Best hotels in Garden Route

Perched on the tip of Leisure Isle - a connected peninsula that feels decidedly more island than mainland - this boutique hideaway gazes directly at those famous Heads standing sentry over Knysna Lagoon. It's the sort of spot where you can paddle a kayak to breakfast, then cycle home for sundowners, all whilst feeling rather smug about your location choice. The property occupies prime waterfront real estate where the Indian Ocean mingles with the lagoon, creating a rather dreamy backdrop for doing absolutely nothing at all. With just 15 rooms, it manages that clever trick of feeling intimate without being claustrophobic, and the multi-award-winning status (Africa's top luxury guesthouse, no less) suggests they're doing something right beyond just the postcard views.

For decades the owners of Babylonstoren and The Newt in Somerset have been holidaying at Keurboomstrand on the Western Cape coastline. One of the most charming little beaches in the world, famed for its rugged coastline and unspoilt beaches. Over recent years, we’ve restored or upgraded a few beach cottages on a sea-facing strip of land.

BLOU has only eight self-catering cottages. They are dotted around a central courtyard with a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. It’s the epitome of barefoot luxury on the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Plett Quarter’s central location allows guests easy access to all the main attractions that this charming town has to offer. Stroll out of our front door to the many cafes, restaurants and shops that surround the hotel. If you feel like walking off your breakfast and enjoying a beach stroll, Plett’s popular swimming beach, Central Beach, is only a one kilometre walk away - but be warned, it is down a very steep hill!

Nestled inside is a gorgeous restaurant open to the public that embraces street facing café culture, with brilliant coffee and smoothies, fresh breakfasts, seasonal lunches, popular dinners and an extensive beverage list. However, the hotels’ most popular destination remains exclusive for guests. The expansive rooftop deck and pool bar on the top floor enjoys panoramic views of the Indian Ocean stretching out over Formosa (‘beautiful’) Bay, where whales are often spotted and watersports abound.

Family friendly, the hotel & apartments welcomes children of all ages.

Tucked into the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, Buffelsdrift is a convenient safari pitstop on the Garden Route that delivers proper bushveld atmosphere without the malaria tablets. The lodge hugs a five-hectare waterhole where hippos grunt and terrapins paddle, while giraffe, zebra and buffalo graze the opposite banks. It's more accessible glamping than remote wilderness – just ten minutes from Oudtshoorn and the famous Cango Caves – but that proximity to civilisation is part of its charm. Dawn meerkat safaris, night drives in search of the elusive 'shy five', and encounters with rescued elephants add genuine wildlife credentials, whilst the restaurant dishes up hearty Karoo fare alongside award-winning Route 62 wines. A solid choice for families or anyone wanting to dip their toes into safari life.

Timelessly elegant and deeply inviting, Black Rhino offers a private sanctuary to gather with loved ones and immerse yourself in a truly authentic Cape safari experience, set against the sweeping valleys and mountain vistas of Gondwana Game Reserve.

Embraced by 180-degree views of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range, Black Rhino is poised above a vast valley blanketed in fynbos. This exclusive villa accommodates up to six guests and is fully serviced with its own chef and private field guide. Your time here unfolds entirely to your rhythm, creating the ease and comfort of a second home in the wild.

Picture the scene: your six-year-old whispering excitedly about the elephant tracks they've just spotted, whilst your toddler naps peacefully back at base after an morning of butterfly chasing. This is where families come to create those golden safari memories that'll have the kids boring their university friends senseless years later.