Long-time Garden Route resident Dale Morris shares his favourite Garden Route hotels that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

The Santos Express

Mossel Bay

The setting
An authentic decommissioned passenger train that sits permanently on the edge of the Blue Flagged Santos Beach. Step out of your cabin to take a dip in calm blue waters.

The vibe
Quirky and unusual, staying here is a travel adventure, as if at any moment a conductor’s whistle will blow and the whole hotel will chug off into the sunset.

The crowd
From fishermen and retired couples to dreadlocked European backpackers and vibey young locals, it’s an eclectic clientele looking to save a buck on accommodation.

The rooms
Carriages have elevated views over palm-studded Santos Beach. Cabins have a double or single bed plus optional bunks. There’s also a dorm room and a private honeymoon suite.

The food
The elevated bar and dining area (also positioned above the beach) offers reasonably priced seafood and burgers. During good weather, this is a great place for breakfast while watching ships go to and fro across the bay.

Highlights
Eccentric and novel, it’s a fun spot for a night or two, especially during summer when its proximity to the beach is a real bonus. It’s also pretty central and just a few minutes’ drive from Mossel Bay’s shopping centres and restaurants.

Need to know
The cabins are tiny, so it can feel cramped once the novelty of being on a stationary train wears off. You’ll also share bathroom facilities – there’s one shower and toilet in each carriage. The honeymoon suite is larger, more private and has its own bathroom.

Contact
Tel 083-900-7797, www.santosexpress.co.za.

Kaaimans Kaya

Wilderness

The setting
Surrounded by nature and perched on the edge of a forested hill above the beautiful tannin-stained Kaaimans River between Wilderness and George, this large self-catering house can be reached only by rowboat.

The vibe
Shabby chic, fully furnished and rented to one group at a time, so you get the whole place to yourself. Book it for a private party or a family retreat where the kids can run and swim wild in the river below. The isolated location (no road in or out) gives it an away-from-the-world feel.

The crowd
Budget-conscious groups enjoy the very good value for money. It’s the sort of place you take your mates, drink some beer, make a braai and dangle a fishing rod over the balcony at high tide.

The rooms
Five bedrooms and a loft dorm with a beach shack feel accommodate up to 12 people comfortably. A big deck has views over the sandy-floored valley through which the Kaaimans River flows.

The food
The kitchen is fully equipped and it’s a short boat trip and drive to Wilderness’s restaurants. The Girls (044-877-1648) and Serendipity (044-877-0433) are musts, while Flava Cafe’ (044-877-0345) does good walk-in lunches.

Highlights
The extensive deck virtually begs to play host to a party, and the tidal river below has a series of shallow and deep swimming holes. Kayaks are available (free of charge) so you can explore upstream and visit a pretty waterfall just 10 minutes’ paddle away.

Need to know
An on-site caretaker will take care of braai fires and row you across the estuary when needed. Your ability to come and go depends on the tides and his availability. You may need to buy fuel for a generator. The busy N2 on the other side of the river spoils the serenity a bit.

Contact
Tel 082-579-0208, www.kaaimanskaya.co.za.

Lake Pleasant Holiday Resort

Sedgefield

The setting
Tucked between vegetated dunes on Sedgefield’s outskirts, this sprawling camp is shady and green and set on the edge of Goukamma Nature Reserve’s pea-green Groenvlei, the prettiest of all Garden Route lakes.

The vibe
Despite being very popular, the wooded nature of the grounds means it feels peaceful. There are pools and tennis and squash courts as well as wide-open lawns to relax upon. Lie back on the grass, look up into the trees and watch the birds go about their business.

The crowd
Campers, caravanners and braaing men congregate here – expect to mingle with retired couples and families with kids.

The rooms
There are numerous campsites, three-bedroomed self-catering timber cottages (with private decks and TVs, these six-sleepers are good for families) and smaller garden lodges that sleep up to four.

The food
The on-site bistro and bar offers reasonably priced meals and Sedgefield’s shops and restaurants are a short drive away. Don’t miss out on an Italian feast at Trattoria da Vinci (044-343-1867).

Highlights
Rowboats and fishing gear are available to rent, so try your hand at bass fishing on Groenvlei. Little-known Goukamma Beach with its red sandstone cliffs is just around the corner and it’s a fabulous place for strolling.

Need to know
The camp is very popular in high season, so book well ahead or you won’t get in.

Contact
Tel 044-343-1985, www.lakepleasantresort.co.za.

Teniqua Treetops

Knysna

The setting
In the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains near Knysna, Teniqua Treetops is a Robinson Crusoe-style escape to nature where indigenous forests and farmlands dominate the landscape.

The vibe
Anyone who had a tree house as a kid will love the hodgepodge style and hippy ambience. It’s fun, quirky and comfortable enough if you don’t mind the small, caravan-sized rooms.

The crowd
This is right up the alley for couples and close families. The rural location attracts nature lovers and outdoorsy folk.

The rooms
Canvas-roofed self-catering houses on platforms in indigenous trees; some sleep just two and others can fit a family of four (snugly). Expect to see Knysna turacos in your bedroom.

The food
Take food and charcoal or wood for a braai on your deck as there are no shops or restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Highlights
Waking up in a tree house surrounded by thick vegetation is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves birdsong and the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Need to know
If being central to shops and beaches and restaurants is your thing, Teniqua Treetops mightn’t be ideal. If you like nature and solitude, however, you’ll love it here.

Contact
Tel 044-356-2868, www.teniquatreetops.co.za.

Antlers Lodge

Plettenberg Bay

The setting
Set on emerald lawns with coastal mountain views, Antlers Lodge is budget self-catering in the Crags with quaint wooden chalets and thatched cottages. There are no crowds or noisy bars, no traffic or shops.

The vibe
It has a peaceful, relaxed country feeling, rather like that of a wine estate or English manor. A herd of deer frequent the sprawling lawns and drink from the ponds, hence its name.

The crowd
For families and couples after a beach holiday in Plett, but who don’t want to stay in the thick of it. The people you’ll meet here are unhurried holidaymakers, and not the loud Rage crowd.

The rooms
There are basic, but small, log rondavels and cottages. The fully equipped self-catering Alpine-style suites give you room to relax and not trip over one another’s shoelaces.

The food
Take food and use the braais in front of each unit. Alternatively drive to Plett, where there are plenty of shopping and dining options. Try The Lookout Deck (044-533-1379) for great seafood and even better ocean views.

Highlights
The Barnyard Theatre is on the property, so look out for performances and plays (the owners will be able to tell you what’s on and when). Antlers is also close to numerous attractions in the Crags, including Monkeyland and Birds of Eden (www.cruisethecrags.co.za).

Need to know
Antlers’ proximity to the busy N2 is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have the convenience of being able to reach local attractions with ease; on the other, you can almost always hear traffic.

Contact
Tel 044-534-8837, www.antlers.co.za.