Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Addo Elephant Park Accommodation in an eco-reserve at the heart of the Addo area, Eastern Cape, South Africa, only minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park. The Eastern Cape is a sunny, mild and naturally malaria- free region, perfect for a Big 5 safari. Accommodation is provided in stylishly furnished chalets with luxurious bathrooms, and all include wooden decks with breathtaking views over citrus orchards and the sweeping countryside. Experience the serenity of waking up to the haunting cries of the fish-eagles, residents to the Sundays River below. Accompany our guide on an Addo Elephant National Park Safari for the best elephant viewing in the world. Afterwards, have a refreshing swim in our pool, or sun downers on the veranda before sitting down to dinner by candlelight. We encourage you to select your wine from our private collection from the walk-in cellar before your meal. We trust that here, you will experience true South African hospitality at its best!
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
off Route R336 Direction Addo Kirkwood 9 km Outside the park, Addo, Sundays River Valley 6105 South Africa
We received a very hospitable welcome at this resort. We had already booked the Scottia game drive from the Netherlands. However, we were persuaded to do this through them for the same price. This was because they thought it was too dangerous for travelers to return with their own transport in the dark around 8 p.m. It's a good thing we did that because the roads back to the resort are very bad unless you want to take a 40 km detour around the Addo park. This is also dangerous in the evening, they said. Back straight through Addo national park via a dirt road with many potholes. No problem for the Jeep, but it would be if we had driven our own 4-wheel vehicle. Halfway through the park on the way back, the driver stopped and asked us if we had seen the lion on the side. That was not the case. He turned his jeep and 100 meters further a male lion stood up on the side of the road and wanted to sleep there. Very impressive when it stood up when we stopped next to it. Rooms very nice and atmospheric in nature. Even with a warm outdoor shower with a view of the beautiful nature in the valley and a private mini swimming pool (now too cold) with a view of the tree-lined valley. Breakfast in this hotel was very luxurious and very attractive, as was the 3-course dinner for a very reasonable price where we could eat Koedoe, among other things. Beautiful views of nature everywhere. We booked 2 nights here. When we left, our very dirty car was even washed. They do this for every visitor on the day of departure.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Enjoyed a wonderful 3 night stay at Hitgeheim Country Lodge and took two excellent safari trips. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, especially Ryan who always had a smile on his face and was very attentive to the needs and requirements of guests. Our room (Superior de lux) was spacious, well appointed with a private plunge pool and spectacular views across the valley. Breakfast consisted of a self service buffet with a wide choice of cold meats, fruit and yogurt, and choice of hot dishes with amusing names like ‘Hippo’ and ‘Honey Bee’. While it was a set menu for Dinner, there was a good of choice of starter, main and desert, each of which delighted our taste buds and fulfilled our appetite. Guests could choose wine for dinner themselves from a well stocked, reasonably priced private cellar. We bought into the Lodge’s own safari trip to the Addo National Park, that lasted approximately 6 hours and included a generous picnic lunch. We saw a wide range of animals with the main attraction being the large herds of elephants wallowing at the water holes. We also bought into a safari trip to the Schotia Private Game Reserve as recommended by the Lodge and that did not disappoint. We had three game drives and saw a very wide range of animals including lion, water buffalo, giraffe, wilder beast, rhino, crocodile, elephant and lots of different antelopes, and the evening was rounded off with an excellent BBQ meal. Out stay was over the Valentine’s period and the Lodge made a very nice romantic gesture by giving red roses to all the female guests at Dinner and served Chocolate Muffins at Breakfast. The owner, Archie, engaged socially with the guests and provided hints and tips on best safe travel routes for departure from the Lodge. We would thoroughly recommend the Hitgeheim Country Lodge as a base for safari trips or as a location to enjoy a relaxing break.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Archie Hitge, Owner at Hitgeheim Country Lodge
Responded 27 Mar 2024
Dear Hesm, Thank you for sharing your detailed and glowing review of your recent 3-night stay at Hitgeheim Country Lodge. We are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed the excellent safari trips, the friendly and helpful staff, and the luxurious amenities provided during your stay. It is delightful to hear that Ryan stood out with his attentive and friendly service, ensuring that your needs were met with a smile. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to him and the rest of our team. We are pleased that you found your Superior de Lux room spacious and well-appointed, with a private plunge pool and spectacular views. Your descriptions of the breakfast and dinner offerings are truly appreciated, and we are glad that the culinary experience delighted your taste buds. We are delighted that you enjoyed the safari trips to Addo National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve and that you had memorable wildlife encounters. The romantic gestures during the Valentine's period and the personal touch from the owner, Archie, further enhanced your stay. Thank you for recommending Hitgeheim Country Lodge as a base for safari trips or a relaxing break. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exceptional experience in the future. Kind regards, Hitgeheim Country Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A very beautiful and quiet, secluded lodge that offers guests an exclusive experience. We had the Family Deluxe Suite with its own pool and 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms with bathtub. A wonderful view of the valley of the citrus plantations. There is an adult area and a family area with public pools on the site. Breakfast was very good with a small buffet and menus that could be ordered separately. Coffee specialties such as cappuccino had to be ordered and paid for separately. However, simple coffee was available at the buffet. Dinner was served as a 4-course menu (an additional 550R per person) and was OK for us in terms of taste, but not outstanding. There were also options for children, which was very good! We booked 2 safari tours that were organized extremely professionally and were great experiences. We would like to thank the owner Archie for booking a separate guide with a jeep for us with two small children so that we could independently shorten our tour if necessary. And secondly, our guide Emanuel, who was/is really great and had a lot of knowledge about the Addo NP, the surrounding area and the animals. He also had a fantastic view and feel for the animals and was able to show us all the important and possible species in Addo. Simply an incredibly great experience. We would come again and recommend it to others.
Negatives: Limited entry/exit times. High additional costs for some extras (e.g. minibar, drinks with meals). A bit out of the way if you want to leave the hotel. Some things are a bit old.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed 2 nights in a superior de luxe room. The rooms are spacious, with comfy beds, chairs and huge bathroom.
We also had our own pool and outside shower. The room had great views over the valley and river. Beds turned down each evening and free sherry.
Breakfast is self serve cols and hit dishes to order.
We booked dinner on both nights - 4 courses, choices are made after breakfast.
We also went on the Addo game drive, which sets of at 8 am. It's a 25km drive to the park in a god truck. Your driver is your guide ( take your drink and poss a jacket on cooler days) . Lunch is provided by the hotel which was very filling.
The road to the hotel is unmade so be wary if in a hire car, also lots of road works in the area so allow extra time.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Check road works
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Archie Hitge, Owner at Hitgeheim Country Lodge
Responded 10 Dec 2024
Good day Jackie Thank you for your review. Our Superior De Lux Rooms is our most luxurious rooms and as you mention, spacious, comfortable with stunning views and your own private pool. Our breakfast has something for everyone, from a cold buffet to a choice of delicious hot options. Thank you for booking your Addo game drive with us, it is so convenient to be picked up from the lodge and drive straight through to the Park with your guide and brought safely back. We do serve a picnic lunch during the drive, at a picnic spot in the Park. We hope you will come and visit us again soon. Kind regards, The Hitgeheim Team
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Our stay in this splendid lodge, located near the Addo Elephant Park, allowed us to experience the unforgettable safari experience in the best possible way. The structure, very well organised, a high level hotel context and services certainly adequate for the category. The rooms are large, equipped and comfortable. The exteriors are also very enjoyable, with green areas where you can enjoy the lush and varied South African flora. The catering is also excellent. All the staff are friendly, present, helpful and very attentive to the customer. On the first evening, for example, being the only guests for that day only, dinner was not served in the restaurant (it would have been fine) but in an elegant private room, which was set up and set up for the occasion all for us. . The complete three-day package including two safaris (Addo + Schotia) is highly recommended. Truly an experience impossible to forget. A special mention for our guide and driver Saul. Thank you.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This lodge is located half an hour from the Addo park. This has the advantage that it is less pricey than comparable hotels/lodges that are closer. Everything is well arranged, reception, cleaning, service and the complex is relaxing. The room was very large and equipped with everything, including an outdoor shower. The furnishings are classic but certainly functional. Nice to have an aperitif that is ready and tasty. Unfortunately, the roof of the terrace was not closed when it started to rain at a still nice temperature. and therefore watched the storm with the doors open. Top staff with ditto restaurant and safari including lunch.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
House number 8 is clearly showing its age with ancient carpet and old furniture. The bathroom could be rated a 4 but the separate toilet is a solid 6. I think it's a flattery to advertise this accommodation as a 5* lodge. A plus point is the friendly staff who are always there to help you discreetly.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Verpflegung gibt es Ausnahmslos als 4 Gang Menü am Abend
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very nice facility, nice big rooms, but a bit old, very friendly staff, except for the presumed manager in the blue shirt. He had a very arrogant aura and when we didn't want to sit outside on the terrace for breakfast in the morning when it was only 13°, he was unfortunately unable to offer us a table inside, even though everything was empty. Unfortunately, that is not a service idea at all and this facility is definitely too expensive for that. The dinner was delicious, but there was no price beforehand and unfortunately it was too high for the food on offer. So we would not visit this lodge again and would not recommend it either, as we had far better and more service-oriented experiences on our trip.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great experiences on the game drives: saw and experienced many animals up close; the drivers explained a lot. The dinner was great in a great setting! The price-performance ratio is not quite right, the accommodation was a bit too expensive compared to the country.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A really nice place to be; very friendly and helpful staff; great food and beverages; great for some relaxing days and Addo Elephant park as private Game reserve Schotia are nere by; we will come back! The staff even helped after check-out due to a lack of air pressure in our vehicle. Thanks again for that!
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Archie Hitge, Owner at Hitgeheim Country Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Good day to you. We appreciate you taking the time to write a review on your recent stay with us here at Hitgeheim Country Lodge. It is great to know that you enjoyed your stay with us including the food and beverages. I hope you visited our wine cellar while you were there and selected your own bottle of wine. Addo National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve is an absolute must to visit while staying with us and I am glad that you did. We are always willing to assist our guests so it was only a pleasure. We are glad to hear that you will visit us again, you are always welcome. Kind regards, The Hitgeheim Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I tried via the mobile phone but it look as if it did not on the net.
Stay on the N2 past the City of Port Elizabeth towards the north. Take the first off ramp after the suburb of Bluewater Bay marked. Addo Elephant Park.
Motherwell Markman St Georges R335. Take the R335 with the ZCaltex Truck Stop now on your right. Follow this road for 40 km and go through the village of Addo. FNB Bank A few Shops Caltes fuel Station and Police Station on your left. Go over the railway for 100 meters turn left towards Kirkwood on the R336. This is at the big Africanos and Sundaysriver Valley Hospital signs. Follow this road toward Kirkwood(31km) for 9 km and find my 13 signs to lead you to the front door of Hitgeheim Country Lodge. Our Mobile number is 0027(0)82 565 2864
Archie, i am the owner.
There are more places to choose from in the Addo area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 4,354 - RÂ 4,670 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hitgeheim country hotel addo
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeGreater AddoSundays River ValleyAddo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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What are some restaurants close to Hitgeheim Country Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Africanos Country Estate Restaurant & Sushi Bar, River Front Restaurant, and Hopefield Country House & Guest Farm.