Hog Hollow Country Lodge : Our full report

Set on a hillside, Hog Hollow Country Lodge is situated about 20km east of Plettenberg Bay, overlooking the Matjies River Gorge and Tsitsikamma Mountains beyond. It is an excellent lodge from which to explore the places of interest along this stretch of the Garden Route.

There are 16 suites and a villa at Hog Hollow, set within the gardens around the main house with walkways leading to each. The suites are all comfortable, furnished with double beds and a writing desk, and decorated in natural fabrics and earthy colours with lots of local artefacts. Each has a private deck with views of the Tsitsikamma Forest and Mountains, a snug lounge area and an en-suite bathroom, and most have a fireplace.

Additional features are a well-stocked minibar, tea/coffee facilities, an electric fan, a hairdryer, a free-standing heater, and a wall-mounted heater in the bathroom. There are no TVs in the rooms, but each has an entertainment centre with a small selection of CDs supplied. Extra pillows, blankets, towels etc can be provided on request.

The villa is a three-bedroomed double-storey house that is suitable for families. It has an open-plan layout with a spacious lounge, leather furniture, music system, satellite television and DVD player. The kitchen is modern with black and stainless steel finishes and a large dining table. The upstairs area comes complete with a games room and its own pool table, TV and a selection of DVDs. Two of the bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom facilities, are upstairs, while the main bedroom – also en suite – is on the ground floor. The villa also has its own infinity pool with those stunning views of the mountains and forest beyond.

The hub of Hog Hollow is the main house, with its spacious dining area and famously large dining table which forms the social core of the lodge. Food is a real feature of the lodge – excellent without being at all pretentious.

Within the main house there are also three lounge areas that boast a selection of books and a computer, as well as a small curio shop. One of the lounges leads to the garden. A second leads onto the boma which, with its comfy cushioned seating and wide wooden deck, is a great place to relax before or after dinner.

Below the boma is a swimming pool with a deck overlooking the river gorge, while other facilities at Hog Hollow include a sauna that has some of the best views.

A range of activities is available for guests staying at Hog Hollow. During our last visit (in November 2011) we went to the Birds of Eden where, in addition to some wonderful walks, you can also visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and the Elephant Sanctuary; it is possible to walk from the lodge through indigenous forest to these attractions. Other options include Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre and the snake and crocodile sanctuary. Discuss the options with the staff at Hog Hollow, who will take care of all the arrangements for you.

Our view

Hog Hollow isn’t overly luxurious place; in fact on first visit parts of it can seem fairly simple. However, over the years it’s been fairly consistent in offering really excellent, personal service and imaginative food. It’s also gradually and consistently raised its game. It stands in some stunning scenery and we regard it as a lovely retreat, overlooking stunning scenery which offers outstanding value for money.

Geographics

Location: Garden Route, South Africa

Ideal length of stay: 3–4 days is ideal to spend here

Directions: Hog Hollow is situated approximately 20km east of Plettenberg Bay on the N2 highway toward Port Elizabeth. The turn-off is well signposted.

Key personnel

Owner: The owners are Andy & Debbie Fermor

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: The food at Hog Hollow is generally very impressive and meal times are enjoyable, sociable occasions.

A tastefully presented breakfast is usually served from 8.00am to 10.00am in the main house. Expect a choice of muffins, cheeses, cold meats, poached and fresh fruit, yogurts, cereal, freshly baked breads, smoothies and sparkling wine. After you’ve indulged yourself in the cold options, a hot breakfast is available too.

Light lunches are served on request only from midday until 5.00pm.

Dinner is a set three-course menu with a choice at each course. Served from 7.30pm onwards, it is usually taken around a communal dining table – although individual tables can be arranged with advance notice. The evening’s menu is displayed in advance in the main house so guests can make their choice over pre-dinner drinks and snacks. This is a great way to mingle with other guests before sitting down for dinner.
A tastefully presented breakfast is usually served from 8.00am to 10.00am in the main house. Expect a choice of muffins, cheeses, cold meats, poached and fresh fruit, yogurts, cereal, freshly baked breads, smoothies and sparkling wine. After you’ve indulged yourself in the cold options, a hot breakfast is available too.

Light lunches are served on request only from midday until 5.00pm.

Dinner is a set three-course menu with a choice at each course. Served from 7.30pm onwards, it is usually taken around a communal dining table – although individual tables can be arranged with advance notice. The evening’s menu is displayed in advance in the main house so guests can make their choice over pre-dinner drinks and snacks. This is a great way to mingle with other guests before sitting down for dinner.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included in your stay but complimentary tea, coffee and lemon syrup is provided in the rooms. Each of the rooms has a well stocked mini-bar and drinks are replenished daily.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Hog Hollow.

Equipment: Cots, highchairs, blankets and beach toys are available for children.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Adult supervision is required when exploring the grounds, which are quite steep, and near both the unfenced swimming pool and the small lakes (locally known as dams) around the lodge.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Each room is supplied with a cellphone that can be used for emergencies only. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the lodge and there’s a computer with free internet access in the main house.

TV & radio: No

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest doctor or hospital is in the town of Plettenberg, about half an hour’s drive from Hog Hollow, but the lodge has a small stock of household medicines if needed.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Fire safety: Each room is fitted with a fire extinguisher. Guests must ensure that the fireplace in their room is never left unattended when lit.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Laundry is available at an additional charge.

Money: Each room is fitted with an electronic safe.