The hubster (Tim) and I were spoilt with a weekend away at the Umtamvuna River Lodge, Port Edward. Set in an idyllic location – at the foot of a mountain, alongside sheer cliffs, the Umtamvuna River and palmtrees that stretch for days!
Welcomed by friendly faces, Fire the gorgeous resident horse, Bubba the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and beautifully kept gardens, first impressions did not disappoint.
Our personal slice of paradise for the weekend – overlooking the Eastern Cape – the peace and quiet had us relaxed and unwinding in no time.
Catching some Z’s
If you are looking for somewhere that is charmingly rustic, somewhere that makes you feel at home then you need to seriously book a weekend here!
8 cosy rooms open up onto their own balcony with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom. Mini-fridge, TV, tea and coffee facilities (for those who need a caffeine kick before making human contact). The rooms also have a sleeper couch if you decide to bring the kiddies along… or if your partner is in the “dog box”.
The venue has a gorgeous honeymoon suite if you are looking for something a little more spacious and private.
We all need to eat!
I wouldn’t call myself a foodie, but I enjoy eating food – any food and all of it, I am really not fussy. Wood-fire pizza’s – oozing with cheese, omelettes and the pap with gravy went down like a treat during our stay. Simple, tasty home-style cooking.
Sundowners or a boozy afternoon?
The lodge boasts a fully stocked bar and a pretty awesome riverside bar on stilts! It is the perfect place to crack open a cold one, chill out and watch the hub of activities pass you by.
If you don’t feel like sitting perched at the bar, you could opt for a river cruise at sundown, see if you can spot some birdlife or just soak up some rays and enjoy some fresh air.
Feeling energetic?
The venue itself boasts some epic activities. Depending on your mood and how adventurous you find yourself, you can jet-ski, wakeboard, paddle down river, enjoy a relaxing river cruise at sunset, relax alongside the pool with a good book or take a jump onto and off of the FAT BOY.
What is the FAT BOY you ask…? The video below will explain.
FYI folks, the Boarder Post website will give you info on ALL the activities on offer!
If you are not keen on staying at the lodge the entire time, it is a stones throw away from the Wild Coast Sun and the Red Desert – which make a fun outing for the day.
All in all a great vay-cay spot for the whole family as well as groups of friends and although this review doesn’t cover weddings, the venue is one of my TOP wedding venue picks. Check out their website for packages and more images.
Thank you for having us and a special thanks to Quinton and Matti for showing us around – we hope to see you guys soon!
Photo Cred: Drone Images: Armand Perou / Skiing Image: Timothy Woodley / Jet Ski Image: Chris Rogers / Other: Tee / Durbanite / Zorann Elizabeth
