OTTERS DEN RIVER LODGE
"The River Lodge on an Island in the Blyde River"
As from 1 September 2010, Otters Den is only available to Sun Catchers Balloon passengers.
Why only for Balloon passengers?
Otters Den River Lodge was our first venture into the tourism industry. From here we developed a white water rafting operation
and our balloon air service. After having run the lodge successfully for 16 years, we found our attention divided between hospitality
and ballooning. Hence we decided to scale down the accommodation side of our business, allowing us to afford our balloon service
the full attention it demands. Due to the convenience of having an accommodation facility that can bring balloon passengers right
to our doorstep we have decided that Otters Den will remain open, but only for prospective aeronauts.
A special experience
One reaches the camp by crossing the Blyde River by suspension bridge, symbolizing your escape into wilderness.
The camp is designed to accommodate a group of up to ten guests comfortably in five chalets. The chalets are combination stone/thatch/canvas structures with timber decks on stilts, overlooking the river. The central lodge area is where the meals are served and it has a dining room, timber deck, bar, braai, TV lounge and plunge pool.
The island is 50ha of forest, veld and wetland and has 2km of river front on the main channel of the river.
The meals are sumptuous. Due consideration is given to guests with special dietary requirements. Much use is made of home grown fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Mosquitoes are seldom a problem and in summer, your ceiling fan can be turned on for a cool night's sleep. Mosquito nets are provided but are seldom needed.
Well before sunrise, guests join the crew and pilots at the launch site, where coffee and tea is served. After the flight, passengers are transferred back to Otters Den for a sumptuous breakfast.
