"Th Owners are very friendly and the property is great for a relaxing stay."

"Birches cottage is set in the beautiful surroundings of Underberg, conveniently close to town. We appreciate how accommodating the hosts were after our plans took another turn."

"The estate was magnificent and beautiful- where space became the place and time became the moment A perfect, quiet and serene place to catch up with yourself. We would love to come back :) Elsabe and Huck were very kind and helpful, thanks for creating such a beautiful space. "

"Ons het lekker bebly en dit baie geniet. Goeie plek vanwaar omgewing verken kan word"

"We had such a peaceful and enjoyable time, the units are well looked after and we were treated like family. Loved the fact that it was not in town, we took a walk down to the river and it was so relaxing. The breakfast at the Lem..."

"We had such a peaceful and enjoyable time, the units are well looked after and we were treated like family. Loved the fact that it was not in town, we took a walk down to the river and it was so relaxing. The breakfast at the Lemon Tree in town was so good. Will be back sooner rather than later."

"A beautiful, cozy cottage with amazing views. The estate has beautiful garden and trails which lead to a river. Serene and peaceful. We had a wonderful weekend there. The owners were very kind and friendly. The breakfast, which was served at their restaurant, was filling and delicious. "

"After a very friendly welcome, the BIrches is a wonderfully restful, serene get away. The scenery is exquisite and the 'getting back to nature' was very tranquil and relaxing.

Ivan and Linda Radloff"

"We loved our stay at Birches Cottages. It was quite cold, but they had heaters throughout the unit as well as feather duvets and electric blankets.

The food was exceptional and our host was extremely helpful with activities in the area and ensuring that we had everything we required during ou..."

"We loved our stay at Birches Cottages. It was quite cold, but they had heaters throughout the unit as well as feather duvets and electric blankets.

The food was exceptional and our host was extremely helpful with activities in the area and ensuring that we had everything we required during our stay."

"Arrived during a cold snap to a warm welcome and amazing hosts. Clean, well-equipped little cottage that had an amazingly large and comfortable bed. All the necessary items and our hosts were even willing to give us a few items we needed too. Breakfast was UNBELIEVABLE. We were blown away by our vis..."

"Arrived during a cold snap to a warm welcome and amazing hosts. Clean, well-equipped little cottage that had an amazingly large and comfortable bed. All the necessary items and our hosts were even willing to give us a few items we needed too. Breakfast was UNBELIEVABLE. We were blown away by our visit to the Lemon Tree Bistro, and I honestly wish we lived in Underberg so I could become a local. Left with full hearts and tummies. Need I say more. "

"A lovely quaint cottage. It is very peaceful and the walk to the river is beautiful. The hosts were exceptional and the breakfast at the Lemon Tree Bistro was fantastic!. Thank you Huck & Elsabe."

"Such a lovely stay, from the moment we arrived we felt such warmth and hospitality. We would love to go back soon. Was the perfect little getaway for my little family. Thank you!"

"Everything was great: from the nice sherry welcome to the well-appointed cottages. Comfortable and tastefully homely. And wonderfully located: don't miss the walk down to the river where I saw three otters! John, Sue and Gil Black (UK)"

"I recently stayed in this delightful place for the weekend. The hosts were exceptionally welcoming and helpful. The breakfast was superb. It's located in a very nice private area with the stunning river valley just below the property.

The accomodation was spacious and very well appointed with..."

"I recently stayed in this delightful place for the weekend. The hosts were exceptionally welcoming and helpful. The breakfast was superb. It's located in a very nice private area with the stunning river valley just below the property.

The accomodation was spacious and very well appointed with everything one needs.

Most certainly would stay here again when back in the Underberg."

"Thank you for a relaxing few days. Just what we needed. "

"We wanted to rest, and that we did in Comfort, peace, with lots of hospitality and friendship!"

"The most outstanding and amazing place to be. The cosiness of the cottage and the warmth of the staff made our stay extra special.

The extraordinary people Huck and Elsabe with their charming and friendliness personality made us feel as if we were in heaven.

The Lemon Tree Bistro is ..."

"The most outstanding and amazing place to be. The cosiness of the cottage and the warmth of the staff made our stay extra special.

The extraordinary people Huck and Elsabe with their charming and friendliness personality made us feel as if we were in heaven.

The Lemon Tree Bistro is a must to visit as their Cappuccino's and Hot Chocolate is to die for. Meals are prepared timeously and deliciously.

Well done to Huck and Elsabe and to everyone at the Birches Cottage and the Lemon Tree Bistro for making our stay a memorable one."

"The hospitality from Huck and Elsabe was heart-warming. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the breakfasts at the Lemon Tree Bistro."

"Beautiful little gem and the breakfast is something extraordinarily special! Will return."

"Good place to relax. Neat and quiet with a good stretch of river flowing through the property."

"Even though we only stayed 2 nights, it was peacefull and very pleasant. The cottage was spotless and well fitted out. The estate has some great walks and stunning views of the valley."

"A great and very well equiped lodge just a few kilometers outside Underberg. The short trails to and from the river are great and very well maintained. The owners of this lodge both have the right level of hospitality in their blood ! We had dinner as well as breakfast in 'The lemmon-tree'(owned by ..."

"A great and very well equiped lodge just a few kilometers outside Underberg. The short trails to and from the river are great and very well maintained. The owners of this lodge both have the right level of hospitality in their blood ! We had dinner as well as breakfast in 'The lemmon-tree'(owned by the same owner as the owner of the cottage) and it was great.

Friendly regards, Giny and Ted Posthumus, Maseru, lesotho/The Netherlands."

"We had a wonderful stay (for the weekend) at Birches and Willows. Beautiful walks on the property and the breakfast at Lemon Tree was excellent. The cottage was clean and comfortable and very spacious."

"The cottage is amazing! It is spacious and very comfortable. Huck and Elsabe's personal touces makes this place even more special, and Happiness' assistance and great service is much appreciated. I would recommend this to anyone, and we are already planning a return trip."

"Wow! What more should we say. Birches Cottage was absolutely superb. Well done Huck and Elsabe. Derek, myself and the kids were so happy to stay in a B&B which has so much to offer. We will certainly be back as soon as we can and will keep coming time and time again as Underberg has a special place ..."

"Wow! What more should we say. Birches Cottage was absolutely superb. Well done Huck and Elsabe. Derek, myself and the kids were so happy to stay in a B&B which has so much to offer. We will certainly be back as soon as we can and will keep coming time and time again as Underberg has a special place in our hearts and so does Birches Cottage - not forgetting The Lemon Tree Bistro. Thanks again Derek, Zel and the kids."

"Nice, quiet place with beautiful garden and great walking path to the river."

"Nice, quiet place with beautiful garden and great walking path to the river. "

"Birches was very comfortable, and the environment picturesque. Would definitely have a repeat visit. Huck and Elsabe are very hospitable. Great pancakes and interesting store at Lemon Tree. "

"Absolutely wonderful! We will definitely go back!"

"Lovely place - very spacious cottage. On the property you have access to the river (great in summer). Also close to a lot of adventure destinations: hikes in the Drakensberg, tubing, mountainbiking etc.

The 4km gravel road to the cottage is not too great.

Very friendly and helpful ..."

"Lovely place - very spacious cottage. On the property you have access to the river (great in summer). Also close to a lot of adventure destinations: hikes in the Drakensberg, tubing, mountainbiking etc.

The 4km gravel road to the cottage is not too great.

Very friendly and helpful staff. "

"We had a lovely time at Birches cottages, it was by far the most luxurious cottage that we have stayed in (and we love travelling). The hosts (Huck and Elsabe) are warm, friendly people that ensured all our needs were met. We would definitely go back someday and recommend it to all."

"Peaceful, beatiful place - out of this world hosts (HUCK and ELSABE) we will definitely go back - astonishing veiws, comfortable and superb accommodation - beatifully decorated. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!"

"Apart from the beauty of the surrounds the general approach to environment and people at Birches adds to the positive experience. This is not just about business."

"We stayed at the Birches and it was wonderful. The biggest and most comfortable bed ever, everything was clean and tidy and the breakfasts were great. I would recommend it to anyone."

"This must count as one of the best holidays we've ever had. We have been to many lesser-known destinations in the country, but this is the first that we are adamant we will return to. The service and hospitality were fantastic. The house is tastefully and exquisitely furnished, we lacked nothing...."

"This must count as one of the best holidays we've ever had. We have been to many lesser-known destinations in the country, but this is the first that we are adamant we will return to. The service and hospitality were fantastic. The house is tastefully and exquisitely furnished, we lacked nothing. Elsabe and Huck are wonderfully friendly people and definitely have the right approach to running a guesthouse. The tranquility of the guesthouse and surrounds was revitalising. It is also central enough to a whole host of activities and places of interest, winter or summer. We had an incredible stay at Birches Cottage and look forward to our next visit. "

"We spent two nights with our sons, aged 16 and 13, at Birches and Willows cottages. Huck and Elsabe made our visit so memorable, even reserving tubes for us prior to our arrival, as the main reason for our visit was for us to do some river tubing with the boys. They are in a wonderful position to ..."

"We spent two nights with our sons, aged 16 and 13, at Birches and Willows cottages. Huck and Elsabe made our visit so memorable, even reserving tubes for us prior to our arrival, as the main reason for our visit was for us to do some river tubing with the boys. They are in a wonderful position to do this, being a short walk to the river and back home again afterwards. We thoroughly enjoyed a 1 1/2 hour trip down the river, especially as Huck was able to advise me where to get out so that I didn't have to 'brave' the Tokolosh rapids! The scenery and accommodation is superb and little extra's, so cheerfully provided by Happiness, such as Rosemary sprigs scattered throughout, early evening Sherry and chocolates and even the use of a weber braai as it was raining, give this Bed and Breakfast a 5-star grading . Breakfast was great! We can't remember how long it is since we lingered so long, chatting in a wonderful atmosphere at the Lemon Tree Bistro, enjoying breakfast with a distinct continental flavour - 'Kent sandwich' crisp rye bread, grated cheese, ham, scrambled eggs and a special sauce on top. With excellent Cappuchino and fresh pancakes to finish we were most definitely set up for the day. We arrived as guests but felt as though we left as friends - thank you."

"Perfect accommodation, perfect hosts and perfect place. We were treated like royalty and would recommend Birches Cottage to anyone who wants to get away from it all and find a peace of heaven. "

"The place was very nice, warm hospitality (particular thanks to Happiness and Thabo), but the road to arrive the Birches cottage was really bad!"

"Our stay at The Birches country lodge was just what we needed to unwind from a stressful year. The accommodation was perfect in every way. The hosts were very welcoming making us feel at home. The cottage is very well equipped and has all the modern comforts. The walks overlooking the Umzimkulu ri..."

"Our stay at The Birches country lodge was just what we needed to unwind from a stressful year. The accommodation was perfect in every way. The hosts were very welcoming making us feel at home. The cottage is very well equipped and has all the modern comforts. The walks overlooking the Umzimkulu river is spectacular. We had a lovely swim in the river. The peace and tranquility here ensures that its a great place to unwind. We will definitely be back "

"Our stay overnight was lovely, the grounds are amazing. Unfortunately we did not do the deck or the River, but will make a plan if we decide to stay over again.
The hosts, actually came through to introduce themselves, a first for us. The unit was beautiful and the bed and pillows were the most..."

"Our stay overnight was lovely, the grounds are amazing. Unfortunately we did not do the deck or the River, but will make a plan if we decide to stay over again.
The hosts, actually came through to introduce themselves, a first for us. The unit was beautiful and the bed and pillows were the most comfortable that I have slept on.
The one drawback, the skylights in the bedroom, do not allow you to sleep in, as it gets so bright, so early.
But great none-the-less.
"

"The staff was excellent and gave the best service. The bedroom was well equipped, comfortable and cozy. Nothing was out of place and we couldn’t find fault anywhere. Definitely going back to revisit."

"Ideal weekend getaway venue. Lovely gardens surrounded by farmlands. Lovely views over the Umzimkulu river and wonderful trails to walk for some recreation (or in our case this past weekend a Sani Stagger recovery walk).
Happiness (the room keeper) is a real gem. Friendly and more than willing t..."

"Ideal weekend getaway venue. Lovely gardens surrounded by farmlands. Lovely views over the Umzimkulu river and wonderful trails to walk for some recreation (or in our case this past weekend a Sani Stagger recovery walk).
Happiness (the room keeper) is a real gem. Friendly and more than willing to assist with anything. "

"I had a beautiful stay at The Birches Country Lodge. What stood out for me while I was there, was the friendliness of the people, the amazing view, the Host is a good person, and the place was well equipped and well serviced. Everything was just great."

"We really loved our stay at the lodge. Their gardens are absolutely stunning – on every corner we were greeted by a flowering azalea display. And the swimming “holes” in the Umzinkulu were rated as fantastic by my “jump-into-every-puddle” husband.

Regards
The Bauer’s
"

"We welcomed spring in a charming way this year; at Birches Country Lodge. It was a beautiful stay, with lovely views by the country-side. The linen was crisp clean, we loved the bathrooms & big mirrors and totally appreciated the privacy. Look forward to coming back for another weekend during the su..."

"We welcomed spring in a charming way this year; at Birches Country Lodge. It was a beautiful stay, with lovely views by the country-side. The linen was crisp clean, we loved the bathrooms & big mirrors and totally appreciated the privacy. Look forward to coming back for another weekend during the sunny seasons to experience the tranquility of the meditation garden in the estate!"

"A beautiful, clean, snuggly, warm place, despite the chilly winter outside. You will see us again!!
"

"We had a a wonderful time at The Birches Country Lodge. The staff are very hospitable and the rooms really well appointed. Surely a place to visit."

"An awesome setting, lovely welcome and beautiful rooms, thank you."

"I don't think anyone could be more hospitable! We arrived quite late and were warmly received. The rooms were immaculate and the hosts very accommodating. Due to leaving early to explore the area we were unable to enjoy the lovely breakfast on offer from their restaurant they run off-site so they ..."

"I don't think anyone could be more hospitable! We arrived quite late and were warmly received. The rooms were immaculate and the hosts very accommodating. Due to leaving early to explore the area we were unable to enjoy the lovely breakfast on offer from their restaurant they run off-site so they organised an extraordinary feast for us in our room. The rooms were adorned with photos Huck had himself taken, and they were very impressive.

The property is set rurally and although the road is a little rough getting to the property it is a lovely quiet retreat set on a hillside with gardens ambling down to the river below where I am informed you can swim and it is quite warm. While it is a country haven, it is only a few kilometres back to the main highway and on your way again.

We would definitely return if we were ever back in the area."

"The Orbans were very friendly hosts, it was like being in our own garden of Eden in the well kept beautiful gardens, with its many water features and quiet places to sit, with a walk along the river with magnificent viewing decks. The room was very well equipped and the breakfast was good. We would..."

"The Orbans were very friendly hosts, it was like being in our own garden of Eden in the well kept beautiful gardens, with its many water features and quiet places to sit, with a walk along the river with magnificent viewing decks. The room was very well equipped and the breakfast was good. We would definitely recommend it."

"All aspects of staying at the Birches Country Lodge are indeed 5 star! The tranquillity in the gardens along the river bank do wonders for the mind.
The hospitality is exceptional. We had a wonderful week and can highly recommend the Birches as a quiet get away.
"

"It was a very nice and comfortable place to stay. Huck and Elsabé where very friendly and the accommodation was beautiful; it had a very warm feeling to it. The service was brilliant - our stay was very wonderful! Thank you for the beautiful place!"

"Staying at The Birches for 3 nights has to be one of the highlights of our 6 week South African holiday. The accommodation is outstanding in an idyllic location and the hosts and their team make you feel so welcome. We had our breakfasts and an evening meal at our host's restaurant and the food is..."

"Staying at The Birches for 3 nights has to be one of the highlights of our 6 week South African holiday. The accommodation is outstanding in an idyllic location and the hosts and their team make you feel so welcome. We had our breakfasts and an evening meal at our host's restaurant and the food is of the highest quality. A truly memorable stay and we have no hesitation in recommending it highly to those looking to stay in Underberg."

"The Birches Cottage, located on an old dairy estate near Underberg in the foothills of the Drakensberg, is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy for a few days. Both the quality of the accommodation and the setting are superb. The visitor is encouraged to roam around the grounds of the cottage which ..."

"The Birches Cottage, located on an old dairy estate near Underberg in the foothills of the Drakensberg, is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy for a few days. Both the quality of the accommodation and the setting are superb. The visitor is encouraged to roam around the grounds of the cottage which descend down to the bilharzias-free Umzimkhulu River where there are two superb spots for swimming on a hot day. On the side of the valley there are also facilities for braai’s, a plunge pool and ample space for simply sitting and relaxing - all with a beautiful view of the river. The cottage itself is self catering and equipped to the highest standard. Powerful hot showers and a comfortable king-size double bed make for a deeply restful night's sleep; the aperitifs and chocolates served by the cottage assistant Happiness were a great touch and got us into the right frame of mind for our stay.
Hosts Huck and Elsabé Orban were genuine, friendly and interested people and gave us a warm welcome. The stylish and well-known Lemon Tree restaurant in Underberg, which they also own and run, is where our scrumptious complimentary breakfasts were served - It is also the perfect place from which to meet local people or plan an exciting day's activities in the beautiful countryside around Underberg, or onwards into Lesotho.
"

"Such attention to detail - fine linen, extra toiletries, good magazines and even a small decanter of sweet wine. The breakfasts (choose your own combination) at the Lemon Tree (also owned by the Orbans) were excellent. The best chocolate brownies ever! We loved the secluded seating spots around the ..."

"Such attention to detail - fine linen, extra toiletries, good magazines and even a small decanter of sweet wine. The breakfasts (choose your own combination) at the Lemon Tree (also owned by the Orbans) were excellent. The best chocolate brownies ever! We loved the secluded seating spots around the garden, the herb garden, the walks, the river, the country night sounds and the friendly peacock."