One of our team, Jako, recently went to visit the malaria free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, in Limpopo, north of Johannesburg in South Africa. He returned raving about Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway, saying it was in his top 5!
Here is Jako’s Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway in the Waterberg Review
As I approached the Waterberg… I had to pinch myself… this majestic mountain range in the Northern part of South Africa laid stretched out in front of me like an oversized, gigantic boulder, afternoon sunrays lightened this rock formation up like a spotlight one would find on stage and if you listened carefully you could hear the rumble of a thunderstorm approaching. I immediately knew Mother Nature is showing off… again. I was mesmerised by this area’s unspoilt beauty. As I approached the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve I thought I heard a rumble in the distance… typical of a bushveld thunderstorm, as fast as you thought it’s coming for you it disappeared like it was never even there.
The drive to the malaria free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is an easy 3 hours drive from Johannesburg and once you arrive at this magnificent reserve’s gates – it is all forgotten anyway. We were met by Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway’s very friendly assistant manager Orbet in our open 4 x4 safari vehicle. After a quick 15 minute drive along the rocky gravel road I quickly understood why they recommend you leave your shiny sedan at the gates.
Nothing really prepares you of what you are about to experience when you enter Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway reception area. I knew there was reason why it was called Clifftop (I imagined it was perched up on a little hill, with a bit of a view) but as I approached their cosy lounge area and as I caught a glimpse of what was waiting down below, I literally had to catch another breath… and suddenly the word breath taking had new meaning. With the river valley below and hanging rugged cliffs… I immediately knew how this lodge earned its name. Lunch was informal but scrumptious… succulent pork chops with a fresh garden salad all washed down with G&T or two.
Just when I thought life could not get better we were escorted to our room… or rather allow me rephrase… our own African palace… with more square meters that I could count it was fitted out for royalty (no wonder I spotted some well known names in their guestbook) – crisp white linen, an enormous bath, inside and outside shower, fantastic guest amenities, a plunge pool, a thatched gazebo and then again that incredible view, that took my breath away for the second time around.
All I wanted to do is just stay put in my suite and enjoy the amazing surroundings – but in no time it was time to embark on the all time favourite of any safari enthusiast… the afternoon game drive. Our guide was very knowledgeable and although we did not tick all of the Big 5 off our check list, the immense beauty of this reserve captured me and I was lucky enough to see the biggest herd of elephant I have ever seen … easily exceeding one hundred.
Back at the lodge we were greeted by the very efficient Ursula the lodge manager and were shown to our dinner table. Dinner was perfect… the kudu was cooked to perfection and the table completed with oversized wine glasses and crisp white linen. Whilst enjoying dinner, that hide and seek thunderstorm from earlier surprised us out of the blue…. And as I enjoyed the heavenly sweetness of our desert, I wished that that moment could carry on for ever.
As a safari consultant I know what it is that our guests want and enjoy – Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway offers a quality experience at a very affordable price. It oozes comfort and style and provides guests with a little something that can make any competitor a bit green of envy… a beautiful reserve and a view…. well… to die for.
