Itinerary Overview
The Garden Route, one of South Africa’s top scenic self-drive routes, offers a taste of everything our sun-soaked country is renowned for: breathtaking scenery, authentic wildlife encounters, and exquisite cuisine. Stretching along the southern coast from Cape Town to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), this route is a holiday paradise. Explore ancient forests, secluded beaches, hidden wine estates, and unique wildlife sanctuaries. Conveniently located at the end of the Garden Route, you can conclude your memorable holiday with a world-class safari. A variety of private and public game reserves and national parks can be found within 1 to 2 hours from Gqeberha Airport, offering accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Located In the heart of Constantia, a hotel rich in heritage and filled with modernity, awaits. Retreat into modern sophistication and timeless charm on the edge of the Constantia Greenbelt at this Provincial Heritage site. Having evolved into an exceptional five-star boutique hotel, with luxury in every detail, guests are ensured a world-class experience from the moment they arrive. Feel at home in this undeniably timeless boutique hotel with every modern touch imaginable.
The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Situated on Hermanus’ renowned cliff path, it overlooks the breathtaking Walker Bay in the Western Cape’s Overberg region. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this property offers the ultimate location for whale watching during our whale season – often directly from the comfort of the sea-view bedrooms.
The Plettenberg, located on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay along the famous Garden Route, is the ultimate South African seaside escape. As a five-star property and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it boasts 35 beautifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas. The hotel showcases the most breathtaking vistas in Southern Africa, offering views of the ocean, mountains, and endless stretches of golden sand. Guests can indulge in world-class cuisine at The Restaurant at The Plettenberg, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
The five-star Kichaka Lodge is situated in Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Gqeberha and Addo Elephant Park. This means that Kichaka is not only malaria-free but also spans five ecosystems, resulting in a breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna. Kichaka Lodge underwent extensive rebuilding in 2020, with the décor of the new lodge adopting a modern take on traditional safari and colonial style. The ambiance created is one of comfortable elegance. The lodge features a sociable cocktail bar and sitting area, which opens onto a viewing deck where guests can observe the watering hole. Additionally, there is a stately dining room, as well as outdoor dining options on the large main deck, and fireside dinners are held in the atmospheric boma on clear evenings. A rim-flow swimming pool is set on the edge of the main deck, and each suite has a private deck with a heated plunge pool and an outside shower. The suites have been strategically positioned to maximise the sense of being in the bush. Furthermore, the architect-designed spa, set above the waterhole, boasts floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, enabling guests to peer out at the nearby ‘hippo hollow’ in absolute privacy.
Relax and recharge at the Spa. Each of these properties has a unique spa offering a variety of relaxing treatments.
Tick off some unique experiences on the whale route, including boat-based whale watching and shark diving.
The Plettenberg, on the Garden Route, is undoubtedly the ultimate South African seaside escape.
Useful things to know before you embark on this amazing journey
