The classic South African Garden Route is about 300 kilometers long, but the over 700-kilometer stretch of coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth also offers incredible and noteworthy attractions. For South African family holidays, couples, digital nomads, and solo travelers, the unique nature, impressive national parks, and beautiful sandy beaches provide unforgettable impressions.
The route can be chosen according to one’s own preferences, with a guided route as well as self-exploration of the country with a rental car or tour. Numerous accommodation options along the route and leisure activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing make the journey so diverse. The coast allows you to observe and marvel at whales, dolphins, and even penguins. The well-developed coastal road passes by lush orchids, tree fungi, and colorful flowers amidst lush greenery, and tourists will not forget this sight anytime soon. All the more important is the choice of the right Garden Route accommodation.
Garden Route accommodation: What do you need for a pleasant stay?
No matter if you are on the way to some whale watching in Hermanus, surfing lessons in the Indian Ocean, or want to explore Plettenberg Bay: finding the right garden route holiday accommodation for your own needs is essential. The choice here is huge: whether you fancy a well-equipped modern apartment, self-catering accommodation, or a bed and breakfast accommodation: the western cape and its Indian Ocean coastline and beautiful coastal strip have a lot to offer.
Especially if you are looking for a self-catering spot close to the breathtaking ocean, a small town such as Struisbaai has a lot to offer. It is located on the garden route’s entry point, suitable for nature lovers, and still close to Mossel bay and the wilderness national park.
Garden Route accommodation – Visit our backpackers and traveler’s lodge in the Western Cape
The Cape Agulhas Backpackers and traveler lodge is a family-run accommodation for 17 years, which has already hosted thousands of locals, international tourists & families. We have a bar, several indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and an outdoor pool – here you can relax and make new friends – the perfect place to have a drink or two in company.
Our centrally located and secure estate also offers free parking & free wifi – which at the same time is ultra-fast. If you are looking for a charming holiday apartment, you have come to the right place. Some of our rooms have private balconies and outdoor sitting areas. Other rooms have a portable braai/braai area – pets are also welcome here (Driftwood Apartment)! For those who don’t, we have a communal fireplace next to the bar and a communal firepit outdoors for a traditional braai. In addition, we offer several very well-equipped dorms. Restaurants and supermarkets are within walking distance.
Why you should come to visit Struisbaai & Cape Agulhas on your way along the Garden Route
Struisbaai is a small seaside village, that has to offer a lot. This beautiful town has a quiet neighborhood, which makes it perfect for families, tourists, solo-travellers and remote workers. Also, Struisbaai offers a lot of activities, such as surfing, kite-surfing, and hiking, and offers beautiful mountain bike trails.
Parrie, the stingray
At the Struisbaai harbor, there’s always a flurry of activity as colorful fishing boats come and go. It’s a popular spot for tourists who are drawn to the beach, a well-known restaurant, and an unusual local attraction affectionately known as Parrie. Parrie is a resident stingray who was initially attracted to the harbor by the morsels thrown overboard by returning fishermen. Over the years, he has become a regular fixture and even allows people to approach and feed him. Although his swaying tail should be watched carefully, Parrie is a friendly creature who has become both a tourist attraction and a beloved town mascot.
Despite being caught by the Two Oceans Aquarium, the locals demonstrated fierce loyalty to Parrie and succeeded in getting him returned to his home at the harbor. Since then, a few more stingrays have joined him, but they remain shy. Parrie, however, is always happy to greet anyone who comes with food in hand and is easy to spot as he is the largest of the group.
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse & Museum
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse & Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Southern Most Tip of Africa. The lighthouse was built in 1848 and is the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a stunning panoramic view of the ocean and coastline.
The museum, located in the former assistant keeper’s house, showcases the rich maritime history of the area. Exhibits include shipwreck relics, navigational equipment, and displays on the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. The museum also features a gift shop and a coffee shop serving light refreshments.
In addition to its historical significance, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is also an important aid to navigation, warning ships of the treacherous coastline, and the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The lighthouse and museum offer a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of South Africa and the important role played by lighthouses in ensuring safe passage for ships.
The Southern Most Tip of Africa
The Agulhas point, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, is considered the official divide between the two great oceans. However, it is not always the official divide between the Agulhas and Benguela currents. This divide varies between Agulhas Point and Cape Point, which is located approximately 150 kilometers to the northwest.
Despite this variation, standing at the meeting place of two oceans is a truly special experience. The raw energy of the surrounding natural environment, with its rugged coastline and crashing waves, is a constant reminder of the significance of this geographical hotspot.
Visitors to the area can explore the nearby Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and Museum to learn more about the maritime history of the region and the important role played by lighthouses in ensuring safe passage for ships. They can also take in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area, with its diverse range of plant and animal life, hiking trails, and whale-watching opportunities.
Whether standing at Agulhas point or Cape Point, the meeting place of two oceans is a powerful reminder of the incredible forces of nature that shape our planet. It is a destination that should not be missed by anyone seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Garden Route accommodation: Enjoy the great location of Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas
The Garden Route, a 700-kilometer stretch of South Africa’s coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is a popular destination for tourists seeking a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The area is also known for its lush natural landscapes and wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and penguins. Accommodation options along the route are plentiful and cater to a range of preferences, including self-catering accommodation, bed and breakfasts, and apartments.
The Cape Agulhas Backpackers and Traveler’s Lodge, located in the small town of Struisbaai, offers a secure and centrally located accommodation option for travelers. The town itself is a peaceful retreat with plenty of activities, including surfing, kite surfing, hiking, and mountain biking. The local harbor is home to a friendly stingray named Parrie, and the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and Museum offer fascinating insights into the maritime history of South Africa. Finally, standing at the Southern Most Tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, is a truly unique experience.