Planning Your Trip on The Garden Route, South Africa
Nature's Valley + Salt River Hike
One Google search of The Garden Route will throw up endless SA based companies who offer to assist and help plan, book and organise everything for your trip. From transport, accommodation, activities, transfers, they will service your trip from beginning to end. After engaging with a couple of different companies, I felt the quotes seemed very expensive, and organised travel usually isn’t the way I like to do things. The most important thing to think about before planning your trip is, what do you want out of your time on The Garden Route?
Are you looking to meet travellers, are you seeking an adventure filled trip of canyoning, bungy, rock climbing, to name but a few? Are you dreaming of immersing yourself in the lush nature The Garden Route provides? Or like myself, are you heading to this green paradise for some time to pause, relax, find space, and enjoy some alone time?
Constantia Glen Winery
Whatever the answer to this question, The Garden Route has it all. By booking your own trip, you can essentially create your perfect mix, enjoy some of the incredibly creative accommodations spaces available, and save a heck of a lot of money whilst doing so.
The Main Stops
Hermanus: the first stop on the GR, for whale watching. The season is between June and December, so if you’re travelling at this time, Hermanus could be a great first stop.
Mossel Bay: Small town, recommended by both tour companies I spoke to. We drove through and personally, this place wasn’t for us.
Wilderness: Our first stop, slightly less popular stop on the route, but we chose it for its incredible hikes. There are several nature escape type Airbnb properties situated in the hills here, my Airbnb wish list was bursting with saved properties, so I recommend taking a look for some inspiration.
Knysna: Another highly popular and recommended stop. Knysna is a town on the Western Cape that boasts many hotels, a beach, restaurants, hikes and local shops. We stopped for a lunch here, but preferred the more calm, quiet area of Wilderness to base ourselves rather than being in the main towns.
Plettenberg Bay: The GR’s main town stop off. Many opt to stay here in one of the many hotels, and enjoy the business of the stunning beach, the local culture, and the accessibility to hikes near by car. Again, steering clear of the busy towns due to our preference of travel, we found a beautiful eco village 30min drive from Plett where we based ourselves in a wooden, treehouse like property we found via Airbnb called Adventurer’s Escape. Here, we were nestled in the hills, surrounded by nature, in a quiet escape community who have created a beautiful vibe, away from the hustle and bustle.
Tsitsikamma National Park: Adventurer’s heaven. Lots of great properties here, whether you’re looking for a hotel or a private Airbnb.
Stormsrivier: You can find great properties situated on the river where you can hear the rumble of the water from your home, hence the name of the area.
Port Elizabeth: Many people end their trip in this town, flying out of the airport. Not a huge amount going on here, and I would definitely recommend avoiding staying here and just using it as a departure stop off.
Addo Elephant Park: Hugely popular stop as this sanctuary is one of the best spots to experience the wildlife in South Africa. Whilst many opt for a day visit, we decided to stay in the park in their ‘Safari Tents’, which onlooked straight into the park and we often woke to elephants or zebras roaming outside our large canvas tent.
We settled on a final route of:
2 nights in Wilderness - 2 nights at Wild Spirit - 3 nights out of Plett at Kuthumba Eco Village - 2 nights at Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park
Costs
From both tour companies I discussed planning a trip with, I was given quotes between £1,000-£1,400 per person for 10 days. This included a car and all accommodation. In the end, I booked our entire trip for 2 people for £620, saving a huge amount of money and finding accommodation much more suited to our personal taste. My advice would be to spend the time to build the trip that truly resonates with you, and money for the trip itself.
Average accommodation cost per night: 1250 rand / £50
Average meal cost per person: 750 rand / £30
Average daily spend per person: 750 rand / £30
Accommodation
Opting to cocoon ourselves in the magical treehouse like cabins we had been saving to our Airbnb wish list couldn’t have been a better option for us.
However, where you stay comes back to the fundamental question of the purpose of your trip and your intentions. There are a host of hotels, some hostels, and plenty of homes on Airbnb within the towns and surrounding areas.
Kol Kol Lodge
Nestled in the hills just a short drive from Cape Town, this location had come highly recommended to us, and I must include in this write up as it was truly the most inspiring space I’ve ever stayed in. Think repurposed wood, stylish yet home made furniture, outdoor braai space and pizza oven, huge luxurious bathtub with incredible views, and wood fired hot tub. Spend at least 2 nights and take enough food to cook that will last the whole time. Booking is via email and often booked up, so allow time and book well in advance.
2. The Vinny Van / Magic Garden Cabin
The sweetest, most creative home utilising an old camper van as the bedroom with an inbuilt wooden decking hosting a table, chairs, bbq, hammock and chill space with sweeping views over the valley. They were doing a refurb whilst we were there to turn it into a magic garden cabin with added amenities - which is now complete by the looks of their listing!
3. Wild Spirit Hostel
Having come recommended through close friends, we stayed 2 nights here. A truly inclusive space, with multiple hikes, evening communal fresh cooked meals, morning yoga, and cosy fireside post and dinner vibes with a no noise past midnight policy, this hostel attracts exactly the kind of people I would want to be sharing a space with - nomads who are interested in conversation whilst being considerate and mindful of people’s own space.
4. Adventurers Escape, Kuthumba Eco Village
Made up of a few streets committed to sustainable living, this wholesome village boasts several rentable properties. Never have I felt so integrated into nature than here - woken to the sound of monkeys on the roof, bathing in the wood fired hot tub under zero light polluted starry skies before bed. This haven is quiet, isolated, and perfect for what we were seeking.
5. Addo Elephant Park
Whilst some opt for a day trip to Addo, 2 nights in the Safari Tent was a trip highlight. Arriving to zebras roaming outside our balcony, and waking in the morning to a herd of majestic elephants feasting on the lush land outside our tent. This is a must in my opinion! We found it very confusing to find the right place to book accommodation, but after lots of research the offical SA San Parks website was the best, cheapest and most direct option (linked above).
Hidden Gems on The Garden Route
Constantia Glen
You’ll find many affordable yet luxury wineries outside of Cape Town, but this one held a special place in my heart. They offer picnic blankets for you to lounge on the grass overlooking the vines, sipping on delicious wine with a view of the mountains to the other side. A must!
Beaumont Family Wines
A great stop off on the drive for lunch, not only is the food and service excellent but they also have a deli with home prepared meals handy for any evening meals you don’t want to prep yourself. We stopped off here to get some evening cook ups for Kol Kol Lodge below!
Kol Kol Lodge
As mentioned above, don’t miss a stay at the Fynbos pods.
Wild Spirit Hostel
As mentioned above, worth it alone for the 3 walks from the hostel. Meet likeminded people and share travel stories and plans by firelight.
Nguni
Perhaps less hidden, but still worthwhile to mention, this restaurant was our favourite meal out on the Garden Route. Local fare, on a cosy environment, buzzing with energy, and truly affordable. The springbok steak was sensational.
Natures Way Farm Stall
Stop for coffee and a local “Milk Tart”, a perfect place to stock up on the finest fresh produce, groceries, meat and dairy. We went back twice we loved it so much.
Forest Nature Spa
A grey morning lead us to this haven, built on a private property offering the most incredible wellness massage packages, if you fancy a morning of self care. Perfect for after hiking!
Fynboshoek Cheese Farm
One of those places you only DREAM of stumbling upon whilst travelling. A true hidden gem, Alje’s farm is quaint and delightful, like something from an old French film. Enjoy a set menu of dishes utilising homemade cheeses, paired with a local Pinot, all for under 1000 rand for 2 people.
As you can see, The Garden Route has SO much to offer.
I hope this post helps you make the most of your time in this magical part of the world.
