BUCOLIC BLISS
The Outeniqua mountains stretch from Plettenberg Bay in the east to Riversdale in the west, with George somewhere in the middle. ArendsRus Country Lodge, 20km from George, is a peaceful, scenic place to rest your head before going birding, hiking or even getting married. Its mix of accommodation includes six recently refurbished wooden chalets on stilts (five doubles and one honeymoon suite). The one I stayed in had a balcony facing the forest, where I was lucky enough to hear a pair of fiery-necked nightjars engaged in a duet across the valley. But you don’t have to be a birding expert to enjoy the offerings here. There are also mountain vistas, and walking and biking trails.
WHAT’S THE VIBE?
This is old-school, family-run accommodation with friendly staff and everything you need at hand. Sherry and homemade chocolates welcome you to your room, and I gobbled mine immediately. It’s far from the “maddening” crowd and bucolic in nature, with a long, winding driveway surrounded by mountains, lawns and macadamia trees. If you’ve come from the big city, it’s time to take a huge gulp of fresh air, kick off your shoes and let your hair down.
MY ROOM
I like a room that invites rest and relaxation, and this one’s perfect. A comfortable bed with crisp cotton sheets; a fully stocked minibar; free Wi-Fi in the rooms; and a gorgeous veranda with a table and chairs where you can tuck in to your dinner if you prefer privacy or a spot of romance. The décor is nature-inspired, with a protea painting above the bed and birds in a stained-glass window. There is also a luxury eco-tent option and a peaceful campsite set away from the main lodge.
AND THE FOOD?
The staff at the in-house restaurant prepare everything from scratch and the menu is “all about culture and diversity”. You can choose things like chicken pie, bobotie and boerewors. If you’d rather self-cater, book into one of the two larger cabins, Arch Cabin or Weaver’s Cabin. Both sleep four in two bedrooms and have kitchens.
EXTRAS
ArendsRus is also a wedding venue should nuptials be on your agenda. And it’s romantic, with gardens full of roses, hydrangeas and pretty ponds. There’s also a swimming pool, which is heated from September until the end of April.
WHAT’S NEARBY
In George, the Garden Route Botanical Garden has incredible indigenous flora, many birding habitats, a wetland, a rehabilitated forest and a newly refurbished bird hide.
RATES
From R1,000 per night for two in a wooden lodge unit to R2,500 per night for Arch Cabin. Throughout 2024, get a 20% discount by booking directly through the lodge (on their website, by e-mail or phone). See arendsrus.co.za.