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The Garden Route is South Africa’s postcard child — everyone has heard of Knysna’s lagoon, Plettenberg Bay’s beaches, and the bungee at Bloukrans. But drive just 20 minutes west of Mossel Bay or 25 minutes east of George and you’ll slip into a quieter, slower rhythm. Here, where the Groot Brak River kisses the Indian Ocean, lies a place that locals guard like a secret and travellers stumble upon and never forget: Seeplaas.
If you’re tired of fighting for parking in Knysna or paying premium prices for the same ocean view everyone else has, keep reading. This is the Garden Route hidden gem you didn’t know you were looking for.
First, Let’s Be Honest About the Garden Route
Most first-time visitors tick off the big names: Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, Knysna, Plett. They’re spectacular — no argument. But the real magic happens in the spaces between the famous stops. Groot Brak Rivier is one of those spaces. It’s the part of the Garden Route where the N2 quiets down, where milkwood trees still outnumber tourists, and where you can actually hear the waves instead of car guards.
What on Earth (or Sea) is Seeplaas?
Perched on a dune ridge right above the Groot Brak River mouth, Seeplaas is part beach café, part farmstall part art gallery, part wine-tasting room — and 100% soul-restoring. The name means “Sea Place” in Afrikaans, and the moment you step onto the wooden deck you understand why.
Imagine this: You’re sipping a perfectly pulled flat white or a chilled Chenin Blanc while dolphins arc through the waves below you. Behind you, rolling green hills dotted with Angus cattle stretch toward the Outeniqua Mountains. In front of you, an endless horizon of turquoise Indian Ocean. This isn’t a filtered Instagram reel — this is your Tuesday morning.
The Food & Drinks That Keep People Coming Back
Seeplaas isn’t trying to be fine dining — and that’s exactly why it’s perfect.
Must-orders:
- The legendary milk tart — creamy, cinnamon-dusted, disappears in 30 seconds
- Freshly baked roosterkoek with homemade jam and cheese (pure farm nostalgia)
- Local craft gin tasting paddles featuring Cape favourites like Paternoster and Hope on Hopkins
- Seasonal salads with ingredients picked from nearby farms that morning
- Their famous Groot Brak burger — made with beef from the cattle you can literally see grazing next door
Pro tip: Ask for the farm butter. Thank me later.
Beachfront Location Meets Working Farm Vibes
One minute you’re barefoot on the deck watching surfers at “Inner Pool”, the next you’re feeding carrots to rescue donkeys or saying hello to the resident pigs. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults) lose their minds over the animals, while the ocean breeze keeps everything cool even on 30-degree days.
It’s the rare spot that feels equally perfect for:
- A romantic sunrise coffee date
- A multi-generational family lunch
- Solo travellers craving quiet beauty
- Road-trippers needing a “pinch me” moment
Why Seeplaas Fits Perfectly on a Custom Garden Route Itinerary
Most standard tours rush you from Knysna to Plett and back. Smart travellers (and private guides) know better.
Here’s how Seeplaas slots in beautifully:
- Morning: Leave George or Mossel Bay, stop at Seeplaas for breakfast with that insane view
- Midday: Walk the beach below or drive 8 minutes to Glentana for a swim
- Afternoon: Continue to Wilderness or Knysna feeling like you’ve already had the best part of the day
It’s literally on the way — but feels a world apart.
The Quiet Charm of Groot Brak Rivier Itself
While Seeplaas steals the show, don’t sleep on the village. Think heritage buildings, a sleepy main street, and one of the safest, cleanest beaches on the entire Garden Route. Locals still wave when you drive past. That kind of place.
Insider Tips from Someone Who’s Been Dozens of Times
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or sunset hour — you’ll often have the deck almost to yourself
- Golden hour: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset in summer. Bring a jacket — the breeze picks up, but the light is pure magic
- What to order if you only have 30 minutes: Coffee + milk tart (non-negotiable)
- Parking: Plenty of free parking right in front
- Dog-friendly? Yes! Well-behaved pups on leashes are welcome on the lower deck
- Cash or card? Card is fine, but bring cash for the farmstall goodies
Final Thought: Some Places You Visit, Others You Feel
Seeplaas isn’t the loudest, flashiest, or most Instagrammed stop on the Garden Route. And that’s exactly why it might just become your favourite.
Next time someone asks you for “Garden Route hidden gems” or “Groot Brak Rivier things to do”, you’ll smile knowingly and say two words:
Just go.
Seeplaas Guest Farm & Café GPS: -34.0526, 22.2135 Open 8:30 AM – 5 PM (check seasonal hours)
