The gin has been poured, the sun is starting to set and the unmistakable sound of the African Fish Eagle echoes overhead as it soars above Lake St Lucia. A visit to the intimate Hluhluwe River Lodge is magnificently relaxing and a great reminder of the wild, natural beauty we have right on our doorstep.
A trip to the bush is undeniably therapeutic. And, with dainty impala and large, spiral-horned nyala peeping out around almost every corner, prolific birdlife and a remarkable collection of indigenous trees and plants, one can’t help but feel at peace and connected to nature at Hluhluwe River Lodge.
Just a couple hours’ drive from the North Coast, the lodge is situated outside the town of Hluhluwe, close to the entrance of the False Bay Park (which is in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park) and just 20 minutes from the Hluhluwe iMfolozi game park.
The expansive deck area of the main lodge overlooks the lake and is the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner or early morning cup of coffee. The lodge’s cozy lounge and living area are ideal for sitting back and relaxing with a good book or pair of binocs!
RELAX IN COZY ACCOMMODATIONS
Separate from the main lodge, the accommodation at the lodge comprises a collection of beautifully-appointed thatched, wooden chalets perched above the ground and privately tucked away amidst the surrounding forest. The ideal getaway for either couples or families, there are different chalets to suit your needs. The two open-plan family chalets on the property are perfect for parents sharing with younger kids. They have a double bed for the parents and two single beds set off to one side with a drawable curtain to separate the kids room from the rest, if needed. The spacious chalets have en-suite bathrooms with roomy showers as well as a sizeable luggage rack and storage area. There is aircon and mozzie nets for the summer months and each chalet has a lovely deck with chairs, perfect for enjoying that morning coffee while the inquisitive nyala come to say hi.
The eight, standard chalets sleep two adults and are set slightly away from the family units. They have queen-sized beds and are situated under the beautiful, cool forest canopy. Honeymooners will love the luxuriously appointed Honeymoon Suites, which are tucked away from the rest of the lodge and feature a large deck with slide away doors and wonderful forest views. Each has a king-sized bed and Victorian bath on one side of the room.
REPLENISH YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the inside dining room area or outside on the terrace. The food at Hluhluwe River Lodge is tasty and generous. They serve a delicious cold buffet breakfast with plated hot breakfast to follow, light lunches such as burgers, wraps and salads and elegant, wholesome dinners. Kids can eat with parents or order off a separate menu if they choose to eat slightly earlier in the evening. The beers are always cold at the popular Poachers Paddle Bar, situated just off the terrace and the pub is well-stocked and the ideal spot to enjoy a sundowner or catch that just-can’t-miss-it sports match!
EXPLORE, ADVENTURE OR MEANDER
The quaint swimming pool area is situated away from the main lodge and chalets for privacy and is tucked away in a shaded part of the forested garden. The sights and sounds of nature surround you and it’s hard not to nod off as you stretch out on one of the sun loungers under the umbrellas. Hluhluwe River Lodge is wonderful for the more energetic visitor as well. Positioned within a magnificent sand forest, the lodge is home to some of the most remarkable tree species and walks (of between 2km and 6km) can be enjoyed at leisure within the 80ha conservancy. There are loads of nyala and little red duiker to be spotted and the 2km trail takes around an hour to complete. The lodge is also a fantastic spot for those mountain bikers who just can’t leave their bikes at home! The trails literally start just outside your chalet and there is a great 20km ride to False Bay Park, a 2300ha reserve on the shoreline of Lake St Lucia, which is flat and easy to ride for novices and includes some single track for the more advanced riders. There are also longer trails for the more seasoned riders (note: you must bring your own bikes as the lodge does not have bikes to rent).
Whether you’re looking for a quiet bush escape, a mountain biking adventure or are hoping to enjoy a safari at the game reserve (just 20-minutes away), Hluhluwe River Lodge is a wonderful breakaway in the bush, not-too-far from home. They are also currently running a great special – R1400 per person per night sharing in a standard room, including dinner and breakfast.
Details: www.hluhluwe.co.za, 035 562 0246, [email protected]
Text: Leah Shone
