My husband and I set out on a mini road trip for 10 days at the end of July beginning of August, and my husband being the planner he is,... read more opted for each destination to be booked prior to our departure. I therefore booked 5 getaways (two nights each) over our 10 day period. Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge had been recommended to us and so we included the Lodge in our itinerary. Without knowing what to expect, I had been looking forward to our stay in George the most BUT that said, Zwartberg exceeded all expectations, and was my absolute favourite stay/getaway of all. On arrival we were literally met first by the local giraffe - Melman (what a treat) - and then by the owners Varley & Hannelize. From that moment on our stay did not disappoint. The rooms are exceptionably comfortable (oh my word that bed!!!), and the surroundings are breathtaking. We set out each morning for a walk around the farm, enjoying not only the walk but also being able to see the local Lodge animals in the distance as they avoided meeting us head on. After our exercise we would head down to the main common area and deck for a delicious (late) breakfast. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing and soaking in the view or exploring the surrounding areas (the Meiringspoort is definitely worth the drive if you have never been and the small village of De Rust was a treat too). In the evening we would head down to the deck for sundowners and watch the animals come in for their dinner. We also opted for dinner in the evening and besides being absolutely delicious, the chef was also very generous with the portion sizes (so much so that we never finished a meal). If you enjoy your wines, then Varley has a serious selection of some very enjoyable cultivars. The evenings were finished off around a large fireplace enjoying the absolute peace and quiet and some more lovely red wine. If you enjoy the outdoors, wide open spaces, and good old fashioned South African hospitality then this is the place to spend a couple of days or more (we were very sad to leave after two days and could definitely done another night or so). Thank you Varley, Hannelize, and Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge for providing an unforgettable getaway.

  We had a wonderful time here. Spectacular views, lovely accommodation. Food was great and the service was above and beyond. We did the Meiringpoort 21km race and Zwartberg is in... read more perfect proximity to the race. Varley, his wife and sons went out of their way - organising sandwiches for us after the race as we missed breakfast. We definitely plan to be back again for next year’s race if not before

  What an incredible place, we stayed here on our honeymoon and what a place it was! The rooms were wonderfully clean and well equipped, the food was out of this... read more world, the hosts were so friendly and accommodating (They recommended things for us to do in the area, made bookings on our behalf and surprised us with congratulatory balloons and champagne in our room on arrival)
Watching the animals eat in the evenings with a drink in your hand, the sun setting and wonderful company...knowing great food is on the way...what more can you ask for.

Thank-you Varley!

Monique and Ashley van Staden

  We were greeted and welcomed by the friendly owner which made for a great first impression. The accommodation, food and service were excellent. Our irregular movements were accommodated without objection,... read more even late into a Sunday evening. The owners and staff went out of their way to help with a personal matter which was highly appreciated. We are already planning our next stay next year. Top marks for a top destination!

  This was our third stopover for our group of 8 tour, where we spent two nights. Individual, lodges with a dressing area and lovely shower room. Outside was a... read more raised veranda (stoop) with seating and amazing views to the mountains beyond. Immaculately clean and comfortable.
The main lodge, where food is served, is spacious and very well furnished with a small bar, an outside pool and large veranda below which congregate the reserve’s animal residents as the evening draws in; a lovely spot for a sundowner.
Beautiful venue for a few nights stay; great food and our hosts were simply delightful and very helpful in making arrangements to visit some local attractions.

  Excellent service, rooms, views - this is the place to go to get away from everyday stress and just RELAX. Recommend this facility to anyone looking for something special, tranquility... read more and a little piece of heaven. More

  This was the second time I have visited Zwartberg. It is the MOST wonderful getaway, and so worth the visit. The Zwartberg chalets are beautifully decorated, and wonderfully isolated. The... read more views of the Klein Karoo are absolutely unmatched. We were lucky enough to see snow on the mountains surrounding us!
The lodge area is the perfect place to enjoy a meal, have a dip in the pool, watch game or just sit by the fire with a book. The food is absolutely delicious, and I would definitely recommend having a meal or two there.
The farm is a great place to relax, and watch the game. We also walked a beautiful hiking trail on the property with beautiful views over the farm and the mountains.
The owners are wonderful, and are very accommodating to any needs we had. More

  We had a great overnight stay in a comfortable chalet and enjoyed seeing all the animals. Dinner was excellent but the best bit was sitting by the fire pit in... read more the evening! Thank you Varley and Hannalise!

  Stayed only 1 nite. Was welcomed by owner and host. We felt very special. We came down to the lounge area at 5 pm to see the animals being fed,... read more while our dinner for 3 was being prepared. It was a chilly nite so the fire place was on. We regretted we only stayed one nite but will be back to stay longer on our return to South Africa

  The setting is stunning, away from busy roads and was a truly fantastic stay. We were welcomed by Varley and Franco and made to feel at home straight away. This... read more lodge has a super relaxed atmosphere with the animals popping down to get a bite to eat right outside the lodge verandah. The food was excellent and there was nothing Franco didn't know about the animals, whose care was of the upmost importance. We're so glad Melman (the giraffe) came to see us off and I'm lucky my partner got in the car as he could quite easily have stayed. Would highly recommend the lodge for a little piece of paradise, with beautiful sunsets against the red mountains.