Bidstone Cottages - Grasslands National Park

Bidstone Cottages is a guesthouse near Grasslands National Park.

Location
Grasslands National Park, Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Type
camp
Coordinates
-30.723890, 27.827188
Elevation
1,928m
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.bidstonecottages.co.za/
Activities
Bird Watching, Spa
Amenities
Spa, Dining, Bar, Library
Capacity
15 guests
Rooms
4
Child-friendly
Yes

PlnrScore: 55/100

Sustainability

Operates off-grid and is loadshedding free

Wildlife Near This Lodge

779 species observed within 20 km, 14 mammals, 69 birds.

  • Ouhout (Plantae, 98 observations)
  • Purple African Thistle (Plantae, 59 observations)
  • Rustyleaf Currantrhus (Plantae, 57 observations)
  • Lesotho Gladiolus (Plantae, 48 observations)
  • Sweet-brier (Plantae, 45 observations)
  • Skewleaf Sorrel (Plantae, 44 observations)
  • Kangaroo Grass (Plantae, 43 observations)
  • Narrow-leaf Cotton Bush (Plantae, 39 observations)
  • Slab Stonecrop (Plantae, 37 observations)
  • Southern Shadewort (Plantae, 33 observations)

Best Time to Visit Bidstone Cottages

The best months to visit Bidstone Cottages are August, September, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 14.07°C, rainfall 156.4mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 69.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 13.81°C, rainfall 97.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 68.2%
  • March: Good, temperature 12.39°C, rainfall 80.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 8.69°C, rainfall 64.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 68.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 6.33°C, rainfall 32.2mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 59.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 2.52°C, rainfall 29.8mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 61.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 2.06°C, rainfall 21mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 52.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 4.7°C, rainfall 14.9mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 47%
  • September: Great, temperature 8.85°C, rainfall 43.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 11.03°C, rainfall 87.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 53.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 12.25°C, rainfall 96.7mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 60.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 13.64°C, rainfall 136.8mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 66%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to Bidstone Cottages from Johannesburg, and what should we pack for the journey?

We usually fly into East London and then rent a car for the scenic three-hour drive to Bidstone Cottages. The roads are generally good, but a higher clearance vehicle is a nice-to-have, especially after rain. Pack comfortable layers, sturdy walking shoes for bird watching, and a good book for relaxing evenings.

We're keen bird watchers. What avian life can we expect at Bidstone Cottages, and are there specific times or areas we should focus on?

Bidstone Cottages is a birder's paradise. We've spotted everything from the majestic Martial Eagle to tiny Sunbirds right on the property. Early mornings and late afternoons are magical, especially near the water features; we recommend exploring the walking trails radiating from the lodge for the best sightings.

How does Bidstone Cottages handle loadshedding, and what's the general atmosphere like given its off-grid status?

This is one of the things we love most about Bidstone Cottages – it's completely off-grid and loadshedding free. You can expect uninterrupted power, which means hot showers and Wi-Fi whenever you need it. The atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful and connected to nature, without sacrificing comfort.

We're traveling with young children. Is Bidstone Cottages a suitable choice, and what kind of activities are available for them?

Absolutely, Bidstone Cottages is wonderfully child friendly. While the spa is a treat for adults, kids will love exploring the grounds, spotting smaller wildlife, and simply enjoying the freedom of the countryside. The intimate size of the cottages also makes it feel safe and welcoming for families.

Beyond bird watching, what other experiences does Bidstone Cottages offer, and how does it compare to staying inside Grasslands National Park?

While Grasslands National Park offers incredible wildlife viewing, Bidstone Cottages provides a more intimate and relaxed experience. We highly recommend indulging in their spa treatments after a morning of birding. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the sky in hues you won't forget, and the lodge feels luxurious and timeless.

Other Safari Lodges in Grasslands National Park

Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa