Bernie Van Der Linde-
Bernie Van Der Linde
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Wildehondekloof is a private game reserve in the heart of the Klein Karoo near Oudtshoorn. Continue reading to find out what makes this exceptional lodge worth visiting!
Travel and Leisure’s A-List Advisors listed the Garden Route in an article titled “9 Best International Road Trips”. The advisors noted, “Here’s a must-do: driving South Africa’s Garden Route in the Western Cape Province – it’s beautiful, with great food, nature, sweeping beaches, and activities ranging from tanning to safari game drives to golfing”.
We agree with the elite readers of the Travel and Leisure magazine, as that is exactly what we experienced on our tour of Wildehonderkloof, in Oudsthoorn on the Garden Route.
Read our travel blog to find out why Wildehondekloof is a must-visit destination!
Where is the Garden Route?
The garden route is a coastal corridor extending from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Tsitsikamma forest in the Eastern Cape. Due to its diversity, this strip of land attracts thousands of international (and local) guests throughout the year. The Garden Route provides the ultimate road trip.
The route is part of the Fynbos Biome, which contains a minimum of 45,000 different species of plants, of which over 69% are endemic, meaning they can only be found in the Garden Route. Moreover, the Garden Route is one of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It is popular for nature and self-drive enthusiasts, families, campers, and discerning travellers and a paradise for golfers, adrenalin junkies, and food and wine connoisseurs.
A tour through the Garden Route: Detour to Wildehondekloof
In this series of the Garden Route, we start at the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn and end in the culinary capital, Knysna. We selected our stays based on the establishment’s character, facilities, and unique location.
Our first stop is the captivating Wildehondekloof Lodge, a sanctuary nestled amidst the raw beauty of Oudtshoorn. Join us as we delve into the charm of this lodge, explore its facilities, and understand what it brings to the table for travellers.
Wildehondekloof Lodge, Oudtshoorn, South Africa
This 9-suite game lodge sets a new standard for the Klein Karoo. The wildlife here is literally at your doorstep, with Nyalas and other interesting creatures roaming the grasslands of the lodge.
At Wildehondekloof Lodge, every décor piece is carefully curated so guests feel they could live here. Moreover, guests can experience the unique landscape and untamed natural beauty on two-and-a-half-hour-long game drives.
Although the landscape is arid for large parts of the year, and the threat of drought is ever present, during our visit in November (after some much-needed rain), the landscape exploded into the colour of so many different species of wildflowers.
We enjoyed marvelling at the lush vegetation of colourful succulents, Cape Thicket, and fynbos, particularly the masses of flame-coloured daisies.
Prepare to immerse yourself in an untamed natural wonderland – welcome to Wildehondekloof Lodge, an adventurer’s haven nestled within the Klein Karoo’s rugged beauty. Here, where the enchanting wildlife freely roams, thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts find paradise.
This 9-suite game lodge sets the benchmark for luxurious yet authentic bush experiences just a stone’s throw from the renowned Garden Route. Whether you’re exploring the mesmerising Fynbos landscape or sipping sundowners as the African sun sets, Wildehondekloof Lodge promises an unforgettable journey that goes beyond the surface of ordinary tourism.
Dive into the heart of South Africa’s majestic wilderness and create memories as vibrant as the flame-coloured daisies of the Cape Thicket. Discover the Wildehondekloof Lodge – where adventure meets luxury.
Where is Wildehondekloof?
Wildehondekloof is an exhilarating countryside escape in the heart of a malaria-free Private Game reserve in the charming Little Karoo, cradled by the majestic Swartberg Mountain range.
Furthermore, this vast 4000-hectare reserve is teeming with a spectacular array of wildlife: Eland, Kudu, Cape Mountain Zebra, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Giraffe, Blue and Black Wildebeest, Nyala, Blesbok, Impala and even the famous Springbok.
Apart from the incredible wildlife, the serene tranquillity, sweeping panorama vistas of the Karoo fields, and its ideal location, a mere 42km from Oudtshoorn, make this reserve a must-visit destination when travelling to the Garden Route.
Accolades in abundance for Wildehondekloof
This exclusive lodge often graces the pages of leading lifestyle magazines. For example, the lodge was featured in a Women’s Health (September 2023) article titled “7 Local Getaways in South Africa to Rest and Rejuvenate” and a Farmer’s Weekly article titled “Five-star Experience at a three-star Price” (September 2023).
Additional features include Rooi Rose “Gaan kuier in the Karoo” (August 2022) and Getaway magazine, among others.
This off-the-grid lodge offers ten climate-controlled suites (with extraordinarily large en-suite bathrooms) in addition to private terraces, and a generous pool. The lodge overlooks a scenic river and mountain landscapes. However, visitors’ profound sense of peace from their first moment on the property truly distinguishes this lodge.
What type of accommodation is available at Wildehondekloof?
The lodge has one presidential suite with an indoor fireplace, eight deluxe rooms with lavish en-suite bedrooms and one self-contained family villa that can comfortably accommodate six people. The villa has a full kitchen, inside braai, dining area and three bedrooms, in addition two of which are en-suite. All the suites have a coffee and tea station, roof fans (some with air conditioners) and a range of luxury room amenities such as shampoo, body wash, etc. Room service and laundry facilities are available upon request.
The presidential suite boasts a generous terrace with 180-degree panoramic views of the breathtaking Swartberg Mountains and Matjies River. The suite offers a king-size bed with a draped romantic canopy. The lounge has a cosy fireplace. The spacious bathroom has a free-standing bathtub, a large shower, and double vanities. Guests are pampered with crisp white linen and cosy, warm blankets for those chilly evenings.
We stayed in one of their impressive deluxe suites, number 2, which had the most comfortable twin beds, a large bathroom with double vanities, a free-standing bathtub, and a spacious shower. Moreover, our room was tastefully decorated in soothing natural shades of cream and olive, accented with chilli red and apricot pops of colour, perfectly completing the natural surroundings.
Best features of Wildehondekloof
- Conveniently located just 42 km from Oudtshoorn, accessible via the R62
- An off-the-grid, solar-powered game reserve teeming with wildlife
- Offers freshly prepared breakfast sourced from local produce
- Flexible meal options for lunch and dinner, with authentic Karoo dishes tailored to guests' preferences
- Features a 15-metre salt-water swimming pool in a serene setting, outfitted with ample sun loungers and pool towels
- Natural river and waterfalls provide alternate swimming options
- Offers secure on-site parking at no additional cost, with no need for reservation
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Luxurious decor throughout the living spaces
- Organised sunset or sunrise game drives, each lasting around two and a half hours
- Massage services are offered in a specially converted room
- Equipped with conference facilities, making it an ideal wedding venue
- Offers a communal lounge area with DSTV
- Features an intimate on-site bar
- Provides laundry facilities
- Scenic hiking trails suitable for both beginners and seasoned walkers
- Facilities for mountain biking (guests need to bring their own bikes)
- Private braai facilities available for guests
- Upon request, bush picnics can be arranged
- Star-gazing experiences, with specialised equipment provided under supervision.
Must do activities and experiences on offer at Wildehondekloof
- Breathtaking natural scenery: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding landscapes near Wildehondekloof.
- Adventure activities: Engage in thrilling adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
- Wildlife encounters: Get up close and personal with diverse wildlife species in their natural habitats.
- Relaxation and wellness: Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and peaceful moments amidst the area's tranquility.
- Local cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich local culture, traditions, and cuisine.
Must visit attractions near Wildehondekloof
- Safari Ostrich farm, only 42km away, is a must-visit. This working ostrich farm is only 6km outside the centre of Oudtshoorn. Here we joined the Ostrich Tractor Safari to lean more about the biggest birds on earth. The farm shop offers a diverse range of high-end ostrich leather products such as handbags, belts and other leather essentials. I couldn’t resist getting my hands on one of their hand-crafted and sought-after handbags. Visit our Instagram page for photos and videos about our visit to the world-class ostrich farm.
- Tour the world’s longest wine route on Route 62
- Cango Caves (the road to Wildehondekloof leads past the caves)
- The Five Shy Meerkat Tours (offered by the sister hotel, De Zeekoe). Click on the icon for more information about the meerkat tours.
How to get to Wildehondekloof?
There are two routes to the Wildehondekloof. If you arrive in the daytime, we suggest taking the scenic gravel route through Lategansvlei from Oudtshoorn to the lodge. You can take the tarred R328 route through Schoeman’s Kloof when heading back from the lodge to Oudsthoorn. We took more than 100 photos on the scenic gravel route. The landscape is beyond everything we have experienced and worth the hours’ drive (at our snail’s pace).
Address: Matjiesrivier District, Oudtshoorn, 6620, Western Cape, South Africa
33°26’31.7; S 21°57’58.6
How to make a booking at Wildehondekloof?
Contact numbers:+27 82 551 3019
WhatsApp: 079 144 4577
Email address: info@whkloof.co.za
Website: https://www.whkloof.co.za/
Good to know
Although no wild dogs or ‘wildehonde’ are on the reserve, an abundance of interesting wildlife makes up for their absence.
The hosts seat groups of guests separately—a welcoming gesture for people who want to enjoy the serene environment.
Avid athletes can book Tri-sport hiking and MTB Safaris, which take place at Wildehondekloof and De Zeekoe (the sister lodge) guest farms.
For more information, click on this link.
Pro tip
Wildehondekloof is a hallmark member of Cape Country Routes. Join their loyalty programme and receive preferential rates and several value-added benefits.
Why you should stay at Wildehondekloof?
Operated with passion and dedication by Paula and Hendrik, along with their diligent manager, Annelise, this lodge reflects the heart of South African hospitality. Annelise’s homemade ciabatta bread is a treat not to be missed. The depth of information shared by game ranger Quintin enriches the safari experience, connecting you to the animals and the terrain in a memorable way.
What sets Wildehondekloof apart is not just the sight of Nyalas feeding on the verdant grass near the lodge but also the gastronomical delights prepared by head chef Andre Goliath. Every morsel is a culinary masterpiece, from ‘rooster brood’ paired with ‘Spekboom hummus’ to the legendary spinach quiche served for breakfast.
To further pique your interest, here’s an article detailing five fascinating facts about Spekboom.
Some of our best moments at Wildehondekloof
What is next on the blog?
Subscribe to our blog to ensure you don’t miss our follow-up articles, which gives you an insider’s view of the luxurious St James of Knysna and the awe-inspiring Turbine Hotel.
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Until Next time, Bernie and Petra
2 Comments
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[…] Discover the allure of South Africa’s Garden Route with Wildehonderkloof in Oudsthoorn. Indulge in breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and diverse activities—a road trip paradise endorsed by Travel and Leisure’s A-List Advisors.Click Here to Read the Article […]
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[…] Click Here to read the full article […]
2 Comments
[…] Discover the allure of South Africa’s Garden Route with Wildehonderkloof in Oudsthoorn. Indulge in breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and diverse activities—a road trip paradise endorsed by Travel and Leisure’s A-List Advisors.Click Here to Read the Article […]
[…] Click Here to read the full article […]