6 Best Hotels in The Garden Route and the Little Karoo, South Africa

This understated bed-and-breakfast is perched on a cliff in the quiet coastal hamlet of Brenton-on-Sea, so there are breathtaking ocean views from the suites and spacious public rooms. A steep, twisty path leads to a small beach, but the main beach is some distance away. All the well-equipped accommodations have kitchenettes, and there are also two well-equipped communal kitchens where you can whip up meals and then serve them in the sea-view dining room or on the verandah. It's a bit like having your own beach house. Ask for a honeymoon suite—even if you're not on honeymoon—for the roomy showers and tubs.

Along a lovely, meandering stretch of river, this camp is divided into northern and southern sections that include a variety of accommodations ranging from log cabins to forest huts. The southern half has several family-friendly cottages that sleep up to six, as well as log cabins and forest huts that sleep up to four. The cabins are prettier than the cottages, but both are bright and pleasant. The forest huts are a bit smaller. The much smaller northern section is more secluded and has a few grassy campsites on the river and a dozen rondavels (round huts). The communal bathroom areas for the campsite are clean and more than adequate.

Within easy striking distance of the best game-viewing areas, this lodge overlooking the Bellair Dam is unashamedly family-friendly. The layout is fresh and funky, with a grassy inner garden that invites impromptu cricket matches, as well as an outdoor pool with a shallow area for children. There's also a playroom, babysitting for the under-fours, and a "Kids on Safari" program. The accommodations incorporate traditional Karoo-style architecture. Each of the rooms has a private deck or a balcony with a commanding view. Meals focus on traditional South African cuisine with a twist. A specialty is lamb shank, a typical Karoo dish.

Just 10 minutes from town, this tranquil property is set amid gardens that descend into a forested valley. The heart of the lodge is an old farmstead, a lovely thatch building with low beams and large fireplaces. Guest rooms are in cottages with their own fireplaces and verandahs. Three suites have private plunge pools. Tasteful antiques grace the rooms, and clawfoot tubs are the centerpiece of many of the gigantic bathrooms. Most guests eat at the hotel's excellent table restaurant, which brings a French touch to local South African produce. There's also the option of eating at Zinzi's, a separate restaurant on the grounds. The Summer House, in the garden, is open for tea, lunch, and early dinner in summer. The lodge is very child-friendly, making it one of the few places where you don't have to sacrifice sophistication for family accommodations.

Although Kleinplaas means "small farm," this lodging isn't really a farm despite the ostriches and ducks on the premises. Basic but comfortable chalets are neatly arranged in a huge, shady lawn area. Each chalet has a tiny patio area. If you brought you own tent, there's also a tree-shaded campsite. 

Almost within soaking distance of the pounding surf, the setting at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is nothing short of spectacular, making it a must-visit for international visitors. There’s an incredibly wide range of accommodations, including attractive seaside apartments called "oceanettes" that have fully outfitted kitchens. Handsome log cabins, referred to as “chalets,” are popular because they sit closest to the ocean. Forest huts are the cheapest option. There are plenty of activities like kayaking and snorkeling.