Garden Route Accommodation: Private vs SANPARKs?
Sep 4, 2014, 12:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: SQ, QF, MH, VA, AA, BA, AMEX, Citibank
Posts: 289
Garden Route Accommodation: Private vs SANPARKs?
Hi all,
I am looking at self-drive along the Garden Route in August 20-15. At this stage from one way from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. For 3-4 nights with a further 3-4 nights in Cape Town.
I am just starting to look at accommodation along here and am interested in people's thoughts on whether it is better to stay in some of the SANPARKs vs say B&B style accommodation.
SANPARK:
There is also Addo National Park, but we will be staying in many National Parks elsewhere in southern Africa during our 6 weeks. So for this part of the trip scenery is our priority over wildlife viewing (apart from the whales!!)
Due to whale-spotting we would look to at least drive through Hermanus, even if we do not spend 1 night in the region.
I am looking at self-drive along the Garden Route in August 20-15. At this stage from one way from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. For 3-4 nights with a further 3-4 nights in Cape Town.
I am just starting to look at accommodation along here and am interested in people's thoughts on whether it is better to stay in some of the SANPARKs vs say B&B style accommodation.
SANPARK:
Storms River Mouth
Algulhas National Park
Bontebok National Park
There is also Addo National Park, but we will be staying in many National Parks elsewhere in southern Africa during our 6 weeks. So for this part of the trip scenery is our priority over wildlife viewing (apart from the whales!!)
Due to whale-spotting we would look to at least drive through Hermanus, even if we do not spend 1 night in the region.
Sep 4, 2014, 3:23 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
The Storms River Mouth camp is in a really beautiful setting. Apart from the fact that there are bungalows I have no idea what the quality of the accommodations is like as it has been ages since I was there. (I've also been to the Bontebok N. Park but can't even remember whether we stayed there!) In general Sanparks camps tend to be spartan though very clean and very good value. You may have to self cater so do check what dining facilities are available.
Well, so far so not very helpful I guess.
But I would recommend that if you do go the B&B route you look at Greenwood Guides if you haven't already. They really do hunt out the gems and the descriptions are accurate.
Well, so far so not very helpful I guess.
But I would recommend that if you do go the B&B route you look at Greenwood Guides if you haven't already. They really do hunt out the gems and the descriptions are accurate.
Sep 4, 2014, 5:02 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
Although I've stayed in many B&Bs and hotels, I've only stayed at Sanparks accommodation at Addo - the one you don't want 
so can only generalise.
Advantages of Sanparks:
Advantages of B&Bs/hotels:
The disadvantage at Sanparks, at least at Addo, was the single restaurant, likely to be more expensive than elsewhere, and the probable lack of Pick'n'Pay, Woolworths or other places to stock up for self catering if that's needed.
Just generalising. Whichever you choose will be great, I've had very few duds.
so can only generalise.Advantages of Sanparks:
- accommodation on site (we enjoyed the rondavels)
- very handy for early and late game drives
Advantages of B&Bs/hotels:
- wider and more flexible choice
- good breakfast likely to be included in the price
The disadvantage at Sanparks, at least at Addo, was the single restaurant, likely to be more expensive than elsewhere, and the probable lack of Pick'n'Pay, Woolworths or other places to stock up for self catering if that's needed.
Just generalising. Whichever you choose will be great, I've had very few duds.