Red Cliff Lodge

A three-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria of which the hardest part is getting out of the city, we are situated in a small place called Bokkraal, Groot Marico. Nestled in the heart of one of the most pristine areas in South Africa, lies the Marico Biosphere Reserve, which comprises some of the most unspoiled and in parts untouched land in South Africa. One minute you will experience bushveld the next savannah and then wetlands, which are situated along streams and the Marico River which flows into the Marico Bosveld Dam. The Marico Biosphere Reserve (Marico BR) in the North West Province, was designated by UNESCO in 2018 and covers an area of 447 268 ha. The Marico Protected Environment was declared in 2016 in terms of the Protected Areas Act and, is mainly situated along the headwaters of the Marico River. The Marico BR is located on huge dolomitic aquifers (i.e. underground lakes) and boasts several “eyes”, of which the most famous is the “Marico Eye” which is frequented by divers. The region is also known as the home of Herman Charles Bosman and, is most notably famous for its traditional alcohol – “Mampoer”. Steeped in history across many cultures that have been documented since the early 1800’s, it is well worth visiting. There are also several free roaming animals in the gorges and if you are quiet and lucky enough they may just bless you with a quick sighting. These are kudu, rhebok, nyala, bushbuck and warthog. Baboons and monkeys are plentiful and it is said that there are still leopards in the area. Experience the stars like never before; at night our countryside changes and offers you a totally new dimension as the Milky Way presents itself in full splendour. One can spend hours just lying and gazing at the stars. The silence is broken by the sounds of frogs chirping and the night jar calling. In the distance, you will hear the rivers and streams as well as the wind rustling through the trees. Located on the Rietspruit Private Nature Reserve adjacent to Red Cliff Lodge, is a 10 km trail. Portions of the farm were utilised for tobacco farming and one can still see the underground tobacco store, the old farmhouse with its old-fashioned bread oven where many a loaf was baked in the old farmhouse. The route traverses across the Kaaloog Loop, Rietspruit, Bokkraal Loop and Rhebokfontein Loop which form a confluence where the Marico river starts. The river has been graded as an A/B ecological class which in essence means that it is largely natural with few modifications. It is one of the most pristine water sources in the country. Enjoy some history as you cross old wagon trails that were used for trading purposes between Marico and Lichtenburg. View the Cathedral – a sheer rockface where a registered pair of Verreaux’s eagles have their nest. Crossing the streams approximately 10 times there is also the opportunity to stop halfway to have a picnic on the bank of the river. Other points of interest include the Preacher Chamber and Aloe Cliff. Of further interest is an overhanging cliff which, it is said, the Boers hid their families away from English soldiers during the Anglo-Boer War. Booking is essential as the trail only allows for 10 persons at a time to minimise damage to the ecosystem and environment. A detailed map is provided with GPS coordinates however, it is requested that when hiking the trail all hikers please stay on the pathways/route to not only ensure minimal damage to the environment but also for your safety as well as to ensure you do not get lost. It is preferable to accompany your guide on the hike. Rietspruit Private Nature Reserve comprises some 280ha and if one is not familiar with the territory it is quite easy to lose your way.

Located 8 kms from the Marico Eye and adjacent to the confluence of the Marico River