Driving west towards Cape Town you will come across Elephant Hide Lodge overlooking the Knynsa lagoon. A much smaller and more simple affair than Kurland, it also conveys a similar sense of wellbeing. It contains seven Afro-chic cottages each surrounded by an indigenous garden of fynbos with panoramic views of the lagoon.
Elephant Hide Lodge Knysna;
Each cottage is well dug into the mountain side hence the “Hide,” the Elephant part alludes to the rare Knysna elephant.
This is not your typical blue and white pastel, seaside guesthouse. It is essentially a bush lodge, a retreat to enjoy the pleasures of Knysna from boating and hiking to beach and restaurants. From the pool deck you can enjoy sundowners with sweeping views of the lagoon. The breakfasts are hearty, served by as always in South Africa, smiling and helpful staff.
These are two different establishments which complement each other well. There are many choices along the Garden Route of course, but for me, these two stand out.
Elephant Hide Lodge on Uyaphi; http://www.uyaphi.com/south-africa/lodges/elephant-hide.htm
By Nicolas Edwards