Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
- Kruger National Park, South AfricaSculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other.
touch the soul of africa
From its stunning clifftop position in the town of Hermanus, Birkenhead House enjoys exhilarating ocean views and close proximity to the beach. Breezy beach house style is mixed with contemporary artwork and opulent furnishings to create an elegant and inviting environment.
Eleven suites with either sea or mountain views offer the height of comfort and luxury: balconies, underfloor heating and huge bathtubs allow guests to make the most of their stay, whatever the weather.
Spa, pool and gym offer the chance for indulgence, relaxation or exercise. Cliff and beach walks are an invigorating way to take the air but numerous sporting and leisure activities are available in the area, from golf to shark-cage diving. Whale watching, for which Hermanus is famed, can be done from the hotel from June to November, with September the height of the season.
After a sundowner overlooking the ocean, the freshest seafood and most delicious international cuisine can be enjoyed. From morning coffee and cake to hot chocolate beside the fire, there is always something delectable on offer.
Get up close and personal with these fascinating apex predators. Diving with great white sharks is a once in a lifetime experience that is both thrilling and informative. Your dive will take place under the careful supervision of a highly qualified team of marine experts, so you can rest assured that you'll be in safe hands backed by a team of marine conservationists to ensure that your experience is operated in an environmentally responsible manner.
If you feel like venturing into the village, a complimentary transfer service from La Residence is available to take you to one of the many, award-winning, Franschhoek restaurants.
Hermanus is renowned as the best destination for land-based whale watching in the world and there is no finer spot to enjoy that than on the patio of Birkenhead House with a gin and tonic in hand. But if you're serious about whales, then why not go on a whale cruise or even take to the skies, soaring high above these majestic mammals. Learn all about the fascinating behaviour of Southern Right and Humpback whales and gain insights into their extraordinary movements that include lob tailing, spy hopping and peduncling.
Waves splash into the mussel clad rocks that decorate the beaches immediately below Birkenhead House. Our executive chef will take guests down to the Voelklip beach and show them how to safely pick these delicious marine treats. Not only that, but he'll show you how to prepare the mussels with a little garlic, cream and white wine so that you can savour the fruits of your labour with a lovely glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.
The Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's premier, cool-climate wine producing regions and is home to some of the country's finest and oldest estates including Hamilton Russel and Bouchard Finlayson as well as some of the more modern estates such as Creation. Not only are the wines superb, but the landscape is spectacular. Enjoy a guided tour with a knowledgeable expert, or enliven the experience by doing it on horseback or even on quad bikes!
Sea kayaking is a wonderful outdoor pursuit for the more adventurous. It will get you up close to some of Hermanus's fascinating sea life and it's also great exercise. Paddle along the coastline all the way from the Old Harbour in town to the New Harbour under the careful supervision of the local seals.
Hermanus is surrounded on all sides by natural wonder. As well as the marine fascinations, there are two incredible nature reserves in close proximity - Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. For botanists, Fernkloof is certainly one of the most rewarding destinations in the Cape Floral Kingdom to explore the diverse fynbos.
Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve that lies just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The area is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave.
Birkenhead House is one of the best spots in South Africa to relax. The beaches and the champagne air make for a heady combination. But no relaxation would be complete without a treatment in the Spa.
Whether you'd like a Swedish massage or a manicure & pedicure, the Birkenhead House Spa is the perfect Sanctuary in which to forget the worries of the world.
Hermanus is a wonderful golfing destination with two excellent courses very close by. Hermanus Golf Club in the centre of town and Arabella golf club just a short distance away.
Arabella is consistently voted among the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa. For those looking for an extended golf tour, there are many more fantastic courses along the Garden Route.
Founded in 2006 by Wilfred Chivell, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust delivers unique conservation and research programmes in a fragile and critically important marine eco-system. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust strives to protect the largest surviving colonies of the endangered African Penguin whose numbers are at an all-time low; the globally important breeding and calving grounds of the Southern Right Whale; and the world’s densest populations of the vulnerable Great White Shark. Through the generous support of our guests, Birkenhead House has sponsored the rehabilitation and release of over 30 penguins and aims to assist the Trust in achieving their goals of:
