Sunbird Lodge and Fynbos Reserve is located above the town of Napier, looking north. The view from most of the farm’s vantage points is spectacular all year round, but especially in winter. From the lodge, visitors can see a patchwork quilt of bright green and yellow grain fields thrown over the softly rolling hills that stretch away across the northern Overberg to the Riviersonderend Mountains. Come October and the colour leaches away to the various tones of brown as the oats, barley and canola ripen and harvesting commences.
The lodge is a double rondavel. One is an en-suite bedroom, with the other being a well-appointed kitchen with enough facilities for any cook. There are many trails and walks through the mountain Fynbos, and cyclists are welcome. More than anything, this is the ideal spot for complete relaxation and contemplation. For anyone wanting a break from the kitchen chores, a grand English breakfast and braais (barbecues) can be arranged. A wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction books are supplied for the avid readers. For those wanting to adventure a little further, there is barely a place in the Overberg more than an hours drive away. De Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Agulhas, Gansbaai, Hermanus, Swellendam and Caledon are all within easy reach.
The farm is farmed with a strong conservation ethic. The fynbos on the farm is in a near pristine state with a huge range of ericas and proteas, however there is a serious pine and other invasive alien plant problem. Most of the Smuts’ energy goes into trying to keep this green cancer at bay. Visitors are encouraged to cut and remove at least one tree during their stay!
The more adventurous visitor can enjoy a swim in the mountain pools on the farm. Many residents of Napier tell stories of how they learnt to swim in these pools. And one or two, with a wink, give the impression they learned a little more than that too! The pools are certainly secluded enough for the utmost privacy, unless anyone is worried about what a bird or baboon might think.
Ideally, the lodge can accommodate a single couple, but can just as easily take a family with two children. Pricing is very reasonable at Sunbird Lodge, especially for stays of three days or longer. Visitors wanting a guided walk will find the Smuts’s eager to take a break from farm duties and show off the many things to do and see in the Overberg.
Accommodation:
Erica:
Our cosy thatch cottage sleeps two and has a bathroom with shower, kitchenette and a fireplace in the bedroom. There is a bookshelf filled with games and books and a television (no pay stations).
The cottage is self-catering or you can choose to have breakfast on the balcony at the main house and enjoy the spectacular view.
Restio:
Accommodation is in a wing of the mainhouse with its own separate entrance. Ideal for a couple with space for two children. This wing has the same spectacular view as from the main house. It has its own self-catering kitchen and being the newest addition to Sunbird Lodge, is rather upmarket – new everything (television, DVD player, hi-fi etc.), generous deck and built in braai (barbeque) facilities, also including underfloor heating and bedroom fireplace.
