Here are some of our favourite good-value places and outfits to consider if you are planning a visit to Cape Town and a roadtrip via the Garden Route and Klein Karoo to the Eastern Cape game reserves.
CAPE TOWN
Two Oceans Car Hire You can hire a new Group A car for as little as R120 per day inclusive of mileage and insurance from Two Oceans. Free delivery to your hotel or guest house. Call Greg on + 27 21 671 9171
African Villa www.capetowncity.co.za - 4 Star comprising of 3 Victorian terrace houses with 13 luxury en-suite bathrooms, this gorgeous villa is situated in a quiet corner, yet within a short stroll of the city centre and large number of restaurants. A real find and thus very popular.
Rouge on Rose www.roungeonrose.co.za 4 Star situated right in the heart of the Motor City in the colourful Bo-Kaap, 9 chic, spacious ensuite apartment (some self-catering), this is the best-value you'll find in the mother city. Below is the charming "Side Dish" bistro. Situated 1 km of Waterfront.
Lezard Bleu www.leardbleu.co.za 4 Star situated at the foot of Table Mountain, on 2 hectares of lush grounds in the peaceful suburb of Orangezicht. 7 double en-suite bedrooms with own patios/balcony - do what it takes to book the treehouse. Greenwood Guide: "Lezard bleu was just about the best guest house in Cape Town,.... individual, creative, very comfortable but most importantly, really natural and friendly"
HERMANUS && SURROUNDS (1 to 2 hours from Cape Town)
Bucaco Sud www.bucacosud.co.za On the coastal drive to Hermanus, this guest house is located in Betty's Bay and has gorgeous mountain and sea views. Situated in the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens which is a word Unesco biosphere area. Betty's Bay is home to a major pengiun colony.
Cliff Lodge www.clifflodge.co.za 4 Star stylish seafront guest house, positioned on dramatic cliffs of De Kelders (beyond Hermanus), with breathtaking views. 4 Luxurious bedroom plus a spacious penthouse.
Whalesong Lodge www.whalesonglodge.co.za Another recommended 4 Star De Kelders option, offering 5 spacious rooms, stylishly decorated, each with sea view and a small private balcony.
SWELLENDAM (2 hours from Cape Town; 2 hours from Wilderness)
Augusta de Mist www.augustademist.co.za 4 Star Contemporary decor meets rustic heritage architecture at this authentic Cape Dutch National monument (built 1802) with 6 luxury cottages and garden suites in 1,5 hectares of luxuriant gardens.
WILDERNESS
Restaurants
Fine dining Serendipity - voted amongst top 100 restaurants in the country by Wine Magazine in association with Diners Club, for 6 consecutive years as well as amongst the top 10 in the Garden Route!
Best fish restaurant in town - Cinnamon House Classy interior, excellent wine list and lots of attention to detail.
The Girls Bistro, like Serendipity, chosen as one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the Garden Route. Informal and unpretentious, their food is delicious and good value.
For pastas and pizza try Pomodoro in the heart of the village, good value and good fare if you don't mind tardy service.
The Blue Olive bistro, top local choice for lunch, with a lovely timber terrace shaded by huge milkwood trees. Good pastas.
Best steak house on the Garden Route, Joplins is hughly popular with locals - a laid back timber shed where you can wine and dine for around R100 per head.
Sails is ok casual eating, especially for lunches since you can enjoy a 180 degree view of the ocean and beaches.
Beejuice offers casual lunchtime tapas menu, situated on the old railway station, just off the beach.
Adventure
Eden Adventures, situated on the banks of the Touw river offer canoeing, abseiling, Kloofing and combination tours of the area.
TSITSIKAMMA (6 1/2 hours from Cape Town, 2 ½ hours from Wilderness)
The Fernery www.forestferns.co.za Just beyond Storms River Mouth, in the Langbos Forest Reserve. Sitting above a 30m waterfall, with breathtaking views of the river gorge and wild Indian Ocean. Plush chalets plus family self-catering chalets with in-house restaurant
ST FRANCIS BAY (7 hours from Cape Town, 1 hour from Port Elizabeth)
The Sands www.thesands.co.za 5 star Beachfront guest lodge with 5 en-suite bedrooms, all individually decorated in majestic African Beach style
ADDO BIG 5 NATIONAL RESERVE (1 hour east of Port Elizabeth)
The Elephant House www.elephanthouse.co.za offers 8 luxurious rooms in house plus one family room, this charming guest lodge is situated just outside of the Park. Lunch and dinner provided by arrangement
GENERAL:
Luhambo Tours www.luhambotours.co.za is a Cape Town-based tour operator that specialises in wine, township and day tours thoughout the Cape region including Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route.
Hotel Contacts www.hotel-contacts.com
Weather: South African Weather Service
www.gardenroutebliss.co.za www.gardenroutebliss.co.za For personalized tours and transport.
www.african-solutions.com www.african-solutions.com/category/accommodation