There is no lack of top accommodation in the Crags. Situated in the beautiful Garden Route near the border of the Western- and Eastern Cape and just 20km north of Plettenberg Bay, makes the Crags easily accessible from cities like Port Elizabeth (2 hours), Cape Town (6 hours) or George (1 hour 30min). While this is a small area it offers a great variety of activities and accommodation.
The Crags is an area that I drove passed for many years without stopping until all the signs along the N2 finally tickled my fancy enough to pull over. Imagine a place booming with great cuisine, arts and culture, wildlife and marine life, some of the best spas in the country, top class accommodation and international sporting events all packed into a 30km radius. Impossible? This fairy tale village has it all.
There is plenty do to in the Crags and with places such as Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, Birds of Eden, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Ocean Blue Adventures and Plett Puzzle Park, you will be exploring for weeks without getting bored.
The Crags is also the hub of the Plett Winelands. So if you want to kick back and relax with some of South Africa’s finest wines, make sure you pop into Bramon Wine Estate, Newstead Wine Estate, Kay and Monty Vineyards and Lodestone Wines who are all situated in the Crags.
The Crags is not only a great holiday destination.Ingwe Forest Adventures is known as a teambuilding paradise for both corporates and school groups.
The Crags is also home to a number of farmstalls and the area’s lush, green forest, rugged mountains and beaches makes it the perfect place to do some sightseeing. The locals are warm and friendly as you would possibly expect from a small farming community. If you need a break the Crags is definitely the place to go.
Looking for the top accommodation in the Crags? Have a look at our list below:
Kurland Hotel – Accommodation type: 5-star Hotel
Situated near the beautiful beach resorts of Plettenberg Bay, you will find the Kurland Hotel & Spa. This family-owned, 5-Star accommodation offers total peace and tranquillity as you take in the luxurious rooms, fine dining at their restaurant and relaxing spa treatments.
Kurland Hotel is family friendly, so you can bring along the kids for your vacation or simply take the time to enjoy a romantic vacation with your loved one alone. Here you will find the perfect combination of old world charm and modern amenities.
The hotel was designed so that guests could fully enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and Mediterranean climate. Their facilities make for the perfect family holiday location and are a popular choice for weddings, functions and romantic getaways…
There are 12 luxury Suites available at Kurland Hotel, each one tastefully decorated and spacious so that you have a comfortable and relaxing experience. There are two Elegant Suites, six Luxury Suites and four Superior Suites…READ MORE
Telephone 044 534 8082. Email them at info@kurland.co.za. Make a reservation by clicking here. Find them by clicking here. Find out more here.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge – Accommodation type: 5-Star Lodge
Just 18km East of the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay along the renowned holiday destination of the Garden Route is Hog Hollow Country Lodge & Villas, set on the edge of indigenous forest with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains.
The sixteen suites are all situated in the gardens surrounding the main house. Decorated in earthy colours, with handcrafted artefacts scattered throughout, all feature king size beds (or twin if you prefer), a well stocked mini bar and a hi-fi. Sit out on your private wooden deck listening to the sounds of a garden humming with life, enveloped in the warmth of the African sun.
Overlooking the Matjies River Gorge, this congenial hub is where it all happens. The Boma is a place for festive occasions and relaxing at day’s end, where guests relax on comfy chairs, a fire crackling nearby, and their favourite sundowner at hand.
There are various lounge areas to escape to – with a book, a pair of binoculars, or just your thoughts. The reading room offers a quiet haven and a leafy vista of the indigenous forest valley and Tsitsikamma Mountains. If you’re a bird lover we advise you to head straight for the lounge where a fruit-laden Ficus tree is a favourite with Plett’s prolific bird community.
Telephone 082 896 5975. Make a reservation by clicking here. To find them click here. Find out more here.
Trogon House and Forest Spa – Accommodation type: Luxury Bed & Breakfast/Guest Lodge
Trogon House & Forest Spa offers an exquisite location and experience, suspended in the treetops of a private forest reserve that stretches untamed along the Tsitsikamma Mountains and beyond.
This beautiful Guest Lodge lies within the indigenous forest on the most scenic and unspoilt stretch of the Garden Route, flanking world-renowned tourist attractions such as Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and The Elephant Sanctuary.
Elevated in the treetops and using only natural materials, this unique establishment embraces the forest by means of glass walls and sky-lit roofs, inviting the forest inside and creating a special forest ambience.
Malabar Villa is the main part of the establishment; which comprises of a beautiful lounge area surrounded by glass walls, spacious dining areas, our intimate bar with fireplace and expansive pool deck with uninterrupted views of the forest. The accommodation options at Malabar Villa are; one Master Suite and one Standard TWIN Suite.
Connected to the villa on a wooden walkway through the forest are our two most popular Deluxe Forest Suites. And finally; also connected by the walkway, located very privately in the forest below Malabar is our gorgeous Honeymoon Suite. Breakfast is served either on the pool deck overlooking the magnificent valley below or inside close to the fireplace on fresh winters mornings.
Telephone 044 534 8191. Email reservations@trogonhouse.co.za. Make a reservation here. To find them click here. Find out more here.
Buffelsdam Country House – Accommodation type: 5-Star Country House
Buffelsdam Country House is located five minutes from the N2 in the rural area of The Crags at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley in The Garden Route.
With six well-appointed rooms and a three-bedroom family unit, Buffelsdam Country House offers guests a great stay in the heart of the Garden Route, just a few minutes from many exciting activities. There is also a separate family swimming pool area and a very spacious Family Unit.
Affordable comfort includes large suites, free Wi-Fi, flat screen DSTV and extra length king-sized beds. Breakfast included.
From the garden you can see horses grazing at the famous Kurland Polo Estate. Enjoy a swim in the spacious infinity pool or simply sit, relax and enjoy your holiday. The birdlife and scenery are quite spectacular.
Indulge in the abundant wildlife and unparalleled beauty of the Garden Route under the skies of The Crags. Surrounded by a number of attractions such as Monkey Land and Birds of Eden as well as spectacular scenery and beaches; Buffelsdam Country House ensures that guests enjoy a memorable stay.
Telephone 072 695 1558. Email info@buffelsdam.co.za. Make a reservation here. Find them here. Find out more here.
Elephant Country Guest House – Accommodation type: Bed & Breakfast / Guest House
Just outside Plettenberg Bay, in the world-renowned Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa, you will find the impressive Elephant Country Guest House, nestled on a natural vista encircled by rolling hills, indigenous forest and fynbos.
The French Victorian décor with its rich colours offers the discerning guest a sophisticated vintage/modern ambience with breathtaking views over local vineyards and the majestic Tsitsikamma mountain range in the distance.
Elephant Country Guest House offers five Luxury Master Suites and is perfect for those looking for a quiet and tranquil stay. There are various lounge areas and a lush garden where you can escape to with a book or just your thoughts.
From the garden you can also view the giants of the forest, the 5 resident elephants of the Elephant Sanctuary, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, an experience unique to The Elephant Country Guest House.
This luxurious Guest House is perfect for a quiet and tranquil stay, with a focus on the outdoors.
Telephone 012 258 904. Email info@elephantcountryguesthouse.co.za. Make a reservation here. Find them here. To find out more click here.
AfriCamps at Ingwe – Accommodation type: Luxury Camps/Glamping
AfriCamps at Ingwe is situated in the Crags, a lush forest and Fynbos area embraced by the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay where you can experience all the Garden Route is so famous for.
The high elevated tents boast outstanding views of rolling green hilltops surrounded by deep indigenous forested valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. Three of the tents now offer a private wood-fired hot tub where you can take in the breathtaking view while listening to the crackle of fire under the African sky.
AfriCamps tents consist of a spacious open plan lounge area with a comfortable couch and a fully equipped kitchen. The dining room area has a solid wooden table with enough seating for 5 people. For winter months the fireplace will be the perfect way to warm up the tent, bringing in an intimate setting for you and your loved ones.
AfriCamps at Ingwe is an outdoor adventurer and nature lover’s paradise. Visit one of the many popular attractions in the area, or just sit on the private deck of your tent and soak up the tranquil beauty and peaceful sounds of Ingwe’s forest.
From Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani Wildlife centre, Hog Hollow Horse Trails, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, delightful canoeing trips up the Bitou & Keurbooms River to a visit to one of the many wine estates around the corner, one is spoilt for choice!
Telephone 021 300 5694. Email hello@africamps.com. Make a reservation here. Find them here. To find out more click here.
