Riverhorse Lodge: The Ultimate Friends & Family Getaway
Hello Lifestyle Magazine just experienced the ultimate friends and family getaway: Riverhorse Lodge by Cradle Boutique Hotel. If you are wanting a city escape in a serene bush setting, this is just the place for you.
The Pre-Holiday Before the Actual One
As soon as we drove through the gates of Cradle Boutique Hotel in the centre of the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, we felt that “bush peace” settle over us and seep into our bones. Exiting our vehicle, a golf cart was waiting to take us to reception where we dropped our bags before heading to the restaurant.
Overlooking the World Heritage Site that is the Cradle of Humankind, where trees stretch for kilometers. The restaurant boasted a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, they also had a sweet treat table and a coffee roaster for all your sugar and caffeine needs. Our waiter, Nate, recommended some amazing food and drink options, affording us the opportunity to be wined and dined.
Nevertheless, it was soon time to make our way to Riverhorse Lodge, so we ordered some Brutal Fruits and GnTs for the road and headed out.
A Game Drive Along the Way
What we didn’t expect was a game drive en route to our lodge. Our guide, nicknamed Pres, was absolutely buzzing with knowledge about Mother Nature. We twisted and turned down the narrow dirt roads. Eventually, we came face to face with the Reserve’s oldest giraffe. He was munching on some leaves in all his glory whilst our cameras clicked away.
Next, we saw some wildebeest lying under a tree. Amongst the group were baby wildebeests, easy to spot by their lighter coats. Moving along, we entered another wildebeest territory. The male in this area was known as “Mr Grumpy” due to the lack of ladies he managed to keep locked under his belt. Nevertheless, he let us pass by and even posed for the camera too.
Thereafter, we passed impala, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and even spotted a lone jackal. Around us, the setting sun was painting the sky with orange, purple, red and pink hues. All too soon we reached the gate of Riverhorse Lodge, but the adventure was not over just yet.
The Main Feature: Riverhorse Lodge in all its glory
Awaiting our arrival was the lodge’s butler, Kevin, and what a gentleman he was! We entered through the front doors and were immediately met by a communal lounge to our right and a round dining table to our left. Walking outside, a dazzling dock led out onto a lake shimmering purple under the moon.
Furthermore, the lodge boasts five bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony. The interior design was African Savannah inspired, with the wallpaper, colour schemes, bedding tones and lighting all contributing to the serene atmosphere.
We were offered wine, ciders and cool drinks whilst we waited for our chef to prepare dinner. The feast consisted of lamb and pork chops, beef steaks, springbok carpaccio, grilled vegetables and pineapple and avocado salad. However, just when we thought we were stuffed to the brim, a delicious chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was brought out. A feast for the eyes and stomach.
The morning after saw a fruit platter and an á la carte menu. We had French toast with crispy bacon, alongside a steaming cappuccino. Yet, with our bags packed and loaded into the game drive vehicle, we bid our farewell to Kevin and started our drive back to the hotel.
It felt as if our stay in Nature’s paradise was too short, leaving us with longing and hope to return soon. We wouldn’t change a thing about our stay at Riverhorse Lodge and hope you choose to experience it for yourself in the near future.
