Feature: Bird Spotting

Naries Namakwa Retreat

Naries Namakwa Retreat, Nr Springbok

Naries provides unusual accommodation in a rarely visited corner of South Africa

Naries Namakwa Retreat is a  truly unique property is situated 20 kms west of the one time copper mining town of Springbok. There are 5 double rooms in the manor house, some with sweeping views over the valley to the east. Additionally there are 3 extraordinary Namakwa style huts perched high on a ridge. These overlook the dramatic Specktakel Pass with the original copper mine discovered in 1671 still apparent at its base. These huts are as luxurious as some of the finest game lodges in South Africa and are thatched on the inside as well as the outside. This keeps them cool in the blistering summer sun and warm in the chilly winters. There are also 2 family cottages. The lodge prides itself on its excellent cuisine served in a romantic candlelit dining room.

About Naries’ Location

The extensive grounds of this private nature reserve are crisscrossed with walking trails. Although good at any time of the year, during July, August and early September you will be walking amongst the dense and vivid Namakwaland flowers that bloom briefly. From here you will be able to get to the extraordinary Richtersveld National Park. Here you will experience its moonscape terrain and equally weird vegetation. The coast is mainly controlled by De Beers because of the extensive offshore and onshore Diamond mining activities. It is possible to join a guided tour of these activities and also of the extensive shipwrecks littering the coast. This location can be combined with a visit to the extraordinary Kgalagadi Transfrontier park sandwiched between Botswana and Namibia in the Kalahari desert. In between, you can visit the Augrabies Falls where the Orange river plunges down a series of impressive waterfalls.


 

Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

Set in a forest close to Plettenberg Bay, this long established lodge consistently rates as 5 star on Trip Advisor

This is a veritable ecological experience 15 minutes drive from busy Plettenberg Bay. All 16 suites are decorated in true African style with extensive use of natural woods and colours. Relax by the pool and soak up the panoramic views across the forest and the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance.

About the Location

Hikes can be arranged through the indigenous forest with its abundance of bird life or you can extend your trip down to the Indian Ocean where you will see Dolphins and, in season, Southern Right Whales. Monkeyland is also close at hand where you can see an extensive variety of primates -many of which have been rescued from zoos to be relocated in a more natural environment. If the calm and peace of life at Hog Hollow listening to the myriad of birds in the trees begins to pall, then Plettenberg Bay is close with its three glorious beaches. You could drive to nearby Nature’s Valley at the start of the scenic old Bloukrans Pass and a beach which is great for walking but the tides make this dangerous for swimming, or maybe a quiet trip up the Keurbooms River stopping to relax and picnic (basket provided by the lodge) at one of the remote beaches will entice you. Whatever your interests, making Hog Hollow your base will allow you many options for your holiday.


Tarn Country House, The Crags

Great location, fabulous reviews and pretty accommodation and surroundings

Tarn Country House is located 15 minutes’ drive from bustling Plettenberg Bay with its wonderful beaches. Situated against the backdrop of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the Whiskey Creek Nature Reserve, there are 8 large beautifully decorated suites each with their own, private entrance. The extensive grounds are attractively landscaped with indigenous plants.

About the Location

There is a large pool and the sea is just 2 kms away. Tarn has an excellent restaurant with a good choice of freshly prepared food. The Mauritian Stir Fry is exceptional! There are many activities in the locality. Nature’s Valley is a short drive and the fine beach is a draw for surfers – unfortunately not so good for swimming. Keurboomstrand has exceptional coastal scenery and for bathing you will love Plettenberg Bay. Storms River and the Tsitsikamma Forest National Park is a 30-minute drive. The animal parks at The Crags are just down the road and here you can walk with elephants, wild cats, monkeys and birds for a truly unique experience. Renowned Bramon winery is very close.


Tsitsikamma Lodge, Storms River

Rustic accommodation in log cabins which are great for families

Although very close to the N2 highway, as soon as you go through the gates you pass into a different world. The emphasis is on quiet ambience with accommodation set around 32 log cabins complete with private decks and barbecue area. The mountains provide a spectacular setting. The cabins are comfortably appointed and are large and many feature a spa bath. The swimming pool is a feature and is a good location to cool off from the heat of the day. The restaurant provides good food throughout the day and may feature an extensive buffet in the evening.

About the Location

A short distance away is the Storms River Gorge with a spectacular bridge but unfortunately pedestrian access is now prohibited. A little further and you will be able to walk into the Tsitsikamma Forest to see the incredible Yellowwood trees. Storms River Adventures is in nearby Storms River Village that is a 10-minute drive. Here you can abseil, go black water tubing, mountain biking or take the unique and exhilarating Tree Top Canopy Tour. The Tsitsikamma National Park is 15 minutes’ drive away and here you will find trails into the forest, the pedestrian suspension bridge across the River Mouth (not for the faint hearted and caves where some of the earliest human beings once lived. There is also a small sandy beach and a restaurant. All the features of this area are only a short drive away.


Kurland

Kurland, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay

Ultimate luxury in a parkland setting within a short drive of spectacular beaches

This is a fascinating and luxurious hotel set in the countryside with views of the impressive Tsitsikamma Mountains. Although Kurland is one of South Africa’s leading stud farms and is renowned for its polo field and events, the hotel has a very relaxed atmosphere and is designed to ensure that families are not only welcome but exceptionally well catered for. The 15 suites are beautifully decorated and very generous in size. The style is Cape Dutch and so very traditional South African. Some family suites have a separate first floor open plane bedroom and bathroom for children complete with stair gate and cuddly toys on the beds to provide your children with a feeling of their own space. Some of the extra large suites also have their own private plunge pool.

About the Location

There is a childrens’ playroom complete with equipment and games right next to their own pool and outdoor games area. Activities include horse riding and quad bikes and the beach is approximately 15 minutes drive away.  The Crags has some fascinating animal parks populated mainly by animals rescued from domesticity and here you will be able to get close to cats, elephants, monkees and even snakes, There is the largest aviary in the southern hemisphere and you can round off a visit with a tour and lunch at a local winery.  Storms River with the Tree Top Canopy Tour experience and the spectacular Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park is just 35 minutes drive while for the exceptionally brave, the World’s highest bungee jump is even closer.


St. James , Knysna

Very special hotel with perfect luxury situated on the Knysna lagoon

This is a luxurious, family run hotel situated just outside the main town of Knysna on a peninsula jutting out into the wonderful Knysna Lagoon. The 19 rooms and suites are some of the largest we have encountered, many of which have a lounge and study area and some with fireplaces for the cooler winter evenings. The bathrooms match the rooms in opulence. Some are in a  courtyard  building including 4 exceptionally luxurious suites set around their own pool. You can choose from garden, courtyard or lagoon facing suites.

About the Location

There is a boat available for guest use from the little jetty and the gardens provide a wonderfully restful place to sit, contemplate and just relax. The birdlife here is incredible down to the hotel’s resident owl! For clients looking for something a little different, St. James provides an experience at a price that is difficult to match in the Cape.


River Bend Country Lodge, Addo National Park

River Bend Country Lodge, Addo National Park

Great accommodation close to The Addo National Park

As a place to stay, now within the borders of the recently enlarged Addo National Park, and be pampered this small hotel of just 8 luxury suites offers their guests a calm and relaxed environment. The hotel’s rooms are exquisitely decorated and are in bungalows set around a central courtyard.

About the Location

After a morning’s game drive, return and have a leisurely breakfast overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Sunday’s River Valley, maybe relax beside the pool and then visit the health and beauty facilities before taking another game drive in the late afternoon. We advise an early and late drive because you will see different varieties of game. In the early morning you will see many different antelope including the massive, but normally shy and reclusive, Eland. Springbok, Kudu and Hartebeest abound and you are quite likely to spot a pair of jackal returning after a hard night’s work! Elephants will be walking to the waterholes for a morning’s refreshment and you will also see Warthog, Zebra, Meerkat, Ostrich and the extraordinary Secretary birds as the search for snakes! In the late afternoon you should see Rhino and Cape buffalo and, as they are introduced, Lion.


Oyster Bay Beach Lodge

Oyster Bay Beach Lodge, Oyster Bay, Cape St Francis

Out of the way charm 

If you are looking for accommodation that is different and in a remote location but relatively easy to get to, then Oyster Bay could be for you. The 10 bedrooms and 4 Cape Dutch style chalets are simply furnished but comfortable. The lodge serves breakfast, a simple lunch and dinner.

About the Location

There is a reasonably sized pool but you are within easy walking of an incredible beach that has the feel of being part of Oyster Bay Lodge. Even in the height of the summer season when nearby Jeffrey’s Bay is heaving with surfers, this location has a wonderful ‘get away from it all’ feel. You should note that access to Oyster Bay is 25 kms along a good quality gravel road. Accommodation can be provided on a dinner, bed & breakfast, bed & breakfast or self-catering basis.


Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel, Coffee Bay, The Wild Coast

A charming location by the side of a spectacular beach

For the adventurous, Coffee Bay will reward you with a beautiful beach, rugged coastline near to the impressive ‘Hole in the Wall’ which is one of the Wild Coast’s renowned views. Ocean View is a simple hotel comprising 30 double rooms (most en suite) some with stunning views over the ocean. We were particularly impressed by the spectacular sunrises! The pretty grounds extend down to the beach and include a pool and bar. The food in the dining room is simple, traditional South African fare served by friendly and obliging Xhosa locals. By South African standards this offers good, if slightly simple, but inexpensive accommodation.

About the Location

Coffee Bay can be reached from the N2 highway near Umtata, along a reasonable tarred road but there are potholes and free roaming domestic and wild animals that means a good hour’s drive. To get to Coffee Bay you will most likely either fly into Port Elizabeth or Durban (7 hour’s drive) or to Umtata (less frequent flights but only 1 hour’s drive. Driving through the Transkei, as this area of the Eastern Cape is known, is an experience – this is ‘real’ Africa with bustling towns and markets and the hill tops dotted with pretty rounds huts. It is, however, a relatively poor area and you will see scenes of poverty, over grazing and appalling soil erosion. Once you arrive at Coffee Bay, however, you will be rewarded with one of the most scenic coastal vistas  and a beach that has been voted one of the best in South Africa.


Kariega Private Game Reserve

Kariega Private Game Reserve,Nr. Kenton-on-Sea

A great option for families seeking a safari

This is a perfect safari location for families. Accommodation is in three lodges. The largest, Main Lodge, has log cabin style accommodation with large central dining facility and boma (open fenced area for wonderful evening meals around a log fire) and a great infinity pool looking over the characteristic Eastern Cape bush with views across the Bushman’s River and the Indian Ocean in the distance. Ukhozi Lodge is smaller; just 10 log cabins, and are more refined lending itself to older families. River Lodge is more exclusive with just 5 luxurious suites and is reached by boat for an even more exotic ‘feel’. The Homestead is for families who want the seclusion of their ‘own’ accommodation complete with their ‘own’ staff.

About the Location

The Game Reserve is divided into two. The area that includes the three lodges does not have the large predators, which means that walking safaris are arranged with children in mind for a special up close encounter with a wide range of plains animals. The lodge also has a boat for river-based safaris on the Bushman’s River. Game drives into the other part of the reserve will provide guests with memorable encounters with the ‘Big Five’ including Lion, Elephant Rhino and Cape buffalo. The remaining member. Leopard, are endemic to the region but tend to be very shy so sightings happen only occasionally. The game is managed on this reserve and we understand that the big predators are fed by the management. Although reducing the authenticity of the ‘Safari Experience’, this will help to conserve the usual prey of the big cats.