This post is also available in: German
Crackling fireplaces, beautiful nature and plenty of animals between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is one of the most popular lodges in South Africa. It is situated in a private nature reserve on the Garden Route, 18 kilometres east of Plettenberg Bay with breathtaking views of the Matjies River Gorge and the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Andy Fermor and his wife Debbie bought the lodge in 1993 and have developed it since into a small jewel with 16 suites, a villa and a country house. Families and couples feel right at home here.
In the video you will find a few impressions of the lodge and also a short interview with manager Jo Melton Butler (Josi) – she is such a charming person!
Lodge
In the main area of this 4 star lodge you will find 3 lounge areas, the restaurant and a spacious terrace with many comfortable sofas and fireplaces.
“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how too live.° – Lin Yutang
On the large terrace you can relax and unwind or end the day at one of the cozy fireplaces in the evening. Sometimes a few monkeys will even pass by.
Restaurant
Breakfast is varied. There is a huge selection to choose from including some egg dishes. You can enjoy breakfast comfortably on the terrace or also indoors.
Dinner starts every evening with an aperitif on the romantic terrace. A delicious 3-course menu is served by candlelight and open fire either at the communal or at individual tables. Fresh local ingredients and lots of fresh fish are used. From R195 per person excluding drinks.
Pool
The pool is located below the terrace. Here you can quite simply relax without any disturbance, swim and enjoy the wonderful view!
Suiten
The 16 cozy suites are situated in the garden and are decorated in friendly earthy tones and furnished with hand crafted artefacts. They all have comfortable seating areas, king-size beds, a minibar, a hi-fi system, a fireplace, a bathroom with corner bathtub and a wooden deck with chairs and hammock. There is no telephone or TV, but instead the most stunning panoramic views!
We enjoyed the fireplace in our room! To fall asleep by the crackling fire was so beautiful and romantic! And if it rains, it is even cozier.
Highlight: you can open the large glass stack sliding doors in the room and bathroom completely.
One should only leave the doors open though, while you are there. And leaving anything outside on the terrace, is also not a good idea – because the monkeys do like to drop by!
Another animal guest that also liked to pop in, is the lodge’s pet cat! She decided that it was much nicer with us at the fireplace, than outside in the rain!
Villa
The lodge also has a villa. It is located about 400 metres from the main building. Families or up to 3 couples can comfortably stay here. The villa also has a games room, a kitchen, a dining area, a fireplace, an infinity pool and a barbecue. It is perfect for families with children.
Country House
The Country House has just been rebuilt and is very chic and tastefully decorated and it has all been done by owner Andy himself!
‘Life is good’, Andy Fermor
In addition to the great pool, there are several bedrooms with fireplaces, a living room with dining area and fireplace as well as a large terrace.
Hog Hollow Horse Trails
The Hog Lodge offers one hour riding trips and three hour horseback riding trips for adults and children. Advanced riders as well as beginners can explore the magnificent surroundings on horseback. (From R590 or about 39 EUR for the one hour riding trip)
More info: www.horseridinggardenroute.com
Sightseeing Tips
There are numerous attractions just around the corner such as Plettenberg Bay, Storms River, Nature’s Valley, the adorable village town Wilderness among many others.
Keurbooms Beach
After a short drive you are right on the beach.
The Crags Wine Route
There are up to 16 wineries in the area that offer great wine tastings.
www.plettwinelands.com
Birds of Eden
You will find plenty of African birds and miniature monkeys on these 2 hectares of forest. www.birdsofeden.co.za
Monkeyland
Eighteen different monkey species live in Monkeyland’s 12 hectare forest. Eleven of these species can be found roaming freely. Among them are lemurs, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, vervets and gibbons.
www.monkeyland.co.za
The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
A great protection program for predators. www.jukani.co.za
Monkeyland, Birds of Eden & The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lilizela Service Excellence Awards – Best Visitor Experience ‘Wildlife Encounters’
International Sustainable Tourism Award – Best Major Attraction
Winner of the ‘Best Animal Welfare Initiative’
Winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards
Restaurant Tips
The Fat Fish /Plettenberg Bay (Awesome Seafood & Sushi)
Milkwood Centre, Hopwood St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa, www.thefatfish.co.za
The Table Restaurant und Bar
(Gourmet pizza & pasta, DJ on Wednesdays + Fridays)
9 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay, 6600 South Africa, www.thetable.co.za
Nguni Restaurant
(Best traditional South African cuisine, for example, Bobotie, Biltong, Springbok and Ostrich)
6 Crescent Street, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, 6600 South Africa,
www.nguni-restaurant.co.za
Ristorante Enrico
(Family friendly Italian directly on the ocean’s edge, great seafood and awesome views of dolphins and whales)
296 Main Street, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay, 6600 South Africa,
www.enricorestaurant.co.za
What we love
Being right in the middle of nature is just wonderful and the view from the room is magnificent! The Hog Hollow Country Lodge is a romantic hideaway ideal for families and couples. It is a great starting point for all kinds of sightseeing trips, hikes and activities along the Garden Route. The food is excellent and the service very friendly! We found our suite with our own fireplace extremely romantic and very special! The beach is just around the corner and you can relax wonderfully at the pool.
Another plus: Almost all the staff at the lodge are from the surrounding communities and they are trained regularly. The lodge has even received a prestigious accolade for fair and responsible tourism in South Africa (FTTSA).
Rooms: 16 Suites, 1 Villa, 1 Country House
Transfer: From George Airport 130km (1 hour 40 minutes), from Port Elizabeth 220km (3 hours), Cape Town (525km) and Johannesburg (1177km)
Minibar: Well stocked, 1 bottle of wine included
Air Temperature: 7 – 26 degrees Celsius
Malaria: Malaria free
Best time to visit: December to April is high season, but with the romantic fireplaces and open fires you can easily also stay here May to August
Time shift: None
Price: From 120 EUR per person per night breakfast included. Children up to 12 from 43 EUR per night.
Specialties: Rich flora and fauna
Specifically for children: babysitting service, children’s books and CD’s, beach toys, boogie boards and flexible mealtimes
Special: 3 for the price of 2, stay 3 nights but only pay for two (valid from 1 May – 31 August)
Perfect for: couples, families, friends, nature and animal lovers
Hog Hollo Country Lodge
Askop Road, The Crags,
Plettenberg Bay
6602, South Africa
www.hog-hollow.com
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa
Johansens Recommended
A Member of Portfolio Collection
Did you like this article? Then make our day and share it!
Note: During our stay we were partially supported by Hog Hollow Lodge. Thank you so much! The opinions expressed in this article is nonetheless 100% our own!
This journey was planned and organized by Silke Marshall Marketing Solutions. A heartfelt thank you! The visit to the Hog Hollow Country Lodge was part of the “Favorite Gourmet Self-Drive Journey”.
Monique De Caro
Latest posts by Monique De Caro (see all)
- Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa – A Paradise for Lovers and Connoisseurs - 28. January 2024
- Elephant Hills, Khao Sok National Park – Thailand’s First Luxury Tent Jungle Camps - 9. December 2023
- Back at Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand – Luxurious Pavilions, Monkeys & Dream Pool at Railay Beach - 1. August 2023
- The Slate, Phuket, Thailand – Romantic Design Hotel with Industrial Charm - 16. July 2023
- Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand – Wellness & Indulgence on the Pristine Natai Beach - 17. June 2023