Location:- Situated a mere 2 1/2 hours drive from Johannesburg, the Waterberg Mountains are acclaimed by South African Tourism as “South Africa’s hottest bush destination… a glorious malaria-free district”. The Waterberg Biosphere’s approach to both conservation and community upliftment recently led to its recognition by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sterkstroom River, one of the watercourses that give the Waterberg its name, Clifftop Lodge was designed by one of South Africa’s leading architects to be eco-friendly, both in its aesthetics and in its impact. The result is a truly breathtaking lodge that offers the seclusion of the African bush, yet with the small luxuries that make for a relaxing and invigorating game experience.

At a glance:

• Accommodation - Capacity - 16 guests
• 8 luxury suites en suite
• indoor and outdoor showers
• own private deck
• plunge pool
• rimless pool at main complex
• Game viewing
• free traversing of game ultimately across approximately 150 000 hectares
• privately owned game reserve

Accommodation:- Awash with the sounds of the Sterkstroom River flowing below, each of the 8 luxury suites is en suite, with both indoor and outdoor showers.

Each room has its own private deck and plunge pool affording our guests the opportunity to watch game in the river valley and the opposing cliff face while basking in the privacy of their secluded suites…

Main Complex
Commanding a magnificent view of the Sterkstroom River valley, the saligna decks of the main complex are complemented by the rimless pool. Enjoy sundowners from an extensive bar, a sherry next to one of the many indoor fireplaces, or cocktails on the pool deck while watching the magnificent sunset.

The cuisine at Clifftop is a superb fusion of African and Western flavours. Craig Spencer and his team (whilst specialising in an extensive variety of unique game dishes) offer a menu to surpass the expectations of the most discerning diner.

Wine Cellar
Affectionately known as Oupa se Stoel, the site for the wine cellar is the heart of the central main lodge. It is a place where one can rest, engulfed by the serenity of the view and the murmur of the river below.

Our wine cellar’s walls are adorned with premium wines for the connoisseur. Enjoy an intimate dinner, cheese and wine, or a small function, in the privacy of the cellar, whilst being confronted with the panorama below.

Activities:- Game viewing in open vehicles affords guests the opportunity of viewing fauna and flora, whilst traversing the undulating hills, following river courses and open savannah plains.
The reserve is well stocked with lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, rhino, elephant, zebra, giraffe and plenty of other mammals, birds and trees.

For the young at heart, exhilarating bush walks with trained and armed Field Guides, conducted along the Sterkstroom River Valley will introduce you to the wonders of nature at ground level. Birds, trees, shrubs, insects and rocks will never be the same again!

Wildlife:- Within this conservation area is the privately owned game reserve Welgevonden. The result of a pioneering project begun in 1987 to return farmland to its original wild state, Welgevonden has grown to become one of South Africa’s premier privately held reserves. Ambitious game relocation efforts and careful ecological management have resulted in a reserve today that is home to the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, White Rhino, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Brown Hyena, 15 different types of buck, and 30 other species of mammal.

The Welgevonden bird checklist currently exceeds 280 birds and is increasing steadily. Welgevonden is currently in the process of dropping its fences with the neighbouring Marakele National Park and a neighbouring private reserve which will allow free traversing of game ultimately across approximately 150 000 hectares.

Child Policy:- Children 12yrs and over are welcome.

Power supply:- There is 24 hour electricity to all rooms.