South Africa has so many amazing private Game Lodges available to the traveller… we are lucky to be spoilt for choice. As mentioned in my ‘About’ page, one of the things I would like to share is the beautiful décor found in many of these lodges, guest-houses and hotels.

For me, as much as I love to get out of the city and just unwind in nature, staying in a place which inspires me with its décor, is an absolute treat.

So I have to introduce you to Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway in the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. We visited this lesser-known gem about 2 years ago, and it still remains my favourite Game Lodge.

Usually typical lodge décor would entail dark wood, animal prints, earthy colour schemes and not exactly what one would call contemporary. What makes Clifftop so unique is the light and airy atmosphere the interior designer managed to incorporate with a modern twist on all the furnishings. I loved it that all the materials used were still natural (for example wooden chandeliers and a headboard constructed of branches) yet there is no ‘heavy’ feel to it and at no point is it overdone or lacking in comfort. The magnificent setting (literally on top of a clifftop) is maximized to the full by keeping the colours neutral so nature speaks for itself.

Another thing which Clifftop does very well is offering their guests privacy and romance at each meal with the proper utilization of public spaces. Tables are placed strategically in different areas of the main lodge for diners to be able to appreciate the views and each other’s company. We were surprised on our first night with a candle-lit dinner in the wine-cellar with a special message written for us personally by way of an arrangement of beautiful little seed pods on the table. It is the little things that can actually make or break a stay. Especially if you are like me and you have high expectations because you have been excited to visit a place for the past 6 months or longer.

In this sense, Clifftop definitely does not disappoint. So if you are looking for something slightly different than the ordinary game lodge experience, Clifftop should be high on your list of places to see. What makes it even better is the fact that it is a lot more affordable than similarly styled lodges whose target market is clearly overseas visitors who think nothing of blowing R10,000 a night.