Hi,
Can anyone advise on somewhere to stop for the night between Knysna and Cape Town. We will have seen plenty of the Garden route during our time in Knysna and Storms River so I thought somewhere after Mossel Bay, perhaps swellendam or Arniston?

Also, if we were to go to Arniston, could you give an indication of how long it would take to drive to Cape Town via the coast?

Thanks,

Muz

We had the same dilemma, but ended up just pushing on through. Swellendom was very small, and Mossel Bay was only about a hour from Knysna. We were there in the off season (May), and the whole Garden Route was quite deserted.

If you decide to go to Outshoorn, that would make a nice stop though somewhat out of the way.

Thanks Linjudy, we're going to hit Oudtshoorn on the way out from Cape Town, fortunately we'll be on our honeymoon, but unfortunately we're travelling in January so we're feeling compelled to book everything in advance, which kind of takes away from having the freedom to make decisions on the fly...still, I've never been so organised in my life

Muzaway,

In respons to your request I will let you into one of my secret hideaways.

How would you like to overnight at this place which is on the route that you speak of?

www.seacottage.cjb.net

I am staying there tomorrow and on Sunday as I tour on the Garden Route. I dont just dish out the name of this great hideaway however for a fellow Fodorite anything is possible.

If your answer is "yes" then let me know per email and I will tell you more.

I love wonderful surprises. 8-) 8-)

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

Selwyn-would you share the name for our family? I am in love with the idea of being there to reconnect with my two kids 24 and 27 along with my husband-its really unbelievable! Thanks-

dutyfree,

I most certainly will share the name of the venue with you or any other Fodorite but unfortunately not in a public forum as the venue is a private establishment.

All you need do is please send me an email to [email protected] and I will most definitely respond to you accordingly.

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

Hi. I like Swellendam - it's a small, historic town with some lovely old buildings. Arniston is also nice. I'd say allow 2 hours to get to Cape Town, but consider doing the coastal route via Hermanus (also nice, but quite touristy. Some amazing boutique hotels for honeymoon - I can give recommendations if want) and Bettys Bay as is really nice. Presume you're doing the winelands and route 62 on the way out if you're going to Oudtshoorn. Other places I'd consider are Greyton or McGregor - little white-washed 'artisan' / farming villages in beautiful setting with mountains all around. Little galleries, nice restaurants etc. Very romantic... When booking accomm, I'd make sure places have aircon. In from the coast it can get seriously hot in Jan - my mum spent the night in a coldbath this year because she didn't have aircon!

How about Hermanus?