Travel reviews by Ms H & Family from Roke

"We had a fantastic stay. Nothing was too much trouble. Our lodge was amazing (huge with separate rooms for us and the children, an immense bathroom and a lovely plunge pool on the deck).

The staff were very hospitable, the food great and the drives spot on (we saw lion cubs, cheetah cubs, rhino, elephant, lion roaring, and lots of other animals). Our guide and tracker were a brilliant team and we learned a huge amount.

We wouldn't hesitate to go back (our youngest asked if we could before we had even left!). Really fabulous family-friendly place to stay."

"This is our second visit and just as wonderful as the last year. We stayed a little longer (4 nights) as there is just so much to do in the area and the lodge is so friendly. Room was delightful, staff are brilliant and the food delicious. Carmen, the manager, was ever so helpful sorting out bookings for us. It is a great place to stay with kids as they have lots of nice touches for them - cookies and milk, beach towels and toys, etc. We didn't go horse riding this year but did last year and it was great.

What we love about this area is there is so much to do - The Elephant Sanctuary, The Monkey Sanctuary and the Bird Park. Storm River is a great day out (try a short walk along the Otter Trail - the views are awesome). We also spent some time at Robberg which was stunning. The highlight was a walk with a cheetah for those of us taller than 1.5 meters. Incredible experience.

So Hog Hollow plus the activities make for a truly great stay. We will be back!"

"This was our first visit and we loved it. The team were really friendly, our family suite delightful and the pool refreshing (it was over 35 degrees centigrade in early April.....). The food was delicious - and the afternoon tea a treat.

Its located right near the excellent Drotsky museum (fascinating insights into the history of the area. We'd have liked to spend more time here (we only had 2 nights)."

"We LOVE Grootbos! It's a stunning place. This was our second visit and we wouldn't hesitate to go back again.

It's one of the top lodges in South Africa - even though it doesn't have a single one of the big five. What is does have is a fabulous setting above Walker Bay, lovely fynbos surrounding it, fantastic guides and staff and some of the best food we have ever eaten in the whole world (and we have been to lots of places). The Garden Lodge we stayed in was huge (two floors, two bathrooms, kitchenette, two sun decks, open fire....). We just loved it all.

We did lots of the same things we did on our last visit - horse riding, fynbos safari, visiting the caves, walk along the beach. We also did the social responsibility tour which was truly inspiring. Jo, Dickson, Anecke and Princess were all fabulous. And the kids activities were great (its not why we go but our youngest loved it this year). Definitely a top place to stay.

If there was a six star rating for such places they would get it easily."

"We had two rooms looking out on Table Mountain - both rooms were well-appointed and good for both the children and adults - we had two rooms next door to each other.

Meals were excellent - only challenge was on Easter Monday when the hotel was clearly the place to have brunch. It would have helped us if the hotel has warned us that it was likely to be busy as it was hard to get a table and the service was really poor (the staff found it hard to cope with so many people)."

"We thought Grootbos was FABULOUS! From are Garden Lodge which was huge to the activities which were well-organised to the great meals.

All the staff were really helpful and hospitable and the activities were brilliant - even our youngest loved the Fynbos safari with Jo as our guide (she was great).We could have stayed longer! If we go again we would spend less time in Cape Town (2 nights rather than 4) and more time here (4 nights rather than 2).Had to be one of the highlights of the trip."

"It was the middle of an arts fesitival and the road the Rosenhof was one was closed which was a bit of a challenge but solved by a friendly traffic officer (who escorted us direct to the gate).

Lovely room, great food and wonderful breakfasts."

"Another highlight of the trip - we loved Hogs Hollow.

The room wasn't as swish as Grootbos but still great and the staff were wonderful. Food was also great and lots of brilliant activities on the doorstep. Horse riding was a highlight as was the Elephant Sanctury, Birds of Eden and Monkey Sancutary.

Could have stayed longer here too! Very family friendly and relaxed."

"This was our last hotel - beautiful place. Room was huge and perfect for a family. Well located for Addo.

We didn't eat in each evening but went to a local restaurant and then to the Schotia Safari (which came with dinner).

Elephant House was a bit deserted (very few guests) and staff hard to track down. Lack of tea and coffee in the room was a bit disappointing - it was provided when asked but it would have been nice to have it in the room. Breakfasts were nice but not as extensive as the other places we stayed (all the others had a buffet option). We also had to cross over to another site - which was fine but felt a bit odd. We asked for laundry service but they forgot. Check out was also odd - took ages to find someone so we could pay!

Safari organised by Elephant House was great and they recommended we did the Schotia evening safari which was tremendous."