Are you looking for great accommodations and hotels along the Garden Route? In the following article, we’ve compiled our best hotel tips for the Garden Route to save you time searching and researching. You’ll also find our personal recommendations for each location, including how much time you should plan for each location.

Whether you’re looking for luxurious hotels, cozy guesthouses, or unique lodges, we’ve compiled the perfect recommendations to make your stay an unforgettable experience. Be inspired and discover the best places to relax after an exciting day in nature!

We have divided the accommodations into 3 price categories:

• € – Budget: up to 100 € per night for 2 people
• €€ – Mid-range: 100 € to 200 € per night for 2 people
• €€€ – Luxury: from 200 € per night for 2 people

• Hotel tips for the Garden Route
• Hotel tips for Hermanus
• Hotel tips for De Hoop Nature Reserve
• Hotel tips for Mossel Bay
• Hotel tips for Wilderness
• Hotel tips for Knysna
• Hotel tips for Plettenberg Bay
• Hotel tips for Tsitiskamma National Park
• Hotel tips for Jeffreys Bay
• Game Lodges along the Garden Route
• Garden Route Hotels – Our Conclusion

Hotel Tips for the Garden Route

We are often asked which places along the Garden Route are suitable for an overnight stay and how many days you should plan to spend there. For this reason, we have created the following article to help you with your trip planning. We have two options:

• Option 1: You love beautiful accommodations and would like to book several.
• Option 2: You don’t like moving around and would like to book fewer accommodations.

Whether you want to explore the Garden Route in several stages or prefer a relaxing stay in one or two accommodations, this region offers countless stunning accommodations. Depending on the time of year, plan your route and accommodations in advance to get the most out of your adventure!

Option 1 – For Explorers

We love staying in many beautiful accommodations on our trips and therefore don’t mind moving frequently. Plan at least 12 to 14 days for the Garden Route and let the many highlights surprise you. Your overnight stops could be the following:

• Cape Town (3-4 nights)
• Hermanus/De Kelders (1-2 nights)
• Swellendam/De Hoop (1-2 nights)
• Wilderness (2 nights)
• Plettenberg Bay (2 nights)
• Tsitsikamma (1 night)
• Jeffreys Bay (1 night)

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Option 2 – For connoisseurs

We also enjoy staying in one place for a long time to stay and fully enjoy each accommodation. If you prefer to stay in one place for a longer period and not move every other day, we recommend planning 3 to 4 nights per accommodation along the Garden Route. Shorter stopovers are of course possible.

• Cape Town (4-5 nights)
• Hermanus/De Kelders (2 nights)
• Knysna/Wilderness (3-4 nights)
• Plettenberg Bay (2-3 nights)

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Hotel tips for Hermanus

Hermanus is not part of the Garden Route, as this officially begins in Mossel Bay. Since most people start their tour from Cape Town and make one or two stops along the way to the Garden Route, a stop in Hermanus or De Kelders is recommended.

Both places are known for breathtaking whale watching and beautiful coastal landscapes. Here you can take great walks, enjoy excellent food, and enjoy beautiful excursions. We recommend that you plan 2 nights in Hermanus or De Kelders.

€ – Budget

• The Potting Shed Guest House*
• The Treehouse Suite*
• Oude Schuur Boutique Guesthouse*

€€ – Mid-range

• Cliff Cottage Hermanus*
• The Whale on Main B&B*
• Misty Waves Boutique Hotel*

€€€ – Luxury

• Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa*
• Abalone Guest Lodge*

Hotel tips for De Hoop Nature Reserve

On your way to the starting point of the Garden Route, you should also plan a stop at the unique De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve is known for its pristine beaches and impressive sand dunes and is one of the most beautiful places along the coast. With a bit of luck, you might even spot southern right whales and humpback whales in the water.

We recommend planning 2 nights at De Hoop Nature Reserve, as you’ll want to spend at least one full day exploring in addition to the journey. You can book accommodation either directly at the nature reserve or, for example, in Swellendam. The charming town is approximately 1.5 hours from De Hoop Nature Reserve.

€ – Budget

• Aloe Cottage*
• Arumvale Country Retreat*

€€ – Mid-Range

• Tides River Lodge*
• Melk Houte Bosch Manor House*
• A Riverbed Guesthouse*
• Mardouw Country House*

€€€ – Luxury

• De Hoop Collection Suites*
• De Kloof Heritage Estate Hotel and Wellness*
• Bloomestate Swellendam*

Hotel tips for Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is the official starting point of the Garden Route, which stretches along the coast to Storms River. To be honest, Mossel Bay doesn’t exactly have the best reputation and is often called the “ugly duckling” of the Garden Route. The reasons for this are the oil refineries and industrialization.

If you have a lot of time, you can stop in Mossel Bay; otherwise, we recommend you continue driving. The town has some cool cafes, quiet beaches, good conditions for beginner surfers, delicious food in the restaurants, and numerous good and, above all, affordable accommodation options.

€ – Budget

• Golf & Tides*
• The Secret Garden Hideaway*
• Natures Gem of Mosselbay*
• Gouriqua 401*
• Sundowner Loft*
• Betty’s Boutique Hotel*

€€ – mid-range

• Aqua Marina Guest House*
• Rosebud 4 Beacon Point*

€€€ – Luxury

• The BlueHouse*

Hotel Tips for Wilderness

Wilderness is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places on the Garden Route. The small village of 6,000 inhabitants lies between George and Knysna and is surrounded by a chain of lakes, separated from the Indian Ocean by a narrow strip of dunes. In the background, the densely forested Outeniqua Mountains rise with their evergreen forest.

West of Wilderness, the Kaaimans River winds through the landscape, while the Touws River flows directly through the village and, together with other bodies of water, forms a picturesque lagoon between the dunes. We love the miles of secluded beaches, the lush Wilderness National Park, the great viewpoints, and the pleasant atmosphere.

We recommend planning at least 2 to 3 nights in Wilderness. Not only will you find numerous beautiful accommodations here, but there are also incredible things to do in the natural surroundings. Hike through the national park, kayak on the Touws River, try paragliding and walk along the endless beach.”

€ – Budget

• The Wild -Suite*
• Amber Light Wilderness Beach Cottage*
• Oakhurst Farm Cottages*
• Reflections Eco-Reserve*

€€ – Mid-Range

• Reflections Eco-Reserve*
• Moontide Riverside Lodge*
• Luxury Studio – 180 Degree Ocean Views*
• Mes Amis Beach*
• Cinnamon Boutique Guest House*
• Under the Boardwalk B&B Guest House*
• Boardwalk Lodge – Self-Catering*

€€€ – Luxury

• Beach Villa Wilderness*

Hotel Tips for Knysna

Not far from Wilderness is the lagoon town of Knysna, nestled between dense forests. The lagoon is connected to the Indian Ocean by the famous Knysna Heads, two massive sandstone cliffs. You can enjoy numerous activities both within the lagoon and out on the Indian Ocean.

Knysna offers a charming blend of idyllic nature, exciting adventures, and fine dining. Numerous shops, hip cafés, great restaurants, and stunningly beautiful accommodations await you. If you don’t like it quite so quiet and are longing for a bit more “life”, Knysna is a great choice (minimum 2 nights)

€ – Budget

• Big Tree House Lodge*
• Abalone Lodges*
• VB Escape Apartment*

€€ – Mid-range

• Maison Mahogany Knysna*
• Under Milkwood Resort*
• Forest Valley Cottages*
• Knysna Hollow Country Estate*
• Hudson Guesthouse Entabeni Knysna*

€€€ – Luxury

• Turbine Hotel & Spa*
• The Lofts Boutique Hotel*
• Somervreug Guesthouse*

Hotel tips for Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg is a great starting point for exploring the popular Garden Route. “Plett,” as South Africans call the coastal town, is located between Knysna and the Tsitsikamma National Park and is very popular with many South African vacationers – and rightly so!

In the easy-to-navigate town center, you’ll find cool cafés, shops, supermarkets, and restaurants. There are also a ton of great accommodations and hotels all around. Of particular note are the beautiful beaches around Plettenberg Bay and the diverse opportunities for outdoor activities. You should stay at least 2 nights in Plett, 3 to 4 are better (depending on route planning).

€ – Budget

• The Cinnamons*
• SALT Luxury Guest Suite Plett*
• The Holliday Pad*

€€ – Mid-range

• Christiana Lodge*
• Ocean Watch Guest House*
• Barrington’s

€€€ – Luxury

• Tsala Treetop Lodge*
• Emily Moon River Lodge*
• The Bungalow*

Hotel tips for Tsitiskamma National Park

During your tour along the Garden Route, a stop in the Tsitiskamma National Park is not to be missed. The park stretches along one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastlines, with dramatic cliffs, rugged rocks, and beautiful beaches lapped by the waves of the Indian Ocean.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is famous for its hiking trails, particularly the Otter Trail, which is considered one of the best hiking trails in South Africa. You can enjoy a variety of activities there, including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and ziplining through the treetops. Plan at least 1 to 2 nights.

€ – Budget

• Pear Tree Cottage*
• Mountain Breeze Log Cabins*
• Imka Trinity Retreat*

€€ – Mid-Range

• The Fernery Lodge & Chalets*
• Tsitsikamma Village Inn*

€€€ – Luxury

• The Tsitsikamma Pyramid*
• On the Rocks @ Eersterivier*
• Hog Hollow Country Lodge*

Hotel tips for Jeffreys Bay

On your way to Port Elizabeth, you can stop in Jeffreys Bay. The place is world-famous as a top surfing destination. The waves here often reach heights of up to 3 meters and attract surfers from all over the world. Every July, the famous J-Bay Classic takes place at Supertubes Beach in J-Bay, where you have the unique opportunity to see the world’s best surfers.

Jeffreys Bay offers several beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Be sure to try sandboarding in the dunes. There are a variety of nature reserves in the area, including the nearby Seekoei River Nature Reserve, which is a prime spot for birdwatching. We recommend that you plan at least 1 to 2 nights in J-Bay.”

€ – Budget

• Beach Music*
• Soul Searchers*
• Shack on Supers*
• AtSupers Accommodation*

€€ – Mid-Range

• On the Beach Guesthouse Jeffreys Bay*
• The Ocean Bay Luxury Guesthouse*
• Sky Villa Boutique Hotel by Raw Africa Collection*

€€€ – Luxury

• Driftwoods- Eco Beach Bush Retreat*
• Sandy’s Spot*

Game Lodges along the Garden Route

You probably also want to Safari while traveling the Garden Route? This is possible not only in the Kruger National Park, but also in one of the many private reserves. In most cases, you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, but it’s really worth it.

We recently spent four days at the Pumba Private Game Reserve over Christmas and enjoyed the luxury of this lodge to the fullest. In the reserve, we were able to spot giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, zebras, kudus, and many other animals. You should plan at least two to three nights to make it worthwhile!

€€ – Mid-range €150 to €400

• Hartenbos Private Game Lodge*
• Garden Route Game Lodge*
• Madikwe Game Reserve*

€€€ – Luxury 700 € to 1200 €

• Amakhala Game Reserve*
• Pumba Private Game Reserve*
• Gondwana Game Reserve*
• Sabi Sabi Game Reserve*

Garden Route Hotels – Our Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous beautiful and unique accommodations and hotels along the Garden Route. Now you’re spoiled for choice! We hope you enjoyed our hotel tips for the Garden Route and that you can make a decision more easily. Whichever accommodation you choose, we wish you an unforgettable trip through South Africa.