Experience an authentic eco retreat in a tranquil setting with breath-taking views of nature in all its beauty.
This is the perfect accommodation for nature-lovers, campers, and those looking for a 4×4 adventure. We hope to see you soon!
Experience an authentic eco retreat in a tranquil setting with breath-taking views of nature in all its beauty.
This is the perfect accommodation for nature-lovers, campers, and those looking for a 4×4 adventure. We hope to see you soon!
We offer several options of housing–each with its own unique personality! Choose between a gorgeous rondavel, comforting chalets made of wood and stone, cosy ox-wagons, and camping facilities that provide for your every need. All accommodation features a private bathroom and exquisite views of the natural surroundings. The camping sites have power points for electricity, a braai area, and communal bathrooms.
The retreat is a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, mountain bikers, and the like. Bergrivier is the perfect place to unwind and forget about the rest of the world for a while. Adventurous guests are free to explore the area or complete any of our six scenic hiking trails. In 2020 an exciting feature was added: a 4×4 route that is 17,6 km in length and takes you to the mountains, valley, and river. Other local attractions are in close proximity to Bergrivier, supplying you with endless possibilities for adventure.
Tucked between mountains and neighbouring an indigenous forest, this part of the Eastern Cape in South Africa lies conveniently close to the N2 highway and is only 50km west of Port Elizabeth, which is also known as Gqeberha.
We offer several options of housing–each with its own unique personality! Choose between a gorgeous rondavel, comforting chalets made of wood and stone, cosy ox-wagons, and camping facilities that provide for your every need. All accommodation features a private bathroom and exquisite views of the natural surroundings. The camping sites have power points for electricity, a braai area, and communal bathrooms.
The retreat is a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, mountain bikers, and the like. Bergrivier is the perfect place to unwind and forget about the rest of the world for a while. Adventurous guests are free to explore the area or complete any of our six scenic hiking trails. In 2020 an exciting feature was added: a 4×4 route that is 17,6 km in length and takes you to the mountains, valley, and river. Other local attractions are in close proximity to Bergrivier, supplying you with endless possibilities for adventure.
Tucked between mountains and neighbouring an indigenous forest, this part of the Eastern Cape in South Africa lies conveniently close to the N2 highway and is only 50km west of Port Elizabeth, which is also known as Gqeberha.
About Bergrivier Eco Retreat
This historic jewel of a destination forms part of the world-famous Baviaanskloof route and is situated close to the hamlets of Loerie, Hankey, and Patensie.
The Bergrivier area is known for its fynbos and luscious thickets, with beautiful stretches of heath that accompany several valleys and a native forest. Bergrivier is blessed with moderate weather and little wind, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway throughout the year.
In 1832, William Williams left Bristol, England, and arrived and settled in Plettenberg Bay. In 1855, during the period of the diamond rush, William prospected on the Bergrivier farm. The little mine where he dug for coal can still be viewed today on the Red Route hiking trail. A family cemetery is home to five generations and is situated near the camping site.
It was here where the Williams families farmed and produced vegetables, fruits, and grains. The produce that was to be sold, had to be transported via an ox-wagon to Port Elizabeth.
This proved to be a challenging route, as the wagon had to be manoeuvred over high slopes and around sharp bends in the road. Later, however, a train station was built near Bergrivier, making the journey to Port Elizabeth more than a day shorter. The train was referred to by the apple farmers as the apple train in the 1900s, and so the Apple Express came to be–up until it stopped running in 2010. The farm was inherited by Japie Williams of the fourth generation in 1967 when his father passed away.
South African tourism had shown tremendous growth in the 1990s and the option became available to develop Bergrivier into an eco retreat. In 2004 Japie and his family moved to Bergrivier and he saw the potential of the 500-hectare land. With hard work and dedication, the Bergrivier Eco Retreat came into existence and now hosts guests from South Africa and other countries like Canada, England, Germany, and Holland.
About Bergrivier Eco Retreat
This historic jewel of a destination forms part of the world-famous Baviaanskloof route and is situated close to the hamlets of Loerie, Hankey, and Patensie.
The Bergrivier area is known for its fynbos and luscious thickets, with beautiful stretches of heath that accompany several valleys and a native forest. Bergrivier is blessed with moderate weather and little wind, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway throughout the year.
In 1832, William Williams left Bristol, England, and arrived and settled in Plettenberg Bay. In 1855, during the period of the diamond rush, William prospected on the Bergrivier farm. The little mine where he dug for coal can still be viewed today on the Red Route hiking trail. A family cemetery is home to five generations and is situated near the camping site.
It was here where the Williams families farmed and produced vegetables, fruits, and grains. The produce that was to be sold, had to be transported via an ox-wagon to Port Elizabeth.
This proved to be a challenging route, as the wagon had to be manoeuvred over high slopes and around sharp bends in the road. Later, however, a train station was built near Bergrivier, making the journey to Port Elizabeth more than a day shorter. The train was referred to by the apple farmers as the apple train in the 1900s, and so the Apple Express came to be–up until it stopped running in 2010. The farm was inherited by Japie Williams of the fourth generation in 1967 when his father passed away.
South African tourism had shown tremendous growth in the 1990s and the option became available to develop Bergrivier into an eco retreat. In 2004 Japie and his family moved to Bergrivier and he saw the potential of the 500-hectare land. With hard work and dedication, the Bergrivier Eco Retreat came into existence and now hosts guests from South Africa and other countries like Canada, England, Germany, and Holland.