35 Best Hotels in The Garden Route and the Little Karoo, South Africa

Built with care and attention to detail, this lovely guesthouse is a winner. The understated decor makes the most of natural materials: reed ceilings in the rooms, stone tiles in the bathrooms, and lots of woodwork everywhere, including some charming old wooden doors. All rooms have king-size beds, huge showers, and either direct access to the lovely gardens or spacious balconies with mountain views. It's right in the village, so it's close to all the adventure activities on offer in Storms River Village. Hostess Bev Coetzee is a treasure trove of information about the local area.

A communal kitchen, pool table, swimming pool, bar, and TV lounge combine to create that vibe where everyone becomes friends in half an hour in this hostel that specializes in daily cycling trips down the Swartberg Pass, with stops at the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. It also has a shuttle that connects with the Baz Bus stop in George. The beds in the dorms are all three-quarter size, some in rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The double en-suite rooms include soap and towels, and the lounge has cable TV and a library. There's a coffee shop on the premises (The Fix) that serves breakfasts and light lunches, and every night they prepare an ostrich barbecue for less than R100. Backpackers Paradise is conveniently located on Baron van Reede Street, just on the caves side of town.

There are lovely views of the lagoon at this attractive restored 1849 Cape Georgian manor house. You'll stay in one of the airy cottages that face each other across a lawn sloping down to a jetty. Choose from one- and two-bedroom units, all with sitting rooms with fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens. There's a restaurant with a small but tasty menu, and in summer breakfast is served on the verandah overlooking the water. Be sure to ask for a Lagoon Room, as the Garden Rooms don't have views. Knysna is 6½ km (4 miles) away.

About 3 km (2 miles) upstream from Keurboom Lagoon, this award-winning B&B has a tranquil location on the banks of the Bitou River. Rooms overlook a pretty garden and a quiet bird-rich and lily-filled pond. The decor is understated and soothing, with neutral pastels dominating. Breakfasts are delicious affairs with freshly baked breads, muffins, and other goodies, in addition to the usual fruit, cereal, and eggs. Bitou feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, but it's only a 10-minute drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay. Don't pass up the opportunity to explore the river in one of the available canoes.

This understated bed-and-breakfast is perched on a cliff in the quiet coastal hamlet of Brenton-on-Sea, so there are breathtaking ocean views from the suites and spacious public rooms. A steep, twisty path leads to a small beach, but the main beach is some distance away. All the well-equipped accommodations have kitchenettes, and there are also two well-equipped communal kitchens where you can whip up meals and then serve them in the sea-view dining room or on the verandah. It's a bit like having your own beach house. Ask for a honeymoon suite—even if you're not on honeymoon—for the roomy showers and tubs.

This guest house on Leisure Island isn't actually on the beach, but the Knysna lagoon is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, and it has that casual beach-house feel that invites many repeat visits. Decorated with light lime-washed pine and wicker furnishings, it has an easy flow from the breakfast room to the sunny pool area. Owner Tim Cuningham will help make arrangements for golf and can provide plenty of advice on other activities, too. Bathrooms don't have tubs, but the generously proportioned shower stalls make up for that.

One of the most scenic in South Africa, this luxury tented camp sits on a horseshoe bend of a dry riverbed at the foot of soaring cliffs. It's a great place to reconnect with yourself, your partner, and nature. Don't be misled into thinking that "tented" in this context means roughing it. The fabulously appointed “tents” are more like chalets and blend of glass, stone, and canvas to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Each opens out onto a private wraparound wooden deck with a whirlpool tub and has an uninterrupted view of the landscape. If you want to be alone, then dine here under the stars on seasonal local produce like roast rack of lamb, marinated ostrich fillet, or line fish in a coconut curry sauce. Or stroll to the spacious dining room for a pre-dinner cocktail before enjoying an excellent meal and equally fine service.

Along a lovely, meandering stretch of river, this camp is divided into northern and southern sections that include a variety of accommodations ranging from log cabins to forest huts. The southern half has several family-friendly cottages that sleep up to six, as well as log cabins and forest huts that sleep up to four. The cabins are prettier than the cottages, but both are bright and pleasant. The forest huts are a bit smaller. The much smaller northern section is more secluded and has a few grassy campsites on the river and a dozen rondavels (round huts). The communal bathroom areas for the campsite are clean and more than adequate.

If you're one of those people who believe that humans have opposable thumbs for the sole purpose of gripping a golf club, you'll love Fancourt, a luxury golf resort in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains. With an on-site luxury spa and well-equipped gym, it has a country club feel. Choose between staying the Fancourt Hotel, which has villas in a landscaped gardens, and the 150-year-old Manor House, transformed into a boutique hotel. Of the four restaurants on the property, the most popular are Henry White's, which serves classic European cuisine, and the Italian eatery La Cantina.

Within easy striking distance of the best game-viewing areas, this lodge overlooking the Bellair Dam is unashamedly family-friendly. The layout is fresh and funky, with a grassy inner garden that invites impromptu cricket matches, as well as an outdoor pool with a shallow area for children. There's also a playroom, babysitting for the under-fours, and a "Kids on Safari" program. The accommodations incorporate traditional Karoo-style architecture. Each of the rooms has a private deck or a balcony with a commanding view. Meals focus on traditional South African cuisine with a twist. A specialty is lamb shank, a typical Karoo dish.

Walking into the Grand is like entering a different world. The owner describes the decor as "monastery meets bordello," and this seems apt: think mismatched boho-chic sofas in animal prints and brocades, ornate fireplaces, and huge silver candelabra. And that's just the reception areas—the private-entrance rooms are just as fabulous. Beds are piled high with goose-down pillows, and bathtubs are placed in front of French windows with amazing views of the ocean and mountains. The Grand Rendezvous restaurant has a tasty all-day menu, and The Old Town Caffé serves bistro classics.

Conveniently situated on road out to the Cango Caves, this warm and friendly lodge has bright, airy rooms with modern furnishings. There's an attractive garden that surrounds a boomarang-shaped swimming pool. In case you're wondering, the lodge's name is pronounced shlung-gah-na ("meet" in Zulu).

On the edge of a forested gorge with the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background, this lovely lodge puts you close to many of the Garden Route's most popular attractions. You will be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave your room, however, with its private verandah and stunning views. Dinners (available for guests only) featuring local seafood and venison are sociable affairs taken around a huge table in the main house. Breakfasts are enjoyed outdoors on the patio. An energetic one-hour walk through the forest will bring you to Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. The lodge is conscientious about environmental and social issues, hiring and training staff from the local community.

Just 10 minutes from town, this tranquil property is set amid gardens that descend into a forested valley. The heart of the lodge is an old farmstead, a lovely thatch building with low beams and large fireplaces. Guest rooms are in cottages with their own fireplaces and verandahs. Three suites have private plunge pools. Tasteful antiques grace the rooms, and clawfoot tubs are the centerpiece of many of the gigantic bathrooms. Most guests eat at the hotel's excellent table restaurant, which brings a French touch to local South African produce. There's also the option of eating at Zinzi's, a separate restaurant on the grounds. The Summer House, in the garden, is open for tea, lunch, and early dinner in summer. The lodge is very child-friendly, making it one of the few places where you don't have to sacrifice sophistication for family accommodations.

Although Kleinplaas means "small farm," this lodging isn't really a farm despite the ostriches and ducks on the premises. Basic but comfortable chalets are neatly arranged in a huge, shady lawn area. Each chalet has a tiny patio area. If you brought you own tent, there's also a tree-shaded campsite. 

On the road to Tsitsikamma, this magnificent 1,500-acre estate offers spacious suites that make you feel like you're staying in your own country home. This historic Cape Dutch homestead was once the home of a Russian émigré, Baron Peter Behr, back in the 1940s. Accommodations are in separate buildings and feature antique furnishings, book-filled shelves, handsome fireplaces, and private balconies. Many have staircases leading to charming children's rooms. The food in the restaurant is delicious, beautifully presented, and made from fresh, local ingredients.

On a working ostrich farm, this stylish guesthouse has rooms that are individually decorated with beautiful antiques; all of the bathrooms have elegant clawfoot tubs. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks in the elegant lounge of the 1902 Victorian manor house or on the verandah overlooking the valley. You'll enjoy scrumptious home cooking in the attractive restaurant. If you're keen on seeing what ostrich farming is all about, you can take an informal but informative tour with the owner. The turnoff to the farm is 7 km (4 miles) west of Oudtshoorn and is well marked from the R62.

Perched high on a hill, this trio of bush tents with fabulous mountain views feels like your own little private paradise. There's one luxury suite tent with a canvas roof that’s perfect for couples or honeymooners. Guests can also sleep in one of four family rooms. Dinner either has a French twist or features traditional South African fare.

This always-buzzing, warm, friendly hostel with some private rooms is light and bright and conveniently located near the middle of town. It's easy to find a sunny or shady spot in the garden to just relax with a book, and the lively bar is a great place to share adventures come evening. All in all, it's an excellent value and the private rooms offer a touch of affordable luxury. There's an information desk, and staff is happy to make recommendations and reservations, as well as drop you off at adventure activities like bungee jumping or attractions such as Monkeyland.

On a private 450-acre nature reserve, this stunning lodge, set in the tree canopy of the indigenous Knysna forest, offers guests the opportunity to sleep in luxury tree houses built from sustainable woods. The bathrooms are a celebration in themselves, with the baths under an atrium of glass jutting out into the tree canopy. The secluded location and clever design ensure complete privacy for each suite, and the living areas are linked by elevated wooden walkways to protect the forest floor below. The lodge is famed for its restaurant, the Forest Boma, which offers contemporary, classical six-course meals with dishes such as springbok carpaccio; pawpaw, carrot, and ginger sorbet; and crispy prawns with spiced coconut sauce. Service is outstanding. Nonguests can book a table for dinner.

The setting of this stylish, minimalist lodge—in splendid isolation on a cliff top in a private nature reserve on the western (wild) side of Robberg Peninsula—is one of the best anywhere, and the view of the open ocean across fynbos-clad hills is spectacular. Rooms are decorated in understated creams, blues, and browns; those that face the sea have dramatic views, and the others overlook a tranquil lily pond. A steep path leads to a private beach and natural tidal pool. Rooms all have fireplaces and underfloor heating for the winter months.

Situated next to the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse and overlooking a huge, linear tidal pool, the Point Hotel has great views over the ocean and the rugged coastline stretching west. In season (July–October), you may see whales from your private balcony. The start of the scenic and fragrant cliff-top Cape St. Blaize Trail is a short stroll away, and the ocean is a stone's throw from most balconies. There is a tidal pool close by. The hotel often accommodates tour groups, which means the foyer can feel a bit like a public transportation terminal. Ask for a room from the second floor upward for unobstructed views.

Just a few steps from the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, this stylish hotel is close to most of what's happening in Mossel Bay. You can take in the great views of the harbor and the beach while relaxing at the Blue Oyster Pool Lounge. Strange nooks and crannies and yard-thick stone walls testify to the building's status as one of the oldest in Mossel Bay (it dates back to the mid-19th century). The rooms are bright and spacious, with exposed-brick walls and tasteful decor. Self-catering suites have two balconies overlooking the water.

For luxury and indulgence in the heart of Oudtshoorn, look no further. You'll be greeted with freshly cut flowers in spacious and elegantly furnished garden cottages boasting under-floor heating, relaxing baths, and patios facing a pretty stone fountain. Suites have a separate sitting rooms and private pools. The reception area is located in an old farmhouse dating from 1852 with polished tile floors, exposed beams, and Persian carpets. The restaurant has a three- or two -course set dinner menu of well-executed classic dishes, such as ostrich with red wine sauce and steak fillet béarnaise. You'll also find a spa, pool, and all the other amenities.

It might be called the Santos Express, but this train isn’t departing any time soon. Compact compartments in the vintage sleeper cars have little space but lots of character, and the views of the ocean are hard to beat. Book way ahead to secure one of four Royal Suites, which have authentic wood paneling, private bathrooms, and private balconies. The always-busy restaurant serves a good range of traditional South African dishes, such as bobotie (spicy ground meat with savory custard topping) and waterblommetjiebredie (water-flower stew)—don't knock it till you've tried it.

Immerse yourself in elegance at this gleaming white country house sitting right on the edge of Knysna Lagoon. Wander around in a spacious suite with uninterrupted views of the water, wander around the landscaped formal gardens with tranquil koi ponds, or stroll down to the private pier with free use of canoes and fishing equipment. Indoors the setting is light and bright, with some lovely antiques.

Almost within soaking distance of the pounding surf, the setting at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is nothing short of spectacular, making it a must-visit for international visitors. There’s an incredibly wide range of accommodations, including attractive seaside apartments called "oceanettes" that have fully outfitted kitchens. Handsome log cabins, referred to as “chalets,” are popular because they sit closest to the ocean. Forest huts are the cheapest option. There are plenty of activities like kayaking and snorkeling.

High on a rocky point in Plettenberg Bay, this luxury hotel has unbelievable views of Keurbooms Lagoon and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. In season, whales and dolphins frolic just beyond the waves. Built around an 1860 manor house, the hotel has an aura of graciousness. Even if you don't stay here, treat yourself to lunch on the hotel terrace. Diners sit under large umbrellas and look out over a gorgeous pool. Reservations are a must at SeaFood, a fancier affair focusing on local meat and seafood. You can have a romantic dinner for two in the private dining room for no extra charge.

Horses and cows in the field, a huge vegetable garden, and endless views over the ocean create a sense of space and abundance at this friendly hostel set high on a farm above Wilderness. Brothers Riaan and Theo Barnard, both qualified tour guides, offer excursions all over the Garden Route, as well as surfboard rentals and regular shuttles to and from Wilderness. You're welcome to use the well-equipped kitchen or barbecue, though you might want to start the day off with a big farm breakfast for R35. The hostel also offers three dormitories.

At historic Tilney Lodge, the staff waits outside to greet new arrivals with hot face towels to freshen up after the hour-long drive from the reserve entrance. The manor house, dating back to 1894, was once the home of the Swellendam district magistrate and features a comfortable lounge and sitting room decorated in English colonial style. In summer, the swimming pool is a popular spot overlooking the lush garden, arid plains, and mountains beyond. Each of the spacious garden rooms is classically decorated and has a private verandah. Lavish bathrooms feature indoor and outdoor showers as well as freestanding double-sided tubs. Lunches and dinners are served outside on the patio at individual tables, but indoor dining is around a communal table. The menu changes daily, focusing on beautifully presented comfort food like venison or lamb.