Cliff Top Houses - The Bees Knees provides self catering accommodation in Ballots Bay, near Victoria Bay, in the Wilderness area, Garden Route. (Sleeps 4). "The Bee’s Knees" is situated in a protected nature reserve surrounded by sea, forest and fynbos. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Serendipity Coastal Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Ballots Bay, Wilderness, Garden Route. Located in a Private Nature Reserve in Ballots Bay, between George and Wilderness. Serendipity Lodge is a luxury log home with spectacular sea and moun …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Coastal Bliss is a beautiful log home (sleeps 6) situated in the private nature reserve of Ballots Bay, situated in George South Africa. The reserve has many indigenous plants and fauna and animals such as Zebra, Wildebeast, Springbok, Impala... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliff Top Houses - The Cat's Whiskers provides self catering accommodation in Ballots Bay near Victoria Bay in the Wilderness area, Garden Route. (Sleeps 6). This spectacular self catering home was designed by multi-award winning architect Henry Paine... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Seaside Cottage offers beachfront self catering accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Our self catering accommodation is situated on the beach in Wilderness, with breathtaking views of breaking waves. Let the sounds of the sea lull you to sleep. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Seaside House offers "absolute beachfront" self catering accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Situated right on the beach in Wilderness, with breathtaking views of breaking waves. Let the sounds of the sea lull you to sleep. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Set in the charming Wilderness Village, overlooking the Wilderness Lagoon & sea, Wilderness Waters welcomes its visitors to stylish and well-appointed 4-star accommodation - all within walking distance of the golden beach, the fresh water lagoon... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Wilderness Manor is an elegant and refined guest house overlooking the Wilderness Lagoon, in the scenic village of Wilderness. Step out of the front door and cross the road onto the boardwalk for an easy and safe stroll to golden beaches, restaurants... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Serendipity Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Situated on the banks of the Touw River and borders on the Wilderness National Park, a UNESCO proclaimed water bird conservancy. We have 4 en-suite bedrooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
At Rest provides self catering accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Our charming self-catering log cabin at Pirates Creek, in the heart of the Garden Route in the Wilderness National Park, close to the beach. It is a popular weekend and holiday brea …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Fairy Knowe Hotel, affectionately referred to as 'the grand dame' of Wilderness in the Cape's Garden Route has been welcoming guests since 1924. This landmark hotel was renovated in 2021 and is looking gracious and glorious once again! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Old Trading Post - Guests can book either on a Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering or Bed only basis, depending on the room chosen. Braai facilities are available. Children and pets are welcome. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Burrough Place provides bed and breakfast accommodation in George, Garden Route. Situated in Heatherlands, George, in the spectacular Garden Route, Burrough Place is a Guesthouse that is on the main road when entering George from the Outeniqua Pass (N9). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oakhurst is one of the original large properties of the Garden Route situated in the Wilderness district, near George. There are 11 different self catering units available. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Herolds Bay, SeeVier 1 is a seafront apartment in Herolds Bay on the Western Cape's Garden Route, and offers self-catering accommodation for 6 guests, making it ideal for a break with the family or friends. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
African Sun Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in George, Garden Route. African Sun offers a relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful view of the Outeniqua mountains, it is a small holding where guests can... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ibis Place Guesthouse provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in George, Garden Route. Overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains, it is situated in the middle of the Garden Route only 10 minutes from the George CBD... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Over the Mountain Guest Farm offers both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in the secluded hamlet of Herold on the famous Route 62 and part of South Africa's sublime Garden Route. We offer comfortable accommodation in five historic... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glenkarma offers a wonderful self catering home (sleeps 9) located in Glentana Heuwels, Groot Brakrivier, close to George in the Western Cape's Garden Route. The house sleeps 9 guests and consist of 4 bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room, three living... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bird Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Sedgefield in the Garden Route. Bird Cottage is spacious and comfortable with all mod-cons including an automatic washing machine. The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. Also a lounge/dining room with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tucked away between steeply falling green hills, lies Ballots Bay, a small beach carved out of the rugged Southern Cape coastline. Sheltered from most winds it is the perfect retreat for angler, beach lover or nature enthusiast (not naturalist). Ballots Bay is a place where yesterday and tomorrow are said to blend into today, a place where time doesnt matter at all.
Originally known as Christina Bay, Ballots Bay was renamed after Ds. J.S.S. Ballot. Cape born Ds. Ballot served the community of George and district for 35 years, from 1827 till 1862. It was his first and only church parish, and on retirement he stayed on, eventually to die in the area he so much loved. Ballots Bay was part of his special dream for the area and he hoped it would become a harbour for George. He also wanted to develop a self sufficient fishing village there to help uplift the Coloured community. One of the oxcarts used to transport fresh fish for sale to George is now in the town Museum. Ds. Ballot was a man of energy and foresight. Just as he had himself supervised the building of the first NG Church in the face of tremendous financial stringency, so he built the stone road down the steep hillside to the little bay, using his own funds to make his dream a reality. He even had a township Ballotsdale, the plans of which can still be seen, laid out above the Bay. Near bankruptcy, lack of experienced anglers, small boats and strong currents lead to the eventual abandonment of the indefatigable ministers plans, but individual fishermen still find the area a paradise, as yet completely unspoiled.
The old saying has it that all true happiness is touched with sorrow, and Ballots Bay also has its sad memories of fishermen drowned and even memories of boats such as the Mabel Young, which foundered outside the Bay. Seven of those on board drowned trying to reach shore, others were given shelter by the kind people of Sandkraal, one of the historic old farmsteads at the top of the hills. Pieces from that wreck were washed to shore and are still memorials to the power of the sea, as are the little graves in St. Marks Cathedral grounds in George. Ds. Ballot while he had the academic advantages of theological training at Leiden, was obviously a man of practical talents and a man willing to take a chance. Happy memories of Ballot abound, such as the time when the shocked the traditionalists by inviting a brass band to play at the conscecration of the church, but he won the day when all agreed to finding their music as spiritually moving as any organ.
Ballots Bay retains something of the spirit of its early developer. It is not for the person who only wants to follow the stream. It is a place of powerful beauty and great tranquility. Its unspoilt simplicity is its special charm. New development will take all this into account and Ballots Bay will continue to share its timeless joys with all those who respect and love Natures uncompromising patterns.
Ballots Bay is a hidden gem located near George on the Garden Route of South Africa.
Here are five things to know about Ballots Bay and what you can do there:
Scenic Beauty: Ballots Bay is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The bay is nestled between rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can marvel at the dramatic coastline, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Beach Activities: The secluded beach at Ballots Bay provides a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing in a tranquil setting. The calm waters are also ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Hiking Trails: Ballots Bay is surrounded by indigenous coastal forest, offering opportunities for scenic hikes and nature walks. There are trails that lead through the forest and along the coastline, providing a chance to observe the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the area.
Picnicking and Relaxation: With its serene atmosphere and stunning views, Ballots Bay is the perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can bring along a picnic basket and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of the bay, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Accessibility: While Ballots Bay is relatively secluded, it is still accessible by car. The bay is located a short drive from George along the N2 highway, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Overall, Ballots Bay offers a peaceful escape into nature, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Garden Route coastline and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a pristine setting.