Escape to the wilderness of an exclusive game farm
A luxury private game farm on the edge of the Fish River Valley in the Eastern Cape, Clifton Lodge offers a tranquil escape into the South African wilderness.
No more than a twenty minute drive from the creative Eastern Cape hamlet of Grahamstown, settled within the scenic and tranquil Fish River Valley, where the aloes, spekboom and wild plum trees blanket the Karoo bushveld plains, Clifton Lodge invites you in to a remote, utopian hideaway. Your own exclusive game farm, where you and your favourite travelling clan can escape to the wilds with the spiral-horned antelope that freely roam the valleys. Kudu, Eland, Nyala, Impala, Hartebeest, Zebra, Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Warthog and Giraffe (to list but a few). Claiming the landscape in their strides. Where the Black Harriers, Martial and Fish Eagles, Goshawks, Hoopoes, Bustards and Blue Cranes soar through the skies, over the Winterberg Hogsback and Katberg Mountain Ranges. All framing the viewpoints of the lodge, drawing you out into the bushveld with that invigorating fragrant, earthy air.
Clifton Lodge is comfortably settled on 5,200 hectares of private game farm, offering over 4km of private river frontage. Shared with the Kingfishers, the Secretary Birds and other river life amongst the reeds. Perfect for those multigenerational getaways, this hideaway generously accommodates your crowd in its farmhouse suites and nearby lodge suites, with multiple entertainment areas, dining rooms, formal and laidback living spaces, long patios, and outdoor braai and boma areas. A games room and lovely reading nooks and tranquil seating spots, allowing for everyone to get their holiday wishes ticked. All furnished in that typical safari style, layered in luxury and familiar comforts, historical literature on the shelves, antiques adding to the romance, and of course, animal heads making the obvious bush statements.
A special safari spot in the invigorating surrounds of the Great Fish River Valley
Venturing to this beautiful, secluded spot in the Eastern Cape as a safari clan, you will have all of the perks of your very own bush lodge in the palm of your hands. As all of the game is relatively tame, your morning adventures will begin with a long walk through the veld. Endless nature trails to explore – the odd 2km hike or a 15-20km expedition to the banks of the Great Fish River. An abundance of diverse routes, providing new viewpoints and different game sightings daily. Some wonderful cycling paths that can be a gentle cruise through the wilderness or a more challenging climb up the mountains. Picnics by the river, or in the spekboom forests. Game drives and plenty of birdwatching. You’ll also love to simply relax on the grounds of the lodge. Lounging beside the swimming pool, shaded by the pepper trees. Playing games on the lawn, gathering around the long Yellowwood dining tables and the fire-pit of the boma area. Sipping on those sundowners that mimic the shades of the transitioning skies. Living that idyllic bush life.
What we love!
- Watching the sunrise from the patios, hot brew in one hand, homemade rusk in the other, witnessing the day come to life. The birds that sing their song and the colours that set the tone of all that awaits. Then off on an early morning walk…utter bliss in the bush.
- There are a plethora of places to sit and watch the sun as it sets. But the boma on the hill has to be one of the most magical. Its 360-degree views engulfing the scene. Then heading back to the property and lighting the fire at the boma next to the lodge, the massive open fireplace in the games room and the braai for the next feasting. Ensuring the flames warm-up the spaces, all ready for the chats and fun that ensues.
- Having so much space for everyone to either gather and be together, or tending to their own individual time of rest. The TV / games room is a real bonus for the kids to retreat to when some downtime is needed.
What you need to know…
- Clifton Lodge is located just outside of the town of ancient town of Grahamstown, otherwise known as Makhanda and a 90-minute drive from Port Elizabeth.
- For all cycling enthusiasts, this is a great place to explore the bushveld by bike. If you love a round or two of golf, Grahamstown and its courses are only a twenty-minute drive away. Abseiling is also an option for those that are good with heights, target shooting, as well as horse riding. All of this will need to be arranged prior to your stay.
- Game you are likely to encounter at the lodge: East Cape Kudu, Eland, Nyala, Bushbuck, Gemsbok, Impala, Springbuck, Waterbuck, Hartebeest, Mountain Reedbuck, Steenbuck, Duiker, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Warthog. A wide variety of birds including Kori and Denham Bustard, Secretary Birds, Blue Cranes, Goshawks, Black Harriers, Martial Eagles, Fish Eagles, King Fishers, Red Bill Hoopoe and many bushveld birds (some migratory).
- This property is great for multigenerational gatherings or special occasions – whatever the season.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie