Garden Route
Portfolio offers a variety of accommodation from fine country houses, hotels, private game reserves and game lodges, guest houses, country inns, villas and apartments, self-contained cottages and farm stays. Whether you are on safari, or planning a honeymoon, traveling with the family or seeking a romantic weekend away or simply traveling South Africa, the choices are endless with over 900 accommodation establishments to choose from country wide. . Whether you are seeking a golfing holiday, eco-safari or cultural experience, the Portfolio Collection has it all.
Not named for cultivated gardens as many travellers expect, but rather for the magnificence of its wild, unspoilt coastline and natural "gardens", as described by the French explorer, Le Vaillant, in the 1780s. The Khoi San people called it "Outeniqua" meaning "a man laden with honey", a reference to the scent from the wild flowers. The magnificent forests at Tsitsikamma, sweeping beaches of St Francis Bay and beautiful Plettenberg Bay, the bustling town of Knysna and lovely Lake District of Wilderness and Sedgefield are your Garden Route. Golfers will enjoy the great variety of superb golf courses from Fancourt, George, to Pezula at Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Stay in a castle, an eco-reserve, stylish country houses or charming bed and breakfast homes as well as great guest houses on the beach and forest hide-aways. There are more than 140 quality accommodation establishments to choose from.
Knysna - Foodies must visit Mackintosh's, a packed deli also serving light lunches. Knysna's Waterfront is the place to be, a seaside shopping mecca. Enjoy fresh oysters at the Oyster Company and fresh fish at 34-degrees South, tel 044 382 7331, and watch the world float by on the water. Book a charter and sail or cruise the lagoon.
Nature's Valley - The scenic drive is worth it on its own, an additional reward is fresh fish at Rafiki's, on a deck on the beach, with a sundowner to end the day.
Plettenberg Bay with it's magnificent unspoilt Robberg and Lookout Beaches is a popular seaside town. Great whale spotting in winter with jet-setting polo playing in summer. Hike the Robberg trail or walk magnificent unspoilt beaches. The Arts and Crafts route includes visits to The Heath and The Potter.
Rheenendal - Outside Knysna, Bushpig Fabrics on the road to Rheenendal, do fabric painting and screen-printed T-shirts. Nearby, visit Millwood the original site of early gold mining.
George - For steam lovers, take a ride on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe which travels from George to Knysna. This authentic steam train chugs along a charming scenic route on the rugged coastline and across the lagoon to Knysna.
Sedgefield - When the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe stops at Sedgefield, buy homemade pies from the Sedgefield Station for "padkos". On Saturday morning visit the Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market for farm fresh produce, where everything from biltong to biscuits is sold - the best place to enjoy breakfast.
Stilbaai - Famous fish traps, dating from the early Strandlopers, may be seen on the beach. From the official whale watching point, Lappiesbaai Restaurant, watch whales wave their tails. Stop off at the Matchbox, a charming country coffee shop offering stylish gifts and a farmyard for the kids.
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