Just a few orchards, one paddock and a dam away from the Main Road of Franschhoek Village, lies an unexpected backpackers amongst the oak trees. If you blink whilst on the Dassenberg Road, you may miss the wooden Otter’s Bend sign that leads you into this vineyard oasis.
There was a house to our right and because we weren’t sure where to park, we swung a left and parked on the grass. Making our way towards the wooden cabin at the end of the green, my boyfriend and I followed the sound of the river and passed rows of plum trees with their delicate blooms. A couple were already lazing in front a big fireplace in a communal room with long wooden tables, a kitchen looking out into the forest and a splash pool on a deck. I took a step into a giant wine barrel that also served as a welcome area with information and brochures about Franschhoek’s history and popular tourist spots.
All the private wooden cabins are tucked amidst the forest and perched right on the little river’s doorstep. Each room is cozy (once the heater is on), has twin or double beds, each with its own bathroom. There is nothing that helps you unwind more than being able to wash your dishes overlooking the forest, hearing the wind rustle all the leaves as you lie in bed in the morning and the ever-present gushing of water flowing over rocks and pebbles down below. The log-cabins are built as A frames with big windows allowing more of the outdoors into your bedroom.
Aside from some Germans, a Capetonian couple and two travelling Canadians, we hardly encountered anyone else during our stay. It’s peaceful, without being too dead and has just enough space for you to interact with visitors whilst braaiing your lamb chops over the indoor fire or chatting over breakfast as you skin your papaya.
Whilst you may hardly ever see the owner Mark, who likes to give guests their space, he will warmly share some of his adventures of travelling through Africa with the infectious laughter of a friend working in conservation. He truly leads the good life and it shows in his relaxed demeanour and warm conversation. We planned to take him up on his offer to jump on his all-terrain buggy that can scale mountains for an adventurous wine-tasting experience, but the weather didn’t cooperate, the dark clouds loomed low and the chilly wind was not about to give up the ghost.
Once at Otter’s Bend, you will feel so far away from it all, but the vineyards, village, Huguenot museum and hiking trails are all but a short drive away. It was way too icy to attempt an hour hiking trail over the mountain until the Wemmershoek Dam, so we drive over the spectacular Franshoek pass with its tight bends, baboons and streaming waterfalls in the gorges below. But when its dark and cold outside, throwing a couple of dead logs on the fire and pulling the couch closer whilst Jack Johnson strums in the background is the best way to enjoy your time here.
Just off Dassenberg Road, only a walk away from the backpackers was a short trail leading up into the mountain. By the time the wind died down we were halfway up, the vineyards rolled out beneath us and the long grass seemed to be liquid.
I will surely be back in Summer to take full advantage of this little hideaway and splash about in the river and in the mountain pools. If you are looking for budget accommodation in this pretty village, do yourself a favour and stop by for the weekend. Believe me when I say you won’t want to leave.
In-season twin and double rooms are only R400 a room a night.
Click here to book and find out more about Otter’s Bend Lodge.
Contact Details
www.ottersbendlodge.co.za
Mark [email protected]
