About Emily Moon River Lodge
Built on a ridge overlooking the meandering Bitou River and surrounding bird-rich wetlands, Emily Moon River ...
... Lodge is a characterful boutique hotel along South Africa’s popular Garden Route, some 5km east of the holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. Previously known as Mullers Lodge, it has been owned by the Valentine family since 2006.
Emily Moon River Lodge has a quirky and relaxed feel in the main area, yet the accommodation is of a high standard and with a lot of attention to detail. We really liked it!
We particularly love its quiet and tranquil setting, yet only a short drive from Plettenberg Bay and many of the Garden Route’s main attractions. Keen birdwatchers in particular will appreciate the birdlife found in the wetlands here.
Our view
Emily Moon River Lodge has a quirky and relaxed feel in the main area, yet the accommodation is of a high standard and with a lot of attention to detail. We really liked it!
We particularly love its quiet and tranquil setting, yet only a short drive from Plettenberg Bay and many of the Garden Route’s main attractions. Keen birdwatchers in particular will appreciate the birdlife found in the wetlands here.
Accommodation
Ten suites
Children
Best for aged 8+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Traveller reviews of Emily Moon River Lodge
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 11 Oct 2017, 1 nights
"cool individual place"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 10 Mar 2016, 3 nights
"Emily Moon"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Dec 2015, 5 nights
"A class act of an establishment"
Overall rating: Excellent





















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 21 pictures of Emily Moon River Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryEmily Moon River Lodge: Our full report
Built on a ridge overlooking the meandering Bitou River and surrounding bird-rich wetlands, Emily Moon River ...
... Lodge is a characterful boutique hotel along South Africa’s popular Garden Route, some 5km east of the holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. Previously known as Mullers Lodge, it has been owned by the Valentine family since 2006.
Owners Mark and Christine Valentine are collectors of artefacts from around the world and have their own interiors shop in Johannesburg – hence the interesting collection of pieces that have found their way to Emily Moon. From the entrance, large carved Zanzibari wooden doors lead into an enclosed courtyard dotted with artefacts from all over Africa, then on to the reception area and small curio shop.
Emily Moon River Lodge has ten suites. Of these, eight boast uninterrupted river views from high wooden decks, whereas two are set a little further back, and have both private courtyards and their own raised decks affording views of the surrounding bush and the river in the distance.
All the suites are light and spacious, with wooden floors and high raftered ceilings. Neutral creams and browns are the norm, accented by touches of blue or red, with tasteful African artefacts and artwork adding further individuality. Each suite has a carpeted entrance lobby with an area to store luggage and a wardrobe containing an electronic safe, a hairdryer and even an iron. The bedroom has a king-size or twin beds with white cotton bedding, feather pillows and a coloured throw at the foot of the bed.
A sofa and a low coffee table face large glass sliding doors, which open onto a wooden deck, most with river views. There's a large fireplace as well as a satellite TV and a stocked minibar, hidden within a cabinet. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, but drinks from the minibar and snacks (biscuits, biltong and crisps) are at additional cost. Outside on the deck are a few comfy chairs and a small table offering a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the views.
A spacious bathroom with underfloor heating incorporates a bath with river views through a large window, a separate glass-enclosed shower, double basins and a toilet.
Two of the suites at Emily Moon are suitable for families. Room 7, with views of the river, has stairs leading from the double room to another room on a lower level with twin beds, a small shower room and its own private deck. Room 10, which is one of the 'courtyard' rooms, has a separate en-suite twin room leading off the main bedroom. And the two ‘courtyard’ rooms can also be joined to make a three-bedroom suite.
Emily Moon has two restaurants – Emily’s and Simon’s Bar – that are both very popular and open to outside guests. Bookings are essential during the busy holiday seasons over the Christmas and Easter periods, and the South African June/July and September school breaks - although they do try to keep tables for lodge guests.
Emily's Restaurant is light and airy, with large glass sliding doors that open up onto a wide deck where tables and chairs are set out under sun umbrellas and trees overlooking the Bitou River. Inside, where you'll find more tables, there are cowskins on the wooden floor, and on the walls hang a selection of animal horns and framed old African prints. Cheerful sofas are set in front of a large fireplace, which is decorated with colourful carved wooden fish – this corner adding a splash of colour to the room. The style is wonderfully eclectic, combining both antique and a more contemporary design, the rustic almost shabby look balanced by smart velvet chairs, crisp tablecloths and silver cutlery. On our most recent visit, during the winter of July 2018, we had lunch outside on the deck, in the blazing sun, but when we stayed in May 2014 the evening was quite cool so we ate inside. A log fire was burning in the corner, candles on the tables and fairy lights wound around the rafters; it was all very atmospheric.
Rather unusually, Emily’s is also home to one of the lodge’s two swimming pools, albeit small and not very private.
Once a sushi restaurant, Simon’s Bar was converted to a pizzeria around 2016 – and claims to produce the best artisan pizzas along the Garden Route. It’s also beautifully, and very cleverly decorated, with vintage boat engines, old wooden water-skis hanging on the walls, and other eclectic artefacts dotted around. Simon’s Bar is usually only open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, but also opens for lunch during the December and January.
Emily Moon's second swimming pool is larger, far more private and for guests only. It’s located down steep steps beside the river, where you'll find sunloungers and umbrellas set out on a small lawned area.
Emily Moon River Lodge offers a selection of activities and is a great place for birdwatching. Canoes are available for a gentle paddle upriver, with lifejackets provided. There are also a few walking trails in the vicinity of the lodge and along local farm roads. A 2km walk takes you to the Keurbooms marshland where the Keurbooms River meets the sea.
Nearby you can explore the towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, with shops, markets, restaurants and delis galore, and beaches, lagoons and rivers offering a relaxing place to swim, or a busier spot for adventure.
Geographics
- Location
- Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- Three to four nights is ideal to explore most of what this part of the Garden Route has to offer.
- Directions
- On reaching Plettenberg Bay, follow the N2 highway East, passing the Shell Ultra and Engen fuel stations. After passing the Goose Valley golf course on the right, you will see a signboard for Emily Moon River Lodge. Turn left at the Rietvlei road sign (with a BUCO hardware store on the corner). Follow this road to the end (approx 1.4km) to Emily Moon River Lodge
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- On our visit in July 2018 we had an enjoyable lunch outdoors at Emily’s, the setting and the views enhancing our experience. On an earlier stay, in May 2014, the food was imaginative and equally enjoyable.
A buffet breakfast is laid out on a large wooden table and usually consists of fresh fruit, a selection of yoghurts, freshly baked bread and pastries and fruit juice. A hot breakfast is also available, cooked to order, with fresh coffee and tea.
For lunch there is an à la carte menu; we enjoyed delicious homemade beef burgers, while the kids had hake and chips.
Dinner at Emily’s is also à la carte, although slightly more formal. Our selection of starters comprised goat's cheese salad, cauliflower soup, kingklip samosa (a local South African fish), local mussels and ostrich tortelloni. The main course was a choice of grilled beef fillet, mussel and prawn cartuccio (a seafood pasta served in foil), chicken curry, roast pork belly, grilled ostrich fillet, roast rack of lamb, braised oxtail, grilled salmon and a porcini mushroom risotto, all served with a selection of autumn vegetables. Dessert options were chocolate fondant, lemon tart, crème brulée and toasted almond panacotta. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. Minibar prices are approximately ZAR13 (less than £1) for soft drinks and local beer, ZAR23 (less than £2) for a small (single serving) bottle of spirits and ZAR38 (£2) for a 375ml bottle of wine. At the time of writing (July 2018) the rate of exchange was approximately ZAR18 to the pound, which makes dining out in South Africa extremely affordable.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Emily Moon accepts children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities or services for children.
- Equipment
- There are two family rooms, but no equipment is provided for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- We feel that Emily Moon is suitable for children aged eight years and over due to high balconies and since there are no special activities and no child-friendly equipment provided.
- Notes
- Steep stairs lead down to the swimming pool, and there are steep drops from the restaurant balcony and the balconies of most of the rooms, so children must be supervised at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- 24-hour mains electricity is provided.
- Communications
- Each room has a telephone, but outside calls have to be made via reception at an additional cost. Full cellphone reception is available. Complimentary Wifi is available only in the reception area.
- TV & radio
- Satellite TVs are located in each room.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Emily Moon is located only 5kms from doctors and a hospital in Plettenberg Bay.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Two security guards patrol the grounds at night.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm in each room.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at ZAR7–25 (approx 50p to less than £2) per item.
- Money
- Each room has a digital safe in the wardrobe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards are accepted, with cash payments in South African rand only.
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Emily Moon River Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Emily Moon River Lodge.
Other lodges in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

The Plettenberg
The Plettenberg is a smart, beautifully designed hotel on the rocks of Plettenberg Bay. Within walking distance from the town centre, it offers stunning views and luxury accommodation.

Hunters Country House
Hunters Country House is a luxurious lodge in spacious grounds. It’s an ideal base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route and is a great choice for families and couples alike.

Southern Cross Beach
The Southern Cross Beach House is a delightful beach front guest house overlooking the ocean at Plettenberg Bay.

Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge is a smart, romantic and exclusive lodge in a stunning forest location between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's Garden Route.

Periwinkle Guest Lodge
A stylish beachy themed guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay and within walking distance to the beach, Periwinkle offers a relaxing and friendly stay for a few days.

Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge is a comfortable owner-run guest house in a peaceful location in the heart of the Garden Route.

Fynbos Ridge
Fynbos Ridge is a small, owner-run guesthouse with a good environmental ethos. The accommodation is very comfortable and the location and views are exceptional.
When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Emily Moon River Lodge in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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