After a fun few hours spent at Safari Ostrich Farm, we set out for Wildehondekloof. After a few hectic weeks, arriving at Wildehondekloof was a bit like heaven on earth!
Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve
The scenic drive from the Safari Ostrich Farm gave us a glimpse of the beauty awaiting us at the reserve. If you are looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle look no further than Wildehondekloof Oudtshoorn. The 4000-Hectare Private Game Reserve, in the heart of the Little Karoo’s Swartberg Mountains, is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Discovering beautiful places like this is why travel is something I love so much!
Wildehondekloof Luxury Lodge
The Wildehondekloof Luxury Lodge, a member of Cape Country Routes, is a fantastic place to escape, breathe fresh air and reconnect with nature. Arriving at the Lodge, I knew that I was in for a treat! Add to that an unplanned digital detox, as there was no WiFi. {Due to storm damage to the tower.} In other words a chance to really relax!
Accommodation
Guests at Wildehondekloof can choose from eight luxurious en-suite bedrooms, all equipped with airconditioning. The suites have stunning views, overlooking the mountains and river. There is also a Private Presidential Suite, with a king-size bed, private lounge, a fireplace and private veranda.
My suite had a bath, which I was very excited to use. Many places in the Cape still have water restrictions, which has made bathing somewhat of a luxury! All the rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities and certain of the rooms have a fireplace. There is free WiFi, as well as a laundry service provided for guests.
Although the temperatures plummeted after sunset my suite was cosy, with ample warm bedding and a heated blanket.
One of my favourite sights was seeing buck grazing a few meters from my room! You really do not get much closer to nature.
Facilities
The spacious guest lounge area has a large double-sided fireplace, the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before dinner. The dining area where we enjoyed all our meals also has a fireplace. A definite bonus during winter as the area does get extremely cold.
A magnificent boma, nestled between the poplar trees, is the ideal spot to unwind after dinner.
Nature Hikes
After a wonderful sleep, we all enjoyed a delicious breakfast before setting off on a three-hour hike. The Swartberg Mountains, a Cape Floral World Heritage Site, makes this an ideal place to explore the wide-open spaces of the Klein Karoo.
Being so removed from the noise and the busyness of the city, you can truly appreciate the “sounds of silence”. Pierced only by the lulling of running water or a birds call.
I love the outdoors, and it was a real treat to explore the area with our group. The terrain was rather tricky to navigate at times, with a near slip into the river, but it was worth the effort, to be at one with nature.
Discovering a picnic at the end of our trail made it even more worthwhile. I could not think of a better reward – bubbly and delicious food! Needless to say a long soak in the bath was in my future, to help ease my aching muscles.
Game Drives
On our second evening, we went on a sunset game drive. These are a definite favourite of mine. Unfortunately, we did not get to see many animals, but the views were incredible.
Animals you may see when visiting the Lodge include Eland, Vaalribbok, Klipspringer, Duiker, Grysbok, Kudu, Porcupine, Honey Badger, Baboons, Leopard, Jackal and Caracal.
Things To Do in The Area
- Cape Country Routes – Route 62
- 5 Shy Meerkats {members of Cape Country Routes}
- Safari Ostrich Farm {members of Cape Country Routes}
- Cango Caves {members of Cape Country Routes}
- Guided hiking tours
- Mountain biking
- Wine Farms
- Gin Tasting
In Closing
I loved our two days at Wildehondekloof, it really helped clean out all the cobwebs! The next stop on our itinerary was a visit to the Five Shy Keerkats, something we were all looking forward to. Keep a lookout for the full article coming soon.
Location and Details
Address: Matjiesrivier District, Oudtshoorn, 6620, Western Cape, South Africa, GPS: 33°26’31.7; S 21°57’58.6
Contact via telephone +27 (0)44 272 6721 / +27 (0)44 050 0263 or mail: [email protected]. Please note: No children allowed under ten years are allowed.
Images
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Disclosure
Wildehondekloof, members of Cape Country Routes, hosted our trip, and my accommodation, meals and drinks were complimentary. Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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