We venture to the bush because it’s that rare, raw and wondrous place that has a way of taking us back to a primal existence. Where there are no boundaries or barriers between you and the untamed. Where a relationship exists with the wilderness that’s navigated entirely by nature’s clock. Rising with the morning sun, the scent of the fresh earth and the call of the birds. Resting with the pulse of the landscape’s pacifying lullaby. Some of us love an all-in, double-dose, dawn-till-dusk, jam-packed adventure. And some of us like to listen to the land and allow it to dictate the day’s itinerary. In the heart of the Waterberg, a declared UNESCO world heritage site on 38-hectares that claim the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Cliffside Lodge returns you to your roots. Where you are obliged to let the untamed tame your hearts, quieten your minds and still your breath.
Teetering on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of the reserve, the dam and flowing river below where the big five gather for bathing and drinking and sweeping and sauntering, this safari hideaway is exclusively yours for as many as ten of your favourite people. Its biophilic design – a seamless connection to the ecosystem of nature’s narrative – Cliffside Lodge’s locally sourced stone build extends itself along the craggy edges of the cliff, opening out to the skies, the rolling plains, the watering holes and the mountains in the distance. Six luxuriously spacious suites generously cocoon you from the outside, without any hinderance to the magnificent views. The living, dining and entertaining areas are all connected and discreetly serviced by the wonderful team of housekeepers, a personal chef and concierge service. You and your clan are at liberty to have your safari fine-tuned to your wild hearts’ desires.
Each morning you’ll rise with the sun, the windows open and tilting up towards the golden light, enjoying that first hot brew of the day. Depending on the clan’s wish list, you’ll either venture out on to the trails, for a guided tour of the reserve, spotting the birds, the trees, the insects and the wildlife. Whether it be by foot or by vehicle, there are a plethora of spectacular routes to explore with your FGASA field guide. A delightful breakfast picnic at the lapa, or around the infinity swimming pool back at the lodge. Hours of reading and reclining in the ample living and relaxing spaces. Boules, kids croquet, board games and Swedish massages in the comfort of your own suite before heading out for a late afternoon game drive. Whatever tickles your fancy, this is your safari, on your clock that’s perfectly attuned to that of nature’s. There’s no urgency for anything other than each other, ensconced in the most sublime setting. When the stars come out, as an indicator of the environment, the hour of the day and indeed that relationship with the wilderness, you’ll be reminded on how sacred our existence is in the bush. And why we venture to it as often as we possibly can.
What we love!
- Witnessing the herds of elephant – sometimes as many as 70 – bathing and drinking from the river below.
- The birdlife is wonderful – the colourful woodland kingfishers in summer and the African fish eagle are revered as residents to the lodge and can be heard and seen all year round.
- With the lodge being unfenced, the game roam freely, allowing you that feeling of complete immersion with the wilderness. The beautiful design of the property makes way for many secure seating areas – some on the garden roofs – completely protected and secure for peace of mind.
- The interiors and contemporary statements on style make this destination exemplary for all of your safari wants and wishes, without detracting from the incredible views of the landscape. The interior garden and walkways around the property are that additional element of consideration and appreciation for the land that the build inhabits.
- You are completely at your leisure to design your own daily itineraries, with the amazing staff fitting in around your schedule. You can also have a day to yourselves without the intrusion of anyone else around, should you wish.
What you need to know…
- Please note Cliffside Lodge can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room-by-room basis.
- The lodge has been privately owned for decades, settled within the Waterberg region, malaria-free and home to the Big Five, only a 2h30min drive from Johannesburg.
- There is a heated infinity swimming pool, a gym and expansive entertaining spaces to host as many as 10 of your guests, incredibly comfortably.
- For all additional excursions and adventures in the bush, including external helicopter rides and bushmen cave exploring, the concierge service will tend to every request.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie