Garden Route Hotels

Top reasons to visit Garden Route

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: The Garden Route boasts stunning landscapes, from lush forests to pristine beaches, perfect for nature lovers.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy thrilling activities such as safaris, hiking, and water sports, catering to adventure seekers and families alike.
• Charming Towns: Explore delightful towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, known for their friendly locals and vibrant atmospheres.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the region's rich heritage through local customs, traditions, and historical sites.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from an array of lodging options, from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Garden Route

Discover a diverse selection of accommodation options along the stunning Garden Route, where you'll find everything from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Perfect for families and adventure seekers alike, this picturesque region offers a variety of facilities and services tailored to enhance your beach holiday experience. Whether you're searching for the best-reviewed lodgings or a lavish retreat, the Garden Route has something to suit every traveller’s needs.

• African Oceans Manor on Beach: Nestled along the stunning coastline, African Oceans Manor on Beach offers a luxurious 5-star experience with a strong emphasis on family-friendly amenities. Rated 9.2 out of 10, this hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a beach vacation. Guests can enjoy direct access to the sandy shores, along with childcare services to ensure a stress-free stay for families. Amenities include onsite babysitting and childcare services, making it a great choice for those travelling with children who want to relax by the sea.
• Gondwana Game Reserve: For those in search of adventure, Gondwana Game Reserve is a 5-star oasis situated just 1.6km from the Garden Route, boasting an impressive guest rating of 9.6 out of 10. This unique accommodation caters to families and golf enthusiasts, featuring a golf course along with various adventure sports activities. Guests can partake in fishing, kayaking, and surfing nearby, while children can enjoy supervised childcare and games. The blend of luxury and adventure makes it a distinctive choice for those looking to explore the wilderness.
• ATKV Hartenbos: With a welcoming atmosphere, ATKV Hartenbos is a 3-star family-friendly resort located 20.9km from the Garden Route, boasting a commendable guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. This property is perfect for families seeking a beach getaway, featuring direct beach access and a range of children’s amenities, including a shared playground and a children’s pool. The hotel’s comfortable accommodation and focus on family activities ensure a fun and enjoyable stay for guests of all ages.

Where to stay near Garden Route

The Garden Route in South Africa offers a captivating blend of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, perfect for families and eco-conscious travellers. Explore charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, where friendly locals welcome you to enjoy recreational activities and breathtaking views. With excellent hotels and scenic road trips along the main road, the Garden Route promises an unforgettable vacation experience amidst nature's splendour.

• Ruiterbos: Situated 19.3km from the Garden Route, Ruiterbos is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and eco-friendly experiences. This area attracts moderate seasonal tourist traffic, peaking from December to February. Visitors flock to Ruiterbos for its exceptional sports facilities, including prestigious golf courses and a private country club. Adventurers will appreciate the nearby nature reserves and parks, which serve as stunning backdrops for hiking and exploration. The local event conference venue also makes Ruiterbos an ideal spot for business travellers seeking a serene atmosphere.
• Gondwana Game Reserve: A mere 8.0km from the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve is a premier destination for nature lovers and families alike. This park features a range of eco-friendly activities, including opportunities to witness the local wildlife in their natural habitat. The seasonal visitor numbers peak in December to February, making it a vibrant time to experience the reserve's natural beauty. Alongside its captivating landscapes, Gondwana is home to shopping centres and golf courses, ensuring a well-rounded travel experience. The nearby nature reserve and parks provide additional avenues for exploration and relaxation.
• Kleinberg: Nestled 11.3km from the Garden Route, Kleinberg is a quaint village that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist hotspots. Like its neighbouring destinations, Kleinberg sees a moderate influx of visitors, peaking in the summer months of December to February. This village is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil South African countryside while still being close to various attractions. With its charming atmosphere and proximity to nature, Kleinberg is an ideal base for exploring the scenic wonders of the Garden Route.

Things to do in Garden Route

Shopping

In the Garden Route, visit the Garden Route Mall in George, featuring a mix of local and international brands. Don’t miss Knysna's Thesen Island, where boutique shops offer unique crafts and gifts. For a vibrant market experience, explore the Outeniqua Farmers Market in George for local produce and handmade goods.

Recreation

At the Healing Earth Spa in Knysna, indulge in holistic treatments inspired by nature, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Nearby, the Fancourt Hotel offers a wellness centre with a range of treatments and wellness activities designed to rejuvenate both body and mind amidst serene surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Tsitsikamma Forest. Explore the diverse wildlife at the Knysna Elephant Park, where you can interact with these gentle giants in a stunning natural setting.

Nightlife

In Knysna, the Zanzibar Nightclub offers vibrant music and a lively dance scene, while the Mitchell’s Brewery presents a relaxed atmosphere with craft beers and live entertainment. In Plettenberg Bay, the Lookout Deck combines stunning ocean views with a lively bar scene, perfect for enjoying cocktails under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Garden Route

To save money during your trip to the Garden Route, consider visiting in the off-peak months of May to June or September, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and hotel type. Saturday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Garden Route are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Garden Route about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Garden Route is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Garden Route is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you can easily identify sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel reservation along the Garden Route with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Garden Route

The Garden Route in the Western Cape offers an ideal setting for outdoor family holidays, featuring a blend of eco-friendly activities and cultural experiences. Key attractions include nature reserves, charming towns, and historic bridges, catering to those seeking city vibes, beach relaxation, and rich cultural immersion. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes and partake in various activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and heritage.

• Botlierskop Private Game Reserve: Nestled 22.5km from the Garden Route, this luxurious reserve offers a tranquil escape into nature. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, encountering a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, all while relishing the serene atmosphere that surrounds the reserve.
• Dana Bay: Located 20.9km away, Dana Bay exudes a charming town vibe, making it a delightful stop for those wishing to experience local culture. Its beautiful coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and enjoying the ocean breeze.
• Gourits River Bridge: This historic bridge, situated 17.7km from the Garden Route, is an architectural marvel steeped in culture. Visitors can explore its unique design while enjoying scenic views of the Gourits River, making it an ideal spot for photography and reflection.

Best time to go to Garden Route

The best time to visit Garden Route can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Garden Route falls in January and February. February has moderately high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Garden Route falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

The nearest major airports for your trip to Garden Route

Accessing the Garden Route is convenient via two major airports. George Airport (GRJ) is situated 45.1km from the region, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star Fancourt, located 6.4km away, offering transport services to the airport. The 4-star Oakhurst Hotel is 8.0km from GRJ, providing similar transport options. Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ) is 132.0km from the Garden Route, with excellent accommodations like the 4-star Ocean Watch Guest House and The Junction Boutique Hotel, both 6.4km from PBZ, and Periwinkle Guest Lodge, just 4.8km away, all offering airport transfers.