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 South Africa's 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.
Best places to stay in Garden Route
Garden Route Trip Inspiration
Speak to a South Africa expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair