the garden route

ancient forests, meandering rivers, rocky cliffs, pounding surf and shimmering lagoons
seaside villages, seafood restaurants, miles of beaches and a water sport haven
garden route is served by george airport, a 1.5hour flight from johannesburg
a 6 hour drive from cape town with great country overnights along the way
you can drive from cape town > winelands > garden route > addo safari
must see - tsitsikamma forest, storms river mouth & nature's valley
40km east of plett, do the chilling 216m bloukrans bridge bungy
glide between tree tops and experience a forest canopy tour
land-to-sea whale watching along cape coast july to nov
local arts & crafts abound along this scenic coastline
annual gay mardi gras in knysna around end april
visit oudtshoorn's cango caves & ostrich farms
must try knysna oysters with a bloody mary...

Monkeyland was very informative and most enjoyable, Birds of Eden just okay...
Loved the Elephant Sanctuary - educated trainers & great interaction with animals.  
Donald, London UK

where to stay

driving from addo elephant park towards cape town, you will find the following garden route stayovers
stay 2-3 nights in each of 3 favourite towns and explore this magnificent coastline of crashing surf
a 4 hour drive from addo park towards cape town brings you to plettenberg bay

milkwood manor b&b guest lodge, plettenberg bay

situated in the centre of the Garden Route - 30 minutes from Knysna and 30 minutes from Tsitsikamma Forest with access to 4 coastal reserves offering isolated beaches, rivers and waterfalls - a world in its original state a spacious Georgian guest lodge set on its own rocky peninsula in a vast landscape of sea, sand and sky eleven bedrooms with private patio OR airy balcony offer panoramic mountain, lagoon and ocean views friendly and helpful staff, spacious interiors, queen sized beds, basic TV, safe, fan, hairdryer, coffee/tea complimentary kayak use for lagoon exploration or rent a small motor boat and do an inland river cruise body surf in the warm ocean waters, swim safely in the river or simply watch the fishing boats go by popular in-house restaurant serves lunch & dinner on an ocean lapped terrace – bookings advised rates until apr12 R1300 single per night in land facing room b&b R1300 for 2adults per night in land facing room b&b R1800 for 2adults per night in sea/lagoon facing room b&b may-oct12 R760 single per night in land facing room b&b R760 for 2adults per night in land facing room b&b R960 for 2adults per night in sea/lagoon facing room b&b to view all rates on one page for easy comparison, see RATES page

an easy 40km drive from plettenberg bay lies knysna and it's famous and beautiful lagoon
home to the annual pink Loerie mardi gras gay festival and famous for it's oyster farms
quaint shops, street cafe's, boat trips, beaches and a forest... with elephants

the lofts b&b boutique hotel, knysna

historic boatshed restored into modern lagoon side mall and hotel situated on Thesen Islands, a mere couple of feet from the water's edge retail shops on ground floor & The Lofts Boutique Hotel on 1st & 2nd floors splash pool, martini bar/lounge, beauty spa & breathtaking lagoon views walk to nearby restaurants, shops and street cafes on the island or take a 7min stroll across the bridge to the bustling Knysna waterfront rates until 19dec11 R1270 single per night in luxury loft room b&b R1690 for 2adults per night in luxury loft room b&b R2070 for 2adults per night in lagoon suite b&b 20dec-5jan12 R1500 single per night in luxury loft room b&b R2000 for 2adults per night in luxury loft room b&b R2440 for 2adults per night in lagoon suite b&b 6jan-apr12 R1270 single per night in luxury loft room b&b R1690 for 2adults per night in luxury loft room b&b R2070 for 2adults per night in lagoon suite b&b to view all rates on one page for easy comparison, see RATES page

a 1.5hr drive from knysna, via wilderness beach, pass george airport, to the inland town of oudtshoorn
this is the land of ostriches, crocodiles, meerkats, cheetahs and the world famous cango caves

de zeekoe b&b guest farm, oudtshoorn

2000 hectare owner managed guest farm/reserve with farm house restaurant 3 flower zones, 162 bird species, fish eagle research & meerkat adventure colonial homestead set in lush indigenous gardens with swimming pool spectacular views over Outeniqua/Swartberg mountains & Olifants riverbed 16 stylishly furnished air-conditioned bedrooms open onto cool verandahs 5 air con superior suites set in garden with full bathroom & outdoor shower all tastefully styled with warm colours, soft textures and a personal touch rates until oct12 R  760 single per night in luxury room b&b R  900 for 2adults per night in standard room b&b R1360 for 2adults per night in luxury room b&b R1720 for 2adults per night in de luxe suite b&b R1900 for 2adults per night in superior suite b&b to view all rates on one page for easy comparison, see RATES page

getting around the garden route

the garden route is served by george- and port elizabeth airports - both approx 1.5hr flight from johannesburg
we suggest rental cars for convenient self exploration of many garden route towns and attractions
state-of-the-art freeways and clear sign posting ensure hassle free travel

can I drive from cape town to knysna and back without back tracking?

yes, we suggest a circular route - drive 5-6hours from cape town to knysna along the N2 freeway
then return from the garden route to cape town on the inland route 62 going via oudtshoorn
oudtshoorn (via montagu, robertson & villiersdorp) to franschhoek is a 5hour drive
maybe stay 2-3 nights franschhoek before the final 1hr drive into cape town

very pleased with our visit and looking forward to be back soon again
Hans and Pasi, Stockholm Sweden