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Garden Route & Beyond

South Africa’s famed Garden Route will fulfill all your notions of discovery and adventure on Africa’s southern coast. Dramatic coastal scenery, strange and beautiful wild flowers, close encounters with exotic wildlife and some of the finest cuisine in the world. Spend time in Hermanus where seasonal whale watching is the big draw but you can also enjoy carefree coastal walks and horse riding on Pearly Beach. Inland is Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farming, while along the coast you will find quaint towns and gorgeous boutique hotels in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Finish your journey in Port Elizabeth from where you can easily add on a safari to complete your African adventure.

Where to Book

  • Enjoying a beach stroll on Mossel Bay in South Africa's Garden Route region

  • Spotting whales in Hermanus

  • Exploring Ruitersbos Nature Reserve by road

  • Nature's Valley beach viewed from Pig's Head on the Garden Route

  • Hiking in Witfontein Nature Reserve, Garden Route

  • Robberg Peninsula near Plettenberg Bay

  • Couple watching the waves at Coney Glen in Knysna - South African Tourism

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 25℃
  • 23℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 24℃
  • 25℃
  • 27℃
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 6
  • 5
  • 6
  • 6
  • 6

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Encounters Travel is a UK based adventure tour operator with a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, all designed to help you get the most out of the country you’re visiting. They range from small group tours to shoestring, overland, family, escorted and tailor...

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For over 30 years Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe, creating positive change through the joy of travel. That’s over 30 years of adventures, of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people.

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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Visions of Africa will guide you through discovering your dream holiday. The team have vast experience in creating the most perfect safaris and self drive trips tailored to your specific requirements. Speak with their experts about beginning your journey to this amazingly diverse continent.<...

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Hotels

  • Best of the Best
  • Life of Luxury
  • Unique & Fabulous
  • Creature Comforts
  • Basics covered

5* Fancourt

Fancourt, South Africa’s premier lifestyle resort, is nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route in George. The resort lies on 613 hectares of pristine countryside sheltered by the Outeniqua Mountains, offering luxurious rooms and suites for those looking a warm relaxed and entertaining Garden Route Retreat.
For keen golfers, Fancourt needs no introduction. There are three Gary Player designed golf courses all ranked in the Top 20 in South Africa as well as a Golf Academy. Discover Fancourt’s many leisure activities including The Spa with an indoor heated Roman Bath and world class wellness treatments. The Leisure Centre offers an array of facilities and activities to keep guests of all ages and interests entertained. The Centre houses the popular Kidz Club, teen lounge, gymnasium, cinema, indoor heated and outdoor swimming pool. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy tennis, running and walking trails, bird watching and fishing. Four top restaurants each offer a distinctive dining experience to appeal to every palate.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Gondwana Game Reserve

Gondwana Game Reserve provides the perfect safari break for Cape Town visitors. Located on South Africa’s popular Garden Route four hours’ drive from Cape Town or 45 mins from George Airport, the 11 000-hectare private, malaria-free game reserve offers a distinctive and luxurious free roaming, Big Five safari.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Hunter's Country House, Garden Route

Hunters Country House combines gracious elegance with sheer comfort and impeccable service with warm hospitality. Far from the madding crowd, yet conveniently close to a wide variety of leisure activities.
Ideally situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Hunter’s Country House is a wonderful location from which to explore the beauty of the celebrated Garden Route, or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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5* The Manor House at Fancourt

With the elegance of yesteryear and the exclusivity of a serene country retreat, The Manor House at Fancourt epitomises understated sophistication and a tradition that spans over a century.
As the former home of Henry Fancourt White, built in the 1850s by the British engineer in the style of a Cotswold mansion, this exquisite boutique country hotel retains all its stately charm, with original features and an air of historic importance and modern comfort that leaves guests relaxed and pampered throughout their stay.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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5* The Marine Hotel

The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year. Guests are even able to view these majestic creatures from their own sea-view bedroom. The Overberg region is also a must for adventure sport seekers, offering a host of activities – including hiking, mountain biking and marine sports. Back at the hotel, guests can indulge in exceptional culinary delights, overseen by Head Chef Rudi Blaauw. We are proud members of Traveller Made.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is situated on a rocky headland in one of South Africa’s most spectacular beach towns – tucked neatly into the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay boasts a year-round temperate climate and pristine beaches, making it the ultimate South African seaside escape. The 5-star Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, with its 37 beautifully appointed rooms and villas, showcases the most breathtaking vistas in Southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand. Guests may enjoy world-class cuisine courtesy of SeaFood at The Plettenberg, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route

Tsala exudes a mysticism that makes it a destination people wish to explore and experience – it is like no other found in Africa. It has a legendary rhythm and ambience that emulates from its spectacular architecture and history. Ideally situated to explore the beautiful Garden Route or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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Top Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Offers page.

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