By Roxanne Reid
We’ve stayed countless times in the Wilderness-Knysna area on the Garden Route because it’s just so gosh-darn beautiful and there’s so much exciting stuff to do. We’ve even parked off at the same accommodation more than once. But recently we stayed in different self-catering Wilderness accommodation at Boardwalk Lodge and it was a great find. Here’s why.
We’ve stayed countless times in the Wilderness-Knysna area on the Garden Route because it’s just so gosh-darn beautiful and there’s so much exciting stuff to do. We’ve even parked off at the same accommodation more than once. But recently we stayed in different self-catering Wilderness accommodation at Boardwalk Lodge and it was a great find. Here’s why.
Boardwalk Lodge is a four-star lodge that offers B&B and self-catering log-chalets. Set on the hillside above the village of Wilderness, each log cabin is carved out of the surrounding indigenous forest, giving you privacy. You get to your cottage along boardwalks and some stairs. Ours had about 20 stairs but some at the top have up to 150, so if you’re stair-challenged mention your preference when you book. (PS You don’t have to worry about your luggage; the brawny porters can climb like mountain goats and will take care of that.)
This log cottage has stunning big windows to make the most of the view
Our cottage was a symphony of wood and ocean views from every window, patio and deck. The kitchen and bathroom windows were the only ones that looked out towards the back and even they had lovely views of the shady forest all around.
The dining room has a hypnotic view of the ocean
Boardwalks, wooden stairs and natural forest make for a relaxing environment
It was a two-bedroom duplex with a huge double-volume cathedral-like window in front for 180-degree views from the lounge and dining area – and even from the kitchen given the open-plan layout. Inside, the spaces were warm with honeyed pine floors but minimalist in their décor, allowing the view to be the centre-stage diva. Pine stairs led to a lounge on the lower level, where there was also a patio with sun loungers, gas braai, and picnic table and benches.
Both bedrooms have a view of the sea
The sitting area downstairs, on the same level as the sun loungers, gas braai and picnic table
Upstairs, on the entry level, each bedroom had a balcony with glass screens to waist height so we could enjoy the view unobstructed. We sat there in the morning sun with our coffee, hypnotised by the endless rhythm of the breakers, watching the village below come to life with cyclists and dog walkers. With the sound of the waves in our ears, peppered by the call of Knysna turacos and other forest birds, it was like being in an enchanted bubble where the sounds of traffic and dogs barking didn’t penetrate.
Sun loungers on the braai deck off the sitting area
Sit on the balcony and watch Wilderness come to life in the morning
The balconies were also perfect for a glass of wine to wind down in the evening after a busy day, a chance to watch the lights of Wilderness village come to life and glimmer through the twilight.
The balcony is a perfect place for a sundowner too
The log cottages are carved out of the natural forest and not placed too close to each other
We self-catered with a well-equipped kitchen, but if you want to be lazy you can book B&B and enjoy a hot and cold breakfast before you head out for the day’s activities. And believe me, you’ll be busy because the Wilderness Lakes are a Ramsar Wetland of international importance, and you can do anything from hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and birding to adrenalin activities like kloofing, abseiling and paragliding. (Read my post about 20 things to do in Wilderness.)
Open-plan kitchen, with the stairs going down to the sitting area
Next to the Boardwalk Lodge’s reception area is a rim-flow swimming pool, also with a view of the sea, so if you’re feeling lazy you could spend a whole day here reading a book, gazing at the waves, or napping on a lounger and toppling into the pool when you want to cool off.
Pool with a view
This isn’t budget accommodation, but out of season and with four people sharing the two-bedroom unit on a self-catering basis, we think the price is very reasonable for how gorgeous it is.
You may also enjoy
20 things to do in Wilderness on the Garden Route
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You may also enjoy
20 things to do in Wilderness on the Garden Route
27 things to do in Knysna on the Garden Route
Mountain passes in South Africa: the Seven Passes road on the Garden Route
Like it? Pin this image!
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