Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Addo, Sundays River Valley, South Africa: Chrislin African Lodge
Nominated By: Pamela, Charlottesville, Virginia, February '12

Price Range: R380-995 per person (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 12 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Chrislin African Lodge so Darn Good? Chrislin’s traditional mud huts, refreshing pool, and delicious restaurant are set in an orange grove just minutes from the amazing Addo Elephant Park. Need I say more?

Location: An hour and a half drive from the airport in Port Elizabeth, Chrislin Lodge is located in South Africa’s malaria-free Sundays River region. The Lodge is just twelve kilometers from the entrance to Addo Elephant National Park. Besides our guided wildlife safari, we spent our days canoeing down the Sundays River, visiting the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project, and horseback riding in the park.

Rooms: Originally a working citrus farm, Crislin now offers a choice of several comfortable and airy thatched roof mud huts surrounded by the farm’s orange trees. Guests may choose from two hut types, the Garden Huts or the larger and more luxurious Orchard Huts, some of which have air conditioners. A dip in the Lodge’s pool was a great way to cool off after our morning game drive, and the beautiful grounds are an excellent place to stroll.

Food: Yum! Our first evening, the chef at Sneezewoods, Chrislin’s on-site restaurant, prepared a braai, or mixed BBQ, along with lovely salads, side dishes, and a good selection of South African wines. On our second night, the menu included several South African dishes, such as the tasty potjie, a traditional stew prepared outside in a cast iron pot. Breakfast is made to order and is served with freshly squeezed orange juice from the farm.

Vibe: Very relaxing. Chrislin’s staff is welcoming and extremely helpful, and we always felt that everyone was taking good care of us.

Keep in Mind: We suggest staying at least three nights to explore the area, and on that note, we highly recommend Chriscross Adventures, a tour company owned by the son of Chrislin's owner, for all of your adventure needs.