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Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge

About Lairds Lodge

Lairds Lodge is a restored Cape Dutch manor house situated in the heart of South Africa’s beautiful Garden ...

... Route, between the popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It’s a stylish owner-run guesthouse, set within nearly 10 hectares (24 acres) of lush gardens and woodland rich with flora and fauna. None of the Expert Africa team has stayed here but we have visited a few times over the years, most recently in July 2018.

Lairds Lodge is a very comfortable guesthouse with the most welcoming and friendly staff. We may not have stayed here, but we have always liked what we’ve seen! Although it’s a four-star graded property, they have been offered a fifth star, but this they have declined as they would rather have their guests enjoy an excellent four-star lodge with five-star service.

Our view

Lairds Lodge is a very comfortable guesthouse with the most welcoming and friendly staff. We may not have stayed here, but we have always liked what we’ve seen! Although it’s a four-star graded property, they have been offered a fifth star, but this they have declined as they would rather have their guests enjoy an excellent four-star lodge with five-star service.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

17 rooms

Children

Best 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 Lairds Lodge

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


70%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
0
Good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr TfromKew, London

Arrived 27 Feb 2017, 4 nights

"Overall a good choice"

"We enjoyed our time at Lairds Lodge. We were not too happy with the family …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs JfromGodalming

Arrived 11 Apr 2016, 2 nights

"A bit of a let down"

"The lodge wasn’t quite what we were excepting. We had paid for the upgraded …" Read Mr & Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

See all Lairds Lodge reviews

Lairds Lodge: Our full report

Lairds Lodge is a restored Cape Dutch manor house situated in the heart of South Africa’s beautiful Garden ...

... Route, between the popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It’s a stylish owner-run guesthouse, set within nearly 10 hectares (24 acres) of lush gardens and woodland rich with flora and fauna. None of the Expert Africa team has stayed here but we have visited a few times over the years, most recently in July 2018.

The beautifully restored lodge has been owned by sisters Alison and Murray Brebner (who live on site) and run by Lesley Rankin since 1999. To their original four rooms in the main house they have added more over the years, and now offer 17 en-suite rooms, all tastefully decorated in an African, contemporary style. While some of the rooms are still located in the main house, the rest are in a separate annexe, but each has a private terrace that leads out onto the garden, some overlooking the forest and others a pond.

There are two 'standard', nine 'luxury' and six 'deluxe' rooms – the only difference being the size of the rooms, and the bathrooms: standard rooms have a shower, but no bath. All have modern artwork on the walls, animal skins on the floors and new white wooden floors throughout. The bed linen is soft percale in neutral creams and greys, but the owners are passionate about fabric and are constantly changing the soft furnishings to keep the rooms looking fresh and new. Air conditioning, room safes, direct-dial phones and tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided in each room, with, complimentary toiletries, fluffy white towels and dressing gowns in the bathrooms.

The main manor house at Lairds Lodge has several verandas and sheltered courtyards where iced tea as well as afternoon tea or coffee with freshly baked cake can be enjoyed. Tucked away in the vast and beautifully maintained gardens, which guests are free to explore, is a swimming pool surrounded by sunloungers and with a gazebo,

Inside is a large lounge, beautifully decorated with sumptuous sofas and antique furniture, and a small library with a wood-burning fire and satellite TV. When we visited in 2018 they told us of their imminent plans to convert the lounge into a low-key, quiet cocktail bar. The current brandy lounge, where guests usually gather for pre- or post-dinner drinks, will then become their small and cosy library.

Meals at Lairds Lodge are a huge focus here, with the owners thinking of themselves as a ‘gourmet retreat’. Their chefs are renowned along the Garden Route and their top chef has been with them for 30 years. Their restaurant isn’t normally open to the public, but they have a long waiting list and will accept non-residents if they have space. For dinner, every course is paired with local Cape wines and their wine and whisky ambassador is on hand most evenings to share his knowledge and advise on selection. He also does a fascinating ‘whisky smoking’ and riedel wine tasting in the evenings. Meals can be enjoyed either outside on the patio – candlelit at night – or in the reed-ceilinged dining room, where you'll find both a large communal dining table and a few individual tables.

Lairds Lodge is perfectly situated on the Garden Route with lots of sightseeing and activities in the vicinity. Twenty kilometres to the west, Knysna is well-known for its oysters, craft markets, boat trips on the lagoon and walks in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Plettenberg Bay, just 8km away, offers relaxing coffee shops and markets, and three beautiful beaches. A boat trip to see dolphins or whales up close can often be a highlight, and the Robberg Nature Reserve offers lovely walking trails around the peninsula or along the beach to see the seal colonies. Nearby are local vineyards with wine estates offering lunches and wine tasting.

A few minutes’ drive from Lairds Lodge is the Knysna Elephant Park, while closer to Plettenberg Bay are Birds of Eden and Monkeyland; great for children and adults alike.

Geographics

Location
Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
Three to four nights is the ideal length of time to explore this part of the Garden Route and enjoy some R&R at this beautiful guesthouse.
Directions
Lairds Lodge is 8km from Plettenberg Bay and 20km from Knysna. It is signposted off the N2 national road.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Meals at Lairds Lodge are an important part of what they offer, with everything locally sourced. Although we did not eat here on our last visit in July 2018, we had a tasty cappuccino (one of the best we had along this stretch of the Garden Route) and some delicious coconut meringues and butter cookies. It was explained what guests might expect for meals, and it left our mouths watering!

The chef can cater for just about all dietary requirements, with alternative options always available to the main menu.

For breakfast – when they never have the same buffet two days in a row – guests are served freshly baked bread, croissants and muffins along with homemade jams and preserves, fresh fruit and fruit juices. A traditional cooked breakfast is also available to order.

A light snack menu is available throughout the day, although most guests eat out at lunchtime as they’re exploring during the day.

Dinner is a gourmet four-course meal. They specialise in seafood and game dishes and pride themselves on making all sauces from scratch. Starters might include smoked salmon trout, or baby marrow and goat’s cheese soufflé, or grilled garlic and lemon prawns, followed by a soup such as pear and leek soup. Main-course options could take in a vegetable roulade, line fish of the day or marinated fillet of kudu. Dessert could be an exotic fruit millefeuille, or rooibos and vanilla pannacotta, followed by coffee or tea.
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available in the rooms or outside on your veranda.
Drinks included
Drinks are extra. At the time of our last visit, in 2018, you could expect to pay R30 (approx £1.60) for a glass of wine, R30 (£1) for a beer and R150–600 (approx £7–33) for a bottle of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Lairds Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no age restriction on children staying here.
Special activities & services
Lairds Lodge have assured us that their staff are very good with children, and we did witness a bit of this on our most recent visit in 2018, just from their warm and friendly hospitality. The staff are like family, they’re passionate about what they do and it’s not just a job.

There is a children’s menu, and mealtimes are very flexible: children may dine with their parents or eat alone.

The lodge has a swimming pool, which will help to keep children entertained, and there are many child-friendly attractions in the area such as Knysna Elephant Park, Adventureland, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
Equipment
Children aged two to ten years are given a teddy bear to look after for the duration of their stay, along with a personalised welcome note and a small packet of freshly baked cookies. Highchairs and cots are available, and an extra bed can be added to each room.
Generally recommended for children
We consider Lairds Lodge to be suitable for children of all ages.
Notes
Parents are advised to supervise children around the pool and there is also an unfenced pond in the garden.

Communications

Communications
There are direct-dial phones in the rooms. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the lodge and a computer for guests to use.
TV & radio
There are TVs in the rooms as well as in the main lounge and the brandy lounge, offering local and satellite channels.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
The water from the taps is safe to drink, but bottled water is available at additional cost.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors and hospitals in Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.



Quadbike warning: quadbiking is sometimes available as an external activity from Lairds Lodge. 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
Security measures
The lodge is surrounded by an electric fence (although this is mostly to keep baboons out), and there is a security gate as well as a security guard on duty. There are also security cameras on the property.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers around the property which are professionally checked every six months.

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
Available at extra charge.
Money
There are electronic safes in the rooms.
There is no currency exchange, but there are many banks and cashpoint machines in the area.
Accepted payment on location
Visa, Mastercard and Amex are accepted at no extra charge, as are travellers’ cheques. Cash payments must be made in South African rand.

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Lairds Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Lairds Lodge.


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When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

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