The Backyard Route in South Africa is an space stretching for 124 miles by 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 may be completed over a number of days or a few weeks, relying on how how deep below 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 straightforward driving situations.
Mossel Bay offers the chance to discover the St Blaize Path, a nine-mile rugged coastal stroll which results 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 comprises 20% of the continent’s plant species. As you drive previous George, the putting Outeniqua Mountains present a beautiful 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 Competition 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, residence to a variety of journey actions akin to kayaking expeditions in addition to the world’s highest bungee soar (709ft) at Bloukrans Bridge. Whereas to the lies Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park, residence to some fantastic strolling trails together with the oldest mountaineering route within the nation, the five-day Otter Path.
Alongside the Backyard Route, to enhance the numerous actions, are some fabulous luxurious lodging. Right here’s our favorite 5;
The Manor Home at Fancourt – George
The Manor Home at Fancourt is positioned within the coronary heart of the Fancourt Property in George. It’s a luxurious boutique resort 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 primary attraction is the golf and most company shall be seeking to play. Boasting 3 excellent golf programs, together with the Hyperlinks, designed by Gary Participant and at the moment ranked because the quantity 2 course within the nation.
The outside of the Manor Home boasts whitewashed partitions, gabled roofs, and delightful verandas that supply panoramic views of the encompassing gardens and Outeniqua mountains. The luxurious, meticulously landscaped gardens embody 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 picket flooring, and vintage furnishings that exude a timeless sophistication. The decor seamlessly blends traditional and up to date types, with luxurious materials, wealthy colors, and bespoke art work adorning the partitions. The rooms are luxurious with individually embellished suites however with fashionable facilities. After a spherical of golf, company can take pleasure in unique entry to the Manor Home’s non-public amenities, together with a lounge, bar, and outside swimming pool.
The Manor Home is a part of the broader Fancourt Property the place you’ll discover a wellness spa, gourmand eating choices, and leisure actions akin to tennis and mountaineering. Plus the world-class golf amenities.
For those who’re a golfer and visiting South Africa, you’ll wish to keep for at the least an evening.
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea – Sedgefield
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is positioned midway between George and Knysna within the small coastal city of Sedgefield. This luxury lodge may 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 encompassing fynbos panorama in an space characterised by its various flora, 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, typically designed with pure supplies and a give attention to mixing with the surroundings. Rooms sometimes have giant home windows or non-public terraces to reap the benefits of the scenic views. Interiors are tastefully embellished with a mixture of fashionable facilities and rustic appeal.
The area is thought for its actions and Simbavati isn’t any totally different. Right here company can take pleasure in guided nature walks, fowl watching, and exploring the distinctive wildlife of the fynbos area. The lodge can also be residence to freeroaming sport animals akin to eland, waterbuck and zebras.
Near the property you may uncover pretty 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 generally is a deal with. The realm can also be a giant draw for superior paragliding with firms utilizing Simbavati as a leaping off level.
Eating at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is an beautiful expertise, with a give attention to contemporary, domestically sourced elements and company can take pleasure in meals in a gorgeous 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 in case you’re searching for an alternative choice to 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 resort provides gorgeous panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the luxurious surrounding landscapes.
There’s no official reception on the property and company are met individually by an attentive concierge who takes you to you room. The rooms and suites are exceptionally appointed, every individually embellished with a mixture of up to date and conventional African types. Lots of the rooms provide non-public balconies or terraces with spectacular views over Knysna Lagoon.
The rooms come geared up with fashionable facilities akin to air con, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and splendid en-suite bogs with high-end toiletries.
There’s a spacious lounge and bar space, designed for leisure which incorporates an intensive bar stocked with an enormous vary of South African gin and different spirits, a big beer fridge and in addition a beautiful number of South African wines. The most effective factor being that each one the drinks are included in the price of your keep.
An a la carte breakfast is served every single day typically served on a terrace with lagoon views. There are additionally mild meals and snacks out there all through the day however no important restaurant. Knysna has some nice eating choices and is a brief drive away and most of the people have their very own automotive when visiting Knysna.
The guesthouse is conveniently positioned 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 phenomenal outside pool surrounded by a solar deck and luxurious gardens offers an ideal spot for leisure and absorbing the solar whereas there are additionally fantastically manicured gardens with indigenous vegetation.
The concierge at Kanonkop Home can organize numerous actions akin to lagoon cruises, mountaineering, {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 another property on the Backyard Route and provides a singular mix of seclusion, consolation, and pure magnificence, making it a really perfect vacation spot for {couples} in search of a serene escape.
The lodge incorporates a number of elegant suites and villas which might be elevated above the forest flooring 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 geared up with a personal deck, a plunge pool, and spacious residing areas, making certain utmost consolation and privateness. It’s good for a honeymooning couple.
The primary eating space offers gorgeous views of the forest, enhancing the eating expertise and company can take pleasure in wonderful meals, from hearty breakfasts to decadent dinners, all ready with the best elements.
The lodge boasts a variety of amenities and actions designed to complement the visitor expertise. The lodge has a gorgeous infinity pool, a library, and a lounge space the place company can loosen up and unwind. For these in search of journey, the lodge provides actions akin to forest walks, fowl watching, and guided excursions of the encompassing space. Set throughout the forest, the lodge is a handy 20-minute drive to Plettenberg Bay, the place you may benefit from the wonderful surf seashores, whale watching, and numerous water sports activities.
The lodge provides a variety of spa remedies for these seeking 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 through the use of sustainable supplies in its development, implementing water and energy-saving practices, and supporting native communities by numerous initiatives.
All of this makes Tsala Treetop Lodge provides a very unforgettable expertise, excellent for these searching for seclusion in type.
Walkers Seashore Resort – Plettenberg Bay
Walkers Seashore Resort is one in all Plettenberg’s latest inns and in my view the perfect. It’s a surprising boutique resort providing company unimaginable views of the Indian Ocean and direct entry to pristine sandy seashores. The resort’s structure and decor mix fashionable class with a coastal appeal, that includes giant 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 function up to date interiors with soothing color palettes and high-end furnishings and plush bedding.
There are two outside swimming swimming pools with comfy loungers and parasols, good for stress-free and absorbing the solar whereas having fun with the ocean views in case you 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 company can unwind and rejuvenate whereas the well-equipped health club permits company to take care of their health routines throughout their keep.
The restaurant and bar overlook the ocean and in a brilliant open house, serving effective meals with a give attention to contemporary, native elements. The meat carpaccio salad at lunch is superb!
Plettenberg Bay is famed for its numerous actions and excursions, and the resort can provide assist to e-book water sports activities, whale watching, and journeys to close by points of interest, making certain company 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 seeking 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 in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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