Die Kliphuis – place for quiet time, privacy with idyllic view.
Your wishlist might be to stay in a Eco cottage
That is secluded, and you have full privacy. To be spacious yet welcoming.
Rustic feel but artistic with personality.
Log fireplace to keep cosy and old-fashioned bath.
Might be too much of a wishlist, but we managed to find it for you! It is ‘Die Kliphuis’ cottage in Gannaga lodge that is on top of Gannaga pass in Tankwa Karoo.
Flower season in Tankwa Karoo
We drove up on the winding gravel road of Gannaga pass that was narrow and steep some places, admiring the breathtakingly beautiful views to the distance over otherwise flat Tankwa Karoo. As we summited 1700m high pass, we saw a stone cottage amongst of Karoo bushes and wildflowers. A further down the road is the main Gannaga lodge, that is equally unique and with lots of character.
It’s not only the lodge that has a character, but it is also equally the people that give the personality to create a welcoming experience. We were greeted at the reception by a friendly and smiling face of Enrico, who told that he hails all the way from George. Enrico was always there to ensure that we were well looked after and entertained us with his jokes.
Die Kliphuis Eco cottage takes you back in memory lane
We discovered that Johann Visagie is the owner of Gannaga lodge, of which history goes back to Johann’s great-grandfather to the years of sheep farming. The Kliphuis stone cottage we stayed in, apparently, was the very first farmhouse dating back to the1800’s. ‘Die Kliphuis’ now invites visitors who look for a quiet time in privacy with an idyllic view and Eco experience. Our only regret was that we should have stayed longer.
Die Kliphuis cottage is self-catering but you can opt to eat at the main lodge, and this what we did. Back at the lodge, Johann himself appeared from the kitchen with an apron and smiling. Chatted with all the guests, served drinks from the bar, and put the apron back on as the head chef who was on leave. That is multitasking and having all under control with a big smile.
Johan with Gannaga lodge owner Johann Visagie (on the right)
Finding Vegan meals all the way in Tankwa
The menu offered something to everyone, from Karoo lamb chops, sheep head delicacy, vegetarian option and to my greatest surprise a Vegan Shepherds Pie. Finding vegan meal option offered in Tankwa Karoo was impressive, considering that even many commercial, big-city restaurants fail to do that.
What you can expect is not a fast-food but a ‘slow-food’ – that means a freshly cooked homemade hearty meal especially for you. I ordered tomato-basil soup and Vegan Shepherd Pie that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Our stay in Die Kliphuis is eco and nostalgic experience.
The Tankwa Karoo weather turned freezing that night, but the fireplace, electric blankets and warm duvets were welcoming. Water for the bath/shower was heated by *donkey. To refresh one’s memory, – donkey heater is an old-fashioned water heating system consisting of a drum of water that is heated by a fire outside the building.
Our stay in Die Kliphuis was a real eco and nostalgic experience.
Beside the stone cottage, Gannaga lodge offers a wide variety of accommodation option in the main lodge.
Johan says: Takes you back in memory lane.
Annica says: Can’t wait to go back there again. (Just have to book well in advance).
Recommend News
