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GoogleThe Elgin River Lodge is a venue and accommodation in Elgin, suitable for day trips, longer stays, and corporate events. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and is located directly on the river. The lodge is characterized by its natural setting and the opportunity for relaxation.
Write a review| Review platform | Score / Rating | Number of reviews | Last update | Main focus of guest reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 out of 5 stars | 564 reviews | Nov 08, 2026 | Beautiful location, friendly staff, diverse activities | |
| Total (Aggregated) | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 564 reviews | Nov 08, 2026 | High overall satisfaction with occasional criticisms regarding accessibility and room facilities |
Elgin River Lodge in Elgin has an overall rating of 4.6 from 564 reviews across 1 platform.
Customers frequently praise the Elgin River Lodge for its beautiful riverside location, friendly staff, and diverse activities. The spectacular views and relaxed atmosphere are particularly highlighted. Criticisms occasionally concern the accessibility of the lodge, especially when wet, and the unannounced closure of the kitchen for day guests.
Many guests appreciate the beautiful and quiet location directly on the river, as well as the spectacular views and sunsets. The surroundings are described as a "hidden gem" and a "tranquil setting."
The staff is consistently praised as "friendly," "kind," and "phenomenal." Luca and the team are mentioned by name for their excellent service and helpfulness.
Some visitors complain about the poor access road, which requires a 4x4 drive when wet. There was also disappointment when the kitchen was closed for day guests or when rooms were perceived as "basic" or "run down."
GoogleBeautiful venue for a day trip or extended getaway. Good food, friendly staff and loads of outdoor activities available.
Simply Amazing...
Luca and the team were all phenomenal, fantastic stay with amazing venue and facilities
Booked previous day for the following day for lunch. Drive all the way from Kleinmond just to hear at arrival that the kitchen are closed. No staff due to no overnight booking. What a disappointment.
First of all, thank you! We truly discovered a hidden gem at Elgin River Lodge. What an amazing experience. The lodge is beautiful, the views are spectacular, and the sunsets are some of the best we have ever seen. The river boat experience was also a real highlight. The staff went above and beyond for us. Nothing was ever too big or too small, and we were always made to feel welcome. A special thank you to Desmond, Dumi, Nigel and Shelly for making our stay so memorable. The food was excellent, and the braai was absolutely top-notch. Everything you need for a relaxing family getaway is available in one place. My family and I had a fantastic time. Our only suggestion would be to mark the walking and hiking routes more clearly. A map displayed in the restaurant, showing the different routes, distances and estimated walking times, would be very helpful. My family, including our two young girls, went on what we thought would be a 30-minute walk, but we became lost and it turned into a walk of more than two hours without water. Thankfully, everything ended well, but clearer signage would make the experience much safer and easier for guests. Apart from that, our stay was wonderful. We will definitely be back, and we are already considering bringing our staff for a team-building getaway. Highly recommended!
Lovely setting on the river and away from the city. Well run and a relaxing time. The river is beautiful.
Such an amazing peaceful place to visit I was there with my family and friends for 3 days but I was so amazed how perfect was everything💐 Friendly ,kind and happy people 🤝 thank you all for beautiful memories we are definitely coming back
Wanted to check out the place and getting their is awful you need a 4x4 because if that gravel gets wet not even ur high ride is gona help you, also the lake is low and no water activities, pass for me
Absolutely amazing! We stayed in the 16 sleeper villa. Fantastic views of the river with a wonderful private swimming pool and hot tub. This villa is very private and requires 4x4 vehicle to reach location. All the rooms have exceptional views with big comfy beds. The loft offers 8 single beds great for kids or singles. Property has kayaks available to use on the river and a private jetty for fishing. Only slight limitation is that their is no toilet in the loft so they upstair guests need to make use of the shared bathroom downstairs. You also need to bring your own drinking water. The main Lodge does offer a barg ride on the river to and from the lodge and villa which is a great little trip. Opportunity to easily visit the restaurant and make use of the facilities at the main encampment which includes, at certain times, water slide, volley ball, fishing, speed boat trips and water sports, hot tubs and a pool house with a table tennis and pool table. Would highly recommend for a long weekend stay. You need a good 3 nights to settle into the serenity of the location.
Amazing experience and very friend staff
This place is all about its location and having fun in the water. The rooms are basic but clean. There is very little storage space so we had to keep our bags in the car, once we unpacked. There is a tiny kettle to make tea and drinking water is provided daily. It would have been good to have a small fridge for drinks. The location is great for water sports and scenic walk. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The only think that let’s the place down is the food quality in the restaurant. It is below average, even for a pub style eatery. The wine list is also poorly selected with all wines but one at the bottom of the quality range and nothing in the R300-400 bracket - ie decent but not too expensive. Overall, a good experience that could have been a lot better.
I had heard so much about this venue and was excited to try their food. Sadly after calling to make a booking I was told they no longer accept day visitors for lunch. Very disappointing.
Lovely winter or summer getaway
Lovely place. Friendly staff willing to help. Enjoyable day. Thanks guys.
Escape the hustle and business of Cape Town and just unwind. Rustic cabins that have been recently renovated alongside the fresh water Palmiet river send you into relax mode. Well equipped bar and decent food along with a barge for river cruises and a Ski boat for watersports... Friendly staff and wonderful green grass under the trees are the perfect recipe for relaxing afternoons while the kids kayak and do some fishing.
Absolutely love this place. Definitely going back. Family friendly and love all the activities on the river including swimming.
Returned again in 2025 and its better than ever.
Nice
Hidden gem 💎 boat trips ✨️ Zip line -weddings wow
We had our year end function there, and that place was absolutely perfect, the scenery, the villa, the staff , a special Thank you to Luca who literally went above and beyond for us..would HIGHLY recommend Elgin Lodge, especially for a family vacation, so many fun activities, the boat ride was magnificent. Keep up the great work Elgin Lodge Team
Superb weekend! Will be very difficult to top it!
We recently spent our weekend holiday at Elgin River Lodge and I must say it surpassed initial expectations. The good: Beautiful location and relatively easy access, very close to Peregrine Farm Stall, which is an iconic Padstal. The lodge boasts stunning scenery with the surrounding mountains, farms, and of course the river. You are immediately hit with fresh air and a deep sense of relaxation. For the active people out there, they have Kayaks and plenty of river to explore, I clocked in about 4 hours over the weekend which was fantastic. They also have various walking trails which I unfortunately could not tock off the to do list before we left, they also have a sketchy but very fun zipline going into the river. Additionally, you can rent out a barge to go down the river or try your hand at some wakeboarding. For the more relaxed experience you can rent out a fishing rod or play a variety of games like pool; table tennis; and volleyball. Simply lounging around is great too, and the restaurant boasts some really tasty food (I think those are the best pizzas I've ever had). Speaking of woodfired...there is a hot tub, and it saved my shoulders and back from all the kayaking I did. All the staff were super accommodating and friendly, a special shoutout to Luke who was quick to assist us with the zipline and fix a small maintenance issue we experienced. The bad: Honestly nothing too serious, the rooms were quite cozy, I'd only say the bathrooms did not offer ideal privacy and the bunk beds in the chalet we had were not very sturdy. Only complaint service wise, would be our waiter on the second night, I'm not sure if he was a trainee, or just a bit flustered from the amount of guests present, but he did mess up/under-deliver our drinks and got a bit confused by some requests, on top of this, the food took nearly an hour to arrive and did arrive semi-cold, which tells me it was ready a while beforehand but was not sent out. I could see he was trying his best but perhaps should've been accompanied by a more experienced staff member. TLDR; this is a fantastic vacation spot, not too far from Cape Town. The weather was great, my personal experience with the activities and amenities was beyond expectations, great staff, great food, even greater views. Highly recommend.
We had a company function here and it was nothing short of amazing. The rooms were comfortable and clean. The catering was impeccable. The staff were fantastic and there were plenty of activities to keep us busy. If you’re looking for something to do with a group of people or just need a break from the city, definitely consider spending a night or two here to unwind.
Beautiful, tranquil setting, right on the edge of the river. Family fun and relaxation all the way
Firstly I want to start with the positive. The staff was fantastic at elgin river lodge. Friendly and very helpful. The food was delicious and the area is beautiful. Unfortunately the rooms was really not up to standard. The walls was dirty, chairs rusted, curtains dirty and overall a bit run down. No fridge (wanted to store some medicine) or tv in the room. I think it is very expensive for what you get.
Upon arrival, from reception front desk to the restaurant staff ,barge guy,rendered the most amazing, friendly, accommodating service alive 😀. See you soon
Absolutely amazing place to get away with the family. Safe and spacious for kids with lots of swimming. Onsite restaurant has delicious food.
Great place to relax and enjoy good food and facilities.Goodvfor water sports.Had a great back massage.Staff are friendly and food at restaurant very reasonably priced.
A Perfect Celebration at Elgin River Lodge We recently hosted my husband’s 40th birthday at Elgin River Lodge, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the breathtaking setting—lush greenery, tranquil river views, and a true sense of escape from the everyday. The service was absolutely world-class. Every detail was taken care of with warmth and professionalism, making us and our guests feel truly special. The staff went above and beyond to ensure the celebration was seamless, from the beautifully arranged setup to the incredible food and drinks that kept everyone happy. The lodge itself is a hidden gem. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Elgin River Lodge offers the perfect balance. Some of our guests enjoyed kayaking and exploring the river, while others simply soaked in the peaceful surroundings. The atmosphere was laid-back, making it the ideal venue for a milestone event. If you’re looking for a breathtaking destination with exceptional service, I cannot recommend Elgin River Lodge enough. Our celebration was unforgettable, and we’ll cherish the memories made here forever! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars all the way!
The setting and views are so tranquil. Beautiful lawn garden settings overlooking the river. Boat rides available with wine tasting. Only a certain amount of guests are allowed so book in advance. Very adventurous drive to get to the location. A well hidden gem for such. The staff were friendly and engaging. Very humble and most accommodating. Great place for a wedding or private function. Accommodation also available.
Beautiful setting. Clean and neat Gourmet food
Around the corner but a world away. The perfect place to get away for relaxation
Little piece of paradise along the Palmiet River. As a day visitor, we did the shorter hike. I suggest always start here. It's a kicker with lotsa up and down. We stupidly started at 11 am and it was hot so makes for a slog. There is a zipline you can take where you drop from the line into the river which was a huge hit as is paddling and swimming in the river and the food and drinks were good value for money. When is the Toad not good value for money and yes you guessed it the restaurant there is a Toad too. Give yourself at least an hr or so to drive there.
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The Elgin River Lodge is located in Elgin and is idyllically situated on the Palmiet River. The surroundings are characterized by mountains and farms, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The lodge is designed as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Although the drive is described as scenic, some reviews indicate that the access road, especially when wet, can be challenging and may require a 4x4 vehicle. The Peregrine Farm Stall, a well-known excursion destination, is nearby.
The concept of the Elgin River Lodge focuses on utilizing the natural environment and providing outdoor activities. Accommodations range from rustic, recently renovated cabins to a luxurious 16-person villa with private amenities such as a pool and hot tub. While the location and activities are consistently praised, there are mixed opinions on the room facilities, ranging from "basic but clean" to "run down." The lodge has a well-stocked bar and offers food, although availability for day guests may vary. Boat trips on the river and other water sports are central components of the offering.
The Elgin River Lodge offers various accommodations, including rustic cabins and a 16-person villa. The villa features private amenities such as a pool and hot tub and offers exceptional river views.
Yes, the Elgin River Lodge offers numerous water sports activities on the Palmiet River. These include boat trips, water skiing, and swimming. However, some reviews mention that the lake's water level can sometimes be low, limiting activities.
Yes, the Elgin River Lodge is described as family-friendly. Many guests praise the diverse activities and relaxed atmosphere, which is well-suited for family vacations.
The food at the Elgin River Lodge is described by many guests as "good" or "delicious." However, there were also reports of disappointed day guests who were told the kitchen was closed for them.
Some reviews indicate that the access road to the Elgin River Lodge, especially when wet, can be difficult and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. The 16-person villa also requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach.
The 16-person villa offers fantastic river views, a private swimming pool, and a hot tub. It is very privately located and features large, comfortable beds in all rooms, as well as a loft area with eight single beds.
Yes, the Elgin River Lodge has been used for corporate events and rated as "absolutely perfect" and "amazing" by participants. The premises, catering, and activities are praised for this.
The rooms are rated differently. Some guests describe them as "basic but clean" and recently renovated, while others found them "not up to standard" with dirty walls, rusty chairs, and dirty curtains.
Yes, in addition to water sports such as boat trips and water skiing, activities like a zip-line are also mentioned. The lodge generally offers many outdoor activities.
The Elgin River Lodge has been visited for day trips and lunch in the past. However, there are reports that the lodge no longer accepts day guests for lunch, which led to disappointment.
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