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Top reasons to visit Garden Route

• Scenic Drives: The Garden Route is famous for its breathtaking coastal drives, offering stunning views of mountains, forests, and the ocean.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a plethora of activities such as hiking, surfing, and golfing amidst the region's natural beauty.
• Charming Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, known for their local culture and hospitality.
• Wildlife Encounters: Experience unforgettable safari adventures in nearby nature reserves, showcasing diverse flora and fauna.
• Delightful Wine Tours: Indulge in exquisite wine tasting at local vineyards, highlighting the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Find great hotels near Garden Route

Discover the perfect retreat along the stunning Garden Route, where a variety of guesthouses and hotels cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you're seeking family-friendly amenities, adventurous activities, or a relaxing beach holiday, you'll find comfortable and stylish accommodations to suit your needs. Explore the best boutique hotels and charming lodgings that offer a unique taste of the region’s natural beauty and hospitality.

• Gondwana Game Reserve: Located a mile from the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and adventure seekers, boasting an impressive guest rating of 9.6. This hotel offers a unique experience with its golf-themed activities, allowing guests to indulge in rounds of golf amidst stunning landscapes. Adventure sports are on the menu, with options including ziplining, fishing, swimming, sailing, and snorkelling nearby. The reserve's luxurious accommodations provide a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• ATKV Hartenbos: Just 21km from the Garden Route, ATKV Hartenbos is an excellent choice for families seeking a beach holiday. With a commendable guest rating of 9.4, this property provides direct access to the beach, making it an ideal spot for sun-soaked days by the sea. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly amenities such as a children's pool, shared playground, and highchairs available upon request. The relaxed atmosphere combined with convenient facilities ensures a memorable stay for guests of all ages.
• Garden Route Safari Camp: Situated 13km from the Garden Route, Garden Route Safari Camp is a safari tent lodge that invites guests to immerse themselves in nature, achieving a guest rating of 9.6. Featuring a restaurant and a bar/lounge, this accommodation offers complimentary breakfast and dinner options. Guests can partake in various sports and recreational activities, such as horse riding, fishing, and hiking, while enjoying game viewing on-site. The camp's stunning mountain views and diverse wildlife create an unforgettable safari experience.

Where to stay near Garden Route

The Garden Route offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and eco-friendly family holidays. Explore the vibrant cities and picturesque towns along this scenic coastline, where friendly locals welcome you. Nature lovers will revel in the breathtaking landscapes, perfect for excursions and recreation. Whether you prefer luxury resorts or self-catering accommodations, the Garden Route has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience amidst stunning scenery.

• Gondwana Game Reserve: Nestled a mere 8km from the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve is an eco-friendly paradise that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. This stunning nature reserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a connection with nature. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided game drives, hiking trails, and birdwatching. The reserve is home to a shopping centre and a golf course, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. With peak visitor numbers from December to February, it’s an excellent choice for a summer escape.
• Herbertsdale: Located 13km from the Garden Route, Herbertsdale is a charming city that offers a delightful combination of romance and entertainment. With a steady influx of travellers, particularly in January, April, and September, this destination is perfect for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. While exploring Herbertsdale, visitors can discover local landmarks, including an event conference venue, which hosts various community activities. The friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for couples and families alike looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway.
• Brandwag: Situated 14km from the Garden Route, Brandwag is a vibrant city known for its outdoor activities and eco-friendly initiatives. The area experiences a moderate seasonal influx of visitors, peaking from December to February. Travellers can engage in a range of activities such as exploring nearby nature reserves, parks, and a national park, making it a haven for nature lovers. Brandwag offers various recreational areas and resorts, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in South Africa's rich biodiversity.

Things to do in Garden Route

The Garden Route offers an idyllic setting for outdoor, eco-friendly family holidays. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as golfing at premier courses, exploring picturesque vineyards, and embarking on unforgettable safari experiences. The region is renowned for its scenic drives, enchanting views, and delightful wine tours, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in nature's embrace.

Shopping

Visit the Garden Route Mall in George, a modern shopping destination featuring a variety of local and international brands. In Knysna, explore the Knysna Waterfront, where you can find unique shops and artisan stalls, perfect for picking up distinctive gifts and souvenirs from the region.

Recreation

At the Healing Spa in Knysna, indulge in holistic therapies surrounded by tranquil gardens. Enjoy yoga sessions at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn, where the forest setting enhances relaxation. The Spa at Fancourt offers rejuvenating treatments and scenic views, creating a serene atmosphere for unwinding after engaging in outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge, one of the highest in the world. Alternatively, explore the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can hike scenic trails and embark on thrilling canopy tours among ancient trees.

Go on a thrilling safari at the Addo Elephant National Park, where you can spot diverse wildlife, or try out kayaking in the Knysna Lagoon, surrounded by stunning scenery and vibrant birdlife.

For adventure seekers, zip-lining through the treetops at Tsitsikamma is a must. You can also enjoy the exhilaration of surfing at Plettenberg Bay, with its beautiful beaches and excellent waves.

Nightlife

The Garden Route offers vibrant nightlife options, from the lively bars in Knysna to the relaxed beach clubs in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy live music at a local pub or sip cocktails at a stylish lounge while soaking in the coastal atmosphere. Each venue provides a unique experience to savour after sunset.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Garden Route

• 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 August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to November to January, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Garden Route is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• 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 set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money 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 offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and eco-friendly family holidays, featuring a variety of attractions such as nature reserves, charming towns, and historic bridges. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant city life to stunning beaches and cultural encounters, ensuring a memorable trip for everyone.

• Botlierskop Private Game Reserve: Nestled 23km from the Garden Route, this exclusive reserve offers a luxurious, secluded experience. Guests can enjoy guided safari tours, witnessing Africa's wildlife in their natural habitat while surrounded by stunning landscapes.
• Dana Bay: Located 21km from the Garden Route, Dana Bay boasts a vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy scenic coastal views, stroll along the beaches, and savour local cuisine at charming eateries.
• Gourits River Bridge: Just 18km from the Garden Route, this historic bridge is an architectural marvel. It offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage and stunning views of the Gourits River, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
February	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.7°F (16.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
June	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
July	57.2°F (14.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
August	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	59.2°F (15.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	67.6°F (19.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Garden Route

Reaching the Garden Route in South Africa is convenient via two major airports. George Airport (GRJ), situated 45km away, is served by hotels such as Fancourt and Hilltop Boutique Hotel. Fancourt offers free airport transportation and a 24-hour shuttle service, while Hilltop provides limited-hours shuttles for a fee. Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ), located 132km from the Garden Route, has nearby options including The Plettenberg Hotel and Sky Villa Boutique Hotel , both providing paid transport services. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the stunning Garden Route from these key airports and their associated accommodations.