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 might be finished over just a few 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 supplies the chance to discover the St Blaize Path, a nine-mile rugged coastal stroll which results in Dana Bay from a cave under 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 accommodates 20% of the continent’s plant species. As you drive previous George, the putting 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 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. Suppose 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, dwelling to a variety of journey actions equivalent to kayaking expeditions in addition to the world’s highest bungee leap (709ft) at Bloukrans Bridge. Whereas to the lies Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park, dwelling to some great strolling trails together with the oldest mountain climbing route within the nation, the five-day Otter Path.
Alongside the Backyard Route, to enrich 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 situated within the coronary heart of the Fancourt Property in George. It’s a luxurious boutique resort that mixes historic attraction with trendy 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 friends will likely be trying to play. Boasting 3 excellent golf programs, together with the Hyperlinks, designed by Gary Participant and presently ranked because the quantity 2 course within the nation.
The outside of the Manor Home boasts whitewashed partitions, gabled roofs, and delightful verandas that provide panoramic views of the encompassing 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, unique 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 paintings adorning the partitions. The rooms are luxurious with individually embellished suites however with trendy facilities. After a spherical of golf, friends can get pleasure from unique entry to the Manor Home’s non-public amenities, 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, gourmand eating choices, and leisure actions equivalent to tennis and mountain climbing. Plus the world-class golf amenities.
When you’re a golfer and visiting South Africa, you’ll wish to keep for at the very least 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 encompassing fynbos panorama in an space characterised by its various flora, a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The lodge overlooks the seaside under, offering quick access to sandy shores and coastal actions.
The rooms at Simbavati are elegant, typically designed with pure supplies and a concentrate on mixing with the atmosphere. Rooms sometimes have massive home windows or non-public terraces to reap the benefits of the scenic views. Interiors are tastefully embellished with a mixture of trendy facilities and rustic attraction.
The area is thought for its actions and Simbavati is not any totally different. Right here friends can get pleasure from guided nature walks, fowl watching, and exploring the distinctive natural world of the fynbos area. The lodge can be dwelling to freeroaming sport animals equivalent 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 is usually a deal with. The realm can 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 concentrate on recent, regionally sourced substances and friends 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 for those who’re in search of a substitute for Knysna.
Kanonkop Home – Knysna
Kanonkop Home is maybe the highest boutique luxurious property on the Backyard Route. Positioned in on the hills above Knysna, this resort affords beautiful panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the luxurious surrounding landscapes.
There’s no official reception on the property and friends 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 outfitted with trendy facilities equivalent to air-con, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and splendid en-suite loos with high-end toiletries.
There’s a spacious lounge and bar space, designed for rest which incorporates an in depth bar stocked with an enormous vary of South African gin and different spirits, a big beer fridge and likewise an exquisite choice of South African wines. The perfect factor being that every 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 gentle meals and snacks accessible all through the day however no principal 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 phenomenal out of doors pool surrounded by a solar deck and luxurious gardens supplies an ideal spot for rest and absorbing the solar whereas there are additionally fantastically manicured gardens with indigenous vegetation.
The concierge at Kanonkop Home can organize varied actions equivalent to lagoon cruises, mountain 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 weird lodge is not like some other property on the Backyard Route and affords a novel mix of seclusion, consolation, and pure magnificence, making it a great vacation spot for {couples} looking for a serene escape.
The lodge includes a choice of elegant suites and villas which can 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 outfitted with a non-public deck, a plunge pool, and spacious dwelling areas, guaranteeing utmost consolation and privateness. It’s good for a honeymooning couple.
The primary eating space supplies beautiful views of the forest, enhancing the eating expertise and friends can get pleasure from glorious meals, from hearty breakfasts to decadent dinners, all ready with the best substances.
The lodge boasts a variety of amenities and actions designed to complement the visitor expertise. The lodge has a fantastic infinity pool, a library, and a lounge space the place friends can loosen up and unwind. For these looking for journey, the lodge affords actions equivalent 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 glorious surf seashores, whale watching, and varied water sports activities.
The lodge affords 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 influence through the use of sustainable supplies in its building, implementing water and energy-saving practices, and supporting native communities by varied initiatives.
All of this makes Tsala Treetop Lodge affords a really unforgettable expertise, excellent for these in search of seclusion in model.
Walkers Seashore Lodge – Plettenberg Bay
Walkers Seashore Lodge is certainly one of Plettenberg’s latest lodges and in my view one of the best. It’s a shocking boutique resort providing friends unimaginable views of the Indian Ocean and direct entry to pristine sandy seashores. The resort’s structure and decor mix trendy class with a coastal attraction, 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 function 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 comfy loungers and parasols, good for enjoyable and absorbing the solar whereas having fun with the ocean views for those who don’t fancy getting sandy down on the seaside. A serene spa affords a wide range of remedies and therapies, from massages to facials, guaranteeing friends can unwind and rejuvenate whereas the well-equipped gymnasium permits friends to take care of their health routines throughout their keep.
The restaurant and bar overlook the ocean and in a vibrant open house, serving wonderful meals with a concentrate on recent, native substances. The meat carpaccio salad at lunch is great!
Plettenberg Bay is famed for its varied actions and excursions, and the resort can provide assist to e book water sports activities, whale watching, and journeys to close by sights, guaranteeing friends can totally expertise the wonder and journey of surrounding space.
With its prime location, fashionable 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 need to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with the intention to increase your profile, please contact us.
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