Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths?
Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind? Maybe that was what led Karen Blixen to say in Out of Africa, “Here I am, where I belong.”
It is in this spirit that I had the privilege of visiting African Safari Lodge a few times, and each visit has reaffirmed why this lodge is a true jewel of the Eastern Cape.
Situated only 17km outside Grahamstown and just over an hour and a half by road from Port Elizabeth at the end of the famous Garden Route, this lodge offers an authentic African experience that is both accessible and profoundly transformative.
From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in warmth and genuine hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. At the heart of this experience is the remarkable Dean Meintjes, our host and lodge manager, whose dedication, charm, and personal touch elevate the lodge from a place to stay into a place to experience.
Dean’s passion for hospitality is evident in every interaction, and he leads a team whose professionalism is matched only by their friendliness and attentiveness. Every member of the staff works tirelessly to ensure your visit is memorable, and deeply welcoming.
The culinary experience at African Safari Lodge is nothing short of exceptional. Every meal, from breakfast overlooking the rolling landscapes to dinner beneath the starlit sky, is crafted with care and passion. The food delights the senses, leaving you not only satisfied but inspired by the flavors, presentation, and attention to detail. And then there are the views.
Words cannot fully capture the majesty of this place, the vast savannahs, the wildlife wandering freely, and the sun painting the skies in colours that seem almost unreal. Every moment outdoors is a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of Africa. The sunset cruises are magical.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape, is a memory that stays with you forever. And the game drives are a journey into the heart of nature, where knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the land, wildlife, and conservation efforts, making every encounter feel intimate and profound.
What sets African Safari Lodge apart is not just the location, the views, or even the luxury, it’s the way it makes you feel. Every visit leaves you rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply grateful. You are not just a guest; you are welcomed into a space of care, warmth, and unforgettable experiences.
For anyone longing to experience the greatness of the Eastern Cape, the magic of Africa, and hospitality at its finest, African Safari Lodge is a destination that will exceed your expectations.
I cannot recommend it highly enough, and I look forward to returning many more times to relive the extraordinary memories it so effortlessly creates.
Until the next journey,
With warm regards,
Stella Ashworth, Bay Talk.
Yours in travel and adventure.
No Continent gives you the lasting memories that Africa does . . . ”
African Safari Lodge is situated only 17km outside of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, and about one and half hours by road from Port Elizabeth at the end of the famous Garden Route..