LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS WITHIN THE EXPLORERS GARDEN ROUTE

The Hessequa region is branded as The Explorer’s Garden Route due to its unique and off-the-beaten-track features and experiences.

The region is linked with the evolution of mankind, with the Cradle of Human Culture route featured in Stilbaai and is home to many authentic offerings including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a world-first Fynbos Gin, a Champion Whispering Tree, a GIANT Aloe Statue, the second largest collection of Thomas Bowler paintings in the country and a Mountain Peak resembling a sleeping lady.

This holiday season, you can experience all Hessequa’s hidden treasures, by booking your last-minute holiday accommodation at the following venues:

1. Ellensrust Camping; Caravan and Self-Catering Resort
The Ellensrust Resort , in Stilbaai, is a well maintained Municipal resort and offers spacious camping plots and a selection of self-catering units. The resort is home to 336 plots – some of which has electrical points, ablution facilities and access to water. The camping and caravan plots are mostly shaded and the grass surface makes for an enjoyable stay. The resort also offers shared ablution facilities at strategic locations on the beautiful premises. The self-catering units comes standard with their own bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and braai area.

The resort offers limited self-catering units and camping plots from 31 March – 10 April 2023 and is the ideal budget option travellers, wanting to explore the local hidden gems of Stilbaai and the surrounding areas. The resort rates (very affordable) and resort layout can be downloaded from the link https://explorersgardenroute.co.za/places/ellensrust-camping-and-caravan-park/ – all direct enquiries can be done via the resort line of 028 713 7848 or email ellensrust@hessequa.gov.za

2. Gouritsmond Camping and Caravan Resort
The Gouritsmond Camping and Caravan Resort is located at the entrance of the beautiful coastal town and is a well-maintained Municipal facility, which offers camping plots, electrical points, braai facilities and clean ablution facilities. The resort is the ideal venue for family and friends in search for a tranquil getaway.

The resort offers ample camping space for the upcoming school- and Easter holidays from 31 March – 10 April 2023. The resort rates and resort layout can be downloaded from the link https://explorersgardenroute.co.za/places/the-gouritsmond-camping-and-caravan-park/ and all direct bookings can be done via the resort telephone line 028 713 7855.

3. Witsand Middle Camp Resort
The Witsand Middle Camp Resort is situated on the eastern end of Witsand, right on the beach and offers amazing fishing opportunities from the sand and from the rocks. The camp offers travellers 51 camping plots, which is mostly well shaded by a selection of trees. The resort further offers well-maintained and clean ablution facilities and ground, which are ideal for a holiday getaway.

The resort has camping plots available for the school- and Easter holiday period from 31 March – 10 April 2023. The resort rates and layout is downloadable from https://explorersgardenroute.co.za/places/witsand-camping-caravan-park-middle-camp/ with direct bookings via the telephone number 028 713 7868.

4. Preekstoel Camping; Caravan and Self-Catering Resort
This Municipal Resort, in Stilbaai, is practically on the beach and offers 404 camping plots, 16 self-catering units and a youth hostel, which can accommodate a total of 60 youth guests. The resort has well-maintained grounds, clean ablution facilities and is one of the most popular resorts over the holiday period.

The resort now offers last-minute availability for the school holidays and Easter period from 31 March – 10 April 2023. The resort is ideal for groups of friends, sporting teams and explorers in search of camping facilities and self-catering units. The resort layout and rates is downloadable through the link: https://explorersgardenroute.co.za/places/preekstoel-camping-caravan-park/ and through direct bookings via the telephone number 028 713 7849.

5. Oakdale Cottages
The Oakdale Cottages is located about 2 kilometers outside Riversdale, along the Ladismith Road (R323). The venue offers 7 self-catering cottages, with all well designed with perfection. The farm environment and farm atmosphere provides the ideal setting to sit back, kick-off your shoes and relax in nature, in full view of the famous Sleeping Beauty Mountain Peak.

Oakdale Cottages is the ideal inland accommodation option for travellers exploring the beautiful Garden Route over the Easter holidays between 05 April – 10 April 2023. The units can be viewed at https://www.oakdalecottages.co.za and direct booking are encouraged via 082 451 1765.

6. Adagio Self-Catering Cottages
Adagio is located within the heart of the Stilbaai harbour area and is approximately 150 meters from the Stilbaai West Beach and the infamous Goukou River. The name derive from the musical term, meaning a slow, soft and tranquil tempo, which you will pick up when you stay at the facility. The Whale Apartment can accommodate four guests and offers two bedrooms, living room, balcony and braai area. The Seagul Apartment can accommodate up to four guests and offers two bedrooms, living room, braai area, outdoor seating and a full DSTV package. The River Apartment is a one-bedroom unit, featuring a fully equipped kitchenette, private bar area and a full DSTV package.

Adagio, is the ideal self-catering facility for travellers in search of accommodation over the Easter period of 03 April – 10 April 2023. The live availability can be viewed at https://book.nightsbridge.com/16841 and direct bookings may be done telephonically at 082 376 7678.

The Hessequa region is a popular events destination, with the following events taking place during the holidays.

Heidelberg Giant Pumpkin Festival
30 March – 01 April 2023
https://www.pumpkinfestival.co.za

Droom 1 Mile Run/Walk
Saturday, 01 April 2023 – Riversdale
028 713 2526

Stilbaai Kelders Wine Expo
04 – 05 April 2023
028 713 1655

Photo Credit: Cinematic Solutions SA