Time to start planning your next Garden Route adventure! Known as “God’s Own Country” by those who live here, the Garden Route attracts visitors from around the world and all of South Africa. And once you’ve been, you will understand why.
One of the regions’ most popular events, The Oyster Festival, (known also as the best 10 days of your winter) is spread over two weekends and revolves around the consumption of fresh oysters served naked, cooked or garnished.
This popular festival, which attracts thousands to the Garden Route, hosts two major sporting events – a marathon and a cycle race – but includes so many other mid-week events that many stick around for the full 10 days.
Those who canโt be there for the full Knysna Oyster Festival head into town on either weekend, and the place generally hums.
You still have time to book your Knysna accommodation, but to make it easier for you, weโve selected some of the best places to stay in Knysna, and in those towns closest to Knysna, on the beloved Garden Route – Enjoy!
Best places to stay on the Garden Route …
Where to Stay In Knysna
Cliffhanger Cottages
Youโre going to fall in-love not only with the fact that these cottages lie far enough outside of town that you can choose when to join the throngs or not, but also – oh, the views!
Set on the Rheenendal Road youโre perched on the edge of a forested valley, the Outeniqua Mountains in the near distance as if just for you…
Woodcutters Forest Cottages
These two self catering cottages on the edge of the Knysna forest give new meaning to the term โcharmingโ.
Theyโre the epitome of modern country with screed floors, open-plan living, wood burning stoves, scatter rugs, clever use of colour, and gardens that creep up to your veranda. Easy living with access to nature trails, picnics and cycling.
The Rex Hotel
The 3-star Rex Hotel lies right in the heart of Knysna and manages to exude elegance and sophistication together with a dash of modern and eclectic.
The hotel rooms offer comfort without losing their unique flavour. The Rex has 30 en-suite rooms that vary from standard to luxury apartments with kitchenettes. And the Rose Cafรฉ is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Head Over Hills
OMG the views! This guest house could sell mattresses on the floor its position on the edge of the Knysna Heads is so incredible.
Instead there are eight spacious rooms to choose from, each with its own private balcony and sea view. Quick, before itโs fully booked!
Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge
High on the Welbedacht Cliffs overlooking the Knysna lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains, the emphasis here is on stone and wood, and indigenous fynbos surrounds.
The suites each have their own views over the water, whilst two convert into family rooms.
Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
Penguin Cottage
Set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Keurboomstrand is Penguin Seaside Cottage, a lovely, newly renovated, comfortable and elegantly refurbished two-bedroom holiday home in Plettenberg Bay.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa.
Emulating the monumental ruins of an ancient central African civilisation, the impressive stone-masonry entrance flanked by water features leads into a magnificent foyer supported by polished Blackwood columns.
Lairds Lodge Country Estate
Set on a 24 acre estate in a beautiful Cape Dutch homestead the combination of verandas, courtyards, koi ponds and distant mountains alone is worth a stay here.
And thatโs before youโve wandered through high-ceilinged en-suite rooms or ensconced yourself before the wood burning fireplace with a cognac in your hand.
Fynbos Ridge Country House
Choose from a handful of country cottages, a Cape Dutch house, and an apartment/studio on the houseโs first floor in a fynbos reserve with views of the mountains, minutesโ from Plettโs beaches.
Thereโs also an organic herb and vegetable garden that supplies the kitchen (you can pick your own if youโre self-catering).
Cornerway House
Five B&B bedrooms, and a further three self-catering available in this Cape colonial-style house set deep within the lawns and flower beds of a country garden that, given the right time of year, will smell of flowering citrus or jasmine.
And if thatโs not enough of an invitation Robberg beach is 8 minutesโ walk away.
Where to Stay in Wilderness
The Wilderness Hotel
The Wilderness Hotel has a grand tradition and reputation as a honeymoon spot, a family hotel and a tourist and business destination.
The hotel is steeped in tradition and has a warm, old-style charm yet is a modern hotel with all the facilities you need.
JustFor2 in Wilderness
JustFor2 offers accommodation in four units bordering the Wilderness National Park and just a two minute drive from the beach.
There are two luxury cottages, a cosy cottage and an en-suite apartment, all in a private and quiet setting.
Libertas Guest Farm
This working dairy farm in the lakes area offers a gorgeous renovated farmhouse (sleeps 10-12 people) and an equally delightful Dairy house (sleeps 5).
The natural beauty of the area will get you if the original yellowwood beams, hot art fireplace, swings in the old blue gum trees, or stoep donโt work their magic on you.
Where to Stay in Sedgefield
Kambaku At Sea
Kambaku @ Sea offers bed and breakfast accommodation in one of the most beautiful locations along the Garden Route.
The property is positioned on the hills of Sedgefield, encircled by forest and estuaries. Here guests can expect a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in which they can relax…
Teniqua Treetops
One of our favourite places to stay on the Garden Route (and they are reasonably priced too) is this gem!
The treehouse provide a lovely holiday hideout and the resort is geared for hosting kids. The treehouses are also quite private and far from one, another making it an ideal romantic destination too.
Explore the Garden Route …
