We were welcomed at the Main Gate by Gibson our guide. From the main gate to the lodge was another 45 mins (usually it is quicker, however due to major storms the previous week, many roads were washed away so we had to take an alternative route to the Lodge). We arrived at 14:00 and was welcomed with a glass of champagne in hand by our hostess Ursula, and presented with two cool facecloths by to eager butlers. After showing us the lay of the land and overview of the itinerary by our host Nardus, we were shown to our room, one of only eight on the property. (I was a bit worried when I heard the word 'itinerary' - but felt a lot better when it entailed doing very little else other than eating and game drives).
The light white colours used throughout is refreshing, different from the typical 'African' browns and oranges. All the décor is incredibly tastefully put together.
Each 'house' is very private, with its own outside pool, shower and deck to sit on and relax. There is also an inside shower and huge bath. All the doors slide open so it feels like you are having a bath outside.
LUNCH DAY 1 - We were given a choice between lamb chops and spicey prawns. Mark went for the chops, as I could not make up my mind, they were more than happy to combine the two for me. It was delicious! The prawns were huge and succulent. I was worried that they would burn, but the spiciness was just mild enough to be very tasty. The chop was also cooked well. This was served with a Niscoise salad, it was huge - a meal on it's own. I was very hungry, so cleaned the plate. Dessert was chocolate mousse, with bits of chocolate in it.SUPPER - after a four hour game drive, during which we had meatballs (nogal heated up by Gibson), biltong and a peppermint-crisp /Cremora tart, I was not that hungry. Supper started with potato and leak soup followed by a palate cleanser of berry sorbet. We had a choice between oxtail and chicken Kievs. We both opted for the oxtail. It was 'fall off the bone' delicious. It was served with rice, spinach and cauliflower, I really tried finishing it as I hate wasting food, but it got the better of me, actually the both of us. So much so we could not even fit in dessert (apple parcels). We both had red wine, the house wine, which was a pinotage / shiraz blend served in the biggest wine glasses I have seen (apparently they can hold a litre of wine!)
What was great is that all the guests sit at different spots so it is very private, you don't have to see or interact with any of the guests, except during breakfast, lunch and the game drives.
BREAKFAST - started with a continental breakfast of yoghurt, homemade muesli, fruit, croissant, biscuits and cheese. After this a full English breakfast or omelette was on the menu! I opted only for some decadent crispy bacon and Mark the omelette which he described as 'awesome'.
GAME DRIVE 16:00-20:00 - each game drive was about four hours long - I went on two and saw kudus / impalas / gnu / blue wildebees / zebras / rhinos (one got very interested in us during our sundowner stop), kwêvoëls / warthogs / two rabbits / jackel / brown eagle - sadly the leopard alluded us.Clifftop was fantastic albeit them either forgetting or choosing to not to recognise my birthday (I did indicate that there was a special occasion when asked when I made the booking), is a pity - there was an attempt made at 21:00 a night with a dry cupcake and candle, but a 'happy birthday' in the morning at breakfast would have meant a lot. The other issue was that I had forgotten my jacket in the room and it has been quite a task to try and get it back but I have now been assured that they have found it and that it has been posted (not received at time of posting this entry 04 May).
Besides that, it is a highly recommendable establishment, beautiful surroundings, attentive staff, huge delicious portions and a break from the city that the soul needs.
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