“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
You don’t need to ask me twice to travel someplace new. Wanderlust has flowed strongly through my veins, long before I even knew what wanderlust meant, or that I was “inflicted” with it. Happily so, I might add. While the ongoing pandemic has restricted our travels to a large extent, many South Africans have taken to exploring their own “backyards” like never before.
Road trips are so good for the soul and there is nothing quite like being out on the open road, embarking on a new adventure. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy many memorable ones, especially in the past few months. More recently, a road trip along South Africa’s famed Garden Route included a good friend, much laughter and moreish padkos (snacks).
Always take the scenic route, I say. Where the mountains meet the ocean, we drove along spectacular Clarence Drive that leaves you in awe of its sheer beauty and magnificence. From Hermanus, take the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley road before arriving in Caledon, connecting you to the N2 highway towards the Garden Route.
Mackenzie and I found ourselves at the entrance to the 4-star family-friendly Garden Route Game Lodge a few hours later. The more direct route from Cape Town to the lodge will take around 4 hours. I had driven past on many occasions while road tripping to Knysna or Port Elizabeth, so it was with much excitement that we took a #ShotLeft and checked in for our weekend stay.
SUNSET RIDGE SUITES
After a warm welcome by Martel, our game ranger during our stay, we were transferred to our suite in a private golf cart. We entered the luxury Sunset Ridge Suite and I immediately began to swoon. The beautifully furnished suite is perfectly situated with awe-inspiring views of the majestic Langeberg Mountain range. Home to a large variety of animal and birdlife, including the Big 5, our suite provided an idyllic retreat to relax and unwind in between game drives and other activities.
The newest addition to the reserve’s accommodation, the stunning free-standing suite offers contemporary décor that has been thoughtfully considered. Stylish and elegant with earthy African elements, it features a spacious room with an indoor fireplace and a private deck that overlooks the game reserve. There is also a separate room with a deck leading to the outdoor heated plunge pool.
An en suite bathroom boasts a free-standing bath, double vanity, and separate shower, with luxe Healing Earth natural and organic products. The piece de resistance must be the unique outdoor setting featuring a claw-foot bath and shower set in the African bush. We enjoyed a few “Out of Africa” moments in this tranquil space.
You will want for nothing when staying in one of these ultra-luxurious suites. If staying in a suite isn’t possible, the lodge offers a variety of room types to suit different tastes and budgets, which makes a stay here more affordable than most game lodges around South Africa.
GAME DRIVES
What would a game lodge stay be without a game drive or two? As tempting as it was to stay snug and warm in our suite, we bundled up for the sunset game drive. A poncho and warm blankets are provided, but it is advisable to dress in warm layers as the open Landrover doesn’t provide much shelter from the elements. Remember your camera for those Instaworthy shots.
Martel expertly handled the Landrover through the muddy tracks, and even though it was bitterly cold, you soon forget about the freezing temperature as you take in the surrounding landscape, eyes eagerly peeled for any signs of wildlife.
The reserve’s size of 4000-5000 hectares means you are relatively assured of some amazing sightings, including the Big 5.
The game drive lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time is spent at each sighting. Having spotted hippo, eland, lion, and cheetah, we enjoyed sundowners and snacks while marvelling at the sunset. African sunsets are very hard to beat and are even more special in this magical setting.
A TASTE OF AFRICA AT SERENGETI’S RESTAURANT
Serengeti’s Restaurant is located at the Main Reception area. The spacious yet cosy space offers delightful African fare with a few classic dishes, and award-winning South African wines in a relaxed setting. Seated near the roaring fire, we soon warmed up and enjoyed a delicious dinner and local red wine. The restaurant staff make you feel welcome and are friendly, professional, and efficient, as were all the staff we encountered during our stay.
Breakfasts do not disappoint and are simply scrumptious. You will arrive famished after an early morning game drive. I ordered Salmon Eggs Benny on both mornings and was very happy that I did. When it’s your fave and it’s done right, you stick with it! The dinner menu changes daily so there is always something new to look forward to each evening. Servings are generous and the meals were tasty and fresh with a variety of local and seasonal ingredients.
The outdoor deck views make for spectacular daytime viewing while sipping on a coffee or sundowner later in the day.
RISE AND SHINE!
I am not a morning person but waking up while it is still dark is worth it for an early game drive. Bundling up in plenty of warm layers, we had a quick coffee at Serengeti’s before setting off with Martel. Her wicked sense of humour, vast knowledge about fauna and flora and expert driving skills made our game drives even more enjoyable.
The mist was thick, but we were in luck as we saw zebra, buffalo, and eland, before entering the lion enclosure. Rescued from canned hunting facilities, these magnificent mammals are fed a few times per week, but also get the opportunity to hunt springbok on occasion within their large enclosure. No more than 3 game viewing vehicles are permitted near an animal sighting at a time, with vehicles staying a fair distance away from wildlife.
The highlight of our game drive was seeing the mama cheetah and her adorable cubs playing together on a fallen tree before running off into the fynbos thicket. Listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, a recent study revealed significant population declines, with scientists calling for cheetahs to be uplisted to “Endangered.”
They face extinction pressure from climate change, human hunting, illegal trade in live cubs and adults, and habitat destruction, all of which reduce the size of their dwindling populations. It is heartwarming to know that the 8th litter was born at the reserve earlier this year, and the rangers are doing everything they can to protect not just the cheetah population, but other vulnerable species as well.
Elephants have always been one of my favourite land animals so seeing the 2 male elephants up close, but not too close, was very special. Rescued from a miserable and sad existence, they now spend their days getting up to mischief together in their large enclosure. Fortunately, they were in a relaxed mood so there was no need to beat a hasty retreat in case they decided to charge the Landrover.
ACTIVITIES
One of the (many) aspects to love about this lodge is that you can do as much or as little as you like. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, keen photographer, foodie or prefer to spend your time chilling beside the pool or being pampered at the serene Ayana Spa, the lodge caters to every kind of traveller. There is something for couples, families, and groups of friends to enjoy.
Besides the wonderful game drives and delicious meals, Mackenzie and I spent a blissful afternoon in our suite while a storm raged outside. With a roaring fire and glass of wine in hand, we had a chance to relax and unwind. A morning walk around the property revealed the gorgeous swimming pool area and indigenous gardens that were carefully planted to attract local sunbirds and sugarbirds. Vibrant orange aloes were in full bloom, while King Proteas were just starting to bud.
Cosy fire on a rainy afternoon. 
Due to the lodge’s diverse clientele, 2 pools were constructed, one family pool and one 18-metre infinity pool for adults. Perched on the edge of the ridge overlooking the game reserve in the valley below, both pools are north-west facing with a common viewing deck and casual poolside bar that serves cool cocktails and light lunches. If we didn’t have to leave that morning, we would’ve chilled on a pool lounger for a few hours. My idea of heaven!
Pool vibes and views!
Read more about their wide range of fun, relaxing and educational activities here.
SPECIAL OFFERS
There has never been a better time to book a thrilling game lodge stay. With the extension of the school holidays, enjoy a change of scenery AND a fantastic special offer – the Family Fun Break package starts from R1515 per person sharing in a Lodge Room (valid until 31 July 2021) and a maximum of 2 children under 12 stay free. Find out more details here, as well as other special offers. I recommend a stay of 3 nights or longer.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this lovely lodge and wish we could’ve stayed for longer. This Garden Route gem is a winner for many reasons – a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, a beautiful natural setting, warm and welcoming hospitality, delicious food, excellent selection of wine, Big 5 game drives, conservation and eco-friendly initiatives, awesome activities and more. What are you waiting for? Pack your winter woollies and Book an unforgettable stay now!
DISCLOSURE: We were hosted for a 2-night stay at Garden Route Game Lodge in the Sunset Ridge Luxury Family Suite, including breakfast and game drives. All other expenses incurred, including transport to and from the lodge, were paid for by us. Thank you Natasha Doherty for extending the invitation, and to your fantastic staff for ensuring a memorable stay.
All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to. Our stay occurred prior to the adjusted Level 4 lockdown and alcohol ban.
Yours in Adventure Travel, Food & Wine
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
