Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco Reserve

Hitgeheim turned out to be one of the most special places we stayed during our month in South Africa. We came for Addo and the elephants. What we did not expect was how much we would enjoy the lodge itself and, especially, the people who run it. Our room was enormous, with its own private pool and a terrace where we could sit listening to the birds. Meals were beautifully prepared and genuinely memorable, with little touches throughout our stay, including brandy waiting in our room at night. Wine lovers can also arrange a visit to owner Archie’s wine cellar. And then there was the wildlife. Martin, Archie’s son, helped arrange our excursions, including a day in Addo that ended up being just the two of us with our guide. There are few things more extraordinary than sitting quietly a few feet from an elephant happily chomping away on branches, seemingly unconcerned that you are there. We saw elephants, zebra, buffalo, warthogs and so much more, with time to stop, watch and simply enjoy being there. We also went to nearby Scotia, where we saw a magnificent lion in the late afternoon light along with all the other amazing animals. The evening ended around a fire with a braai, our guides and the owner, sharing a delicious meal and hearing stories about the animals and this remarkable part of South Africa. That is really what made Hitgeheim stand out. Martin, Saul, Darlington, Comfort and the entire team took wonderful care of us. There was time to talk and ask questions, time to sit outside and listen to the birds, and time to linger with the animals rather than feeling as though we needed to rush on to the next thing. Martin mentioned that many of their international guests come from Europe. As Americans traveling through South Africa, we found ourselves wondering why more Americans haven’t discovered this part of the country and Hitgeheim. For anyone dreaming about a South African safari, put this place on your list.

The Hitgeheim Country Lodge and Eco Reserve was the perfect place for us to spend some relaxing days in the midst of nature. The accommodation is located near the Addo Elephant National Park and conveys absolute peace and relaxation from the very first moment. The drive there is already part of the experience. The lodge is reached via a narrow road through nature, which quickly makes one realize how secluded and quiet this special place is. Upon arrival, we were greeted very warmly and immediately received a detailed tour of the entire facility. This makes one feel welcome right away and allows for quick orientation. The facility itself is beautifully designed and very natural. We particularly enjoyed the several pools that are spread across the grounds. This allows every guest to easily find a quiet spot to relax with a great view of the surrounding landscape. The restaurant in the evening should definitely be reserved and was a real highlight every night. There is a daily changing four-course menu with options for meat lovers as well as vegetarian dishes. The quality of the food and the atmosphere in the restaurant impressed us greatly. The breakfast buffet is rather small but offers everything one needs for a successful start to the day. The rooms were one of the biggest highlights of the accommodation for us. Due to the location on a mountain, one has an impressive view over the landscape and can fully enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The rooms are spacious and offer a lot of space. We particularly liked the combination of the indoor shower, outdoor shower, and bathtub. This creates a truly special feeling of luxury in the midst of nature. The Hitgeheim Country Lodge is perfect for anyone seeking tranquility, wanting to enjoy nature, and placing value on high-quality and personal accommodations.

In the midst of the mountains accessible by a small gravel road, the view is splendid. The welcome is warm and personalized. Quiet, secure, with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. 35 minutes from Addo Park.