Tenaka Lodge

Tenaka Lodge (Zulu word for "It is Beautiful" is situated within the Phantom River View estate, offering secluded living high up in the mountainous forest above Knysna.  The views over the indigenous forested valley provide an excellent opportunity to experience nature, but yet not give up any of the comforts of modern living.

The cabin has three tastefully decorated bedrooms, a double and two twin rooms. The main room opens out onto the deck and has a full en-suite complete with corner bath and shower.  All linen and towels are provided.

The lounge/dining area is sumptuously decorated in true African style, and is equipped with Satellite television and a Jetmaster fire place for those cold nights.  The kitchen is equipped with every modern convenience and the main bathroom provides yet another opportunity to soak away your cares.

The Knysna forest has inspired authors and artists, and is in part of a nature reserve. The world renowned Knysna Heads can be seen during walks through the estate.  The nearby estuarine wetland & eco-reserve is home to over 150 bird species and a variety of small mammals including buck and monkeys.  The town of Knysna is a mere 10 minute drive from the cabin with the nearest pub, Crabs Creek, on the lagoonside only 5 minutes down the road.

Whether you are eating breakfast on the deck, relaxing in the heated spa in the cool of the evening or enjoying a glass of wine in front of a log fire during winter, your stay at Tenaka is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one with many happy returns.

Contact Details

HIKING:-

For the reasonably energetic, the Rheenendal Ramble Hikes are on your doorstep.  Jubilee Creek Forest Walk will occupy 1 hour (3.6km circular) of walking along indigenous forests & river paths.  This walk is suitable for children.

The Milwood Fold Mine Trail takes about 2 hrs (5.6km ) to complete.  This is where gold mining exploration took place in the late 19th Century, even before the Gold Rush of the Transvaal (Gauteng) which set the South African economy on a firm footing.  En-route you will discover the remains of an old mining village, graveyard and the Materolli Museum bears witness to this phase of SA Mining history, albeit short lived.  This walk is also suitable for children.

JOGGING/MOUNTAIN BIKES:-

There is a fun run/biking trail on the estate starting from outside Cabin No 7.  Please feel free to fill your name and time in the visitor's book provided.

Also of interest is the19km Homtini cycle route which offer views of of indidgenous forest as well as spectacular panoramic views over the Knysna River. The entire circuit takes a rider of average fitness about 2 hours. A map of this trail can be found on the same map as the hikes above.

BEACHES & SWIMMING:-

For those looking for beaches and good swimming, Brenton-on-Sea is a short drive (10kms) along the Indian Ocean Seaboard. Buffels Bay beach is also nearby in the Goukamma Valley. Should you wish to tranquillity of a swim in a river, the Westford Nature Reserve is situated only ½ km away off the gravel road off the Phantom Pass leading to Knysna. The Knysna River meanders slowly along toward the sea, flanked by towering cliffs and all that can be heard is calls of a variety of birdlife, including the elusive Knysna Lourie.

BIRDWATCHING:-

The Knysna area is situated on the shores of one of South Africa's largest estuaries. Close by is the country's largest temparate evergreen forest. This provides the platform for a wonderful variety of birdlife. A walk in one of the forests or canoeing along Knysna River will reward you with glimpses of the elusive Knysna Lourie Malachite Kingfisher, African Black Duck and Knysna Woodpecker. Near the harbour or at Woodbourne Pan at low tide you may view the African Spoonbill, Marsh Sandpiper, Grey Plover and Orange breasted Sunbird amongst others. Should you wish to know more about these birds, please follow this link : http://www.birdforum.net The Knysna Forestry department have a regional office in Knysna which will provide maps.