Garden Route Safari Camp image

Garden Route Safari Camp

Restaurant Bed and breakfast Lodge Nature preserve Rehabilitation center Camp Animal park Wildlife and safari park South african restaurant Conservation department

One of the Top rated Restaurants in George


Address

Farm 358 Brandwag, Mossel Bay, 6500, South Africa

Website

www.gardenroutesafaricamp.com

Contact

+27 72 483 9544

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (149 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (34) family (23) amazing (22) safari (18) game (17) animals (17) stay (17) staff (17) wonderful (16) love (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Evgeni D. 1 year ago on Google
    Our time at this family-run camp was one of a kind. Everything was exceptional: the hospitality by Unelle and her team, the accommodation, the meals, the game drives (safari expeditions), and so on. It was rainy the two days that we were there, but it made no difference to our game drives thanks to the vehicle's roof and our amazing guide & driver Jared, whose encyclopedic knowledge of animals is only matched by his charisma & humor. Seeing the animals up close in-person is a surreal experience and an absolute must for anyone visiting South Africa!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joern F. 2 years ago on Google
    We had the most wonderful stay at Garden Route Safari Camp! Starting with the wonderful welcome by the team, the hospitality is unmatched, even for South African standards. The camp was established just a few years ago and is run by the Knoetze family. You can feel that everything is done with passion and love. Unelle is looking after everything at the reception with so much positive spirits, Stephan is the most wonderful guide we have experienced in our many safaris, always surprising you with new things he sees and finds in the field. Nanette and Abram stop by every day to ask how the day was, and they run a lot of tasks in the background, like building new lodges. The tents are perfect (loved the outdoor shower), and it is lovely to enjoy the dinner in the main lodge. We took many great photos and we will definitely be back. This family and their camp is just one of the most amazing and positive experiences we have experienced in all of South Africa.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Etai K. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely staff and animals. The safari guide had much passion and experience while being abled to answer all of our questions. If you thought of skipping it while on the garden route - then don’t! Its really worth the stay
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tyler T. 5 months ago on Google
    Our visit to Garden Route Safari Camp was a deeply touching journey, nestled in the heart of South Africa's magnificent wilderness. Encircled by the splendor of creation, the camp offered us an intimate and memorable encounter with wildlife. The sight of lions, zebras, giraffes, impalas (and so much more), each unique in its own right, was a humbling experience. The camp's mindful attention to every detail resonated deeply with us, blending luxury with the authentic spirit of a safari. Our accommodations were not just comfortable but thoughtfully crafted, providing a truly peaceful sanctuary. The dining experience was a celebration of the earth's gifts, with each meal thoughtfully prepared and shared. Stefan, our guide, was an integral part of our experience (as well as his loving family Unelle, Nanette and Abram). Stefan’s passion and expertise, particularly in connecting with our young child, made the beauty of the landscape even more profound. The staff's genuine care and hospitality enveloped us in a sense of community and warmth, reflecting a spirit of love and service. Leaving the camp was bittersweet, marked by the deep connections we had forged with both the land and its caretakers. Garden Route Safari Camp is more than just a destination; it's a sanctuary that speaks to the heart. Its fusion of natural wonder and heartfelt hospitality offers a glimpse into a world of serenity and connection. It's a place that inspires reflection and gratitude, a haven for those yearning for a meaningful bond with nature and a sense of peace. We departed with treasured memories and a desire to return to this blessed retreat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heidi S. 11 months ago on Google
    Beyond words. A life changing experience. I could spend weeks here! There are no real words to describe the hospitality and moment by moment experiences here. For starters you are welcomed with what feels more like long lost family and friends than staff. Every single person is unique, warm, so friendly and genuine that you feel immediately at home and constantly welcome. The food is impeccable and the lodge and accommodation stunning. Everything is organised and efficient and you are treated like royalty. The villa is stunning and feels completely like home. Super clean and nothing is amiss in every room with everything you need thought out. Gorgeous views of the reserve so you can watch the animals wander or sit by the fire and chill. The food is amazing and a great wine selection. The service impeccable (thank you Teenage who is the happiest man on earth) for your amazing service and all the other beautiful staff. The reserve is beautiful and the owners are doing a stunning job of revamping the land. Our game tour driver Jarod is a rare jewel. One of the most grounded kind and genuine people I have ever met, young and full of passion and knowledge. Our horse riding tour was one of the best experiences hands down I have ever had. Being with the animals up close and just wandering the land on a proper horse ride is a once in a lifetime experience. I cried when I left never wanting to leave and will definitely be back with family and friends to visit every year all the way from Indonesia. To the beautiful family that run this place (each and every one of you) - I cannot thank you enough for such a beautiful heart warming experience. We will be back and also to do the Kruger with you. Thank you thank you thank you. Sending you all lots of love xxxxxxxx
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guy L. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s very nice place the safari is good and the gaid Gerard was very nice and knowledgeable Unelle is very very nice and helpful to make sure everything will be placed and have good staying Abram the order is very nice and have a lot of knowledge This glacé is important to keep nature free and grow
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hanne U. 1 year ago on Google
    sometimes you're lucky to just find a place, that gives you everything you need... if is hot chocolate after an amazing safari, the ranger who answer ALL your kids questions and show them more then you ever dream off, the kindest people with the heart for the animals and giving the animals and you the best opportunity to blend it together, Please come and experience this magic place, you won't regret 🦒🦒
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kai S. 1 year ago on Google
    When you are around the Garden Route and love wilderness and nature this is really a must stay! This family really knows how to create a real paradise and there is no chance you do not feel absolutely welcome here. Here you find guides and people who really love what they do and you feel that passion every minute. We enjoyed the game drives so much and could not have wished for a better experience. My girlfriend is a passionate rider and on the horse safari she made memories she will for sure never forget. The luxury tents are so beautiful designed and will make for stay for sure special. And the food is just amazing. When you think it can’t get any better, you haven’t yet known about the next warm surprise that waits just around the corner. We will for sure recommend Garden Route Safari Camp to family and friends and will definitely follow it’s journey in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laila 1 year ago on Google
    We travel a lot, never experienced such a place with their super friendly staff, amazing hospitality, cleanliness of facilities, comfortable room, yummy food and expert guid. If you have a chance to spend some time there do not think twice as I assure you are gonna have unforgettable moments.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jan R. 1 year ago on Google
    The Lodge is incredible. We had a luxury tent which combines excellent comfort with connection to nature. From the beginning till the end a constant nice and super friendly service. It is a family run lodge and you can feel the passion and dedication of the entire family and the staff. The meals were delicious and nicely prepared and served. We had Jared on our three game drives (morning and 2x sunset) who is incredibly passionate about answering all questions and sharing his knowledge. The coffee while morning tour and gin tonic while the sunset tour made it all perfect. We felt welcomed and really special. Nice handwritten messages for welcome, dinners, game drive snack box let your heart warm up :-) Nunelle, Nanette, Abram, Stefan, Jared and team: keep this special atmosphere. It made us feel at home and leaving you with Sehnsucht (“longing”) for the extraordinary place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Palash D. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an amazing experience. Unelle and her team were amazing hosts. Every detail was carefully planned. The food was excellent and the lodge has a family atmosphere to it. The safaris were incredible and my family and I particularly enjoyed the giraffe walk. I highly recommend staying here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stefan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely a great place to be! Very familiar atmosphere. Abraham, Babette, Unelle and Stefan are very pleasant and attentive hosts. You can see and feel that they love, what they do! The rooms are clean and well equipped. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, very tasty and of good quality. Great selection of local wines. We did two game drives in the resort-a very beautiful experience! The tour guides did a very good job! Definitely a recommendation!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cécile D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great welcome. Everyone was very attentive to our family. It was a very pleasant stay. The safaris were also very good, with personalized visits, very appreciated by parents and children! And beautiful decoration of rooms and diner room.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcel H. van der M. 1 year ago on Google
    Dedicated to an authentic Cape Rewilding experience! It was a privilege to be seeamlessly immersed into the ancient Cape wilderness and its unique and endemic wildlife, while experiencing the revival of an expanded wild landscape where active rewilding can be intimately observed. The knowledgeable rangers (Stephan Knoetze and Jared Meyer) made the hidden world around us alive by revealing the tracks, and smells and sounds that are quintessential of the African bush, yet so often missed by a city slicker living in human-dominated cityscapes. It was amazing to see such a tremendous diversity of wildlife and habitats, from Acacia savanna and grassland to Cape fynbos and subtropical thicket!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom H. 4 months ago on Google
    This was our first safari and it did not disappoint! Everything from the hospitality, the food, the accommodation, the guides, the drives, was just perfect. We felt welcomed and looked after by the lovely staff from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. This was the highlight of our South Africa trip. Also special thanks to Josh, our guide, who was absolutely fantastic and made our stay even more special. We hope to be back one day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Domonique O. 2 years ago on Google
    My Husband and I booked a last minute stay here for our honeymoon last May. What an amazing experience! We loved the Adventure and the staff were absolutely amazing. The Early Risers Safari Drive was the best experience I have ever had, with soo much details and personal experience with Fiona the ostrich and Marlon (I think) the Zebra - I would move mountains to have this experience again and hope to see all the friendly faces again soon. Oh, Waking up in the dark hours of the morning to the lion roaring will forever be one of my favourite memories. thank you to everyone there for making our honeymoon a perfect one!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darth P. 2 years ago on Google
    The best Safari experience I've had. The accommodation is 5 star, cuisine is delicious, hospitality of the hosts is homey and welcoming. The knowledge the guides have of the wildlife, insects and plants is vast and entertaining. Highly recommended I will definitely be going again many times.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 XX P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing! Very friendly and familiar. You realize that the whole team is loving what they do! Not so many animals as in other Game lodges but therefore more personal and you feel like being part of the familiy for 2 or 3 days! And there are animals everywhere….;) The only thing you could complain about that WiFi is not working in the tented lodges. But who needs it…

  • 5/5 Laura H. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing place to be, warm welcome, the kindest hosts I have ever met and a amazing horseback safari. Special thanks to both of my guides who made this a once- in-a-lifetime experience with their knowledge, jokes and close contact to Zebras, Giraffes, Gnus etc . The Tour is for experienced riders only what's good for the horses and allows a fester pace.

  • 5/5 Karen c. 1 year ago on Google
    From the moment we arrived, until we sadly 😔 had to leave. We were treated to the joy of being with an enthusiastic, knowledgeable family who clearly love the cause they work so hard to achieve, our stay was the highlight of our SA trip. Mark was a great guide. Amazing people, animals, food and safari trips. Thank you all .John and Karen

  • 5/5 Nir R. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited the park last month with family and friends. It was a blast! So many animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras and more. Stephane, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly, he made sure the kids and the adults will have an amazing experience. Service and hospitality of the staff and family that own the place was perfect! Every little thing was taking care. If you love nature and wildlife, you should definitely visit.

  • 5/5 Kstn H. 1 year ago on Google
    We only did the safari tour and enjoyed dinner. And what can I say: an indescribable experience. From the first minute we felt very welcome. Every member of staff was so warm. Not to mention all the animals we saw: giraffes, lions, zebras, antelopes, kudus, gnus...we can recommend everything without hesitation 🦓

  • 5/5 Christiana Senger (. 1 year ago on Google
    We couldn´t recomment the Garden Route Safari Camp more! From the first minute of our arrival to the moment we left we felt the love and passion the family is bringing to their guests, staff, community and animals. It was an overwhelming experience and definately the highlight of our whole trip. We wished we could´ve stayed longer. Our guide Jared is one of a kind and made every game drive so special. Thank you for everything you showed and explained to us! Thank you to the whole family and staff! We can´t wait to be back.

  • 5/5 Liam M. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic! Never have I felt like less like a customer and more like a guest staying in a family home. Not only is the service and care from the staff incredible, the game drives and room were remarkable! I cannot recommend highly enough

  • 5/5 Rebecca R. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband Gus and I stayed at Garden Route Safari Camp for 2 days on our honeymoon. It was our favourite part of the trip. We were made to feel so welcome like we were staying with family. We loved hearing about the plans for the reserve from a family who are passionate about conservation. This is a very special place run by a wonderful team of people. It may not be the largest safari experience (compared to places like Kruger!) so you must appreciate this is a reserve and not a national park. We found this made it much easier for spotting wildlife and saw loads of fascinating animals. We went on walks where we were walking alongside Zebra, Giraffe, antelope etc (I won’t name them all so you have some surprises!) The lodge is tastefully decorated, very comfortable and well stocked with some delicious wines. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting by the fire in the evenings with a glass of wine. One thing that could enhance the experience (for us at least) would be to have a selection of music to listen to in the evening (in keeping with the relaxing atmosphere of course). The tents really are luxurious and we loved finding little messages and gifts on our bed when we would return back after our safari. Extra touches like having a flask of hot water to make drinks during load shedding hours was really appreciated. Finally, a huge thank you to our safari guide Jarad who made our experience so enjoyable. Jarad is incredibly dedicated, knowledgable and passionate about his work and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. Unelle, Nanette, Steffan and Abram - thank you so much for being wonderful hosts and going above and beyond to make sure your guests have a wonderful stay. We can’t wait to return in a few years to see how everything is progressing.

  • 5/5 Tereza M. 1 year ago on Google
    If I could give all of the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the universe to one experience, it would be Garden Route Safari Camp. This is what I envision as the pinnacle of hospitality. You'll feel like the center of the world and, most importantly, you'll sense the love and authenticity in every detail. From the personalized mini love notes and snacks, to the scented toilet paper 🥹 and the adorable baby antelopes, it's clear that love is put into every aspect of this tour. I've had some of the most beautiful and happy moments of my life here, whether it was horseback riding next to rhinos, having breakfast with giraffes, or participating in a breathtaking 10k run with zebras and Unelle, who trained for the Olympics. I will recommend this tour to everyone I know. I have never cried with emotion at the end of a tour, but I did here. It was truly unforgettable.

  • 5/5 nasser M. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the most wonderful stay at Garden Route Safari Camp! Starting with the wonderful welcome by the team, the hospitality is unmatched, it was a beautiful experience

  • 5/5 Milena 1 year ago on Google
    Staying at the garden route safari camp was wonderful! The camp itself, the game drive and especially the staff was more than welcoming. Thank you for such a nice stay!

  • 5/5 Jasmin S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful experience! 5 stars can‘t explain how amazing this safari camp is. We were welcomed so warm & friendly that we felt home the moment we arrived. The camp itself was fantastic & built completly in the middle of nature - we even saw our first giraff right in front of the lodge an hour after our arrival! The following sundowner game drive continued with uncountable magical moments, ended with an incredible sunset, some snacks & roaring lions behind us. The guide did such a wonderful job & explained us everything with such passion - a big thank you for that again, we learned so much! Beside that the whole accomendation as well as the food was simply wonderful & completed the whole safari experience. And what amazed me even more - they do not only make a wonderful job for the guests but honestly care about the animals, the conservation as well as the reforestation of the landscape. Thank you so much for this experience, it was wonderful!

  • 5/5 Diego B. 1 year ago on Google
    Hard to put our experience in words. The family, the staff and the guides have made our stay so unique. The hospitality was first in class!⭐️ The game drives where amazing🦒🦓🚙 Thanks for making our stay in south africa🇿🇦 such an amazing experience!

  • 5/5 Abu Z. 1 year ago on Google
    A great experience at this very high quality family run safari lodge. Myself and my 5 friends were treated to a very friendly, hospitable and comfortable stay. We were met by Unelle and then later Stefan, both incredibly amiable and they took care of all of our needs. Met Abram and Nanette later who were just as lovely. The accommodation itself was of a high standard with high end fixtures and fittings giving a real luxury feel. The evening dinner was superb and the tailored breakfast in the morning was the same. All the other staff were warm and kind with big smiles. Safari itself was incredible where we got so close to the lions, zebras and giraffes. Lions actually got too close for comfort at one stage albeit behind a fence but it was the highlight! Our guide Mark was very knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic, a real credit, good luck with your exams mate! Would highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Ilana Alison B. 2 years ago on Google
    We had such an amazing stay at Garden Route Safari Camp this weekend. Out of 5 they deserve a 10 star rating. From the booking to the welcoming, accommodation, game drives, food, very friendly and professional staff. The place itself is beautiful and tranquil. We had the privilege of waking up to the lions roaring and the birds chirping, which was totally epic. Everything far exceeded our expectation. We will definitely be back in the future, so it goes highly recommended ❤️.

  • 5/5 Stacey Le K. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, such a magical experience. The luxury tent was amazing. Warm and cosy equipped with everything you would need. The king size bed was super comfortable and the heater and electric blanket made it even better. The view from the balcony was amazing too and the lion roaring at night is quite memorable. The safari drive is definitely something you should do. The staff are super friendly and helpful and the food served at the restaurant is definitely a 10 out of 10. Overall one of my best experiences and would for sure go back.

  • 5/5 D K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place! Great people! Great food! Great game drive! Great morning run! We visited it with the five of us for two nights. You will absolutely love this!

  • 5/5 Simone M. 2 years ago on Google
    My Husband and I stayed at Garden Route Safari Camp in November 2021 for our honeymoon. What a wonderful and perfect place. Note 10 in everything. At the time of booking by email, I was answered by Unelle, who at the beginning clarified all the doubts and was always very friendly and treated us very kindly! When we arrived at the hotel, we were welcomed to the sound of drums and drinks by Kulisho and Unelle. Sensational! We did a game drive with the guide Jered. We couldn't have had a better afternoon. Jered is very attentive, friendly and humorous. He explained to us very well about the local fauna and flora. We loved the game drive. We were able to see different animals such as giraffes, zebras, empals, several birds and many other animals. In the end, a nice surprise to have a picnic next to the lions, which by the way are WONDERFUL! About the accommodation, spectacular. The tent is a luxury, equipped with a coffee machine, bathrobes, a beautiful view of nature and we were still able to sleep to the sound of the lions. s2´ Our meals were perfect, chef Charles delighted us with his preparations. A true gastronomy show. With the beautiful view from the main tent. It is a family-run hotel, and we could feel the love that everyone has for the place, making everything more special. Every day Nanette and Abram asked how we were, super receptive. By far the best place we have ever stayed. No doubt, the best choice. Hope to return soon!

  • 5/5 Alison 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best game lodge experiences I’ve ever had. Abram is very kind and very accommodating and made our stay absolutely perfect. Unelle was absolutely wonderful and incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home. Stephen was by far the best guide I’ve ever had. And Jared is an amazing addition to the lodge and was lovely company. Lots of amazing experiences despite only a short stay. Very keen to return.


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