Garden Route Game Lodge

Garden Route Game Lodge is a malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve with an abundance of animal and bird life including the Big 5. It is only a 3½ scenic drive from Cape Town making it the ideal extension to the city. Or for a longer Garden Route journey. This makes it a popular choice for visitors to South Africa.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range, Garden Route Game Lodge has been open since 1999. The site was restored to allow wildlife to return. It is now home to lion, white rhino, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, cheetah and an abundance of antelope and smaller mammal species.

African game lodge architecture combined with safari style interiors in a relaxed atmosphere is the signature of Garden Route Game Lodge today. Two heated pools overlook the reserve (one for children and an adults one with hot tub). Dine at the African Boma for a traditional South African braai (BBQ) or the a la carte Serengeti Restaurant. In addition Garden Route Game Lodge has a games room and lounge plus a hide, and on-site spa.

Skip to Garden Route Game Lodge family safaris information, Activities, or Garden Route Game Lodge Rates

Enjoy staying in a romantic luxury suite with outdoor bath on your next malaria free safari

Garden Route Game Lodge Accommodation

There are 8 x Sunset Ridge Luxury Suites, 16 x Lodge Rooms and 18 x Private Chalets. All the accommodation has air conditioning and ceiling fans. Plus an in-room safe, private label room amenities, mini bar, Satellite TV, tea and coffee unit. With discreet housekeeping daily. There is complimentary WiFi in all the rooms and public areas.

Luxury Suites (40 m²)

These 3 x luxuriously appointed and free standing Sunset Ridge Luxury Suites offer a spacious room with private deck overlooking the game reserve. Decor is elegant, fresh and contemporary while maintaining earthy elements. The en suite bathroom boasts a free standing bath, double vanity and spacious shower. There is a separate toilet. For the adventurous, there is an outside bath and shower set in the African bush. A wood burning fire completes this romantic getaway.

Luxury Family Suite (51 m²) and Luxury Family Suites with Plunge Pool (60 m²)

The Sunset Ridge Luxury Family Suites (3) are the same as the luxury suites but have a second bedroom with a shared bathroom.

Two of the Luxury Family Suites also have a private plunge pool.

Access to the 8 Luxury Suites is exclusively via private golf cart transfer from reception by your game ranger.

Lodge Rooms and Family Lodge Rooms (35 m²)

Lodge rooms all have private viewing patios and en-suite bathrooms offering his and her vanities and a shower. These rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary African theme and fitted with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay. There is convenient access to the two swimming pools and children’s play area at the Lodge. Lodge rooms overlook landscaped gardens and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the game reserve.

The 8 x Lodge Rooms are usually twin room but can be joined to make a double bed. They have a shower only.

The 8 x Family lodge rooms have a bath and a shower. The rooms include a king size bed and two sleeper couches with a cot available for infants.

Valley Chalets (26 m²)

The 7 x Valley Chalets are elegantly decorated with thatched roof and typical wooden furniture. It features a private deck overlooking the valley. It has a seating area with a TV and a safe. The bathrooms have a shower. The chalets offer intimate contact with nature and complete privacy, ideal for honeymoon couples.

The Valley Chalets are all being upgraded and will be Deluxe Chalets from end October 2026.

Deluxe Chalet (36 m²)

The Deluxe Chalet offers ample space and additional comfort with careful attention to detail. The en-suite bathroom is tastefully fitted with spacious shower or bath, double vanity and separate WC. All Deluxe Chalets have private viewing decks. The chalets are elegantly decorated in a contemporary African theme and fitted with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Linked to the main lodge via a wooden walkway, the Deluxe Chalet overlooks a lush valley of indigenous trees filled with birdlife and enjoys breathtaking sunset views over the game reserve.

From 1st November 2026, there will be 18 Deluxe Chalets.

Garden Route Family Safari

Children of all ages are welcome at the Garden Route Game Lodge in the Family Rooms and Suites. A maximum of 2 children and 1 infant can be accommodated per room with a maximum of 2 adults sharing. Kids under 3 are free. Between 3 – 5, they pay quarter price of adults. While 6 – 12 year olds pay half price of adults sharing rate.

There is plenty for children to do at Garden Route Game Lodge. A games room has air hockey, table tennis, pool, foos ball, darts and board games. Netflix is also available in the lounge.

All activities forming part of the Kids on Safari program are included in your stay. Mom and dad are welcome to join the kids game drive at 2pm when this is the scheduled activity for the day.

Child minders can be arranged at an additional cost.

Kids on Safari Activity Program

A holiday is a time for both fun and relaxation and Garden Route Game Lodge allow parents to have some alone time while the children take part in a host of supervised outdoor activities.

Some of the activities on offer include:
Stalk game on a 1 hour bush walk in the predator free safe area. Learn more about some of the smaller mammals that inhabit the game reserve.
Kids get to try their hand at catching some of the Tilapia fish that inhabit some of the dams. Fishing rods and equipment are supplied.
Explore the skull garden and learn more about the anatomy of Africa’s wildlife on this interpretive walk.
Using a telemetry device, track and spot Africa’s fastest land mammal under the guidance of your field ranger.

Garden Route Game Lodge Activities

Started in 1999 the wildlife reintroduction has seen the return of elephant, white rhino, lion and buffalo to the area. Many species of antelope are now at home on the grassy plains. Such as the Cape eland, kudu, black wildebeest, zebra, springbok and gemsbok. A rare treat to spot on safari are the shy Cape Fox, bushbuck, caracal, bat eared fox, duiker and the elusive Cape mountain leopard.

Garden Route Game Lodge was the first reserve in the Western Cape to reintroduce cheetah in 2007. Through co-operation with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, they have played a role in increasing the meta population of this threatened species in South Africa.

Fynbos and Aloes

Fynbos is the natural shrub land or heath land (habitat) vegetation occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape of South Africa. Aloes and Fynbos occur in winter rainfall coastal and mountainous areas with a Mediterranean climate.

Fynbos is home to an amazing diversity of plant species including many members of the Protea family. Aloes such as the Cape Aloe or Aloe Ferox occur in abundance. They are still sustainably harvested or “tapped” for their healing characteristics using the traditional method of the Bushman.

Guided Game Drive

Enjoy sunset and sunrise game drives in an open vehicle with your experienced game ranger. This is when wildlife are most active, as in the heat of the day they tend to rest in the shade.

This game reserve is home to lion, elephant, hippo, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah. It is also home to giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species such as bontebok, red hartebeest, kudu, eland, impala, springbuck and many more. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

Evenings and mornings can be cool so be sure to bring a warm top. Ponchos are provided. Game drives take between 2-3 hours. There will be a sundowner stop at one of the scenic look outs on the evening drive.

Bird watching

Twitchers or bird watchers will be spoiled for choice by the abundance of resident feathered creatures. Enjoy bird watching while out on safari or from the comfort of your private deck. Colorful sun birds and sugar birds are attracted to the fynbos and Aloes that abound.

The game reserve borders the Overberg District where more than half of the remaining population of the threatened Blue Crane reside so expect to witness these graceful birds in flight and hear their distinctive loud call.

Over 150 bird species have been sighted on the Garden Route Game Lodge Reserve. Visit the bird hide to enjoy the nest making antics of the red and yellow bishop with their colorful display. Or take a leisurely stroll along the bird walking trail where the head guide and a keen birder have posted images with information about the various birds one can expect to find along the walk.

Guided Bush Walk (additional cost)

Follow the river as it winds towards the mighty Gouritz through various vegetation types such as Renosterveld, Fynbos and Southern Cape Valley Thicket. This part of the reserve is free from dangerous Big 5 game; perfect for walks and hikes. Enjoy sightings of various antelope species, giraffe and numerous bird species.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bike enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying a ride on the MTB trail through the safe walking area of the reserve. Home to giraffe and various antelope species. The scenic trail winds its way along a river bed and ends up at the Gouritz River. The out and back trail then loops back along country roads back to camp. The trail is open to guests staying at the game reserve and is rated medium difficulty.

NOTE: Please bring your own mountain bike along as Garden Route Game lodge does not offer mountain bikes and or rentals.

Ayana Spa

The spa at Garden Route Game lodge provides an ideal opportunity to compliment the feeling of wellness ones gets from being in nature with a relaxing treatment. The locally sourced stone and thatch treatment room overlooks the game reserve. Relax and allow professional and highly skilled therapists from the Ayana Spa to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

When to visit Garden Route Game Lodge

The region boasts a mild climate with hot summers and cool winters and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.

How to get to Garden Route Game Lodge

The Garden Route Game Lodge is off the N2 on the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. From Cape Town, you can drive east on the N2 highway for 348km. Once you get to a small town called Albertinia, the entrance to Garden Route Game Lodge will be 7km after this town. Or, for a scenic route you can take the N1. Exit onto Route 60 at Worcester, drive through the wine making regions of Ashton and Robertson and join the N2 at Swellendam. Drive east on the N2 for 120km. The entrance to the Garden Route Game Lodge will be 7km after Albertinia.

Directions from George
Take the N2 highway and head west for 85km. The entrance to the Garden Route Game Lodge will be 12km after the Gouritz River Bridge.

Top Tips in the area:

The Garden Route Game Lodge is the perfect stop when exploring the wonders of the Garden Route. Mossel Bay and Knysna are nearby with their beautiful beaches and historical attractions. Enjoy a round of golf at some of the world`s top golf resorts like Fancourt (George), Pinnacle Point (Mossel Bay), Pezula & Simola (Knysna). For those who enjoy wine, Jakkalsvlei is close by and offers tastings and meals. With great pairing for kids. Or for the gin lovers, visit the Inverroche distillery (Stillbaai) produces a range of diverse spirits surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The handcrafted products of exceptional quality, incorporate a range of rare indigenous flora. Well worth a visit.

Garden Route Game Lodge Accommodation Rates

Half board rates include breakfast, dinner, one morning and one evening game drive.

*From 1st November 2026, the Valley View Chalets will all be Deluxe Chalets.

Full board rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner, one morning and one evening game drive.
15% VAT

Stay a 3rd night on full board rates and swap one game drive for a 1 hour spa massage treatment free of charge. Change your lunch booking in to a picnic at the red bishop picnic site accompanied by a bottle of wine.

Half and full board rates exclude:
Staff gratuities, drinks, items of a personal nature such as curio shop purchases and spa treatments.

The single supplement is 50% of the per person sharing rate.