Coldstream Hotels

Bloukrans Chalets (SC): Bloukrans Chalets (SC)

The self-catering chalets at Bloukrans Bridge are excellent. They are run by the Tsitsikamma Village Trust, but are also confusingly known as the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Chalets.

Check-in is at the Khoisan Village buildings on the left as soon as you turn off the N2, or at the Nursery Lodge (follow signs for 50 metres) if arriving after 6pm.

There are two types of chalets - a square type and a ridge type. The former has a sheltered balcony, while the ridge type is bigger.
Our square chalet had two bedrooms, one double-bedded, one twin-bedded, each with en-suite. The other half of the chalet is a long lounge (with satellite TV) and a kitchen at the back (fridge, cooker, microwave oven).
The whole structure is wooden, although there is a brick braai just outside the kitchen door.
The chalets all face north, but some of them are close to the lane from the bridge-viewing and bungy jumping site (about 50 metres away). Others are set back a bit with a wide lawn area keeping you a little away from the passing cars (and there are a lot of them - the bridge is a big attraction).

If you don't want to cook, the nearest restaurants (and general store) are in Storms River Village (20km away) or at one of the many little guest houses strung out along the N2. If you turn up without food, it is a long drive to fetch anything, as there is no general store on site.
There are a couple of little snackbars overlooking the bridge, but they are dire (and actually unfriendly). The facilities around the bridge are all concessions.


We loved the Bloukrans chalets and would have liked to stay longer. Despite the traffic to and from the bungy jump site, and the N2 about 100 megtres away behind the chalet, it felt peaceful. The views of the Tsitsikamma mountain range are impressive and the area is teeming with birdlife.

The URL link below shos, in the main picture on the left, the layout of the chalet area, looking towards the bridge. You can see that two groups of chalets (four chalets in total) are set back from the lane - try to get one of these!

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust is that it is a community company, which was set up to help alleviate local unemployment and bring economic opportunities to local people. Staying here has a very direct positive impact on local communities.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Written January 29, 2006

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