Garden Route Lodges | Places to Stay in Garden Route

May 28, 2023 Almeta Stockton

Discover the best Lodges in Garden Route including Garden Route Game Lodge, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Riverside Guest Lodge, Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Tamodi Lodge, Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge, Periwinkle Guest Lodge, Thabile Lodge, Green Hills Forest Lodge.
Things to do in Garden Route

1. Garden Route Game Lodge

N2 5 km after Albertinia towards Mossel Bay, Albertinia 6695 South Africa
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1702 reviews

Garden Route Game Lodge

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa’s world famous Garden Route Coast.Only 3½ scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and birdlife including the Big 5.Visitors to the Garden Route Game Lodge can enjoy game viewing in open Landrovers, luxury accommodation and a memorable dining experience in one of our African style restaurants. Our friendly staff and management are there to anticipate your every need to complete your unforgettable stay.

Long drive from Cape Town, but definitely worth while!

Reviewed By 6377alexS

Ive just returned from a 4 night stay in a luxury suite at GRGL with fantastic views over the reserve. It was amazing from start to finish! I think we stayed a little longer than most guests, but every day was something different. Firstly I'd like to thank the superb restaurant staff, each and everyone of the restaurant team are simply the best restaurant staff we've experienced who couldn't do more to improve our stay. Also not to mention the food itself! The 4 day rotating menu will keep you spoilt for choice, however I did go back to the rump steak as it was hands downthe best meal I had in SA. Now onto the game drives, we had two guides on our stay Natasha & Kathy, both where excellent at what they do. Both guides had a different style to how they run a game drive, but both where super passionate about there job and their enthusiasm really comes across. We also took the opportunity to go on a bush picnic & a private game walk, these experiences where definitely worth it. They give us the chance to learn a more about the smaller things that may be missed on the big game drives. We really loved our time at GRGL, hopefully we will get the chance to return again.

2. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Gonnakraal Road, Mossel Bay 6503 South Africa
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1742 reviews

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Situated between Mossel Bay and George, Botlierskop Private Game reserve offers a great diversity of wildlife with more that 26 different animal species and over 200 bird species. Botlierskop reserve is stretching over 4200 ha of mountains and grasslands. Overnight in luxury tented suites situated close to the river. Each of the 17 air-conditioned luxury-tented suites at Botlierskop is elegantly decorated in a romantic colonial theme with 4-poster beds draped with mosquito nets. The en-suite bathrooms are lavishly equipped with deep baths and an outdoor bush shower with stunning views. The Manor house on the reserve has 7 rooms with views over the plains and good game viewing opportunities. Some rooms has baths and showers some only showers. Activities offered includes, guided game drives, horse back safaris, bush walks and spa treatments. Game includes lions, elephants, buffalo's, rhino'giraffes, black impala, zebra and many more.

Outstanding place for those wanting to do safari in luxury!

Reviewed By C3178BTkarenr

We had five days here is a Bush villa and can honestly say it’s one of the best stays we’ve ever had. The villa is on a watering hole and we saw so many animals everyday from our deck. The villa itself was gorgeous and very reasonable for six people. There are several restaurants to choose from and the food was excellent. You can even pay for a lift to and from the restaurant through the game reserve, giving you a mini game drive in the process! The reserve is huge and has four of the big five, not more then five minutes goes by before you spot another animal! All the staff were friendly and couldn’t do enough for you, especially our guide Anthony. Highly recommend the horseback safari. Allows you to get up close to the animals, even rhinos! The spa is also fantastic and very competitively priced. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a taste of the true Africa.

3. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1486 reviews

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is a sprawling game farm situated in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. Only 5 hours drive from Cape Town and an hour's drive from George Airport. This game farm is located 6.5 Km outside of Oudtshoorn, en-route to the Cango Caves. Pristine bushveld, lush vegetation and a 5 hectare dam provide a haven for game species and more than 217 bird species. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers 9 waterfront, 20 luxury and 5 family tents each one with en-suite bathroom and private outdoor shower, air-conditioning, mini-bar, digital safe, tea/coffee facilities and a game viewing deck. A lookout lounge is situated next to the reception with a large round stone fireplace in the middle, overlooking our dam. A charming wedding chapel is situated on the edge of a natural water hole with a wide wooden deck as an extension to the A la carte restaurant. Activities offered are Bush Safaris (game drive), Night Drives, Meerkat Safaris, Elephant Experiences, Lion Experience, Heritage Nature Walk and Free-Roaming Cheetah Experience.

What a wonderful stay!

Reviewed By dominiquerieder

This tent is really luxurious. You can heat it or cold it, how you need it. It is so cool, you sleep in the reservat, so you can see lots of animals and they are so closed. You have to do the lion feeding and also the elephant feeding, it is an amazing experiance. All staffs are very nice and we and the children felt very good.

4. Riverside Guest Lodge

84 Church Street, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 586 reviews

Riverside Guest Lodge

Riverside Guest Lodge is perfectly situated in the very heart of Oudtshoorn overlooking the restful waters of the Grobbelaars river at the historic suspension bridge. The Lodge is situated on the riverbanks with a panoramic view of the Swartberg Mountains. The town centre is within easy walking distance giving you the freedom to explore the tourist attractions and superb restaurants. Riverside Guest Lodge provides sophisticated bed and breakfast as well as rustic self-catering log cabins built by and artistic builder. We offer exceptional service and hospitality in a distinguished environment. The Lodge is famous for its generous and hearty breakfast that includes among other tasty treats, ostrich fillet and kudu sausage. Cheeseboards and wine are served on the elevated deck with views of the Swartberg Mountains and Grobbelaars river below.

We will be back and stay longer!

Reviewed By Pia C

Liked - The cottage is very lovingly furnished down to the last detail! Lots of little goodies in the room. We felt extremely comfortable and well received by Albert and Elza. The view to the river is fantastic.

5. Hog Hollow Country Lodge

Askop Road P.O. Box 503, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 838 reviews

Hog Hollow Country Lodge

short stay on garden route

Reviewed By JackyDogz

Beautiful tranquil rooms nestled in the hillside overlooking lush forest, fantastic sunrises and a wealth of indiginous animals and birds. Hospitality at it's best beautiful dining and lounge areas and staff for which nothing was too much trouble. Fine dining with views to cherish.

6. Tamodi Lodge

Keurboom Heights, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 436 reviews

Tamodi Lodge

Tamodi Lodge & Stables, luxury guest accommodation in Plettenberg bay was created by Lynne and Owen Johnston, their inspiration born out of a love for horses and the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Tsitsikamma coast. Joined by Chelsea, Owen’s daughter, and her husband, Scott, this family-run lodge encompasses everything that a family should ~ peace, relaxation, happiness and love. This passion is reflected in every aspect of the farm, from the carefully designed main house, two free-standing honeymoon suites, the two free-standing luxury suites and stable buildings, which blend with the bush and natural environment. The setting is peaceful and relaxing, offering 7 luxury suites to enjoy and unwind in, it is perfectly positioned for a holiday in the Garden Route. We provide a full breakfast, but suggest lunch and dinner at one of the fine Plett restaurants. Keurbooms beach is just 5 minutes away, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the bay.

We’ll be back! And stay longer!

Reviewed By bobbih168

What an amazing place is the Tamodi Lodge! We were totally surprised by the accommodations and blow away by the comfort and relaxation. I wish I had booked a longer stay this time but will definitely book several days next time we come to SA and use this as a great home base from which to enjoy so many wonderful things South Africa has to offer. Just perfect! And look at that sunrise!! Thank you Chelsea and family for building such a blessed place as the Tamodi Lodge at Plettenberg Bay.

7. Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge

Vergelegen Road, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 515 reviews

Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge

This is where you will find one of the most amazing hideaways in the Western Cape. It is a perfect stop over between Cape Town and Addo Elephant Part. Set amongst the mountains and the famous red Enon hills surrounded by game and nature - a secret place of magnificent views, glorious sunsets, and star filled nights without a single city light to distract you. Wonderful encounters with wildlife, fabulous food, long nights around the blazing fire and yet a mere 20 minutes away from the bustling town of Oudtshoorn. Other major attractions that are easily accessible from us is the exhilarating Swartberg Pass, the winey road through the wonders of Meiringspoort, the glorious Cango Caves and hysterical Ostriches. All this makes Oudtshoorn the tenth most visited region in South Africa If you are looking for a rustic, true African experience with breathtaking views then you have come to the right place. If you are looking for a Tourist Graded 5* luxury lodge this is not the place for you, but we do endeavour to give you all the comforts that you might need and our guests have definitely rated us 5*. There are plenty of activities to do whilst here, swimming, hiking, reading on your deck, watching the animals, and soaking up the scenery. There are board games and books to keep the children entertained. Our main lodge/dining area is where we light our nightly fires and serve dinner and breakfast with the added bonus of watching the animals dine aswell. This makes every evening a special occasion. We can also arrange tours at local tourist attraction sites, eg Cango Caves, Ostrich farms, Giraffe and/or Elephant feeding so please contact us directly for more information on these.

Beautiful place, quiet and great views.

Reviewed By Annabel J

This was a fantastic place, the area is beautiful and quiet. Having dinner watching the zebras was just fantastic. The room we stayed in was called springbok and everything was perfectly matching. On the evening we had the best steak cooked for us.

8. Periwinkle Guest Lodge

75 Beachy Head Drive, Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 332 reviews

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Periwinkle Lodge is an up-market guest lodge that is ideally situated with stunning ocean and mountain views. The Lodge offers en suite facilities all with their own balcony. The upstairs suites have private patio or balcony. Generous English or continental breakfast can be enjoyed in the dining room or on the Patio or balcony. Enjoy the warm ambiance that has been created to be the ultimate in hospitality, in an ocean-front mansion that lends itself to relaxation and entertainment.

Wedding bliss

Reviewed By F1755FYjoh

What a beautiful setting for our wedding. Thank you to Richard and the staff for making our day so special.Stunning views, delicious breakfast and an absolute treat. Highly recommend Periwinkle Lodge.

9. Thabile Lodge

Thabile Lodge Vergelegen Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 506 reviews

Thabile Lodge

A lodge with a view

Reviewed By Runar S

I was lucky enough to stay at the Thabile Lodge from 07 to 11 October 2021. I was picked up at the airport by a most polite and friendly driver, and had a marvelous drive through the mountains. He was super helpful to stop at a shop where I could, upon my request, buy semi precious stones for my jewelry making business. The lodge was lovely, in a semi arid area, and loved the en suite chalets. The vista is wonderful, beautiful mountains, which changed a—reached as the day went by, best in the evening, with crystal clear air, and East to see-details. I loved the desert plants, which attracted flocks of wonderful birds; red bishops, sun birds, starlings, hoopoes, ibis, and others. Seldom one can see such a colorful variety. The food was just Michelin Star quality, even if they don’t have a star (yet). They better hold on the the chef, or he will one day be snapped off by one of the famous restaurants. The owner, Glen, and his assistant and responsible for the bar, Nicky, were always there to guide you, entertain you and tell their stories. I felt almost like I was in a wonderful home, among friends, and I will be back, to enjoy more 0f the beautiful sights in the area, may be climb some of the mountains. Thank you for a wonderful weekend, which strengthen and renewed body and soul, and spirit.

10. Green Hills Forest Lodge

Farm 15, The Crags, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay 6602 South Africa
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Green Hills Forest Lodge

Green Hills Forest Lodge is self-catering accommodation set on 12 hectares of indigenous forest with lovely views and wild deer that roam freely. An idyllic location in The Crags, the heart of the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa. Of particular interest to Birders will be the serenity and active bird life of the forest. The Crags is a beautiful rural area of Plettenberg Bay with budding wine farms, animal sanctuaries and an array of activities for all tastes. Perfectly located and still close enough to kilometers of the golden, sandy beaches of Nature’s Valley, Keurbooms and Plettenberg Bay! After changing hands in May 2017 the new owners Alistair and Sue together with their sons, set about renovating, upgrading and refurbishing the Units. The Lodge then re-opened in September of 2017. There are four loft styled units fully equipped with a kitchenette. Free WiFi is available in all these Units plus Netflix streaming facility. Each unit also has its own outside barbecue area with fire-pit. Or if you prefer to soak up the stars at night in your own private Jacuzzi / Hot Tub and bubble your aches away then Unit 4 - which is the only unit with this facility - is a must!! The latest addition is Unit 5 - The Cottage. This is a quaint and cosy two bedroomed cottage, full of charm and character. Part of it was the original building erected on Green Hills almost a hundred years ago and the main bedroom was once a stable. The Cottage is fully equipped with a kitchenette and is a pet friendly unit with it's own fenced garden. Dogs of all shapes and sizes plus their parents are more than welcome!!

Good but not great

Reviewed By eldineenieman

The property is right next to the N2 - we struggled to sleep with the noise of travelling cars. We also struggled with the basic kitchen equipment supplied - there was no steak dinner knives available.

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