Africa Lodge, Somerset West, South Africa

For my exploration of the Winelands in South Africa, I wanted a peaceful accommodation close enough to Cape Town for some sightseeing. I was delighted to discover an adults-only retreat, a five-star Africa Lodge located in a residential area of Somerset West, about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. It is in the heart of the Winelands at the foot of the majestic Helderberg Mountains.

The friendly Dutch hosts who acquired the lodge in 2019 were very helpful in providing information before the trip on all the curated activities that they offer in the area. They clearly want to make sure each client will have an unforgettable experience. There are wine-tasting experiences (of course), Segway experiences, biking and hiking trails, kayaking and boat tours, and other guided excursions into the Winelands and Cape Town.

I was interested in exploring Cape Town, and they kindly booked me a private full-day tour with Howzit Tours (www.howzittours.co.za). I had an amazing and informative day with their expert guide.

My Chameleon Room

Africa Lodge offers four absolutely gorgeous, newly renovated rooms and suites. The renovations were completed, and the lodge opened only about a year ago. Each room features a thatched roof, an African-style décor, a private bathroom, and a terrace. The owners traveled widely before settling in South Africa and knew what the ideal hotel room should be like. My Chameleon Room was their smallest, with 21 m², but it didn't feel small thanks to the high ceilings and big windows.

I loved my super comfy four-poster bed and the quality linen! They offered a welcoming tray with small snacks and tea and coffee-making facilities. There was also complimentary water and wine in the fridge. In addition to this, clients could fill in their water bottles and get more wine, beer, or cola from the fridge in the common kitchen! My room didn't have air-conditioning, but the bigger rooms did. They kindly provided a fan for me, but I ended up not needing it. They also have a generator in case of an electricity power cut, so clients don't have to worry about that.

The bathroom was minimalistic and clean, featuring a rain shower and organic, locally made soaps that had the most beautiful scent. My room also had another shower outside on the terrace, which was a lovely surprise! With all this attention to detail and such a warm welcome from the hosts, I immediately felt comfortable and safe.

The Amenities of Africa Lodge

Africa Lodge serves breakfast at the Garden Pavilion, offering fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, bread, cheese, pastries, and eggs (produced in their own garden). This was always such a lovely way to start the day! Additionally, there is a small gift shop for souvenirs. During the colder winter months, clients can enjoy their wine by the cozy fireplace, while in the summer, a bonfire can be lit in the garden for a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Nevertheless, the palm-framed oval pool amidst the lush garden was the focal point of this quiet hideaway. It was open 24/7, with numerous comfy loungers and floats available for the clients to use. This proved to be the most wonderful place to unwind, and the pool had the perfect temperature and size for a refreshing swim!

 

In Conclusion

In my opinion, especially in Africa, rustic, off-the-beaten-path places set in beautiful natural surroundings are the best. I truly enjoyed the intimate feeling of staying in a small, laid-back luxury guesthouse rather than a 24-hour hotel with a large staff. This way, I felt a better connection with the local people, culture, and environment. Here, I not only got acquainted with the staff but also had delightful encounters with the funniest chickens, many chameleons, various plants, and the local cuisine! I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone visiting Cape Town and the Winelands!