful selection of restaurants, stunning stretches of coastline, and a chilled atmosphere that makes it hard to leave.
The Salty Dog
Located just a minute’s walk from the local beach and within easy driving distance of the town centre and local restaurants, the Salty Dog hosted by MJ is a collection of small and comfortable accommodations. They feature everything you need, including a kitchenette, comfortable bed and even Netflix.
Addo Elephant National Park
While we are no longer on the Garden Route, our journey continues further east to Addo Elephant National Park, another must visit on your South African itinerary. Addo is home to some 600 African Elephants and is one the more popular national parks with good reason, not far from the Garden Route and excellent wildlife watching opportunities.
Addo Main Camp
Staying within the Addo Main camp is a must, primarily because of the night time watering hole lookout. You can get close to a herd of elephants drinking and tussling with each other, all from the safety of a hidden viewing point. Main camp offers a variety of accommodation types and can only be booked through the SANParks website.
