Just 18km East of the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay
A great value for money lodge; friendly, comfortable and stylish with delicious food.
Location
Tucked away on the edge of the Matjies River Gorge in The Crags, Hog Hollow Country Lodge offers a peaceful escape along the Garden Route. Surrounded by dense indigenous forest and looking out towards the Tsitsikamma Mountains, it’s one of our favourite spots for a laid-back stay between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.
Rooms
The lodge has just 16 suites, each spacious, warm, and full of character. Guests love the handwoven rugs, earthy tones and handcrafted details — they give the place a real sense of charm. You’ll have a private wooden deck to soak in the views, and the log fireplaces are especially lovely in the cooler months. If you're travelling as a family or small group, there’s a nearby villa perfect for a more private stay.
Amenities
What we love is how relaxed and unpretentious everything feels. There’s a pool with views over the forest, a small wellness space for in-room treatments, and delicious meals served communally in the main lodge or out on the deck. The staff go out of their way to make you feel at home — nothing’s ever too much trouble.
Activities
You’ll be in a great location to explore The Crags — a region packed with things to do. Guests love visiting the nearby wildlife sanctuaries (Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are both favourites), walking through the forests, or taking a short drive to the beaches of Nature’s Valley. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there’s horse riding, canoeing, and ziplining not far away.
Sustainability
Hog Hollow takes its natural surroundings seriously — they’ve been doing sustainable tourism long before it became a buzzword. They support local artisans, work closely with community projects, and do their best to minimise their footprint — something we really admire.
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Best places to stay in Garden Route
Garden Route Trip Inspiration
When to go to South Africa
Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
February
The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.
March
March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.
April
April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.
May
With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.
June
The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. The Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.
July
July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.
August
Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.
September
September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.
October
October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.
November
Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.
December
December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.
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