On the banks of the tidal Touw river, surrounded by the Garden Route National Park, Moontide is both a romantic retreat
and the perfect base from which to explore the region.
Choose from nine individually-decorated rooms, each with private garden entrance and their own outdoor seating area.
An intricate tapestry of habitats – rivers, lakes, forests, fynbos, estuaries and beaches – the Garden Route National Park offers so many ways to play... Wilderness offers easy access to all of it, and we are here to help you experience the best of it.
The best way to explore the Garden Route is along its rivers. We have several canoes – the further upstream you paddle, the wilder it gets - but waterbabies should not miss some of the best river adventures in the region: kloofing the Kaaiman’s gorge (a half day of swimming,clambering, jumping) or abseiling down a river. For the more sedentary, we book a rivercruise that starts from our jetty and journeys deep into the tangled green banks of the Garden Route National Park.
Walking barefoot at low tide, the vast blue horizon to one side, no one else in sight, is deeply meditative. Wilderness beach - a four-minute walk from our door - stretches for miles, most of it pretty deserted. In addition we highly recommend a walk along the fossilized sandstone cliffs that lead to Gericke’s Point, particularly at low tide to dip into crystal clear pools... if you are here over full moon we can arrange a Moonlight Meander, a rare opportunity to witness the nocturnal life of the intertidal zone...
A self-guided safari in which you lie on the deck with one of our bird books and your in-room bird check list, and identify the beauties that flit about hunting, flirting, fighting, nesting… One keen guest spotted 91 species on the property in just fourdays! We love birders and might just reward your efforts with a gin and tonic, brought to you on your deck chair…
Keen hikers are spoilt for choice, with coastal rambles along paths cooled by sea breezes, and mountain scrambles through pristine fynbos to reveal the most magnificent views, all the while learning more about the rich floral kingdom that thrives in our temperate climate. We have excellent guides to help choose which route is best for you based on fitness and interest, and reveal so much more about the intricate complexity of nature's playground.
Known as “forest bathing”, immersing yourself in the smells and sounds of the forest, absorbing the calming energy of the trees, has gain credence in recent years for its deep therapeutic benefits. We recommend several self-guided walks, but by far the best way to explore is to book with one of our naturalist who will open your eyes to the hidden wonders of the forest... like the fact that trees can plan ahead and manipulate the behaviour of birds by changing the taste of their fruit!
To float like a bird on thermals, the breeze on your skin, all human endeavour dwarfed and toy-like below – this one of those life-affirming experiences, and Wildernessis is one of the best place in South Africa for paragliding. No experience necessary, just bring your cajones! Naturally we only book with companies that boast 100% flawless safety record.
Nothing beats wild swimming, and we have an enormous playground right on our doorstep. Flowing from the mountains that line the coast and filtered by plants (giving the waters the tannin 'tea' colour), the Touw river is clean, warm and shallow, and just the perfect distance to swim or wade to the nearby beach and back.
Built in the 1920s, Moontide was one of the first residences to be built in Wilderness. It fell into disuse in the 1980s but was lovingly restored in 1984 by Maureen Mansfield, who used it as her private home. In 1994 she opened the guest lodge, with just four rooms. The guest house has expanded but the atmosphere is still very much that of a warm and welcoming home... We hope you will soon experience it for yourself!
We are a small team, but each member is dedicated to making you happy, because your time here is as precious to us as it is to you. On arrival you will be welcomed by Gerald, the manager; Judge, the assistant manager, or Maureen, the owner. The rest of the staff, some of whom have been with Moontide for more than 20 years, are the bedrock of the lodge: Doris, in charge of housekeeping and breakfast, is aided by Antjie and Yolande. Rock and Sidwell are our gardeners and maintenance men.
We serve breakfast on the terrace overlooking the shimmering lagoon, so you can watch dabchicks and ducks slip between the reeds and kingfisher and cormorant fish. This is when plans for the day and dinner plans are discussed. We advise, make bookings as requested. Picnics are available for guests wanting to enjoy the serene surrounds of Moontide, or we will lay a table for you and recommend the best available take aways in the village.
We have been blessed by many local and international awards over the years, culminating in being crowned Luxury Lodge of the Year at the LTG Awards in London. That said, we are not a full-service lodge; our prices reflect our desire to offer generosity, comfort and good value rather than five-star perfection. And our very best reward is hearing the words, “we are back!” ... Some of our guests have been revisiting us for 20 years, and this is truly what makes our hearts soar.
In addition to our riverside idyll we manage a self-catering cottage located directly on Wilderness beach. A well-equipped kitchen, four bedrooms sleeping 7 persons, 2 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas, and direct access to the beach. Rates vary depending on time of year but offers exceptional value given the location.
In Cape Town we manage a studio apartment in arty Woodstock. The block shares hotel amenities that include Pool, Gym, Bar, Lounge, 24/7 Doorman, Uncapped WIFI. Designated secure underground parking. A well-equipped grocery store and restaurants on the ground floor; 5 minutes from the city and 10 minutes from the Waterfront.
Call or mail us to discuss discounted rates for longer stays or direct bookings specials. We work with travel experts to create a bespoke great-value programmes from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, with super special surprises for honeymoon couples, thrilling adventures for solo travellers, and making unforgettable family memories...
Call us on +27 44 8770361 or email info@moontide.co.za for more.
