Currently seeing:
Bisate Lodge
Currently seeing:
Kwessi Dunes
Currently seeing:
La Petite Ferme
Currently seeing:
Morukuru Family De Hoop
Currently seeing:
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Currently seeing:
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Nestled between mountains and ocean, this is South Africa's most beautiful wild garden
The Garden Route is a 300 km stretch found along the Indian Ocean on the southeastern coast of South Africa. This scenic route extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape with breathtaking lagoons, forests, beaches, caves, and more to witness in between. You will also find various charming towns with their own remarkable sights and activities to enjoy. Escape to diverse vegetation and wildlife with no shortage of outdoor recreation, local markets, thrilling safari experiences, and luxurious accommodation surrounded by nature.
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
14 nights- •
0.270t CO₂
Garden Route Glamping: 15 Days of Wine, Wave and Whale Eco-Adventures
From $843 /person
- 13 nights
- •
- 0.522t CO₂
14 Days of South Africa’s Whale Coast and a Big 5 Malaria-Free Safari
From $13,442 /person
- 12 nights
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- 0.638t CO₂
Coast to Kruger: Beaches, Whales and Safari Enchantment in 13 Days
From $4,180 /person
- 17 nights
- •
- 0.600t CO₂
The Kruger & Cape Collection: 18 Days of Safari, Coastlines & Mountains
From $1,828 /person
- 15 nights
- •
- 0.554t CO₂
Garden Route and Zululand Magic: Coastlines and Culture on a Budget
From $934 /person
- 15 nights
- •
- 0.629t CO₂
Bargain Beach to Bush: South Africa’s Garden Route & Kruger
From $2,032 /person
- 17 nights
- •
- 0.636t CO₂
South Africa’s Dream List: 18-Day Extensive Sun, Sea & Safari
From $3,638 /person
- 17 nights
- •
- 0.263t CO₂
Family-friendly South Africa: 18 Days of Wholesome Wild Wonders & Malaria-free Safari
From $941 /person
- 15 nights
- •
- 0.397t CO₂
Garden Route Gallivanting: 16 Days of Budget-friendly Beach & Safari
From $906 /person
- 11 nights
- •
- 0.273t CO₂
The Spectacular South in 12 Days: From Grasslands to the Atlantic
From $3,314 /person
- 18 nights
- •
- 0.249t CO₂
The Perfect Garden Route Roadtrip: Wilderness, Winelands and Sensational Wildlife
From $7,267 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The best time to visit this region is in the warmer months of September to April. The Garden Route is rainy throughout the year and is a popular summer destination that can get busy over the Christmas holidays. You will soon understand why, as you feel the warm rays while kloofing, abseiling and paragliding or simply taking a dip in the azure Indian Ocean. The months of May to August are colder but will provide opportunities for whale watching (peaking in September) with more windless days to enjoy.
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- Good
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
138 Marine Guesthouse
Where Ocean Views, Beach Bliss, and Wellness Unite for Your Ultimate Escape
From $60 /person
- South Africa
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65onCliff
Luxury sea-view boutique guesthouse, prime whale watching location, ultimate relaxation
From $92 /person
- South Africa
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Abalone Lodge
Luxury accommodation on the magnificent oceanfront of Hermanus
From $124 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Kam'Bati
Boutique glamping tents based in the wide-ranging landscapes of Kam’Bati River Resort
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Oakhurst
Glamping on a dairy farm in the heart of the Garden Route
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Pat Busch
Boutique glamping tents nestled in the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Stanford Hills
Spectacular glamping experience nestled between the grassy slopes of the Klein River Mountains
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps Ingwe
Boutique glamping tents in a forest hideaway surrounded by the valleys of Plettenberg Bay
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps Klein Karoo
Boutique glamping tents on a working ostrich farm in the magnificent Karoo
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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Agulhas Country Lodge
Classic and comfortable hospitality where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet
From $58 /person
- South Africa
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Alkira Lodge
Hover above the clouds and beautiful Knysna scenery at this stunning lodge
From $193 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Amanzi Island Lodge
A luxurious B&B located on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon
From $89 /person
- South Africa
- •
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At the Woods Guest House
Discover tranquility in Tsitsikamma's heart: Your retreat in nature awaits
From $45 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Barrington's
An enchanting Plettenberg Bay haven, embracing authenticity, artisanal experiences, and tranquil retreats
From $85 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Boardwalk Lodge - B&B
Premier guest lodge in tranquil Wilderness located along the Garden Route
From $69 /person
- South Africa
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Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Experience the magnificence of South Africa at the bountiful Botlierskop Game Reserve
From $236 /person
- South Africa
- •
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bWhale guest house
A guesthouse ideally located for outdoor adventurers, inspired by Garden Route’s whale-watching
From $66 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Cape St Francis Coastal Resort
Beachfront resort with an outdoor swimming pool in St Francis Bay
From $35 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Cinnamon Boutique Guest House
A classic 5-star luxury stay in the heart of Wilderness
From $71 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Coot Club
A tranquil nature retreat outside Stanford flanked by mountains and a lagoon
From $56 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Copia Eco Cabins
Modernly designed self-catering eco-cabins located on a gorgeous farm near Botrivier
From $62 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House
Embrace Coastal Tranquility and Adventure in Gansbaai's Gem
From $100 /person
- South Africa
- •
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De Zeekoe Guest Farm
A relaxing farm stay near Oudtshoorn in the beautiful Klein Karoo
From $45 /person
- South Africa
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Farm 215
A haven for the conscious traveller in a stunning wilderness sanctuary
From $63 /person
- South Africa
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Firefly Falls
Secluded accommodation set amidst an indigenous forest in the Crags
From $9 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Fossil Hills
A peaceful getaway on a working wine farm in the Breede Valley.
From $18 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Garden Route Game Lodge
Big 5 countryside getaway just 4 hours from Cape Town
From $204 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Hartenbos Private Game Lodge
A privately-owned game farm in the malaria-free region of Mossel Bay
From $66 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Head Over Hills
Luxury boutique hotel overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean
From $169 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Hermanus Guest House
A bold seaside getaway overlooking the pale shores of Hermanus
From $124 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Hermanus Luxury Holiday Homes
Luxury Retreats in Hermanus: Your gateway to coastal elegance and natural beauty
From $103 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Hog Hollow Country Lodge
A peaceful lodge set amongst forests and mountains outside of Plettenberg Bay
From $149 /person
- South Africa
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Hunter's Country House
Luxurious cottage suites in a cosy Garden Route manor house
From $95 /person
- South Africa
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Intle Boutique Hotel
Escape to Thornhill for an intimate retreat near Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth.
From $103 /person
- South Africa
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Kanonkop House
Escape to Knysna’s natural beauty with an award-winning stay at Kanonkop House
From $88 /person
- South Africa
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Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop Overberg
A luxury beachside lodge focused on marine conservation and mindful living
From $52 /person
- South Africa
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Melozhori Private Game Reserve
A peaceful luxury breakaway near Stormsvlei in the fynbos-filled Overberg region
From $35 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Milkwood Manor on Sea
Lagoon-View Paradise: Where Relaxation Meets Ocean Breezes
From $47 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Mimosa Lodge
Cosy, Edwardian-style guesthouse along the famed Route 62
From $49 /person
- South Africa
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Misty Mountain Reserve
Simple immersion in nature near Tsitsikamma National Park
From $42 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Moontide Riverside Lodge
A romantic waterside getaway in the heart of the lush Garden Route
From $75 /person
- South Africa
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Morukuru Family De Hoop
An off-grid beach lodge in the immersive and pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve
From $559 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
An abundant, ecological gem set in between secluded milkwood trees
From $324 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Discover Mosselberg on Grotto Beach: A Five-Star Oasis with Whale-watching Suites.
From $131 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Mymering Wine & Guest Estate
Homely guest house found among fruit farms and the magnificent Towerkop Mountain.
From $20 /person
- South Africa
- •
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One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
An elegant guesthouse with stunning views in the whale watching capital
From $84 /person
- South Africa
- •
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On The Rocks BB & Villa Del Mar
Coastal Beauty at Your Doorstep: Escape with Incredible Views and Whale Sightings.
From $26 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Periwinkle Lodge
Oceanside luxury lodge with mountain views in Plettenberg Bay
From $112 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Piesang Valley Lodge
Premier log cabin accommodation in the heart of the Garden Route
From $36 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Plett River Lodge
A tranquil riverside break near the ocean in Plettenberg Bay
From $68 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Pumula Lodge
'Pumula' in Zulu means 'rest', a true description of this unique stay
From $38 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Rosenhof Country House
5-star boutique hotel with stylish rooms and an elegant Karoo country charm
From $128 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
A unique safari destination centred around conservation in the heart of the Klein Karoo
From $713 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Sandals Guest House
Premier guesthouse found in picturesque St Francis Bay
From $69 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Scallop Lodge
En-suite guest rooms in the breathtaking Garden Route area
From $91 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Selkirkhouse
Modern comforts meet natural beauty in Hermanus, a prime whale-watching destination
From $110 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Simbavati Fynbos on Sea
Luxury lodge with sweeping views of Sedgefield
From $206 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Simbavati Fynbos on Sea Cottage
A self-catering cottage along the Garden Route with sweeping sea views
From $53 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Sky Villa Boutique Hotel by Raw Africa Boutique
A fantastic boutique accommodation atop Plettenberg Bay's hill, beckoning discovery with panoramic views and unique travel joy.
From $80 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Swellendam Country Lodge
A charming guest house in Swellendam set in a lush garden
From $52 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Teniqua Treetops
A secluded hideaway nestled amongst the branches of an ancient indigenous forest
From $60 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Greens Guest House
Stylish comfort near Knysna's attractions - On The Doorstep of Nature
From $64 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Leisure Collective
Leisure Island on Knysna's serene lagoon, where you can enjoy nature's beauty.
From $40 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Lofts Boutique Hotel
An architectural wonder found on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon
From $124 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Mandyville
Themed elegance in Jeffreys Bay: Your coastal retreat at The Mandyville.
From $51 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Robertson Small Hotel
A contemporary boutique hotel found along the world’s longest wine route
From $101 /person
- South Africa
- •
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The Village Lodge, Storms River
Explore the Storms River and Tsitsikamma at this homey Garden Route escape
From $41 /person
- South Africa
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The Whale's Tale Guesthouse
Stunning Ocean Views and Warm Hospitality, Your Coastal Escape in Hermanus.
From $67 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Trail's End Bike Hotel
En-suite dormitory rooms in Africa’s first bike hotel
From $33 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Treedom Villas and Vardos
A luxury, boho-chic stay filled with fantasy in Garden Route’s Wilderness
From $49 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Trogon House and Forest Spa
Rleax amidst the canopy: A forest retreat to remember
From $75 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Tsala Treetop Lodge
A treetop lodge in the lush forests between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
From $428 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Tsitsikamma Manor
Serene bliss in the heart of nature's tranquil embrace
From $22 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Explore Tsitsikamma from this charming historic retreat in the heart of the Garden Route
From $52 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Under the Boardwalk B&B Guest House
Premier self-catering accommodation found in the heart of peaceful Wilderness
From $73 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Villa Villekula
Experience off-the-grid serenityamidst the natural beauty of The Crags.
From $36 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Whale Coast Ocean Villa
Luxury Hermanus Guesthouse with Ocean views, Near Grotto Beach, Offers Ultimate Comfort
From $54 /person
Recent postcards
What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified Traveller
I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified Traveller
We loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerThe recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerWe loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller