Garden Route Accommodation

Birkenhead House in Hermanus is a beach house that somehow manages to pull off five-star luxury. Its ideal location on a cliff top overlooking Walker Bay, Hermanus’ whale-watching hotspot, is arguably the best feature of this seaside retreat.

Located on a hilltop overlooking Walker Bay and forming part of a 1,700ha private fynbos reserve, Grootbos Forest Lodge is an all-inclusive experience. With highlights such as flower safaris, horse riding and whale watching on your doorstep, guests may find that they need a few days to do it justice. 

The developers of upmarket Thesen Island had a knack for identifying unique hotel locations, and The Lofts Boutique Hotel is no exception. With its position above The Boatshed it presents the ideal spot from which to either stay in hotel comfort, or self-cater in apartment style. From here the Garden Route beckons. 

The "Tsala" of Tsala Treetops Lodge means "elevated resting place" – which is apt for this leafy haven. Favourably located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Tsala is the best choice for travellers seeking both adventure and serenity. This safari lodge offers an authentic African bush experience with all the comforts of home.

With ocean front views to observe the Southern Right Whales, and its location in the whimsical seaside town of Hermanus, The Marine Hotel is the perfect refuge after an exciting day exploring the area. Superb whale-watching opportunities in winter and Blue Flag status beaches in summer will leave visitors with an assortment of activities to keep themselves entertained.

Experience your very own holiday home in Knysna at Kanonkop House. With astounding views, easy-going service and a list of activities longer than your arm, you will undoubtedly find any stay too short. 

One Marine Drive is moments from mountain hikes and walks through the fynbos-covered nature reserves near Hermanus, with more than 1600 different plant species to admire. Birding is equally impressive in the area, but if it's whales you’re looking for, you’ve certainly come to the right place.

The Cape Floral Kingdom’s crowning glory is undoubtedly Grootbos Nature Reserve. It's home to 765 plant species – 100 of which are endangered and six of which are entirely new to mankind. The reserve also boasts the luxurious Grootbos Garden Lodge, a peaceful retreat amid ancient milkwood trees, surrounded by fynbos and overlooking the ocean.

The history and restoration of this building into a five-star property, The Turbine Hotel & Spa, makes for a great introduction to the lagoon-side town of Knysna. Ideally located on Thesen Island, it ticks all the boxes of a well-run boutique hotel establishment and will always be remembered for its uniqueness.

Take a three-hour scenic drive out of Cape Town and into the Karoo to Dwyka Tented Lodge, a place where you can experience an authentic desert escape – without sacrificing the comforts of nifty accommodation. 

Boasting an impressively diverse predator population, 8,000ha of true wilderness area and a location only three hours from Cape Town, just off Route 62 – what more reason could one want when travelling to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve? Answer: Tilney Manor, where luxury and privacy are teamed with a varied and authentic safari experience. 

Transformed in 1985 into an exclusive five-star hotel with one of the most dramatic and beautiful views in the world, The Plettenberg Hotel has become somewhat of an establishment on the Garden Route. With facilities that showcase the best the area has to offer, The Plettenberg never fails to impress.