GUEST REVIEWS

For a truly unique experience, come and stay at Tonquani for the period Friday 01 July 2011 to Sunday 10 July 2011 when we celebrate our annual Knysna Oyster Festival. We promise that this will be the best 10 Days ever, jam-packed full of constant fun and activities for the whole family.

Regular events such as the Pick N Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon (half marathon), and the Pick N Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour (now a two-day event and the biggest of its kind in South Africa) is spread across the two weeks.

Thousands of people are drawn to our shores to participate, and as many as 200 000 Oysters have been known to be devoured in 10 days! The cultivated Knysna Oyster is unique to this area, and is famous for its fresh and nutty taste. The wild coastal Oyster is also readily available at local eateries, and are more salty in taste.

The fun does not stop here. Other mid-week events include the Wade Bales Wine Festival, Pick N Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras, Knysna Lyster Company Shucking Competition as well as more sporting events such as the Scottish Leader Whisky Bowls Tournament and the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays Waitron Race.

As from this year, there are a few new additions. There is the Geo Oyster Caching Competition, a fun way to navigate around the Knysna Basin, and the Navigation Drift Drive Challenge where scuba divers will attempt to navigate their way under water from The Heads to Thesen’s Jetty without surfacing. A sports event for the disabled, The Pick N Pay Fun Event, is a welcome addition and lastly the Night of 1 000 Pictures, which will be a two-night exhibition by local artists of photography, illustrations and paintings, will be held to raise funds for the Knysna Hospice.

The best stay ever (5pnts out of 5)
Megan Du Toit (Albertinia)

Reviewed 14 May 2011

Tonquani's staff met us with a smile at reception where we checked in, after our beautiful drive to this establishment . A warm fire and flowers greeted us as we walked into our cabin. It was quite chilly that evening, so the cozy atmosphere was much appreciated. What also struck us was the amount of space there was in our cabin. Not your average hotel room, enough personal space! I highly recommend Tonquani !!

Room Tip: Ask for the honeymoon suite

• Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple

Relaxing stay in beautiful Knysna (4pnts out of 5)
Tanya Weaver (Warwick, UK)

Reviewed 13 February 2011

Stayed here for one night on our honeymoon. Wooden chalets very charming. Loved the corner jacuzzi bath. Treated ourselves to a massage in the spa - fantastic! Loved the location of the lodge in the mountain and the layout of the chalets. The only disappointing thing was that I wished that breakfast could have been served outside in the beautiful South African sunshine instead of in a poky dining room.

• Stayed February 2011, travelled as a couple

The staff was warm and friendly and completely honest
Larry Bakersfield (UK)

Reviewed 19 December 2010

We had a wonderful stay at the Tonquani Lodge completely with a luxurious room and a delicious poolside barbecue. The atmosphere was peaceful and the cottages had everything we needed for comfort and privacy. The grounds are beautifully maintained. I was really impressed with the service provided by their staff, especially when I left my passport and some cash in my room upon checkout. When I called they already had my things in their safe, where they held until I returned 4 days later.

• Stayed January 2010, travelled on business

Highly recommended (5 of 5 stars)
Ben Gang - Berlin, Germany

Reviewed 17 September 2010

Such a lovely atmosphere combined with luxury. Friendly owners and a clean lodge... unfortunately I've only stayed there for one night but I will definitely return!

• Stayed September 2010, travelled solo

Review by: Donovan & Liezl Savage, Cape Town

Amazing, stunning, tranquil, beautiful lodge. We had a great time! Lodges were above expectations and the pictures on the web and brochure do not do it justice. Truly a blessed destination and we will definitely be returning. Thank you for an amazing setting and lodge for our honeymoon

• Stayed October 2009

Review by: Kama, United Kingdom

We stayed at Tonquani in September 2009 and we were bowled over by the romanticism of this place. We stayed in the luxury villa - and it was worth every penny. The log villa was huge and oozing with rustic charm and gave you the feeling that you were hiding away in your own personal tree house.

The bedroom had a four-poster bed which was sooo comfortable. The lounge was so comfortable with two squishy sofas, large TV, DVD player, CD stereo system - and DVD's you could rent out if wanted. The bathroom was massive and gorgeous. It had a large open shower (big enough for two), a whirlpool bath and a deep ordinary bath for relaxing after a long day. Outside, you have your own personal dipping pool, together with lounge chairs and beds, and a BBQ (which they will even light and provide you with the meat for it).

There is a nice pool for all guests to use, as well as several lounging areas for people to enjoy. The breakfast is delicious - and you are often welcomed into the breakfast area by a large squawking parrot! We also made use of the spa when we were there and had a relaxing massage which we would recommend. The spa / hotel is located within Knysna but at the top of a hill - which may make it just outside of walking distance to town for most guests. However, if you don't want to drive, taxis can be arranged by the staff - and will cost you about £4 ($7) to get into the centre of Knysna,

• Stayed September 2009

Review by: Jacques & Luan, Cape Town

Hi, We stayed at this lodge for three nights and were truly impressed with the high level of service and attentiveness throughout our stay. We informed our hosts beforehand that we are vegetarian and were delighted to be offered vegetarian sausages and other options on the breakfast buffet. The log chalet was decorated elegantly and was in a nice quiet / private position. We loved the silkie hen and chicks walking past our cottage in the morning. There were other couples with children, but the lodge was very peaceful. Thank you, we had a fantastic time.

• Stayed September 2009