https://travelground.imgix.net/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAJDg4YTdlNmRmLWNkMTUtNDUyZS1hYjM3LWQ5YjUzNWY4NmNhZA?w=1440&h=960&fit=crop&auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80
From R600 per night, for 2 ppl
549
5
1
5
Bethulie Road
R701
9922
Free State
021 344 2440
14:00-21:00
10:00
-30.545499536853
25.591120329698
Raptor Ridge Lodge
Raptor Ridge Lodge
Raptor Ridge Lodge
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The accommodation is made up of 4 units with single or double beds. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom as well as a porch with panoramic views of the surrounding Karoo area and the Gariep Dam. To maintain the tranquility of the area, the lodge's electricity is supplied by solar panels and gas facilities which are environmentally friendly and bring one closer to the peaceful serenity only nature can provide.
We provide guests with boiling water.
Raptor Ridge Lodge and the Gariep Dam area offers numerous activities to keep you and your family or colleagues busy and entertained such as bird watching, cycling and a mountain bike trail, stargazing, hiking trail and game watching which is available on prior arrangement.
The accommodation is made up of 4 units with single or double beds. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom as well as a porch with panoramic views of the surrounding Karoo area and the Gariep Dam. To maintain the tranquility of the area, the lodge's electricity is supplied by solar panels and gas facilities which are environmentally friendly and bring one closer to the peaceful serenity only nature can provide.
We provide guests with boiling water.
Raptor Ridge Lodge and the Gariep Dam area offers numerous activities to keep you and your family or colleagues busy and entertained such as bird watching, cycling and a mountain bike trail, stargazing, hiking trail and game watching which is available on prior arrangement.
Features
Reviews (549)
549 guests' feedbackFeel free to do so. It was very quiet and safe. Clean and tidy. We felt very much at home, everything we needed was available. Friendly hostess. Nice view, lots of animals and birds.
Wonderful stay! Beautiful view of pond!
Nice place to break the journey to Cape Town.
Very comfortable, with an attentive hostess. Would go there again.
Service is great and the place is far away from all urban noise with a nice view. The meat available for grilling is top quality, and the wood is good.
Very nice. And the host was very cute.
Very nice stay, very friendly service.
Excellent value for money for the price. Don't expect 5 star for the price - but the bed is comfortable and everything is clean and convenient. As previous visitors have mentioned - the wood deck outside the unit is weak in places and if it breaks and someone gets hurt, the owners might have a problem as guests point it out but nothing is done. For future visitors - be careful on the wooden deck! Otherwise - very nice stay - stars in the evening are amazing!
Cute place to spend the night, very peaceful and quiet, and watching the stars was very special.
Very remote location that has you feeling like camping. Great location and very well designed.
It was very pleasant.
It is a beautiful, remote stay. So quiet and peaceful. Completely off the grid.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is just like the picture, a breathtakingly beautiful setting. We were warmly and kindly received by the host who carried us on his hands. We had breakfast last and he/she was more than willing to serve us. We got barbecue packs, wood and fire lighters because we arrived, and without any complaints he/she provided for us. It was the most peaceful night's rest and stay that I can conditionally recommend. Everything in the unit was neat and clean.
Yes! Beautiful view.
We had a very nice stay. If it had been a bit warmer, we would have grilled out. There is only one window and no air conditioning or fan. Couldn't sleep with the door open either, because there is no anti-theft. Assume there is no air conditioning or TV due to the fact that the rooms function on the solar panel system. Shower water pressure and temperature regulation is poor.
It was great, a wonderful place to unwind and shake the city off.
Perfect for a one night stay, it is remote, quiet and peaceful. Completely off the grid. Close to N1.
It did its purpose. Needed a bed.
Very beautiful and peaceful with silence in nature. Wonderful view of the overflowing dam. Sitting outside until late and braaiing with a beautiful sunset. Great!
Raptor Ridge was a really nice overnight stay. Can't see that I will be able to stay there for longer than 3 days though.
Bets very friendly and early in the morning when she came to say. Wind was blowing, she immediately called to arrange a place to eat.
The wooden porches (decks) are in poor condition. Loose and bent boards are a high risk for injury.
Nice view of the dam. Very quiet and peaceful.
Venue could do with a bit of an upgrade. One criticism is that there are no windows in the room to open. Have to open French doors for outside air. However, for a one-night stay over it is acceptable. Thought a bit pricey compared to similar venues.
Only the decks need redoing. Braai facilities poor.
Location excellent and rooms nice and big. The place needs some attention, e.g. the decks have numerous broken or loose boards which are very dangerous. Two braai drums were rusted through and unusable. The parking area has no light at night which makes it extremely difficult to get to the vehicle. The lodge is totally solar powered, which impresses us, but a solar light on its own solar panel at R 350 will do the trick for the parking area.
We were informed that it is a pet-friendly lodge. We advised several times that we have two Bullterriers. Upon arrival, we were informed that our dogs must be on a leash at all times. If they are off the leash, they must be locked in the room, as there are two cats roaming the property. The room is the actual lodge room where you sleep. I was told to use as little electrical power as possible, as their system does not charge on solar. The showers were cold. A communal kitchen was to be shared with other guests, not what was anticipated.
The location is exceptional, but that's where it stops. The place is old and neglected. Curtain arrangements fall half off the wall. Windows probably hadn't been washed in months, and the only opening window was broken and we couldn't even open it. Wood decking is already starting to rot and is a risk to walk on. We were surprised that there wasn't even a small fridge in the room, but there was a communal fridge in the kitchen that everyone used. The problem is it's so full of the babysitter's own stuff that we couldn't put anything in it. There was no bottled or filtered water to drink, and we were told it was borehole water and we had to drink it. Of course it was hot from the tap as we couldn't make it cold. I understand they only have solar power available, but can probably only make the most necessary available. The biggest problem is the cats. My wife is very allergic to cats, and I suggest they put it BIG on their website. She struggled for three days to get her sinuses and chest back in order after our stay there, because the cats just come into the living units and jump on the bed.
This is the second time we sleep in the double room. And on both occasions there were an awful lot of bats that come in somewhere and keep you awake all night. Slept very badly, was so tired when we had to drive on the next day.
The best part of the place is its scenic view of the dam. The lodge needs a lot of renovations. The rooms have old carpets, the showers work with gas geysers that leave you freezing cold or make you curse. The wooden deck in front of the rooms needs sanding and some of the boards are loose, which makes it dangerous especially for children.
The dam view and friendly host do not justify the lack of hygiene and safety. The bathroom still has carpet. The smell of mould and dirt was appalling. We could not use the toilet or the basin because it was soiled. The pillows are brown/yellow (not the covers, the pillow itself). The deck is an accident waiting to happen, the wood is rotten and loose. We had to close the 2 doors and 1 window to keep the bugs out, this meant that we had no fresh air coming into the unit and we had to live with that smell the entire night. A suggestion is to install mesh. However, I see that many previous visitors had similar complaints, yet nothing has been done to clean/repair the place. The communal area reeked and had dirty dishes everywhere - not something you want to walk into first thing in the morning. A small gas plate in the room to boil a kettle and a small fridge can operate when you make use of solar panels. One would have thought that Lekkeslaap has requirements for a place to be advertised through them. This is the third time that we have booked through Lekkeslaap and had such an awful experience.
Thank you very much. We as a family were very happy. Was kindly received.
Very nice stay thank you.
Lovely lodge with caring host.
It was very pleasant to spend the night there. Clean and safe.
Wonderful tranquility and calmness for the soul! Everything very neat and clean and offers everything you need for a wonderful weekend. Very good service!
Quiet place, dead quiet.
Great place to sleep over on your way back from Cape Town.
The resort stands alone in the nature area where it is located, with no other soul to see except the hostess and a few other guests. Units are very comfortable and clean, equipped with all necessities. The rooms are clean, tidy and inviting, each with a private entrance and bathroom. Hot water bottles, coffee, tea, milk and sugar are available free of charge. The most delicious farm breakfast is available on pre-order for R65. A very good tarmac road is available up to the ear; only the very last bit to get on the ground - about 800 meters - is dirt road. Gariep Dam can be seen for miles. Within walking distance of the residential units. All other accommodation, tourists, shops and the Xariep resort and dam wall are about 5-7 km away from the resort. There is a beautiful recreation room and dining room with a cash bar for those who wish to use it. The most delicious breakfast is available on request, freshly made for each guest.
A quick stayover on a long trip was very welcome.
It's not everyone's cup of tea. The accommodation could be considered spartan, but they are trying to leave a very small electric footprint which is admirable. The sky is amazing at night, just look up.
Would definitely recommend the place. Don't have a problem sharing the kitchen. Bets was absolutely a good hostess and we had a very nice overnight stay.
Will stay there again.
Almost right on the N1 main route which makes it a good overnight destination.
Had a amazing stay and the host was great. Place is perfect with no city lights and enjoying the wonderful outside. Animals passing as you sit on the deck.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is fantastically located, quiet and peaceful and very safe. The necessary facilities are all in place and Bets, the managers, are very helpful and even offered us breakfast at a very reasonable price before we traveled on. Highly recommend. Thank you.
Nice and quiet. Everything clean and tidy. Good choice for overnight stay. Thanks Bets.
Stopover on the way from Mossel Bay to Pretoria. Excellent place for me.
Lovely overnight stay en route to JHB. It's quiet, very safe and so relaxing sitting out on the decks. Bets accommodated us with two units next to each other as my sister was travelling with us. The Kitchen is very well equipped and Bets was always on hand to help. Had a lovely morning exploring the Dam wall before we continued up to Joey's.
The room was clean and tidy and the hostess was very helpful and very friendly. She likes to help and has a nice chat. We really enjoyed it there for the two evenings.
A nice view and comfortable room. It is a very nice place to stay.
The accommodation was comfortable and well equipped. The hostess was excellent and looked after us very well.
Bets made sure we could barbecue and also provided the barbecue sandwiches and salad. Facilities were clean and tidy. Very good value for money.
Delicious breakfast and a great night's sleep, thanks.
Simple but has everything you need. Very peaceful location. Would stay there again!
Bets offered a warm welcome and great hospitality and I had a very peaceful and comfortable stopover at Raptor Ridge Lodge. A few others have mentioned the dodgy mats in the bathroom, but apart from that the place was immaculate. I would highly recommend Raptor Ridge Lodge as a great value for money stopover.
Beautiful location, perfect stopover when traveling between CT and Jhb. The host was very friendly and attentive.
Comfortable, clean, friendly service.
Very basic room. Great bed, I slept well. You have to boil water in the main kitchen and then take the flask to your room to make coffee/tea. If it rains then one gets wet as one has to walk outside between rooms and kitchen. The place is a bit run down. Eg. The Deck needs replacing. The tile had fallen off in the bathroom.
Bets is a gem of a person who went to great lengths to make us feel at home.
It was very quiet, we had a nice rest after our long journey.
Well located, nice surroundings. Bets very helpful. Very neat and quiet.
We just watched stars that night which were so bright and clear. We started the morning by looking at the springbok and blue wildebeest grazing near the fence.
Good position. Great view of dam. Comfortable bed. Hot shower. But deck and doors need attention.
Great views, host really tries hard, very peaceful.
The host, Bets, is an amazing person. She maintained contact with us until we arrived (which was quite late in the night) and then met us upon arrival. Bets made sure that we were comfortable. the next morning, Bets also ensured that my daughter was not inconvenienced and turned on the generator. The resident cats were also a pleasure to have around. Beautiful place. Very quiet and peaceful with views of the dam. Thank you to the website and Raptor Ridge.
We really enjoyed the place.
View over pond was very nice. Very peaceful atmosphere.
I slept over with my 80 year old mother who has short term memory loss, but the beautiful surroundings and Bets' warmth made her feel cheerful. My state of mind had a lot to do with hers, so it was a plus for me.
Comfortable overnight accommodation with barbecue area and swimming pool. Friendly reception by aunty.
We had a nice stay, but the carpets are old and don't look good.
We stayed overnight during our travel. The lodge was very neat. Nice views over Gariep Dam and located in the veldt.
Lovely place to sleep.
The scenery is amazing. Dam pretty full. Would consider staying there again.
Quiet environment. Friendly reception. Second time we have stayed there and will stay there again.
Slept very well, atmosphere so peaceful.
We walked through the field and it was very nice with blesbucks and warthogs and ostriches, what more could a city boy want? The night temperatures dropped so much that it was good to be able to sleep without aircon. During the day warm 30+, and at night around 14 degrees. And it was a pleasant change from Durban, in Feb/March. All the basic facilities were there in the communal kitchen - everything was on gas - 100% OK. Only Vodacom worked a few times and it was nice not to be sent, Cell C and MTN were not there, but it was OK.
Stayed lay. They just have to take care of the decks, it could hurt someone.
Very hospitable and the breakfast was value for money.
Outdoor patio needs some maintenance. Overall value for money. A little secluded from the town.
The carpets in the unit are very dirty, we were disgusted to walk on them. It would be better to have teal flooring with loose mats that can be washed. There is also no milk and coffee in the rooms. Breakfast is also ricoffy with cremora, decent filter coffee with milk would be a big improvement. The hot water was also lukewarm, please state. the gas heater higher up for more hot water. The door and window frames are old and not in good condition.
This was an exceptional experience and value for money. I looked for silence and found it there.
The lodge has a lot of potential but needs attention. Carpets in rooms very stained and give impression of dirt. Communal kitchen cluttered and untidy. Please sit down a kettle in the room, the hot water bottle arrangement insufficient.
See stars.
We experienced a storm which was beautiful to watch over the open valley. Unfortunately, the lady decided to cancel our order for a braai pack because of the storm without an alternative solution, even though there was a fully functioning kitchen. The beds are old and there are still carpets in the bathrooms. It's not a lodge. No TV or kettle in the rooms.
Positive: Slept well. Negative: No breakfast included except at extra cost which makes it little value for money. 2 cats that walk around all the time and visit the rooms uninvited or climb on the cars and scratch. Decks at rooms are very neglected. Tiles in the bathroom have a lot of lime on them.
Place needs a lot of attention. No maintenance is done. Carpets in rooms are dirty. Everyone uses 1 fridge, rooms do not have their own fridge to keep only a cold drink cold.
Visit them as a guest and evaluate for yourself. I will not stay there again. We booked two nights and only stayed 1 night.
We were warmly received, comfortable setting, breakfast was delicious. The only suggestion would be to fix the patios.
The place is neat and comfortable, the reception was friendly. The view, stars and sunrise and sunset breathtaking.
We were greeted by a very friendly Bets who went our of her way to help us with anything that was needed. The room was lovely and clean and the bed was very comfortable. I really recommend Raptor Ridge Lodge.
Well run Bets, lovely setting will call again sometime.
Nice place to rest, a beautiful environment and the tranquility of self. Thank you very much.
I can't wait for the next time we go that way again. I will always sleep over there from now on.
Bets, thank you very much for the nice chat, the braai suit for the evening, and arrangements for Karoo Lamb, also for the surprise breakfast, it was lovely to be able to stay with you and I will come back again.
Very friendly reception. Beautiful view. Neat and beautiful.
There were no facilities in regards to heat up the room. Summer sheets in winter where it is so very cold? That is my only complaint. Otherwise a lovely place, neat, clean and welcoming.
Had a great night's sleep, a heater in the room would be good. It's really cold, even with extra blankets and a water bag.
Beautiful view of pond. Stars so bright at night. Peaceful experience.
Looking for overnight accommodation that is animal friendly. Was received very kindly by Bets and she made us feel very much at home. If I get the opportunity again I will definitely stay there again. The dining hall/communal social area's furniture is incredibly beautiful and a must see.
We only stayed overnight but it was delicious and a very nice breakfast. Hostess excellent service.
Perfect overnight stop when on the long road.
Toilet kept running after being flushed, luckily my husband is techie and was able to sort it out, we called management, not a complaint just statement, it can happen anytime anywhere.
Very peaceful environment.
Fantastic location. Bets' hospitality is top notch. Made new friends with other guests. Was just in one word awesome!
Very peaceful destination to stay.
A peaceful and beautiful venue. Highly recommended.
Very nice place. Everyone very friendly.
Great breakfast, good views, quiet. Only had one night but wish I could have spent more time there. Keep it up. Great Bar and furniture.
Nice visit, nice view.
We slept over on the way to the sea. Bets was a wonderful hostess and the room was very neat and clean. Nice view of the dam and nature. Would definitely recommend!
If you are looking for a place to breathe and break away from busy city life this is the place to be. Very neat and Bets was lovely.
Lovely place for an overnight stay. Beautiful hostess. Thank you Bets for your hospitality.
Even though Raptor Ridge Lodge is completely off the grid, we had hot running water and electricity. The communual kitchen, bar, lounge and dining area are comfortable and we just love all the wooden (tree trunks) features. Bets, the hostess was welcoming, friendly and helpful.
Would only suggest that tables and chairs be set up on the verandas. We had a barbecue and there was no place to sit and eat. And then just fixing the shower in the room we slept in. The teal is loose. Furthermore, everything was perfect and delicious. We will stay there again. Many thanks to Betz, she was very friendly and helpful.
Bets at Raptor Ridge absolutely took care of us and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. She is a true hostess. Thanks Bets. The natural beauty is one of the better places in our country and quite unknown to most SA residents. Truly a gem. Maybe good like that, then the pristine condition is preserved.
Wonderful place to stay.
No Wi-Fi, hot water boiler, microwave oven in room so be better. Good value for money.
Friendly service, helpful hostess.
Stunning views of Gariep Dam and the Milky Way. Comfortable room, it, unfortunately, has no windows, doors on both sides, it rained when we were there, we could not leave the doors open for air as it rained into the room, so it became a bit stuffy inside. The communal kitchen also requires you to go outside to reach it, maybe they could put an umbrella in each room, we didn't have one available. Last but not least due to the fault of the hostess, the borehole water leaves a residue in the toilet, which looks a bit gross, not sure how one could fix that. Maybe Jeyes fluid? We didn't worry about it being dirty, the bathroom, bedroom, basin, shower, etc. were all spotless. I think it is simply the result of borehole water. Bets was friendly, informative and helpful.
It is a calm and down to earth type of place. Very beautiful nature. Everything runs on solar power and gas. So no aircon or hair dryers, but that didn't bother us. Was very nice and comfortable.
Raptor Ridge offers nice views of the dam and gives the feeling of unspoilt. However, in my opinion, the use of a communal kitchen shared with management detracts from the experience. A well planned and equipped small kitchen area and braai facility on each cottage's deck would work great. Another element that would be a huge improvement is to replace the carpets in the living units with tiles. Better solar lighting on the paths to the units is also needed.
Thank you Bets for your kindness and delicious breakfast. Would suggest tiles, especially in bathroom.
Comfortable rooms, only the common kitchen that bothers.
Clean, tidy and friendly reception. Value for money, beautiful surroundings. Quiet and peaceful.
Was very nice and peaceful. Best is friendly and helpful.
Easily accessible, clean and comfortable.
The place is wonderfully close to the dam with beautiful views and we could have a nice barbecue in nature. The rooms need to be upgraded. It is a little inconvenient to boil water, etc. in the shared kitchen. In the kitchen was everything one needs.
Generally ok as an overnight stop, I think certain aspects need attention such as upgrading or repairing the chairs in the rooms and definitely the wooden decks outside each room need attention. Raptor Ridge has the potential to be so much more than just an overnight stop.
The self0catering arrangements were not clearly defined. As commented in a previous report the carpets are badly in need of cleaning.
Rooms are neat. Recommend replacing carpets with tiles, especially in bathrooms.
See stars.
Accommodation was okay. Bat in the room was not a pleasant experience.
Staff was friendly and helpful. No further complaints. Had a pleasant stay.
The location is great with good views over the dam and the nature reserve. We saw quite a few birds and animals from our unit. Carpets could be replaced in the unit, especially in the bathroom area. Deck was great but some wood needs to be repaired/replaced. I would have liked an up to date list of places to eat at etc. in the town of Gariep.
The carpets in our room were worn and full of stains (water or something else). The bed base had a very dirty stain.
Bets very helpful and hospitable. Room had everything needed. Clean, tidy and nicely furnished. Grilled meat quietly outside on the deck, the view over the Gariep Dam is very beautiful. Will definitely stay again.
Raptor Ridge is for people who like silence. Want to walk and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What we did miss was being able to boil our own water for tea or coffee. Should have gone to get boiling water in the resort kitchen (would have been helpful to know this beforehand). To visit Gariepdam reserve was about a 15 minute drive. What we liked was that the farm on which the resort is located can be visited on foot.
The view over the dam is breathtaking with the most beautiful sunrise. The beds have a nice hard mattress, but the rooms and bathrooms have carpets in them and it doesn't smell too good. The carpets in the bathroom are not a good idea with the moisture in the bathroom making the carpets smell. The headboard by the bed is made of fabric where you can also see oil stains where previous guests have pressed their heads against it. The lighting outside the rooms on one side is also not very friendly in the dark.
Other than that we had a comfortable night's stay. Staff was very friendly.
The kitchen is shared with guests, and the one freezer does not work at all. Only solar power is available, so power could not really be used. The place needs restoration. Some of the cutlery was dirty. We are not fully informed about the situation.
When you enter the room it smells musty, carpets are full of stains and look dirty. Shower had little hot water in evening and next morning for about two minutes so most of us had cold shower with little water pressure.
Bathroom needs serious attention. The shower facilities are a challenge.
No hot water after long day on the road. Not good security.
But if you like to be in between nothing and nowhere this is the place for you.
Recommend the breakfast. Delicious!
The rooms are clean, the beds are comfortable and Bets is just the perfect host! It has a beautiful setting overlooking the Gariepdam, if you enjoy peace and quiet then this is just the spot and not to mention the stars that are just so bright! Thank you for the pleasant stay.
Everything you need was there even though the complex was powered by solar power. This is a good idea.
What is there to tell all. Was traveling, was easy to book and very satisfied with the stay.
We had a very nice overnight stay. The place is well appointed and we had everything we needed.
Lovely overnight stop with amazing views and the most peaceful setting. Will definitely stay there again.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is a very nice place to stay overnight on the way to George or the Cape. The view over Gariep Dam is beautiful and if you are lucky, you will see the most beautiful sunset and goats too! Bets is very friendly and helpful and you feel right at home in the large kitchen and sitting/dining room! We will spend the night here again on our way to George/Cape!
Will stay there again.
Beautiful nature and friendly service.
Raptor Ridge is a very nice spot to stop over on your way to George/PE and we enjoyed staying there.
Friendly and peaceful. Would absolutely stay again.
See stars.
The tranquility is absolutely fantastic. Wonderful nature. Near the Gariepdam and Bethulie. Clean and tidy facilities. Friendly service. Would definitely recommend it.
A small and unique place, with lots of character. Stunning sunsets and so quiet.
Good service and friendly reception.
Nice view of the dam, ideal stopover opportunity between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Everything needed for a quick sleepover.
Just book your meals in advance, otherwise highly recommended.
All good, thank you Bets.
Delicious fried. Everything you need for a nice barbecue outside.
Very nice homely atmosphere with people-people who look after you.
Friendly service. Located in the beautiful scenery.
If just as it was described.
The sleeping units are clean, tidy and well furnished. Kitchen facilities are adequate. The site is clean and tidy.
Friendly service and environment.
The rooms are beautiful, neat and clean. The environment is breathtaking. Bets (the hostess/receptionist)'s food is delicious.
Friendly reception and beautiful view. We had a great stay!
The rooms and bathrooms are small, but fine for one night. The shared kitchen and living area is also adequate and has the basics.
I would stay there again, it was beautiful. There was mouse droppings under one blanket (but I think that can happen quickly) and the hot water system only works for about a minute or two and seems to always be like that. But still a great destination. Thank you very much.
This small resort has a homely atmosphere, with friendly staff. However, there are some sacrifices to be made with the fact that they only use solar power and gas, which means you have to get boiling water in the shared kitchen to be able to make coffee in the room, and the water pressure in the shower is just a little bit. Should you also want to use a hair dryer, you must also ask that they turn on the generator. Nevertheless, it has a unique character.
A pleasant restful place to overnight. A few things that need repairs e.g. decking that would help make it more comfortable and safe. The shower temperature was difficult to control.
Nice resting place after a long, dry, hot Karoo road.
The tranquility is palpable with a very nice view of the dam and beautiful sunset.
Friendly welcoming by host, thanks for the pool and lovely sunset.
Friendly reception, meal was delicious, furniture and buildings and wooden decks neglected.
Gas geyser is erratic (hot and ice cold). Not enough work surfaces in your room if you want to braai, owner uses main lapa himself. Not sure what the essay is there? Availability of braai wood/blitz would be good (even if it is for sale). Cigarette butts in barbecue on arrival. MTB route can have easier and clearer access. (One has to climb over a gate with your bike, a bit difficult, but still an adventure).
The solar electricity is not sufficient. It was very cold and the room did not have a heater. Also, no hair dryer can be used, provided they turn on the generator. If you travel you don't want to struggle anymore. There is no kettle in the room. You get hot water in a flask, but the next morning it is lukewarm. No garden furniture to sit on the porch. We wanted to braai, then it hailed and rained, and with that the braai was gone.
Clearly the farm owner's hunter accommodation. Amenities very basic and furniture a bit battered.
I hate someone that advertises a Bed and Breakfast, and when we ask for breakfast it is an extra charge - false advertising. Very basic accommodation although Bets was very sweet.
Battery power, no air conditioning, Cannot use hair dryers. No kettles for coffee, have to take hot water flask to room for coffee. Very old needs renovation.
Maintenance is necessary.
The pictures are very misleading. There is also no mention of the fact that the power is so weak that even a hair dryer cannot be switched on. The water's temperature regulation in the shower does not exist, it is either boiling hot or freezing cold. The place feels creepy and dirty. Needs a lot of attention.
Power for hair dryer and cell phone plug missing. Air conditioner would also be welcome.
Upon arrival we had to wait 30minutes outside the gate in the rain as the host was not there and the gates were locked. The location is lovely but the lodge itself is in serious need of an upgrade. Room had a smell of cat urine. Carpets so dirty I wouldn't walk barefoot on them. Shower full of mildew and dirty bath mat. 1 ply toilet paper, general pink cleaner in old dispenser bottle for handwash. No kettle or TV in room. Wicker armchairs in room broken with exposed large nails sticking out. This place should be a backpackers of 1 star. We did not stay. It was uncomfortable and unpleasant. The photos shown do not depict the reality of the accommodation whatsoever. The price they charge for a night is not worth anywhere close to it. Do not recommend it.
Beautiful surroundings and very peaceful place.
Raptor ridge is far enough from the N1 not to hear the traffic and close enough to get there easily. The property is on the border of the nature reserve so we saw animals with binoculars. Bets is very friendly and helpful, she made our stay very pleasant.
This is a gem of a place, off the beaten track, peaceful and comfortable. Bets is an attentive and friendly host who made us feel completely at home. The stargazing and animal spotting were amazing. Just loved our short stay here.
Stars, peace and quiet and the feeling of the forest with the view of Gariep Dam.
Room quite small. Do not like the sliding door to bathroom. Would prefer a proper door. There may be space limitations.
Just 10 km off the hectic N1 and you are in an old-style paradise. Forget your digital devices here: just open your eyes and your heart!
We felt very at home and at ease.
Very relaxing and quiet, bonus to see wildlife and birds plus view of dam and mountain.
Ons het Raptor Ridge gekies as 'n oornagstop op ons reis van Kaapstad na Jhb en terug. Ons het regtig welkom gevoel. Daar is 'n gemeenskaplike kombuis- en eetarea wat ons volgende keer gebruik. Dit is 'n pragtige plek.
Perfect overnight stop after a long day's travel. Friendly reception, beautiful scenery and view of the dam. Everything you need. Will stay here again.
The place will be much better if they just install air conditioners in the rooms.
It would make the deck more private if there were droppers between the units, the same as on the main deck.
Clean, tidy and comfortable overnight facilities.
Would recommend to anyone wanting a quiet place to stay. Lovely view.
Host very friendly and went out of her way to ensure that we were comfortable.
See stars.
If you are looking for peace, this is the place for you. It is urgently needed for an upgrade. Bets does her best with what she has, but the owner needs to put money back into the establishment. The solar energy is totally inadequate. Location is great for overnight when travelling.
Think owners can make an investment to purchase a new mattress for the specific room.
Was very clean and tidy. Friendly and hostess. Will stay here again overnight.
Lovely meal, value for money.
The managers Bets received me very kindly and served me a delicious dinner. She was also always available to help. And look carefully behind all guests. It is a quiet overnight stop for travelers between Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Can just pull out the carpets and breed. Display cleaner.
Located very close to the N1 which makes it convenient.
Would like to be able to walk to the dam, but there is a fence.
Clean and quiet, nice location for overnight stay.
My opinion, was definitely a hunters camp stay. Offer very little when it comes to meals. Very basic.
The hostess was very friendly, and we were warmly welcomed. The bathroom has a carpet in it that smells very strongly of urine. The bathroom is across the bedroom, so you smell the urine all the time. The toilet also leaked which wets the carpet further exacerbating the smell. Despite this, our stay was nice.
See stars.
Everything here is old! The place needs a lot of attention.
I had to crawl behind the bed to do it. No coffee facilities in room. Deck in poor condition. No chairs for sitting outside and suffocating from heat in room. Absolute nightmare experience! I am startled. Weak and primitive!
Toilet had things in it so clearly the bathroom hadn't been cleaned. The roof had a leak which dripped onto one of the beds. When we moved the bed we saw it hadn't been cleaned for some time. The tea station had dirty cups, no coffee or milk either.
For an overnight stop, Raptor is definitely a good decision. Rooms are clean and beds comfortable. I traveled with 2 dogs and was able to book them in with me. They enjoyed the space. The hostess was very pleasant and went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable.
Would definitely recommend the place.
The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful view and Bets's delicious boerekos, make Raptor Ridge the ideal stop wherever you're heading. Remember to book your meals beforehand - and takes drinks along.
We are from Johannesburg and had a wedding in Port Elizabeth. So Raptor Ridge Lodge was our stopover. We were warmly welcomed by Bets and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by her. Our sleeping area was so nice and cozy and the view was fantastic! It is so lovely, peaceful and quiet. Our group of friends will definitely go back and make a weekend of it!
If you are looking for Wi-Fi and TV, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for peace, tranquillity, friendly service and above all delicious home-cooked meals (to be arranged in advance), you can't go wrong with Raptor Ridge. Bets is friendly, helpful and her food is to die for!
A little way off the main road, but if you are looking for a peaceful stay away from the normal hassles of TV and the internet, then this is a perfect place for an overnight stay.
Loved the venue. Amazing host. Only issue was that I could not use my Nespresso machine.
This will definitely be my future place to stay on a stop over to the Cape. Betsy is very friendly and was happy to assist with all our questions. Beds were very comfortable and the area peaceful with a lovely view.
Breakaway from city bustle. Experience more silence than at most other places. No vehicle or TV noise. Just the place to recharge.
Raptors Ridge Lodge offers excellent value for money. It is ideally located for an overnight stopover from the Cape to Gauteng. The rooms are clean and well appointed. Management is very helpful and friendly and I would very much like to spend more time here. Can recommend the place with a good heart.
Thanks a lot, Bets, for your wonderful service.
Friendly welcome, comfortable, peaceful, great stars and out in the countryside. A perfect stopover en route from Cape Town to the Eastern Free State.
Lovely view of dam area - bring your binoculars!
Nice place to stargaze in the evening.
We had an absolute, pleasant experience. Bets made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The tranquility and open spaces were a relief after a long journey. The unit was beautiful, clean and very comfortable. We requested Bets to provide us with dinner, wow what a delicious Free State stew! Hot and tasty. Thank you so much Bets and staff, you will definitely see us again.
We had a wonderful stay. Bets was an excellent hostess. The tranquility after a long drive is invigorating.
Betsie received us very kindly. Delicious breakfast, Bettie and your team!
Friendly reception. Great place for peace and quiet. Breakfast is on request and what a great one it was.
We were received very kindly. The room we slept in is neat and clean with a view of the pond. The king-size bed sleeps like a dream. The bathroom is spacious and has a comfortable shower. The manager made an effort to find out if we were comfortable by inquiring in the evening if everything was ok. There is secure parking. We can recommend Raptor Ridge Lodge.
It was value for money.
The place is secluded, peaceful and very quiet. You sleep very well there and feel like staying longer.
The hostess received us warmly and kindly - fully informing us how the facilities [solar power] function. Rooms very neat and clean and comfortable. Absolutely no mosquitoes, still wanted to ask how this is possible. Have also fully informed us of attractions in the area. Really, highly recommended.
Very nice.
Basic but comfortable room with a private deck overlooking the dam. Shared kitchen and main deck. Option to wheel a small braai to your private deck. Good value for the price if you don't mind sharing some facilities.
The stay was fantastic. Bets is an excellent hostess, very helpful and accommodating. Only minor annoyance was the shower's temperature regulation needs some attention. Would definitely recommend as an overstay or stay to explore Gariepdam area.
Nice location and friendly hostess.
Self-catering unit with amenities that are more than adequate for the price paid. A comfortable outdoor deck with chairs and a table overlooking the Gariep Dam and nature reserve immediately creates the impression that the holiday has begun!
A bit on the expensive side, but nicely located with excellent service.
The accommodation was excellent and the meals were great! Friendly and pleasant person in charge. Nice view of Gariep Dam and nature. Quiet environment.
Very friendly service and very helpful.
This is the place if you just need a getaway where you can rest in silence. The views over the Gariep Dam and the wildlife along the dam create a very peaceful atmosphere and other attractions are just a few minutes' drive away.
The room was a bit cold, no kettle, little or no power plugs for cell phones or hairdryers. Winter electric blankets are recommended.
This is our 4th visit to Raptor Ridge. It is a great halfway stop-over between Johannesburg and Cape Town. We usually stay one night but really should stay longer to enjoy the location. Some aspects of the rooms need attention, small things that did not diminish the pleasure of the stay. We saw plenty of wildlife from the porch of the room and had a visit from two local crows who we gladly shared our breakfast with. Our host was very friendly and accommodating. The property is an eco friendly property and runs off solar and gas. The electrical supply has limitations so be aware of these. Ask for a room that does not have the gas heater in it, the heaters can be noisy and come on if your neighbour runs hot water, if you have the heater unit in your room. If you are not in a rush, take the Smithfield/Bethulie Road it is a nice quiet country road that lets you experience the real old school South Africa.
Had a friendly reception. Very neat. Would have liked a kettle in the room though but understand the reasoning behind it. However, Bets was more than willing to boil water for us for coffee.
Clean and peaceful quiet place for an overnight stop on the way to Cape Town.
Facilities are clean inside but very old outside. The beautiful view to the dam is used below. Great place to sleep.
Will visit Raptor Ridge again.
Bets provided us with good service, was very helpful and we enjoyed the stay.
Many thanks to Bets for making you feel very welcome without being a burden. Bets, keep up the excellent service. we really appreciated it, Japie and Antoinette.
Neat rooms and lovely conveniences in the living room.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is the perfect stopover to make the long journey between Cape Town and Gauteng more bearable. Bets waited patiently for us and made us feel welcome when we arrived at 8.30pm. Neat rondavels with comfortable beds after the long journey.
Tranquil with beautiful sunset. Peaceful setting.
Clean, tidy room and bathroom. Friendly, hospitable reception. Shared kitchen facilities. Electrical power is provided by solar energy, so no kettles can be used for cooking or hair dryers. A generator is available for this, and gas is also used to power the stove, refrigerators and geysers.
Had a very nice stay on the way to the Cape. The breakfast was very good.
Friendly welcome, clean, comfortable bed, room and bathroom. Beautiful view. Lovely deck and braai facilities.
Was very satisfied with the service and condition of the accommodation and other facilities.
Neat and clean. Will stay there again. Friendly staff.
It is a little bit of an inconvenience to ask for a flask of hot water for coffee. We understand that power is only available from solar, but wouldn't it be possible to get a small electric boiler or more solar panels? Manager Bets was very friendly and helpful. Thank you, have already recommended the place to friends and family. So conveniently close to the N1 and halfway between Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.
Room and common area very will setup and decorated. Really enjoyed the peace and quiet and open space.
Accommodation is basic with no extras. Stars and silence wonderful experience.
Friendly and helpful recommendation. Fridge and kettle in room.
Room was comfortably furnished. To be self-catering, you need to be prepared to share a common kitchen and dining area. We were very happy with the breakfast which we had ordered in advance.
Raptor Ridge looks like it could use some renovation. There is solar power for light and guests can take a nice hot shower. The communal kitchen and bar area is nice.
It's neat and beautiful on our way to our next destination.
Upon our arrival, we were received very kindly and were immediately taken to our rooms. The rooms were very neat, but the bathrooms are old and still have carpets in them. The deck wood in front of the room is already rotten and both my wife and my son had to jump off the deck as the deck gave way under them. When we wanted to braai that evening we had to borrow a braai from another room as not every room was equipped with a braai. No WiFi, TV, air conditioning and no drinks for sale in the bar. The lodge didn't even have ice and we had to go and buy ice in Gariep. I had to pay extra because of holiday rate but really couldn't see the value for the high rate.
Tranquil, quiet area. A bit neglected, but clean.
No fridge, kettle or aircon.
Life without a TV, it's something else. We didn't sleep at the lodge.
It was dirty and battered! Didn't even want to sit on chairs and complained about dirty shower, bathroom curtain has holes in it!
Expected more. A bit expensive for what you get.
General neatness not up to standard, especially the holes in the bed sheets, not what you expect from a B&B. The place needs an urgent make-over.
Raptor Ridge is located in a beautiful area, conveniently located close to the highway. The service was by no means satisfactory or welcoming. Also, no information was communicated to us regarding the use of facilities or surrounding activities / attractions. Although the bed was very comfortable and we slept wonderfully we were constantly disturbed by mice nesting in the roof. We would also suggest that the carpets should be replaced with tiles. Carpets are dirty and require more effort, time and costs to clean and maintain.
Our time was very enjoyable. The driver went out of his way to help us. I will always recommend Raptor Ridge Lodge!
Very friendly welcome and everything was neat and clean.
Beautiful place. Clean rooms. Lots of game. Friendly and helpful host. A nice place to visit again.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is a beautiful little place on the side of the road, far enough from town to be peaceful, but close enough to drive quickly for food. It is very peaceful and the people are very hospitable. It was worth the money for sure.
Super friendly people who make your stay enjoyable. Beautiful scenery.
In the pristine Karoo natural beauty we could feel safe, sleep well in neat facilities and even grill a Karoo lamb chop on the coals while squinting at the bright stars above us.
Silence. Quiet, great view.
Every traveler has a list of requirements for a place to stay. Raptor Ridge Lodge ticked all the boxes on the list and just added a few more. It was truly one of the nicest visits. Raptor Ridge Lodge comes highly recommended!
We had a wonderful stay, the places are beautiful, neat and it was especially nice to be in nature.
Raptor Ridge Lodge is a cosy, value-for-money overnight accommodation with a breathtaking view of Gariep Dam and its wildlife.
The ideal stopover en route to the Cape!
Can definitely sleep here, people-people and salt of the earth.
Good for one night's stay, but limited fridge facilities and food prep space.
Me, my husband and my dog spent the night at Raptor Ridge Lodge. They were really accommodating and friendly. Wish we were there longer. The view in the morning over the nature reserve and dam is breathtaking. You can stargaze unobstructed. Unbelievably beautiful place, just off the tarmac, for a really good price.
Water temperature for the shower was too low for winter months.
The suites need some attention, otherwise a peaceful night's rest, no disturbances except for the natural residents.
We as a family really enjoyed it. David and staff were very pleasant.
Pleasant stay. Friendly host and staff. Comfortable accommodation.
Parking outside in the street is unsafe. Otherwise tops. Our room was at the back of house, so no sea view.
A good overnight stay en route to Eastern Cape. Needs a gas hotplate for boiling water. We used the main kitchen.
I think a small gas stove to boil water in the room for coffee would be good. Also it is very complicated to get the shower to keep a warm consistency, so its either boiling or cold. Other guests who checked in who had stayed before had the same problem with the shower. We were offered freezer space to keep our stuff frozen as we were on a long trip but the one fridge was not working and the other one kept our meat cold but not frozen. Think there is a need for new fridges. The outside deck is not quite safe anymore with nails loose and planks. These are but some small things which are easy to fix and I look forward to another visit.
Beautifully situated and nice clean beds and bathrooms. Battled a little with the hot water and a few cob-webs in the room. Lovely breakfast, but please be sure to tell guests that it is cash only and having change would be useful. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with reservations.
It was a good experience and the accommodation is in a quiet nature environment full of tranquility. It is an ideal overnight facility for those travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The whole experience from check-in to check-out was great. Quiet place with comfort and beautiful scenery.
The facility is well located and offers good value for money. The manager received us well and communicated well. The room was clean and tidy but the wooden deck outside needs attention. The lodge was comfortable and clean. The kitchen needs a good upgrade.
We really enjoyed the seclusion and silence.
Fantastic place. Environment and natural beauty in particular. It should be kept in mind that they use solar power and gas, so there are only basic minimum goods available to you in the room, although provisions can certainly be made in the main building. Would really suggest that mosquito nets are provided. The bugs carry you away alive.
The shower facilities are not up to standard!
The lodge has character, but not very well maintained - the wooden deck on the side of the dam is quite weathered and neglected. The lounge is very nice with stunning wooden furniture.
We spent the night on Saturday night and were kindly received by Dawid. We were shown our rooms and checked in. Nicely grilled, eaten and visited. Sunday after breakfast we packed and drove. The service and conversation was nice, will not be able to stay there for more than one night because no other amenities, e.g. television or radio and generator are turned off. Just have to say slept very well in the dark and only the night sounds.
Had a great sleep, the room's facilities are sufficient. Suggestion for improvement is to replace the carpet in bathroom with tiles. Host was warm and friendly. Food was of high quality, portion sizes for ladies just a bit too big!
We were received very kindly. Made us feel at ease, explained all the options to us. The one option was to eat lamb chops in the village at the hotel karoo, we are not really mutton eaters, but that place was off the books. Slept very well, the hot water for coffee was also on time, there was an option for breakfast, but had to drive too early. Really recommend the place. Not for people with too much wiring, the farm is solar powered, but there is a generator if power is needed.
In fact, when we got there, I was impressed with the place. The photos clearly show what to expect and the description clearly explains there is no power, etc. So we got what we expected, there were no problems with it and the view is beautiful. It has a farm and peaceful feel. There is a lot of potential. The driver welcomed us kindly and we could at least get something nice and cold for the throat after a long journey. However, we couldn't rest well because there was a big bat problem right through the night. Had to remove at least 10 bats over the course of the night. They come out of the roof and then they come and sit on you. Probably true what they say: "They really do go into your hair". The fan also stopped working during the night and it is very hot there, it was terribly uncomfortable. I would only suggest that you get another battery for the solar power to get you through the hottest hours of the night.
Vriendelike ontvangs en gerieflike verblyf. Ongelukkig nie rolstoel-vriendelik, maar die bestuur het hul bes gedoen om ons te akkommodeer.
We often stay at Raptor Ridge Lodge, but this time the service was not so good. I suspect it is about us being the only people there for the evening. Firstly, we were not put in the room I had booked. We always book the King Room because it's at the end of the building and more private. I didn't say anything about this though because all the rooms are basically the same so it wouldn't have made a difference. And there had been no other people. Second, there was no soap or towels in the room. It was as if the room had not been prepared for guests at all. At least I asked for it and it was provided. Thirdly, the power had already been turned off early in the evening and was not turned back on before we drove. We know there is a generator, but not before has the power been shut off all night. Probably because we were the only guests again. It was disturbing if we wanted to use the bathroom during the night and the next morning when we had to pack up. There was nothing provided to help with this, luckily we had a flashlight in one of the pockets. We also couldn't use our cell phones because without power they wouldn't charge either. We will go back to Raptor Ridge Lodge every time, but even if you are the only guests I think you deserve the same service when the rooms are full too. So, maybe just a suggestion to step up the service a bit.
See star-rating.
The host was charming and the unit clean. The lack of mains power and the distance from a place to get an evening meal was a problem. Closest shop being 13 km away so for an overnight stay it was problematic. It is also very isolated so one tends to feel vulnerable. Not really suitable for an en route stopover. Colesberg most practical.
Unfortunately, it was not what we expected. The owner's recommendation where we could eat that evening was the only positive experience for this stay. Even the booking confirmation was confusing at first. Sorry, but we will not book there again.
Nice place. Biggest complaint is that there is no electricity and that we therefore had to tackle in the dark with a flashlight. No eating or drinking facilities just hot water for coffee. Place could also be cleaner. Reception was friendly.
No electricity, only generator, switched off at 20:30, no kettle in the room, management brings boiling water in a flask, dirty carpets. I've had much better stays for the same price at other places. You won't see me again.
The environment is beautiful. The cottages need an urgent renovation. The carpet had a dirty spot on it, there was bat droppings on one bed, they first fetched towels from another lodge for our room. In the evening the bats flew around in our room. When we arrived we had to push open the gate even though there was someone in the garden doing it. The manager was very friendly as well as the staff.
Although the website states that they operate on solar power, which is my passion by the way, there is no mention that the system is anything but pathetic. At sunset all lights were out, no power through the night, and worst of all, no lamps or candles available. I had to go and ask for toilet paper and was greeted with surprise. One miserable flashlight on the case, just enough to chase away 5, yes 5 bats through the night. I love wildlife, but wire mesh in front of the window, (there is only one), would have kept out the unwelcome night visitors. The linen was unironed and the towels completely frayed. never see me again
I am sorry to inform you that insects and other unwanted animals made our stay unpleasant. With regular control it can be a good place for guests to stay overnight.
I was disappointed so much that I had to cancel my booking upon arrival, in so doing had to forfeit my money. The pictures of the place you see online are the opposite of what you see upon arrival.
We had a lovely stay with dogs and all. Fantastic farm breakfast rounded it off well. (Perhaps you should only state that there is no ESKOM electricity so we can prepare for it. However, the generator and solar power were sufficient for our purposes).
Thanks to Dawid and co who received us hospitably. Our Suite was spotless and the breakfast delicious.
Had a great time with David.
Thanks so much. Unbelievable accommodation. You don't need anything more. You don't need the luxuries of the city to realize what is nice. Raptor Ridge is awesome.
Unbelievably nice place.
My stop to Cape Town. Yes!
We were made to feel welcome and loved the facilities - clean, efficient and beautiful surroundings. Great waking up to buck at our verandah!
It's one of the few places I've been where you can just to get up and to enjoy nature right in front of you. The silence lets you connect with mother earth again, and that in such a beautiful environment that makes it really easy to relax. It is located next to the Gariep Dam, which makes it even more special since you have a view you don't normally see. What makes the place different is the tame blesbuck that invites you in as soon as you drive through the gates and then you're met with friendly service from Zelda. Even though my wife and I spent just one day, we will be back for sure. Worth it.
Raptor Ridge was perfect for our one night stay-over. Well located, quiet with a beautiful view. If you don't want TV and just want to peacefully braai with the quiet surrounding you and the beautiful view, it is perfect. Zelda was wonderful and helpful and we can recommend it.
So clean, relaxing atmosphere. I can definitely recommend this place.
We only stayed over one night and we were very impressed with Zelda's hospitality. Ice and glasses were provided and space was made in the freezer for a few frozen items.
Friendly reception and hospitable. The units are neat and convenient.
Had a wonderful braai unexpectedly but it was just possible. Blue wildebeest in the backyard and a great view. Fine "houses" perfectly fine. Very cozy!
A bit of upkeep needed on the deck outside. A dinner option would be nice.
My husband has been here 4 times and can really recommend Raptor Ridge to anyone looking for stopover accommodation between Gauteng and the Cape. Good service and the room is lovely and clean.
Being able to spend the night so close to nature was very special. David is a good and friendly host and the breakfast was tasty.
Nice rooms with a view of Gariep Dam. Enjoyed a very nice dinner and breakfast.
Quick reception, pleasant and helpful. Neat accommodation. Had a nice braai. Water lovely. Good location and well equipped for stopover. Hot water for coffee/tea is provided in a thermo flask. Should maybe consider a kettle in all the rooms.
Zelda is a true host, thanks for all your effort, we really had a great time, even though it was just a quick overnight stay. Wonderful that the lodge is actually off the grid, you can totally relax and you get the opportunity to really appreciate the beauty of nature.
I was impressed with the location of Raptor Ridge Lodge. Chalets overlook the Gariep Dam which makes it that much more enjoyable to enjoy a drink and barbecue on the stoep. Will definitely use Raptor Ridge Lodge again.
The unit had everything that we needed and a beautiful view of a piece of the Gariep Dam.
Lovely, but the carpets rotting and the gas geisers were a source of frustration.
Enjoyable, neat, clean, professional.
Interesting place for overnight stay.
Very hospitable. Definitely a halfway stop!
Very warm welcome. Tranquillity with the most beautiful sunset, quiet and stars are so bright that you can see the Magellanic Clouds. Will recommend it if you're looking for quiet.
I enjoyed the tranquility and the beautiful view. We got there late in the evening and left early again so didn't make much use of the facilities. I had a lovely hot shower, but my mother struggled to get hot water, despite the fact that she turned the shower off and on. So not sure what happened because they have gas geysers. It rained that night and was cloudy all day so don't know if that had anything to do with the fact that the power kicked out all the time. But the generator immediately kicked in again and then there was power again. Everything was tidy and the owner was very nice and had a hot flask of boiling water ready for us in our room for coffee as there are no kettles in the room.
A place to find your soul.
The reception was friendly and we could use the kitchen - gas stove, fridge, cutlery. Large living area with beautiful furniture. Environmentally friendly - uses solar power and gas - so no TV or electric kettle. It was very cold and we were given a hot water bag, which we really appreciated. Pleasant accommodation.
Neat, comfortable, beautiful, peaceful. We were kindly received and very well assisted and looked after by the hostess. We were able to enjoy nature in the area with the Gariep reserve which is adjacent to the lodge. There is various wildlife and numerous birds to view. The stars are clearly visible. Definitely a place I will visit again.
Lighting is a problem - we left early morning and there were no lights inside or outside - we had to struggle in the dark with a flash light. Warm water in shower was a problem - one moment you burn, next you freeze - impossible to set to right temperature - dangerous to children and older people who can't jump out of the hot water in time. Wooden decks need maintenance.
Hostess very friendly and helpful. Peace and quiet for the soul.
Accommodation was neat and clean. Understanding that there is an electrical supply problem, with insufficient power, I do suggest that each room could at least have a small gas fridge for keeping supplies fresh and cold. A kettle/small gas cooker with the appropriate type of kettle in each room would be appreciated for making tea/coffee mornings/evenings.
We used the kitchen for making a light dinner. Enjoyed a sundowner on the wooden deck. Would just suggest maintenance is needed.
Very nice location. Somewhat dilapidated and green power didn't work. Too hot for summer evenings without air conditioning. Hot water with gas does not work well. Refrigerators not working. Grills not clean. Animal-friendly but dogs cannot walk freely due to 2 goats in the small camp.
Stunning location with a perfect view, perfect place to stop over for a night.
So sorry, but it really wasn't a very nice experience, for the money we paid I really feel that one should have expected more.
Not B & B as expected. Bats in unit. Had to order boiled water. Generator for hairdryer. Small and rustic like camping site. Will not consider again. Much better places next to the Gariep Dam. Disappointing and doesn't comply with set and own expectations.
On arrival we are received kindly and on the surface everything is in order. Then one realizes that the kitchen is shared with the staff, which is fairly to completely messed up. The next moment, a goat lamb walks into the building and does its business due to a runny stomach on the carpet. We are told that we should not use a lot of power as the solar panels' batteries will not be able to handle it, i.e. hair dryers etc. is a NO. The showers work with gas and the water does not get hot due to the fact that gravitational pressure is not enough to activate the unit (I speak from experience because I myself have such a unit on the farm). I want to give a final thought, if one wants to operate a guest house and charge money for it one must be able to provide the basic services that are expected.
I am not one to complain but my experience at Raptor Ridge Lodge was so disappointing. When we arrived at Raptor Ridge after supper we were told not to use any lights as the battery was flat. It was a hot summers night and fan did not even work due to no electricity. After a bad nights sleep we were woken up to a geyser that does not work. Then get to the dining room for breakfast to be welcomed by ladies that are rude. And how can strangers share a table for breakfast? I really think the photos are deceiving.
We had a good rest and braai to come back to our senses.
Was very clean and tranquil after a long day on the road! For anyone who enjoys silence and nature this is the place.
The staff were very friendly, helpful and extremely professional.
It was great. It felt like as if we were in a field but yet luxurious. Thank you.
We were hospitably received. The room was comfortable, but we were not aware in advance of the fact that there was no 220V electricity. Maybe we didn't read the ad well. It didn't matter to us.
I just want to mention that they should purchase a microwave to be able to heat food or takeaways.
We enjoyed our little visit. It was truly an experience to be able to be at the Gariep Dam again.
Beautiful and comfortable.
It was incredible. You guys are the best.
See rating.
Really have to mention that Esme really went out of her way to accommodate us as we couldn't stay at Raptor Ridge itself due to personal reasons. Both Raptor Ridge and the lodge where we stayed were beautiful and peaceful just what one needed after a long journey.
Very neat and clean. Would definitely stay there in future. Thanks for the excellent service.
The service was excellent and we immediately felt at home. It is the perfect stopover on your way to Cape Town and back. It feels like a holiday destination.
My husband and I were looking for a quiet place to stay and Raptor Ridge was perfect for what we needed. The place is nice and clean and Esmé immediately made us feel at home. I have never seen stars as beautiful and bright as here. I would definitely recommend the place.
We struggled to find the lodge since the coordinates took us to the wrong side of the dam. Friendly reception and neat units. Unfortunately I didn't know that there is no electricity, but the hostess apologized to us. No TV or WiFi and the rooms weren't really equipped for self-catering since you have to use the communal braai area and kitchen. The lodge is also quite close to the tar road.
Overall very nice stop for a night. Would have like to have more time to explore. Arrived late and had a stunning clear night sky with more stars than I have ever seen.
Friendly reception. Nice quiet farm atmosphere. Host can think about upgrading matress - very noisy and not very comfortable. Will consider Raptor in the future.
We only stayed 1 night on the way to the Kruger National Park. Everything was very clean and tidy. However, the shower is a problem as it was either very hot or cold, could not get it set to just flow comfortably. Early morning coffee is also not possible because there was no kettle available to boil water and the water in the hot flask, from the night before, was already cold. The breakfast was delicious and sufficient. Big bonus was the game (goats) that came so close to the wire to say hello.
Only spent the night, place is neat.
The stay was pleasant. The room clean and tidy. Would love to have a small fridge to keep drinks cold. Gerda was very helpful with that.
The lodge has loads of potential, could do with a little bit of renovation. Planting more trees will also improve the face.
See the stars.
Good place, using solar power where possible. The geyser did not work properly due to low water pressure (I think) and there should be a possibility of getting boiling water in the morning from the resturant area rather than a flask at night which is not that hot in the morning.
Nice away from everything in the field. Pleasant stay. Old broken bedside lamp (room 1) spoils the stay. Bedside lamps on both sides of the bed please! The door that struggles to open is a frustration. "Ozite" carpet in the bathroom has seen better days. Will stay there again. We ate well!
Simple, but pretty and clean. Friendly hostess.
Clean and neat with a beautiful view of the dam. A bit primitive with the warm bottle for water. And when I wanted to leave at 5 the next morning there was no power, so I had to pack my things in the dark. And it was very cold at night. But for someone wanting to get out of the city, it is wonderful.
Esme, our hostess, is definitely the heart of the lodge. She immediately made us feel at home and spoiled us with the most delicious cooked food. We leave here with good memories.
The room was neat, the bed is good and the location is pretty, but there is no hot water. As we saw other reviews in this regard, we decided to shower as we arrived, but even at that stage the water wasn't hot. The fact that you are locked into the yard was less than pleasant and thus there is no one you can ask about the water and can't get any extra boiling water, aside from the flask you receive upon checking in.
Nice clean and luxurious bedding. A lot of effort put into meals but unfortunately it's more about volume than quality. Maintenance is required. Poor planning with old generation gas geysers sharing bathrooms. Just not good enough.
Lovely spot, great view, nice host - no running water on the day of my departure, also no refund for the second booking I made and paid for in advance for when I wanted to head back to Cape Town.
Just one problem - because they use solar power there is no fridge in the room.
It is a beautiful place, but there is a big problem with the power situation. They work with solar power but the batteries that have to store the power are not right or too small. We wanted to leave at 003:00 in the morning, but there was no power nor a light in a thousand nautical miles and had to do everything in the dark. It was very inconvenient because the power problem. I would stay there again anytime if the power problem is fixed. On our second sleepover, there were also other people complaining about the same thing. It is also mentioned that breakfast and meals are available. What a joke! They can't even get their reservations right it was total chaos with the reservations upon our return. Serious attention must be paid to it otherwise they may just close the place down. And LekkeSlaap's name will suffer. I am satisfied with your good service but I cannot say much about the service at Raptor Lodge because there is no service.
It's only a place for an overnight stay and not for a weekend.
We stayed over for two nights. The host was extremely kind and even stopped to buy us some supplies in town when it started to rain (we travelled by motorbike). The only problem we encountered is that it wasn't self catering, as advertised. The rooms have no kitchenette, only two cups with coffee and tea, and a flask with hot water. The shared kitchen wasn't open to us all the time, which was rather difficult, since we planned to eat in.
Arrived at Raptor Lodge in the heat of the day only to find out they only have battery operated solar panels, the batteries of which have not worked for 2 years. So we couldn't turn on the fans. The fridges work with gas, but they don't work at all. Put ice in there which melted. I believe the owner can afford to buy new fridges and batteries. Then it will be a lovely place. Will not go there again.
It was very bad! We had to pay R1400 for the night but there was no electricity. We had to try and get the electricity back on ourselves - without success. The generator was switched on but there was still no electricity! Much later an outside person came to repair the generator but it was switched of a short while later. The whole night we couldn't use air-cons (in very hot rooms) and had to find our way in the dark. I can't think that anybody can pay R1400 for a night with such bad service. We thus payed for services that we didn't get! I wouldn't recommend this accommodation to anyone!
On arrival they informed us that there were no plug points. We were moved to another place.
We stayed here on the first evening of our Route 62 trip and it was such a disappointment that we decided not to stay over again on our return trip and rather slept at the Gariep dam.
It's a good place to stay with friendly people.
Very peaceful area, beautiful scenery and delicious food. The lamb stew was great. The rooms were neat and beds comfortable. We had a great time staying there.
We just wanted to sleep over on our way to Mokala Park. I will definitely stay there again.
Perfect! I would recommend it to everyone.
We had a great stay and it was very quiet and peaceful.
Pleasant people you can trust and who bend over backwards to make it pleasant. Place to sleep, place to eat and place to visit excellent, keep it up, you have already recommended.
Very nice visit, calm and quiet!
Beautiful place. Couldn't believe a stopover could have such a comfortable bed. Exterior of buildings and furniture needs some maintenance. Definitely recommend the place, and would stay there again myself. Val and Willie.
In nature. All facilities required. Location = safe, quiet, scenic sunsets and sunrises. Friendly reception. Clean tidy rooms. No noise whatsoever. We had a nice barbecue and the equipment for it was great.
It was excellent and will use it again.
Very nice stay, just please sort out the hot water problem!
On arrival we get a friendly little woman with the most adorable dog to welcome us. Our neat, clean rooms are shown to us. Karin waits patiently for the weary travelers to enjoy a warm cup of peasant comfort with biscuits. We got there after 9 in the evening and the woman lives 13 km from the lodge but had no problem serving us and making sure we were taken care of for the night. I will persuade all my friends, family and colleagues to spend the night there and will want to go there again myself. Thank you very much Karin. We greatly appreciate it.
It is very good value for money and ideal as a place to sleep. The hosts were very friendly and served a delicious dinner. Thank you very much!
Very pleasant, clean, tidy and peaceful along the Gariep, a welcome return after a long journey. The reception was very friendly and helpful.
Clean, safe, beautiful surroundings and lodge. Extremely friendly service and hospitality. Beautiful room. Very calm.
Raptor Ridge is ideal for overnight stays on the road. We were pleasantly surprised by the absolute silence and tranquility of the surroundings. You can view wildlife such as springbok and black wildebeest right from your room. Furthermore, they were willing to accommodate us with an extra cot in our unit.
Very peaceful destination that offers enough for the price. Will use again anytime. Very nice to get up in the morning with a view of the pond and antelope grazing peacefully!
Neat and comfortable accommodation. However, power in the morning and air conditioning will make it more pleasant.
No water! After a long day traveling. I couldn't shower that night or next morning. It's still a nice place.
Beautifully clean and great service.
Excellent accommodation and good food. Location at the dam unbeatable.
We were kindly received. At Raptor Ridge Lodge you feel so close to nature, the stars are so bright at night and they feel so close as if you could just touch them. If you are tired after a long drive Raptor Ridge Lodge is definitely the answer, it is quiet and peaceful and away from all the hustle and bustle. It's very neat and clean with a homely atmosphere. We can definitely recommend the Lodge.
See the stars.
The drivers were sick and the person who stood in had to make do with what was available to meet obligations. Even the owner who spent the night there did not even welcome the guests.
The place is quiet and peaceful and remote. It is also not near the dam. There is no Eskom power, only solar power and gas in the kitchen. There was no bright light in the rooms and no facilities for boiling water. One may not use electrical equipment. We did not enjoy the meals.
Accommodation was okay but a bit remote on the opposite side of the bank and the rooms are very warm. There is no kettle in the room and you have to get boiling water from the main house's kitchen, which is a bit of a bummer. The place is very remote. There are no people nearby, it feels a bit unsafe if you stay alone for the night like us.
Clean, but too few lights outside, the shower didn't work.
You get what you pay for. It is in a very quiet area with a stunning landscape. It runs on solar power and the next morning when we wanted to drive there was no power. The room's carpets had not been vacuumed for a long time, but that was not really a problem because the bed was very nice and warm. The lodge is not "staffed" so you have to communicate quite nicely when you plan to arrive there, I wasn't aware of this so the manager waited quite a long time, making him remarkably sour. (Luckily he was out of there pretty quickly)
The mattress can be upgraded.
Friendly reception and beautiful lodge. They accommodated us with a camp bed for our child, for which we are grateful. However, the lodge is not child-friendly and there is no playground for children. The carpet in the room was not clean and the porch in front of the room is old and neglected. Air conditioning will be appreciated in the rooms.
Room was neat and clean, bed was comfortable, location quiet and peaceful, views beautiful, but customer service was very poor. Meals that were booked in advance (the service is offered by the lodge) could not be provided. The lodge is operated with solar power, but prospective guests should be warned in advance that electricity will not be available when the solar batteries are depleted.
Pleasant, quiet overnight stay but no staff on duty or available during the night. The electricity went off in the early hours and there was no one to summon for help or assistance. We wanted to pack up to leave but had to wait for sunrise. We tried to phone the owner but it went to voicemail. We left a message but got no response.
Perfect location and probably the cleanest lodge in Gariep. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly. The downside is that the facilities are old and / or non-existent. It needs proper electricity / generator infrastructure. No pool.
We were met by a friendly and helpful manager who made sure we were well informed. Very sadly the room and bathroom had not been hoovered for quite some time! There was a kitchen available, but not in our unit. We were disappointed in the accommodation, but access from the highway was good.
No towels in the room. Cold, cold evening and after I had already undressed to take a shower, I discovered no towels in the room. No heating (gas) or anything else. No milk or drinking water in room. No rooibos tea in the room and also only 1 tea bag. So if you drink a cup of tea in the evening before bed, there is no tea available for the next morning. It's as if basic expectations fall completely short. No soft drinks or anything to drink is available with dinner. Dinner is R100 (no soup/starter or salad or dessert). The plate of food is scooped up by the hostess so there is no personal choice and no variety such as e.g. not bobotie or pie or pasta. For R100 you can serve a bobotie with salad and light dessert.
We arrived late in Gariep, after our check-in time. We called Raptor Lodge several times to help with road directions, as it was dark and an unfamiliar environment. They were grumpy and not helpful at all. You may also have to say in the advertisement that it is a green place. There is no electricity.
The advertisement on the Internet is extremely misleading. There was no effort. The fridge was old and completely inadequate. There was no alternative generator, it was made clear to us that this was extra trouble. We did not feel welcome at all. The facilities were not spotless either. The kitchen and sleeping facilities did not feel clean. There was a problem with our booking (not two double rooms and one single room as requested). No power (solar or gas) the next morning. Very impersonal service. There is a problem with the toilet in room 2.
Next time we would rather stay in a guest house in town. The facilities are very basic. It is very hot with no air conditioning and the doors have no safety gates. So we couldn't even open a door or window at night to relieve the heat.
I was informed 3 days before arrival that the full outstanding amount was payable. I immediately called the contact person but she had no knowledge of our reservation. She also promised to call back, but it never happened. I called her again and she confirmed that everything was in order and I then again mentioned to her that I had booked the 21st of September for dinner and breakfast. On our arrival there was no dinner but a suggestion of a good restaurant 10 km away in Gariep. If you have already driven 900 km, you don't want to drive any more. I tried to raise the matter with the manager but he was more concerned about the outstanding fees (which had already been paid on arrival) before he took any interest in our complaint. The breakfast was then free but the contact person's attitude was extremely rude, I would not recommend the place at all due to poor service.
I think it would be advantageous to install Bat Boxes for the resident bats as they form an integral part of the ecology of the area.
See the stars below.
The rooms are spacious and tidy. The en suite bathroom is spotless. Reasonable price and lovely environment! Since they depend on solar and battery power, I would recommend that guests bring only a flashlight or lamp in case there is no power.
Excellent accommodation with the most beautiful wooden furniture in the living room. The hostess went to great lengths to ensure that we were comfortable and safe.
We were very happy with the stay, and the host and wife were very helpful. We will definitely spend the night there again on our way to Gauteng and back.
Everyone was so friendly and the facilities were fantastic.
The accommodation is neat and clean, and the staff very helpful.
After our bad experience at the beginning of our vacation, we are full of reservations about what to expect since this is also relatively "cheap" accommodation. What a pleasant surprise! The place is clinically clean and comfortable. The people are friendly and helpful, and it feels like you are visiting family. It is the perfect end to our vacation. We did provide our own food, but were informed in advance so that we could take everything with us. Best of all: the kitchen, braai facilities and everything you need are available, clean and usable. A last peaceful evening with a sunset over the pond, barbecue fire, glass of wine, pleasant company, clean and comfortable accommodation - makes you feel humble. Thank you for the great service and friendly stay!
Comfortable, safe and beautiful.
A very quiet environment and two wonderful people who received us...
We received a friendly welcome upon our arrival. The room was tidy and we got a very good night's rest before we left for the Cape. Would definitely recommend the place to anyone.
We will definitely stay here again! Beautiful view and surrounded by nature. The braai place is a must to use. We were received very welcome and even our dog immediately felt at home. With a heavy heart leaves for a wonderful night's rest. Thank you very much.
The only problem is that there is no 240V electric power; everything runs on solar power and gas. At least we can charge cell phones.
We would definitely recommend Raptor Ridge as the location is so unique - in the wilderness, yet luxurious enough.
Tidy; clean; nice big bed. The food was top notch. We will definitely stay there again!
Guests must please be informed in advance that there is no drink or soft drink (soda water etc.) available.
Had a good night's sleep...availability of soft drinks/water to drink would be appreciated.
A lovely place to relax and within easy reach of all Gariep has to offer.
The staff went out of their way to accommodate us as we had booked, even though they had personal issues to overcome. All that remained in the battle was dinner on the way to Limpopo, but we were informed in advance so that we could make alternative plans. After such a long road and so much more to come, it's spot on, as the main goal is to shower and sleep. Will stay there again.
Beautiful location and very friendly hosts. An ideal stop over near Bloemfontein.
Probably the darstest spot in SA, great if you're interested in astronomy! We loved our stay. Lots of wild animals in the early morning, around the lake.
Staff are very friendly and helpful. We had a problem with our shower, and Karin came out at night to help us. I did prearrange supper iwth Stephen, which was sadly not provided, so we had to drive into town to have supper - after along drive from Gansbaai to Gariep Dam most guests will want a shower and to relax and have peace of mind that dinner is sorted. However, we had a fantastic stay otherwise.
Although I stated that my party included an adult in a wheelchair and was assured that the venue was accessible, it was found not to be because the doors could not be opened as designed. Furthermore, the sliding doors to the bathroom could not be opened wide enough.
Awesome location with friendly and helpful staff. The food was very tasty. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and slept extremely well. Thank you.
Please fix the shower, as it goes from hot to cold and in winter it would be a problem. Would be nice to have own braai and chairs on the stoep.
We occupied two rooms here, one of which had no problems, while the other had a faulty bedside lamp, the hot water did not work, and the electric fan would not work.
The tranquility of itself. No TV or noise. Just you and nature.
Stay was pleasant, but we had no hot water in our room. Please also note that the place uses solar power and this can be inconvenient at times! Furthermore, it is a beautiful and very neat place!
See the stars below.
The stay was pleasant, clean and everything and more than we expected.
I come from a farm and would stay there again, very peaceful, I would also prefer that there is TV available for younger people staying.
See the stars please
Cute place, would go again.
See the stars below.
Saw a beautiful sunset over the Gariep Dam. Everything you need for a good night's rest.
The owners are very nice and want to help. The breakfast was delicious.
Raptor Ridge is good value for money, very clean and neat, but very cold. We couldn't really work the shower, and found working with gas problematic. Winter sheets or a heater in the room would have helped.
Had a great time. We were impressed with the hospitality.
There is no electricity, only gas. It is quite inconvenient with a cold shower.
Upon arrival we were well received and helped quickly. Apart from electricity not being reasonably available as we are used to, it didn't bother. We were offered space to put things that needed to be kept cool in the communal fridge. All facilities (up to dining) are available and even the coals and wood are provided free of charge for those who want to barbecue. Also the ys!n the rural atmosphere was lovely, the view over the dam and sunset was special... you could even spot the wildlife. By the way, we slept with all doors and windows open!
Lovely clean and tidy rooms with nice facilities.
They really need to ask guests what time they want to have breakfast and they need to have more choices for breakfast. I don't eat chicken, but they gave me no choice. They could also really upgrade the snacks and drinks in the rooms.
The area is nice, but the rooms are cramped. However, my biggest complaint is that there is no full-time staff. Guests are left to their own devices for long periods of time. We were under the impression that dinners were served, but we had to drive 10 km to a restaurant. The website advertises activities such as cycling and game viewing, but these are not offered by Raptor Ridge Lodge itself. At least the staff were friendly and helpful, but in my opinion the place should not be marketed as a "lodge".
Our stay was not unpleasant, but we were a little unsure about security: the outside door wouldn't close and had to be fixed in a hurry.
Very cute, but I won't stay there again. It's a very nice place, just a shame if you want to turn on a fan or a light in the middle of the night there is no power! So if you want to see where you are walking or want to cool yourself by turning on a fan, choose another place! They will have to drastically upgrade their solar power system before they see me again.
When we arrived at 15:00 there was no one at the place and when I called the lady I was told that I was way too early and wasn't expected until 19:00. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.
Average stay, nothing to write home about.
Peace and quiet with a view over the Gariep Dam. What a great place to stay overnight.
Thank you very much for your hospitality and kindness
This is an incredibly hospitable and friendly overnight facility that I would recommend any day. It is also very affordable.
Thank you, it was fun and quiet. We recommend meals. Friendly!
Surprised at the location when we arrived with our choice to be on the side of the dam close to the main road, and pleasantly surprised with hospitality, exceptional cleanliness and comfort as per the ad. Comfortable bed and nice hot water that works with a gas device and a flask of hot water to make a coffee/tea in the room. For the first time in my 50+ years I see the sun setting on the horizon with the full moon rising on the opposite side. Lovely scenes with the dam not too far for a quick drive out. Had a great meal and chatted with other passers-by in the evening around the big table to say goodbye early the next morning with coffee in the reception hall. Thank you, it was a good experience and we would recommend it and do it again ourselves.
Raptor Ridge is in a quiet and safe area. For some city jays, the silence will be overwhelming because there is no DSTV. If you are going to stay there for more than a day, take a fan with you for the hot summer months.
The destination is very neat and on a quiet road. We will stop there again and spend the night.
It's the ideal place for a peaceful break, and close enough to Gariep if you need something from the shops.
Very hospitable and the environment is great for getting away and being peaceful. I will visit again with my family.
Nice people. Wish we could camp out there for a week.
We were sad to leave - felt like saying goodbye to family! Freddie and Christine, thank you very much. We come again.
Raptor Ridge is located in a very beautiful area and was the last stop of our honeymoon before we fell back into the everyday hustle and bustle. The reception was very friendly and pleasant and made us feel welcome immediately. The rooms are neat, clean and attractive. Karen, the owner, is very friendly and it was a great pleasure to make arrangements with her. I would definitely recommend Raptor Ridge to anyone who wants to get away, rest comfortably, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
See the stars below.
The rooms are small and simple, but perfect for a night's sleep. The atmosphere is very peaceful. The kitchen has everything one needs. I was very grateful that my dogs could go along; they could happily run around without me having to watch them all the time.
A kettle in the room would be nice.
It's a very nice place, well located, where hospitality is the in-thing.
Ideal overnight stay! Quiet and peaceful and well appointed with communal kitchen and lovely dining/hanging out area! Thank you so much for allowing our dogs to visit together!
Ideal as a stop-over between JHB and PE / Cape Town.
The fridge and kitchen must be shared with other guests.
We only used it as an overnight stop... and would do so again.
A very nice environment with interesting places to stay. Very happy about the nature-friendly lifestyle.
In the middle of nowhere, with no views of Gariep Dam to speak of. However, hosts Christine and Fred were caring and friendly, and the accommodation, while neat and clean, was a trifle small, particularly the ablution area, which had curious peculiarities. Dinner and breakfast were superb.
It was great and the reception was great!
We were welcomed very kindly. The rooms were clean and tidy. The braai facilities were great. The tranquility is contagious.
Only solar power and gas were available, but there was a generator for emergencies.
Very clean and friendly reception. The remoteness of the place with no Eskom electricity was rather inconvenient, as they only have solar power.
See the stars below.
It feels very unsafe. They have our phone number, but don't even let us know that we left our coffee flask there.
Map
Rooms
Double Room
King Room
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Check-in/check-out details
House rules
There are restaurants located 13 km away, should you prefer to dine out.Breakfast is not included in the accommodation, it can be arranged the evening before, and is charged as an extra fee.
Firewood is available at an additional charge.
For any further info required please feel free to contact me.
We do not have card facilities, therefore, payments need to be done via EFT or cash.
We run on solar power and have a standby generator. Plugs in the rooms are for cellphones and laptops. Therefore rooms cannot accommodate any small fridges, hair dryers or kettles.
Should anyone require to use a hairdryer, please arrange with management, and we will gladly start the generator for you.
We have braai facilities and a communal kitchen, prior arrangements need to be made for use of facilities.
We are pet-friendly but do request leashes for dogs.
Double Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
This is a double room with an en-suite bathroom including a shower and own deck.
Room Arrangements
Rates
House Rules
There are restaurants located 13 km away, should you prefer to dine out.
Breakfast is not included in the accommodation, it can be arranged the evening before, and is charged as an extra fee.
Firewood is available at an additional charge.
For any further info required please feel free to contact me.
We do not have card facilities, therefore, payments need to be done via EFT or cash.
We run on solar power and have a standby generator. Plugs in the rooms are for cellphones and laptops. Therefore rooms cannot accommodate any small fridges, hair dryers or kettles.
Should anyone require to use a hairdryer, please arrange with management, and we will gladly start the generator for you.
We have braai facilities and a communal kitchen, prior arrangements need to be made for use of facilities.
We are pet-friendly but do request leashes for dogs.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This is a double room with an en-suite bathroom including a shower and own deck.
King Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
This room comes equipped with a king-size bed including an en-suite bedroom with shower and private deck overlooking the dam.
Room Arrangements
Rates
House Rules
There are restaurants located 13 km away, should you prefer to dine out.
Breakfast is not included in the accommodation, it can be arranged the evening before, and is charged as an extra fee.
Firewood is available at an additional charge.
For any further info required please feel free to contact me.
We do not have card facilities, therefore, payments need to be done via EFT or cash.
We run on solar power and have a standby generator. Plugs in the rooms are for cellphones and laptops. Therefore rooms cannot accommodate any small fridges, hair dryers or kettles.
Should anyone require to use a hairdryer, please arrange with management, and we will gladly start the generator for you.
We have braai facilities and a communal kitchen, prior arrangements need to be made for use of facilities.
We are pet-friendly but do request leashes for dogs.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This room comes equipped with a king-size bed including an en-suite bedroom with shower and private deck overlooking the dam.
Twin Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
This is a twin en-suite room with view over Gariepdam.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Services
Bathroom
House Rules
There are restaurants located 13 km away, should you prefer to dine out.
Breakfast is not included in the accommodation, it can be arranged the evening before, and is charged as an extra fee.
Firewood is available at an additional charge.
For any further info required please feel free to contact me.
We do not have card facilities, therefore, payments need to be done via EFT or cash.
We run on solar power and have a standby generator. Plugs in the rooms are for cellphones and laptops. Therefore rooms cannot accommodate any small fridges, hair dryers or kettles.
Should anyone require to use a hairdryer, please arrange with management, and we will gladly start the generator for you.
We have braai facilities and a communal kitchen, prior arrangements need to be made for use of facilities.
We are pet-friendly but do request leashes for dogs.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This is a twin en-suite room with view over Gariepdam.
The accommodation is made up of 4 units with single or double beds. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom as well as a porch with panoramic views of the surrounding Karoo area and the Gariep Dam. To maintain the tranquility of the area, the lodge's electricity is supplied by solar panels and gas facilities which are environmentally friendly and bring one closer to the peaceful serenity only nature can provide.
We provide guests with boiling water.
Raptor Ridge Lodge and the Gariep Dam area offers numerous activities to keep you and your family or colleagues busy and entertained such as bird watching, cycling and a mountain bike trail, stargazing, hiking trail and game watching which is available on prior arrangement.