When I was much younger (can’t actually remember how old I was and my mom has a worse memory than me, so I can’t ask her), we went on a trip to Clifftop Lodge. At the time, my mom knew the owner; so we managed to get it for very cheap (if not free) and my sister, mom and I had a totally brilliant time.
As I got older, I kept a constant watch on the Clifftop website because I wanted to go there with my boyfriend but I knew that we just couldn’t afford the standard prices (approximately R4800 per person). So when a winter special came out this year (R1800 per person), although it was still a lot, I just had to jump at the opportunity. Yes we could only afford to stay for one night, but I knew that that one night would be legendary (not to spoil the ending but it was).
We arrived slightly early and were happy to find that only 5 minutes later, the safari vehicle arrived to take us up to the lodge (we called along the way to let them know where we were). I’m always a bit worried to leave my car anywhere, but I realised it would be safe in the parking area of the reserve as it was fenced in with guards etc.
Even the drive from the car park to the lodge was great fun. Like a mini game drive before we’d even begun. We went up this really steep hill and Jen laughed hysterically in the back. I think she was slightly terrified.
We were greeted getting out of the car with hot towels and the manager introducing herself and ready to show us around. After a tour of about 10 minutes, she went to check that our room was ready (which it was).
The room itself had a stunning view over the entire Welgevonden Game Reserve and particularly the river down below (where apparently elephants had been drinking just the day before). I was really keen to use the outdoor shower and also the plunge pool (which ended up being freezing).
I just couldn’t get enough of the gigantic bath tub that had glass doors which opened all the way to experience the awesome views. We later used this for an amazing bubble bath to look at all the stars.
We did enjoy the bubble bath later that night, but totally had to keep our ears open for leopards (or any other creature that might eat us), as there aren’t any fences to keep the animals out.
The bed was enormous. I reckon it could have fit about 8 people in it sleeping comfortably. It was also incredibly warm as we later found out that night. They didn’t kid around in winter. Not only was the heater on when we came back from dinner, but we also had like three blankets and two sheets.
When we went for lunch, we couldn’t have got a better view of the river below and they had set up a table just for the two of us which was great. We do like our food and sometimes we can be a bit fussy, but we were slightly disappointed in lunch. It filled the gap (which was surprising since it was a salad), but it was somewhat lacking in taste.
After lunch, all we wanted to do was chill by the splash pool in the sun and enjoy some time off. We didn’t realise how quick time passed at Clifftop though and before we knew it, we were showering (in the outdoor shower) and getting dressed quickly before running to the game vehicle for our afternoon drive.
Jen and I have never been on a game drive together (where we weren’t driving that is), so we really looked forward to just sitting back and enjoying it. Who knew it would be 3 hours long and we would get to see so many animals? We saw rhinos (with a baby), elephants, wildebeest, giraffes and a lion trying to catch a warthog. I really enjoyed when we pulled over and got asked what drinks we would like and had a few snacks as well.
After an amazing game drive, we got back to the lodge to have a quick shower and change before heading in for dinner. By this point it already felt like we’d been eating all day, but that has never bothered us before. They sat us all alone again (which is exactly how we like it) in front of a huge fireplace.
The starters and desserts were amazing, but somehow both of us ended up with overcooked mains. Slightly disappointing again, but the fire and company more than made up for it.
After our dinner and bath under the stars, we were more than tired (too much fresh air) and jumped into our cocoon (super warm bed) for the night. We slept really well and were woken again at 6 am for our morning game drive. It looked like a lot of people decided to skip the early morning one, because it was only us and one other couple in the vehicle.
We didn’t see as many animals in the morning, but it was cool to see the sunrise over the bush and we went a different route to the previous day. We happened to find some lion tracks in sand next to the vehicle as we were travelling. My favourite part of the morning was when we stopped for a little breakfast/snack with coffee in an open field overlooking a vast grass valley. You could actually see all the way to the other side of the reserve.
After another 3 hour game drive (just so relaxing), we had to come back and pack our things. You wouldn’t believe how much of a mess we can make in just one day. It’s crazy! We then went for our breakfast on an outer deck and that food we couldn’t fault. It was first fruit, yoghurt and muesli and then a full English breakfast or scrambled eggs and salmon. Way too much food and totally delicious.
All in all, I loved every minute of it and next year when the special comes up again, we are totally going. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves nature and wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of cellphone towers (since cellphones don’t have any signal up here and their wifi was down) and city life.
Even though we only stayed one night, I could probably write for days about the luxury and the completely amazing service that we received. It felt like we were VIP guests and everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome, taken care of and spoilt. I’m always worried going to a 5 star resort will make me feel out of place since I’m not a millionaire and I’m not used to being spoilt, but at Clifftop it wasn’t like that at all. I felt like I’d booked a week away at a luxury resort and definitely got my money’s worth. We will definitely be back! 🙂
Even the drive from the car park to the lodge was great fun. Like a mini game drive before we’d even begun. We went up this really steep hill and Jen laughed hysterically in the back. I think she was slightly terrified.