The Backyard Route in South Africa is an space stretching for 124 miles by way of the Western Cape between Mossel Bay and Storms River. It’s a touristic route is ready up for road-trippers with pit stops and numerous detours which showcase the area’s tradition, magnificence and hospitality.
The route might be accomplished over a number of days or a few weeks, relying on how how deep beneath the pores and skin of the area you want to get.
Mossel Bay is the western gateway to the Backyard Route and is lower than 250 miles from Cape City as you head alongside the N2 freeway which has minimal visitors and simple driving situations.
Mossel Bay supplies the chance to discover the St Blaize Path, a nine-mile rugged coastal stroll which ends up in Dana Bay from a cave beneath Cape St Blaize Lighthouse.
The historic city of George is half-hour additional down the coast and residential to the Backyard Route Botanical Backyard for an introduction to the fynbos that characterizes the Cape Floral Area, acknowledged by UNESCO for its staggering biodiversity. Whereas the area solely spans 0.5% of Africa, it incorporates 20% of the continent’s plant species. As you drive previous George, the hanging Outeniqua Mountains present an exquisite backdrop as you head in the direction of Wilderness and on in the direction of Knysna.
Simply past Knysna is famed for its 10-day Oyster Pageant which takes place yearly in late June. The city overlooks a lagoon dotted with crusing boats with the ocean simply past two headpoints which make for an ideal sundown backdrop.
Plettenberg Bay, an hour additional east, is a favorite all through the Western Cape. Assume breathtaking seashores, sandy coves and sheer cliffs with waters which teem year-round with migrating dolphins and whales.
Backyard Route culminates at Storms River village, 50 minutes east from Plettenberg Bay. Inland lies the dense, mountainous Tsitsikamma Forest, house to a variety of journey actions reminiscent of kayaking expeditions in addition to the world’s highest bungee leap (709ft) at Bloukrans Bridge. Whereas to the lies Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park, house to some great strolling trails together with the oldest climbing route within the nation, the five-day Otter Path.
Alongside the Backyard Route, to enrich the various actions, are some fabulous luxurious lodging. Right here’s our favorite 5;
The Manor Home at Fancourt – George
The Manor Home at Fancourt is situated within the coronary heart of the Fancourt Property in George. It’s a luxurious boutique lodge that mixes historic appeal with fashionable class. Initially in-built 1859 by Henry Fancourt White, the Manor Home is an beautiful instance of Nineteenth-century structure, that includes grand, Cape Dutch-style design components.
The principle attraction is the golf and most visitors will probably be trying to play. Boasting 3 very good golf programs, together with the Hyperlinks, designed by Gary Participant and at present ranked because the quantity 2 course within the nation.
The outside of the Manor Home boasts whitewashed partitions, gabled roofs, and exquisite verandas that provide panoramic views of the encircling gardens and Outeniqua mountains. The luxurious, meticulously landscaped gardens embrace mature timber, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil water options, making a serene and picturesque setting.
Inside, the Manor Home is elegantly appointed with excessive ceilings, authentic wood flooring, and vintage furnishings that exude a timeless sophistication. The decor seamlessly blends basic and up to date kinds, with luxurious materials, wealthy colors, and bespoke art work adorning the partitions. The rooms are luxurious with individually adorned suites however with fashionable facilities. After a spherical of golf, visitors can get pleasure from unique entry to the Manor Home’s non-public services, together with a lounge, bar, and out of doors swimming pool.
The Manor Home is a part of the broader Fancourt Property the place you’ll discover a wellness spa, connoisseur eating choices, and leisure actions reminiscent of tennis and climbing. Plus the world-class golf services.
In the event you’re a golfer and visiting South Africa, you’ll wish to keep for not less than an evening.
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea – Sedgefield
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is situated midway between George and Knysna within the small coastal city of Sedgefield. This luxury lodge might be laborious to seek out as is located on the highest of a hill with a winding highway to the highest.
As soon as there although you’ll uncover breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the encircling fynbos panorama in an space characterised by its numerous vegetation, a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The lodge overlooks the seaside beneath, offering quick access to sandy shores and coastal actions.
The rooms at Simbavati are elegant, usually designed with pure supplies and a give attention to mixing with the atmosphere. Rooms usually have massive home windows or non-public terraces to benefit from the scenic views. Interiors are tastefully adorned with a mixture of fashionable facilities and rustic appeal.
The area is thought for its actions and Simbavati is not any completely different. Right here visitors can get pleasure from guided nature walks, chicken watching, and exploring the distinctive natural world of the fynbos area. The lodge can also be house to freeroaming sport animals reminiscent of eland, waterbuck and zebras.
Near the property you possibly can uncover beautiful fossil dunes and seashores, kayak on the Swartvlei and Sedgefield lagoons or go to the neighbouring protea farm. In summer season at low tide, snorkelling within the rockpools is usually a deal with. The realm can also be a giant draw for superior paragliding with corporations utilizing Simbavati as a leaping off level.
Eating at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is an beautiful expertise, with a give attention to contemporary, regionally sourced elements and visitors can get pleasure from meals in a fantastic eating space with ocean views or in additional non-public, romantic settings.
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is an ideal cease on the Backyard Route, particularly if you happen to’re on the lookout for a substitute for Knysna.
Kanonkop Home – Knysna
Kanonkop Home is probably the highest boutique luxurious property on the Backyard Route. Positioned in on the hills above Knysna, this lodge provides beautiful panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the luxurious surrounding landscapes.
There’s no official reception on the property and visitors are met individually by an attentive concierge who takes you to you room. The rooms and suites are exceptionally appointed, every individually adorned with a mixture of up to date and conventional African kinds. Most of the rooms supply non-public balconies or terraces with spectacular views over Knysna Lagoon.
The rooms come outfitted with fashionable facilities reminiscent of air-con, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and opulent en-suite bogs with high-end toiletries.
There’s a spacious lounge and bar space, designed for rest which incorporates an intensive bar stocked with an enormous vary of South African gin and different spirits, a big beer fridge and in addition an exquisite choice of South African wines. The most effective factor being that every one the drinks are included in the price of your keep.
An a la carte breakfast is served each day usually served on a terrace with lagoon views. There are additionally mild meals and snacks obtainable all through the day however no predominant restaurant. Knysna has some nice eating choices and is a brief drive away and most of the people have their very own automobile when visiting Knysna.
The guesthouse is conveniently situated near the city centre of Knysna, providing quick access to the favored vacationer spots such because the Knysna Heads, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and the Knysna Waterfront.
A stupendous out of doors pool surrounded by a solar deck and plush gardens supplies an ideal spot for rest and absorbing the solar whereas there are additionally superbly manicured gardens with indigenous crops.
The concierge at Kanonkop Home can organize varied actions reminiscent of lagoon cruises, climbing, {golfing}, visits to native wildlife reserves and seashores, therapeutic massage and spa companies, in addition to restaurant reservations.
Kanonkop Home is the place to remain in Knysna.
Tsala Treetop Lodge – Plettenberg Bay
Tsala Treetop Lodge is an opulent retreat nestled within the coronary heart of the Backyard Route in Plettenberg Bay. This unique and strange lodge is in contrast to every other property on the Backyard Route and provides a novel mix of seclusion, consolation, and pure magnificence, making it a super vacation spot for {couples} in search of a serene escape.
The lodge incorporates a choice of elegant suites and villas which might be elevated above the forest ground on stilts, offering breathtaking views of the luxurious forest cover. The suites and villas are designed with a mixture of stone, wooden, and glass, providing a mix of recent luxurious and pure components. Every suite or villa comes outfitted with a non-public deck, a plunge pool, and spacious dwelling areas, making certain utmost consolation and privateness. It’s good for a honeymooning couple.
The principle eating space supplies beautiful views of the forest, enhancing the eating expertise and visitors can get pleasure from glorious meals, from hearty breakfasts to decadent dinners, all ready with the best elements.
The lodge boasts a variety of services and actions designed to complement the visitor expertise. The lodge has a fantastic infinity pool, a library, and a lounge space the place visitors can chill out and unwind. For these in search of journey, the lodge provides actions reminiscent of forest walks, chicken watching, and guided excursions of the encircling space. Set inside the forest, the lodge is a handy 20-minute drive to Plettenberg Bay, the place you possibly can benefit from the glorious surf seashores, whale watching, and varied water sports activities.
The lodge provides a variety of spa remedies for these trying to unwind away out of your room or the seaside.
Tsala Treetop Lodge is dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The lodge takes measures to reduce its environmental affect by utilizing sustainable supplies in its development, implementing water and energy-saving practices, and supporting native communities by way of varied initiatives.
All of this makes Tsala Treetop Lodge provides a very unforgettable expertise, preferrred for these on the lookout for seclusion in type.
Walkers Seashore Lodge – Plettenberg Bay
Walkers Seashore Lodge is one in all Plettenberg’s latest motels and in my view the very best. It’s a shocking boutique lodge providing visitors unbelievable views of the Indian Ocean and direct entry to pristine sandy seashores. The lodge’s structure and decor mix fashionable class with a coastal appeal, that includes massive home windows, ethereal whitewashed rooms and spacious balconies to maximise the breathtaking ocean vistas. It feels very very similar to a Mediterranean villa.
The rooms at Walkers Seashore characteristic up to date interiors with soothing color palettes and high-end furnishings and plush bedding.
There are two out of doors swimming swimming pools with snug loungers and parasols, good for enjoyable and absorbing the solar whereas having fun with the ocean views if you happen to don’t fancy getting sandy down on the seaside. A serene spa provides quite a lot of remedies and therapies, from massages to facials, making certain visitors can unwind and rejuvenate whereas the well-equipped health club permits visitors to take care of their health routines throughout their keep.
The restaurant and bar overlook the ocean and in a brilliant open house, serving superb meals with a give attention to contemporary, native elements. The meat carpaccio salad at lunch is superb!
Plettenberg Bay is famed for its varied actions and excursions, and the lodge can supply assist to e-book water sports activities, whale watching, and journeys to close by sights, making certain visitors can totally expertise the sweetness and journey of surrounding space.
With its prime location, trendy rooms and distinctive service, Walkers Seashore is our go to property for anybody trying to keep in Plettenberg.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Journey. Humboldt Journey is a luxurious journey firm specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with the intention to increase your profile, please contact us.
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