If you’ve always dreamed of sleeping in cave, but not in a sleeping bag – then these four luxurious cave stays are for you.
King’s Cave (Clanville, Eastern Cape)
The tranquility at King’s Cave is difficult to describe in words. The secluded cave looks down on a small stream with the King- and Queens Crown mountains in the distance. The view is breathtaking. Although King’s Cave is perfect for a couple looking for a private and romantic hide-away, it’s also ideal for a small family with children older than 12. The cave sleeps a maximum of 4 people and boasts a well-equipped kitchen and lounge, but trust me you’ll want to be outside taking in the view.
King’s Cave is a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers. The kids will love the small rock pools around the cave. The highlight of our stay was definitely the pair of Verreaux’s Eagles that soared past at eye level one late afternoon.
Kagga Kamma (Cederberg, Western Cape)
In the Cederberg, far from the city lights, you’ll find the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve. Although Kagga Kamma means ‘place of water’, it is the area’s dramatic rock formations that capture ones imagination. The area was first inhabited by the Khoi and San people and there are several well-preserved rock drawings on the reserve. Kagga Kamma’s standard cave suite, with a double bed, open-plan bathroom, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station, boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
And when you tire of admiring the views from your cave’s porch, you can explore the reserve on a quad bike, play a round of Khari-Khari mini-golf or go on a guided rock art or stargazing tour. The reserve also offers several hiking trails. Later, those tired and sore muscles can be soothed at the Kagga Kamma Spa.
Antbear Eco Lodge (Central Drakensberg, Kwa-Zulu Natal)
The Antbear Eco Lodge is located in the Central Drakensberg, near Giants Castle in the uKhahlamba World Heritage Area. This luxurious cave unit is built under a cliff. Glass doors open onto a deck with a comfy hammock and an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Drakensburg. The hand-carved woodwork in the cave and restaurant is spectacular. Owners, Andrew and Connie, strive to operate the lodge as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. Antbear Eco Lodge is the perfect destination for every season. In the winter months, you can relax in front of the fireplace with a glass of red wine and when it’s warm you can read a book on the veranda. Antbear Eco Lodge is perfectly situated for exploring the central Drakensburg, but with hiking and horse riding trails, mountain bike trails and woodwork classes, you won’t need or want to leave the lodge.
Weskus Grotjie (Lamberts Bay, Western Cape)
On the farm Steenbokfontein, just eight kilometres from Lamberts Bay, you will find the Weskus Grotjie. Built into a rock formation with beautiful views of the farm and the Atlantic Ocean it is perfect for couples looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. This open-plan unit has a sleeping area, a kitchen, a dining room and bathroom. The sleeping area is furnished with a queen-size bed built from wood from a British gunboat that washed up in the area in 1901. The bathroom offers an incredible view of the farm and the ocean in the distance. And in the late afternoon you can enjoy a cocktail in the wood-heated splash pool while the sun bathes everything in the most amazing orange light. One of the highlights of our stay at Weskus Grotjie was walking the farm’s labyrinth which is just behind the cave.
The Weskus Grotjie is a great base from which to explore the Lamberts Bay area. The popular Muisbosskerm open-air seafood restaurant is just down the road from the cave. And while you’re in Lamberts Bay make sure to visit the Gannet colony on the Bird Island Nature Reserve. Also visit the caves in the neighbouring village of Elands Bay for beautifully preserved San rock art.
