Stay in romantic cabins and commune with nature at the foot of the Outeniqua

Brian Berkman says this forested hideaway feels very remote but ArendsRus is close enough to George to also enjoy the many other nearby attractions.

- Brian Berkman

While less than 30 minutes from the N2 and the Garden Route Mall, the four-star graded ArendsRus in George feels entirely remote with verdant yellowwood forest and blue-tinged hydrangea in its gardens also heavily planted with clivia, lavender and fynbos.

ArendsRus offers uninterrupted power and a meshed Wi-Fi system that delivers connectivity through the vast area. It is located in Geelhoutboom at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains.

Most notable, however, is that the accommodation is perched on a ridge with a green chasm below. Time spent on the roomy and elegantly decorated balconies will be rewarded with wonderful nature and birdlife views.

Farmer’s Weekly joined BirdLife South Africa’s avitourism manager, Andrew de Blocq, on a sunrise walk in the glorious gardens. BirdLife SA supports avitourism through the training of community bird guides, maintaining a network of recommended accommodations, tour operators, and course providers, overseeing the birding routes and administering the South Africa Listers’ Club. They are also behind GoBirding.co.za, a useful portal for all birding matters.