Greenfern Lodge

Budget Getaways Review

If you ever had dreams of spending nights out in the depths of the Knysna Forest, then look no further. Greenfern Lodge lies 7 kays off the main drag, midway between Plett and Knysna in an area known as Fisanthoek. It’s a bumpy gravel road which takes you through farmlands and finally forest to reach Greenfern, so first bit of advice is: your GTi may get a little dusty, but take it slow and you should be fine.

Right, for those still on board, let’s delve into this gorgeous little slice of paradise. The lodge is surrounded by indigenous forest and pine plantations, it’s an area virtually unknown to many tourists heading up and down the N2, so here you’ll find 150% tranquility, plenty of space and the ability to get to the beach in Plett or The Heads in Knysna fairly easily if you need to. But hey, no need to run off when you’ve got awesome accommodation, forest roads and paths to explore and a swimming pool to chill out at when the summer sun’s cooking.

Looking at The Lodge first, the wood and stone double storey has a total of six bedrooms and sleeps a whopping 14 guests. One of the bedrooms is a double, while the remainder have twin beds, which can be pushed together to make things cozy if need be. Four bedrooms are upstairs and ensuite, towels and linen are provided, while another two bedrooms are located on the ground floor and have outdoor entrances. Also on n ground level you’ve got a spacious living and dining area and fully equipped, self-catering kitchen. There’s a large TV with DStv and free WiFi is available. A fireplace takes centre-stage for the cold forest winters. In addition to the bedrooms upstairs, there’s also an extra lounge, which leads out onto a deck. The outside living space down on ground level has a super-social fire pit for braaing…and of course, the swimming pool.

Moving on to the five chalets, each named after indigenous trees from the area, Cape Holly, White Pear, Saffron, Black Wood and Assegai are identical in layout and situated nearby one another, but with ample privacy in each.  Basic but comfortable, each sleeps up to four guests. The chalets have a bedroom with a queen-size bed, plus a single day bed. There is another single mattress available in each. The bathrooms have a shower, loo and basin, and linen and towels are provided. The living areas are open plan to equipped kitchenettes, and there is a small patio and a braai at each.

As mentioned, Both Plett and Knysna are within a 30 min drive, but just up the road from the lodge you’ll find a wine farm, quad biking tours and a zip-lining experience. You’re also in the heart of Mountain Bike heaven here, with the Harkerville MTB trails just down the road. If you’re needing basic supplies, the lodge also has a small shop on site.

Oh, and before we forget, if you ask nicely first and he’s well behaved, you can even bring Fido along for the ride!