Gecko Creek Wilderness Lodge — Hotel in Cederberg Local Municipality

The woman running the place is utterly inhospitable. Very abrupt to say the least, as we arrived during a class she was teaching. Not to mention me offering to help with the pool and then being asked by her if I can wield a Chainsaw... I SPECIFICALLY asked if I could take my car down to the cabin to offload as it was a lot of luggage. She AGREED and said it’s not normally allowed but she’ll allow it just this once. Very kind of her.

(To make it absolutely clear, there was no violation. Accept there was authorization by your staff member saying that it’s normally not permitted but she’ll allow it this time round.)

I went down an embankment and my car got stuck in the soft sand. This was approximately 14:00. I tried in vain to get the car out until 22:00, with this woman hovering around constantly, mentioning how these plants are protected species. I love nature and chose this place for just that reason. I wouldn’t have intentionally done this. All the while she’s taking photos sending them to the owner. This is the Cederberg for crying out loud. Has a car never been stuck in sand before? Anyways along come the rescue team. Who were just as cocky as she was. Eventually we said you know what? We’d rather use someone else to assist. The following morning:

[08:03, 9/1/2020] Linton: Please inform Brett the Air Bnb guest who violated and drove his car to his Cabin, that ANY DAMAGE to the plants and bushes will result in him being heavily billed by Gecko Creek and fined by nature conservation. There are identified plants there that are protected species ( some very small ). He CANNOT simply cut through any bush. He must get the Tow company to extract him with no damage - period. [08:06, 9/1/2020] Linton: He HAS to deflate all his tyres to only 20% of pressure. They will look flat after that and ONLY then can anything work. Simple well known laws of sand and 4x4

(To make it absolutely clear, there was no violation. Accept there was authorization by your staff member saying that it’s normally not permitted but she’ll allow it this time round.) So no, I did not make a pathway by simply cutting through any bush. Perhaps there’s a missing link in your interaction with your manager...

If I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure I heard her say I think you guys should pack your bags and F... off. I mentioned the night before that we’d be doing so, due to her highness and her 5 star hospitality, or lack thereof. Pretty damn shocking yo say the least! I wouldn’t let her manage a brick.

We paid for a week and spent less than 24 hours. Too long in my opinion. As for that woman/manager, whatever she is, needs a lesson in etiquette and how to treat paying guests. Not make them feel as if they set the Cederberg alight, because their car was embedded in some sand. Absolutely ridiculous.

Totally unprofessional and would most definitely never recommend Gecko Creek to anyone, ever.

The neighboring farm lady was extremely amazing. What a woman! They helped us out in 10 minutes. Much gratitude to her and her team.

All in all,...

I’ve awarded 3 star on rooms simple because there has to be a line drawn on what is good and what is to be expected, in the case of gecko creek, you are out in the middle of nowhere and to put it simply, the setup in amazing, 3 stars for the rooms not because they are average but compared to my bed at home, ofcourse as anyone would suggest they are not quite like snuggling into your own pillow ! But these rooms are tidy, incredible views which stretch down the valley on a sunny morning wake up rise, mosquito nets for in case which I used but didn’t need, a small dressing table, honestly everything you’d expect and put together quite well too in a place setup in the middle of nowhere, the rooms have also recently been fixed up so that too was pretty well received on our front (group of 17 Dutch students, 2 South Africans) Pieter, Beatrix and Barry, I would start at polite, down to earth, accessible and through and through good people who helped, assisted and just did whatever they could to make our stay fun, comfy and educated us on the surrounding areas, an invaluable crew ! The location speaks for itself, this is the Cederberg, during a sunny season after some rain fall is perfect because the waterfalls are running strong with swimming and great hikes, entrances onto the location requires a bridge crossing which after rain has about 30cm of water coverage so be sure to have a high enough suspension or a phone call before you leave to Pieter, just to make sure about the bridge etc

All in all, we had an epic weekend, there is an amazing kitchen, I managed to cook 3 meals a day for 20 people and had no issues, fridges and freezers, kitchens and then the amazing wolf-den boma area, be sure to ask !

Thank you...

I wish I could give Gecko Creek more than 5 stars. We visited three separate times during our 2 months in South Africa and brought friends who couldn't get enough of the place. Just a short (and beautiful) 2 hour drive from Cape Town, Gecko Creek is surrounded by amazing wilderness and flawless sunsets and is isolated enough from the big city that you will get one of the greatest views of the night sky you could ever imagine (we climbed Kilimanjaro 2 months earlier and the night sky at Gecko rivaled and perhaps surpassed the sky atop Kilimanjaro).

Linton (the owner) is a wonderful host; while we were there another group had a car breakdown and he personally drove over an hour to go pick them up and bring them to the property. He loves spending time with his guests (if they are interested) and has amazing stories of growing up in the bush and living amidst the wilderness. And, don't forget to ask for an African drumming lesson around the nightly campfire!

Bring lots of food and drink, a swimsuit, have a great braai (barbecue) and spend time around the fire enjoying the outdoors as they were meant to be enjoyed. Waterfall hikes, flying, and horseback riding are all nearby as well. This place is truly a hidden gem (we learned of it from a local whom we met...