Self-catering Wilderness accommodation: Boardwalk Lodge

By Roxanne Reid
We’ve stayed countless times in the Wilderness-Knysna area on the Garden Route because it’s just so gosh-darn beautiful and there’s so much exciting stuff to do. We’ve even parked off at the same accommodation more than once. But recently we stayed in different self-catering Wilderness accommodation at Boardwalk Lodge and it was a great find. Here’s why.

Boardwalk Lodge is a four-star lodge that offers B&B and self-catering log-chalets. Set on the hillside above the village of Wilderness, each log cabin is carved out of the surrounding indigenous forest, giving you privacy. You get to your cottage along boardwalks and some stairs. Ours had about 20 stairs but some at the top have up to 150, so if you’re stair-challenged mention your preference when you book. (PS You don’t have to worry about your luggage; the brawny porters can climb like mountain goats and will take care of that.)

​Our cottage was a symphony of wood and ocean views from every window, patio and deck. The kitchen and bathroom windows were the only ones that looked out towards the back and even they had lovely views of the shady forest all around.

​It was a two-bedroom duplex with a huge double-volume cathedral-like window in front for 180-degree views from the lounge and dining area – and even from the kitchen given the open-plan layout. Inside, the spaces were warm with honeyed pine floors but minimalist in their décor, allowing the view to be the centre-stage diva. Pine stairs led to a lounge on the lower level, where there was also a patio with sun loungers, gas braai, and picnic table and benches. 

​Upstairs, on the entry level, each bedroom had a balcony with glass screens to waist height so we could enjoy the view unobstructed. We sat there in the morning sun with our coffee, hypnotised by the endless rhythm of the breakers, watching the village below come to life with cyclists and dog walkers. With the sound of the waves in our ears, peppered by the call of Knysna turacos and other forest birds, it was like being in an enchanted bubble where the sounds of traffic and dogs barking didn’t penetrate. 

​The balconies were also perfect for a glass of wine to wind down in the evening after a busy day, a chance to watch the lights of Wilderness village come to life and glimmer through the twilight.

​We self-catered with a well-equipped kitchen, but if you want to be lazy you can book B&B and enjoy a hot and cold breakfast before you head out for the day’s activities. And believe me, you’ll be busy because the Wilderness Lakes are a Ramsar Wetland of international importance, and you can do anything from hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and birding to adrenalin activities like kloofing, abseiling and paragliding (but more about that in another post).

​Next to the Boardwalk Lodge’s reception area is a rim-flow swimming pool, also with a view of the sea, so if you’re feeling lazy you could spend a whole day here reading a book, gazing at the waves, or napping on a lounger and toppling into the pool when you want to cool off.

This isn’t budget accommodation, but out of season and with four people sharing the two-bedroom unit on a self-catering basis, we think the price is very reasonable for how gorgeous it is.

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