Greater Garden Route

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The road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is known as the ‘Garden Route’ and is a must for the first time visitor. It is not Kew Gardens for 622km but a journey through ever changing scenery with open farmland, mountains, lakes, towns and ocean views. If travelling between August and November there is every chance that you will see the whale migration.

There are many places of interest en route worth visiting, such as
Oudtshoorn with its ostrich farms and the limestone labyrinth of the Cango Caves. Ostrich show farms provide the visitor with a fascinating insight into the life cycle of these unusual creatures together with their by-products ranging from feathers for the fashion industry to leather goods. About one hour should be allowed for a tour

On the coast road between Wilderness and Storms River Gorge there are fresh water lakes, forests and beautiful beaches. A worthwhile diversion is to take the Nature’s Valley road between Plettenberg Bay and Storms River as this is an area of truly outstanding natural beauty. In the Tsitsikamma National Park there are various waymarked trails and this is also the start of the famous long distance ‘Otter Trail’. There are many resorts along the coast and good bases are Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
 

THE HIDEAWAY
This award winning guest house is located in the heart of the historic town of Swellendam. You are assured of a warm welcome from the owners and invited to join them for a drink before taking dinner in one of the nearby recommended restaurants, all of which are within easy walking distance. A lovely breakfast is served and this features Sharon’s home made preserves and muffins. They have 4 spacious and elegant bedrooms. Each is air-conditioned and furnished with handcrafted furniture, antiques and original paintings. The indoor pool, ‘The Wallow’, is heated by solar panels and the large sliding glass doors open onto the garden.

ROTHMAN MANOR
This charming owner managed retreat is situated in the heart of Swellendam and comprises of 2 guest houses and a manor house containing the public rooms. The guest houses have a selection of accommodation ranging from standard double rooms to extra large suites. All rooms are air conditioned and have a room safe, satellite TV, bathrobes and mini bar. Within the spacious gardens is a swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, lily pond and terrace under a 19th century oak tree. There are numerous restaurants nearby for evening dining. Swellendam makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside including the De Hoop Nature Reserve which is noted for its zebra and variety of antelope including the Bontebok

SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Between Montagu and Barrydale, this 54,000 hectare reserve is being restocked with animals indigenous to the area. It is home to the only pride of white lions - a truly stunning sight. Activities include nature and game drives by open safari vehicles, bush walks, bird watching, visiting ancient rock art and viewing the amazing sky at night. Excellent accommodation is provided at Tilney Manor, 6 spacious suites with sliding doors onto large private patios, the manor house with dining room, lounge and bar, swimming pool and spa centre and the smaller contemporary Khanni Lodge, set in a secluded valley overlooking a watering hole, with 4 beautifully appointed modern style suites radiating from the lounge, bar and dining area.

ALTES LANDHAUS COUNTRY LODGE
This stately Cape Dutch style homestead which is over one hundred years old lies in the Schoemanshoek valley about 12km to the north of Oudtshoorn. Generous farm breakfasts and evening drinks can be enjoyed on the patio overlooking the garden whilst a la carte dinners are served in the dining room complimented by the fine South African wine list. Antique furnishings, high-beamed ceilings, pine floor boars and tasteful décor are to be found in the charming public rooms and the 7 attractively furnished suites, some with a patio, have comfortable private sitting rooms. In the gardens is a solar heated salt water swimming pool.

THE THORNTREE LODGE
Located in the Schoemanskloof Valley just outside of Oudshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves, the lodge dates back to the 1800's and has been beautifully restored, combing modern comforts with great charm and character.  The spacious modern air conditioned bedrooms have satellite TV, personal safe and honesty bar.  The dining room, which serves fine Klein Karoo dishes, including the speciality of a trio of fillets ostrich/beef/game.  From the gardens and salt water swimming pool there are stunning views over the surrounding valley.  The Thorntree Lodge is ideally located for touring the surrounding sights and attractions.

ROSENHOF COUNTRY HOUSE
This hotel is located just outside Oudtshoorn on the road to the world famous Cango Caves. It is a beautifully restored Victorian house, circa1852, and takes it name form the beautiful rose garden. It is furnished with antiques, rich fabrics and painting by well known South African artists. There are lounges, a fine dining room, a garden with Gazebo for afternoon tea and a swimming pool. The 12 air-conditioned bedrooms are built around the courtyard and have satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities and mini-bar. There are also 2 executive suites, each with a private pool, lounge and patio. For relaxation, the wellness centre offers a range of treatments and therapies.

FANCOURT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB
On the outskirts of George, Fancourt is a golfers paradise with 4 challenging golf courses. The courses, designed by Gary Player, are beautifully landscaped with the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop. The design of the estate is an intriguing mixture of historic and contemporary buildings. Accommodation comprises of 151 bedrooms, studios and suites which are situated in the Manor House and extensive grounds. All are air-conditioned and have satellite TV, mini bar and room safes. There are extensive public rooms with 5 restaurants, bars, lounges and spa complex. The sporting facilities are outstanding and apart from the golf courses there are tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and running/walking trails