Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa Review: Our Favourite Place to Stay in Tsitsikamma

Our favourite place to visit in South Africa, and along the Garden Route, is Tsitsikamma. Its greenery and serenity are unmatched, giving us the instant reset that we crave during those tough moments. We have now also discovered our favourite place to stay in Tsitsikamma, which is Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa. Their team was kind enough to invite us for an all-inclusive trip to enjoy their hospitality and amenities.

Unlike many accommodation options, Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa consists of freestanding log cabins spread across the property, with more than 30 cabins located in different spots. The minute you enter, there is a sign that asks you to leave all your worries behind, and we felt that the design of the place is aimed at helping you do exactly that. On site, there are numerous offerings such as a spa, restaurant, shared swimming pool and games area for children. Guests can also enjoy hiking trails and mountain biking routes without ever leaving the lodge. And that is just outside the cabin.

The cabin itself is incredible. There is a braai outside where you can enjoy the greenery while getting the fire going. Inside, there is a large bed, a spa bath and a standalone shower. We loved the spa bath and instantly felt our muscles relax with the jets after a long day. Each cabin also has a fireplace that is much needed during the chilly winter months. We also had access to board games and enjoyed a couple of chess matches between us, all of which Aliasgher won. Generally, we find that wooden cabins tend to creak a lot, but this wasn’t the case at Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa. The cabins felt sturdy and well built.

There are two hiking routes that start directly from the lodge. One is a shorter and more accessible option called the Sunbird Trail, which takes around 40 minutes to complete. It loops through the forest and finishes almost as quickly as it starts. The second option, and perhaps not for the faint-hearted amongst us, is the Striptease Trail, which takes between four and five hours. The latter isn’t always possible during heavy rains as many of the river crossings become inaccessible.

As mentioned before, there is also a spa at the lodge, which offers numerous treatments. It is incredibly popular, and we suggest booking in advance. Our massage experience was calming, and we would definitely recommend trying one of the deep tissue options if you carry a lot of tension in your muscles.

A restaurant is located right within the lodge, which means you don’t need to leave for meals. They offer a buffet breakfast and à la carte options for lunch and dinner. When the lodge is busy, they also offer buffet dinners, which we got to experience and thoroughly enjoyed. While the food was not necessarily the highlight of our stay, the convenience of having everything on site was definitely worth it. They also offer uncooked meat packs if you would prefer to make use of the braai facilities at your cabin.

Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa is the kind of place where it becomes very easy to slow down. Between the forest surroundings, comfortable cabins, hiking trails and spa treatments, we found ourselves settling into holiday mode almost immediately. If you are looking for accommodation in Tsitsikamma that allows you to switch off for a few days and enjoy the beauty of the area, this is definitely a place worth considering. The staff is also excellent, always willing to go the extra mile to assist you.

Bookmark this for your the next visit to Tsitsikamma! Want more travel recommendations, both in and outside South Africa? Follow us @afor_adventures or subscribe to our food & travel blog – always honest, always helpful.