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Fynbos Ridge Country House
Fynbos Ridge Country House
Fynbos Ridge Country House
Fynbos Ridge Country House
Fynbos Ridge Country House

Fynbos Ridge Country House


34°2’21.1"S 23°17’39.4"E

About Fynbos Ridge Country House

Fynbos Ridge County House and Cottages is a small, owner-run guesthouse, only ten minutes’ drive from Plettenberg ...

... Bay on South Africa’s famed Garden Route. From its hillside location in a private fynbos nature reserve, it has stunning views of the valley below and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains beyond. There is birdlife galore, with over 85 recorded species, and indigenous plants that make the area a botanist’s dream.

Fynbos Ridge is comfortable and unpretentious, and the owners' commitment to the environment is very noticeable. It is located in tranquil, rural surroundings and yet is within easy reach of various tourist attractions and the nearby restaurants and beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

Our view

Fynbos Ridge is comfortable and unpretentious, and the owners' commitment to the environment is very noticeable. It is located in tranquil, rural surroundings and yet is within easy reach of various tourist attractions and the nearby restaurants and beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

9 rooms

Children

Suitable for all ages.

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Fishing

Fishing

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Kayaking

Kayaking

Traveller reviews of Fynbos Ridge Country House

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 4 Jul 2019, 3 nights

"Fynbos Ridge Country House review"

"We loved this place: it felt very much like home. …" Read Mr P & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T & Mrs MfromNewmarke

Arrived 11 Feb 2017, 3 nights

"Fynbos Ridge Country House review"

"Unfortunately a recent bush fire had affected the property. The owners were …" Read Mr T & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Fynbos Ridge Country House reviews

Fynbos Ridge Country House: Our full report

Fynbos Ridge County House and Cottages is a small, owner-run guesthouse, only ten minutes’ drive from Plettenberg ...

... Bay on South Africa’s famed Garden Route. From its hillside location in a private fynbos nature reserve, it has stunning views of the valley below and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains beyond. There is birdlife galore, with over 85 recorded species, and indigenous plants that make the area a botanist’s dream.

Owned and run with an emphasis on flexibility by Brian and Liz Phillips, Fynbos Ridge consists of a Cape Dutch-style manor house and three self-catering cottages. It’s a very family-friendly and homely place, thanks in part to the two giant pet pigs that follow Liz and Brian everywhere, and their two elderly dogs, which wander around occasionally from the owners’ home next to the Manor House.

The focal point of the property is the Manor House, its polished wooden floors, high ceilings and sash windows lending an old Cape Farmhouse feel. Log fires warm both the formal and informal lounges, and the dining room has french doors leading out onto a covered veranda, so meals can be eaten inside or out. Both offer lovely views of the fynbos gardens, the valley and the mountains beyond.

Accommodation is split between the Manor House and three individual self-catering cottages:

  • In the Manor House itself you’ll find five spacious bedrooms: four “luxury” rooms and one “superior” room. All are tastefully decorated in soft pastel tones, with king-size beds, and en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Upstairs, with its own entrance, there is also a self-catering apartment, which has a large bedroom, a bathroom with shower and separate bath, and a lounge/dining room complete with fully equipped kitchen.
  • Winding brick pathways lead through the lush fynbos to three very well-appointed self-catering cottages. Each consists of two double en-suite bedrooms (where extra beds can be added to accommodate larger families), plus a central lounge and dining area, and an open-plan kitchen. Both bedrooms and the lounge have open log fires, and both have french doors that open onto a private patio with built-in barbecue. As at the Manor House, the views from here into the valley and across to the mountains are fantastic.

    Guests in the cottages who prefer not to self-cater are welcome to wander up to the Manor House for breakfast, with advance notice. In addition, dinner can be brought to your cottage to enjoy privately.


Beside the cottages, down a sandy pathway through the fynbos, is a big swimming pool and a well-manicured lawn, surrounded by plant and rock gardens. It's a beautiful, tranquil spot to soak up both the sun and the views, perhaps from one of the sunloungers on the pool deck.

There's a noticeable emphasis at Fynbos Ridge on conservation and sustainability, and they have been awarded “carbon neutral approved" status by “Planet Green Ocean Blue", part of the ORCA Foundation. They provide their own solar heating and have their own biological sewage-treatment plant. They recycle refuse and conserve rainwater. They also grow their own organic herbs and vegetables that are used as much as possible in their cooking. Brian is a qualified chef and he is happy to provide dinner on request, as well as breakfast, of course!

Over the years, Liz and Brian have cleared the property of invasive alien vegetation to allow the local fynbos, such as proteas and ericas, to flourish. Fynbos Ridge is also a lovely spot for birders, with 85 different bird species identified on the property. One particular rarity, which is endemic to this area, is the Knysna woodpecker. During one of our visits we noticed a flock of guinea fowl on the lawn, very close to the Manor House, and Liz commented that this was the closest she had seen them come to the house. It is also popular with lepidopterists – with many species of butterflies spotted here too.

Although Fynbos Ridge doesn’t offer any activities as such, there are two short walking trails on the property – one to the bottom of the valley and the other a gentle stroll along the top of the ridge. Brian and Liz are also happy to help arrange excursions in the area, such as the whale-watching boat tour that Liz booked for us in Plettenberg Bay on our most recent visit in July 2018. We spotted both southern right and humpback whales, seal colonies with hundreds if not thousands of seals, and to top it all, a great white shark.

Other nearby attractions include the Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.

Geographics

Location
Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
Three or four nights is ideal to explore this part of the Garden Route.
Directions
Take the N2 and drive east through Knysna. After 23km you will see a brown national road sign on the left-hand side of the road marked “Fynbos Ridge”, (and with a picture of a bed). Some 200m after this sign, turn left into the entrance and follow the signs to Fynbos Ridge.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
For guests staying in the rooms in the main Manor House, breakfast is included in the room rate. For guests in the self-catering cottages, breakfast is available on request and can be paid for directly to the lodge. In July 2018 there was a buffet of cold meat and a selection of cheeses, along with freshly baked bread and flapjacks, a variety of cereals, and fresh fruit and yoghurt. A cooked breakfast is also available – and Brian has been known to cook the best cheese and mushroom omelette on one of our trips!

Dinner is available on request, with 24 hours' notice. Normally there is one starter, a choice of two main courses (meat or fish) and a dessert.

Lunch is not normally provided as most guests are out sightseeing during the day and there are many local restaurants in the area.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Dinner can be delivered to the cottages on request.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included but the tap water is considered safe to drink, and bottled water is provided free of charge. There is an honesty bar in the Manor House lounge where guests can help themselves. The cottages each have a fridge stocked with starter bottles of milk and water, as well as beer and wine at additional cost.

Special interests

Family holidays
With wonderful open grounds for children to run free, well-equipped self-catering cottages and a swimming pool that’s big enough to swim lengths, Fynbos Ridge is a good choice to include in a family holiday along South Africa’s Garden Route.
See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
Birdwatching
Fynbos Ridge is a lovely spot for birding in South Africa, with 85 different bird species identified on the property. Look out in particular for the Knysna woodpecker, which is endemic to the Plettenberg Bay area.
See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Fynbos Ridge.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no age restriction .
Special activities & services
The guesthouse members of staff are available to babysit, with payment going direct to them, but please note that they are not professionally trained childminders.
There is extensive information, including maps, in each room explaining all the activities that are available in the area, including many suitable for children.

Equipment
Cots and highchairs are provided on request.
Generally recommended for children
Yes we recommend Fynbos Ridge for families – especially the two bedroomed self-catering cottages.
Notes
The swimming pool is not fenced so parents need to supervise children at all times.

Communications

Communications
There is good cellphone reception at Fynbos Ridge and there is a phone in the office for guests to use in an emergency. Complimentary WiFi is available at the Manor House and in the cottages.
TV & radio
Each room has satellite TV.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The lodge has a borehole, whose water is tested regularly and is considered safe to drink.

Health & safety

Medical care
Fynbos Ridge is located only 5km from doctors and a hospital in Plettenberg Bay.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The property is surrounded by a fence and the security gates are locked at night, when security guards patrol the property.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the Manor House and at each cottage

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry can be handled on request, and is charged by the weight.
Money
There is a safe in each room. There is no currency exchange but there are many banks and cashpoint machines in Plettenberg Bay.
Accepted payment on location
All major credit cards are accepted as well as cash in South African rand.

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Fynbos Ridge Country House's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Fynbos Ridge.


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When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Fynbos Ridge 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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