private Game Lodges

The next time you are uncertain whether to holiday at the sea or in the bush… why not combine both with a visit to one very unique destination by the name of Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve in Port Alfred?

In my previous post I mentioned an unconventional Game Lodge. Oceana’s accommodation is styled quite differently, but nevertheless the place will leave you breathless with the stunning natural beauty of a game reserve and a long stretch of private beach all on the same property.

The accommodation in the ocean lodge where we stayed is exceptionally luxurious and private and blends in beautifully with the environment. I loved the massive four poster bed, the shiny wooden laminated floors and the Persian carpets. The wooden furniture in the room was polished to such an extent that it appeared brand new. It’s a bit of old-world glamour but at the same time you can still call it modern. Something that really stood out for me was the fact that each room had two separate bathrooms – one with a partial outdoor shower and the other with an equally stunning bath with a view to die for. The luxury of space makes for a very relaxing stay. Unique factors, such as an ointment to help you sleep at night as part of the turn-down service and a bed-time story on your pillow, once again makes the place quite special.

Each room is inspired and named after a different animal on the Reserve, and the paintings and artefacts in the room thus also represents this animal. From you large deck you will be able to view the wildlife which frequently visit the watering hole just a few meters away. Alternatively you can lounge on one of the two huge comfortable sofas in your room. If this isn’t exciting enough you can request a game drive down to the beach and have your own private picnic on the deck by the beach.

It is an amazing experience to be able to view the ocean from your private lodge and at the same time be able to see animals such as Rhino and Giraffe walking past. I really hope you can do yourself a favour and visit this beautiful part of our country, I promise you it will be worthwhile!

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.