The Tsitsikamma Village Inn is one of the most distinctive places to stay on the Garden Route. Located in the small town of Storms River, it is more than simply a hotel. Its history, architecture and collection of buildings reflect the character of the early settlements of the Tsitsikamma region.
The story of the property dates back to 1841, when a hunting lodge was established on the site. The area was remote at the time, and travelling through the Tsitsikamma was difficult. Roads were limited and journeys between settlements could take considerable time.
The development of transport through the region changed this. The famous road builder Thomas Bain constructed a route through the Tsitsikamma during the 19th century, improving access through what had previously been difficult terrain. The Village Inn became a stopping point for travellers, who could rest and outspan their animals on the grounds.
The hotel developed over the years and became an established part of Storms River. Today, the property incorporates a collection of buildings designed to represent different periods and architectural styles from South Africa’s colonial history.
One of the unusual features of the Tsitsikamma Village Inn is its Village Square. Rather than being a conventional hotel complex, the property contains a number of buildings with their own character and appearance. This gives the hotel a distinctive atmosphere and makes it quite different from the large modern hotels found elsewhere.
The hotel also has several restaurants and places to eat and drink. These include De Oude Martha Restaurant, Hunter’s Pub and Marilyn’s 60s Diner. There is also a microbrewery on the property producing beer locally.
For visitors travelling the Garden Route, the location is particularly useful. Storms River is close to some of the most spectacular scenery in the region and is an important base for exploring the Tsitsikamma area.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is nearby, with its rugged coastline, indigenous forests, hiking trails and famous suspension bridges across the Storms River mouth. The surrounding area is also known for activities including kayaking, hiking and the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump.
What makes the Tsitsikamma Village Inn interesting is the combination of history and location. It provides visitors with a connection to the early development of the region while placing them close to some of the Garden Route’s major attractions.
The Tsitsikamma has always been an important part of the journey between the Western and Eastern Cape, and places such as the Village Inn are reminders of how difficult that journey once was.
I’ve always loved staying here. It is peaceful and quiet at night, and when the stars come out, they are something else. The breakfast is great, the staff are friendly and I really like the rooms. We stay here on our 5-day Garden Route tour, and I always look forward to coming back.
Today, travelling through the Tsitsikamma is considerably easier, but the landscape remains largely unchanged. Dense indigenous forest, dramatic coastline and steep valleys still define the area. For anyone travelling the Garden Route, the Tsitsikamma Village Inn offers something different from a standard hotel and remains one of my favourite places to stay along the route.
