Our Top 5 Garden Route Game Lodges

The Garden Route, a picturesque 300 km stretch along along the southwest coast of South Africa, is known for diverse landscapes ranging from lagoons, forests, lakes and sandy beaches. The route starts off in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and stretches to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. A hidden treasure of this route, is the number of big five game reserves that can be found along the way or just a short drive further. For an unforgettable safari adventure, here are our Top 5 Garden Route Game Lodges

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Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

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Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is a santuary along the Garden Route, nestled midway between Mossel Bay and George. The family-owned boasts 4 200 hectares of untouched wilderness and stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains and Indian Ocean. Although it is only home to four of the Big 5, Botlierskop offers up-closing viewing of some truly unique fauna and flora.

The Accommodation: The elegant and luxurious tented suites offer complete privacy and blends in seemingly with the natural surroundings. They are equipped with en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers and a private patio with views of river in the distance.

Lodge Facilities: Botlierskop has an inviting lounge with fireplace, indoor dining area, outdoor viewing deck, swimming pool, and boma area.

‍Why it’s a Garden Route Game Lodge favorite: Botlierskop is an ideal destination to experience the outdoors, with activities such as guided game drives, horseback safaris and guided walks.

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‍Shamwari Bayethe

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Located on the Bushmans River in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve spans 20,000 hectares and is home to five of South Africa's seven ecosystems and the Big Five. Bayethe Lodge offers a luxurious tented retreat with exceptional service and a memorable safari experience.‍

The Accommodation: Bayethe boasts twelve private luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms, wooden floors, canvas sides, and a viewing deck with plunge pool.

‍Lodge facilities: Bayethe boasts a large viewing deck with river views, a private plunge pool, lounge area, dining room, outdoor boma, business desk with internet access, gift boutique, and a bush spa.

‍Why it’s a Garden Route Game Lodge favorite: The Shamwari Game Reserve is a successful conservation story with Shamwari's Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue Centre, Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre and the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre positioned on the reserve.Besides visits to these centers, Bayethe offers its guests daily open-vehicle game drives and guided game walks.

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Kariega Ukhozi Lodge

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Just an hour from Port Elizabeth, Kariega Game Reserve is a malaria-free 10,000-hectare haven for the Big Five and other wildlife. Ukhozi Lodge offers a luxury home-away-from-home experience.

The Accommodation: Ukhozi Lodge has 10 luxury suites that featuring a private plunge pool and deck, air-conditioning and a spacious en-suite.

‍Lodge facilities: Ukhozi boasts an African-style lounge, indoor dining area, an outdoor boma and a swimming pool.

‍Why it’s a Garden Route Game Lodge favorite: Kariega offers a well-rounded safari experience with activities such as open-vehicle game drives, river cruises, canoeing, fishing expeditions and guided bush walks.

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‍Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp

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In the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona Game Reserve covers 54,000 hectares with diverse landscapes and a range of wildlife, including the Big Five. Dwyka Tented Camp sets the standard for luxury tented safaris.

‍The Accommodation: Boasting nine private luxury tents with air conditioning, heating systems, en-suite bathrooms and a private deck with heated plunge pool.

Lodge facilities: Dwyka Tented Camp features a fireplace, wine cellar, gift boutique, relaxation retreat, and an open-air dining boma.

‍Why it’s a Garden Route Game Lodge favorite: Sanbona Game Reserve is home to a number of different animal species, including the Big 5, endangered riverine rabbit and more than 200 bird species. Guests of Dwyka can look forward to open-vehicle game drives, nature walks, spa treatments, San rock art, boating safaris, and stargazing experiences.

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Kwena Lodge

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Nestled in a 26,000-acre private reserve along the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve is a mountain safari retreat with an abundance of wildlife. Kwena Lodge blends modern luxury with natural surroundings. ‍

The Accommodation: Drawing inspiration from the nomadic San People, the 14 dome-shaped features a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, opulent bath with stunning window and outdoor shaded deck.

‍Lodge facilities: The lodge features an open-plan lounge and bar, infinity pool with private pool loungers and indoor/outdoor dining areas.

‍Why it’s a Garden Route Game Lodge favorite: Gondwana is a malaria free Big five game reserves that offers an incredible array of activities, including open-vehicle game drives, birding safaris, hiking, mountain biking and outdoor dining experiences. The reserve also boasts a protected area where endangered and specialty species such bontebok, Cape mountain zebra and sable can be seen.

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For a safe journey along the Garden Route, consult our informative guide.

And should you need more advice or help planning your Garden Route getaway, be sure to contact one of our Garden Route experts who are standing by to assist.