Setting the scene
Lions roar nearby while sitting in a wood fired hot tub overlooking seemingly endless mountains and valleys, glass of red wine by my side and a smile planted firmly on my face.
This is the position I found myself in after a very long drive from Knysna to Mount Cambedoo private reserve in Graaff-Reinet.
Mike and I had just finished driving around the Garden Route for a few days and we were in the mood for a break from the greenery so we decided to head out to the Karoo.
The beautiful new pods at Mount Cambedoo had been on my mind for a while and I really wanted to see if they lived up to the photos. Spoiler alert, they definitely did.
Mount Cambedoo is a luxury private game reserve with intensely beautiful views all around. They recently started expanding their accommodation option form just the manor house to something a bit more unique.
A dream became a reality when the pods were completed, each with their own unique views.
The plains pod had views that seemed to go on for days and the eagles flight pod sat perched at the edge of a valley looking down onto layers of mountains.
After arriving and checking in at the manor house we hopped into a game vehicle with all our luggage and got taken to our home for the night. It was 45 minutes, one steep mountain climb and a male lion later when we reached our first pod.
The pod experience
The two pods look identical with a large bed taking up most of the space inside. There is also a small kitchen with a microwave, fridge, kettle and utensils as well as a bathroom with a shower.
The outside areas differed a bit due to location but the idea was the same. A fire pit with two chairs, an outside seating area near to the fire pit, seating just outside of your pod and a lovely wood fired hot tub.
The pods have wifi so no need to worry about signal and if you need anything the staff are just a whatsapp message away. Good to note that there is also electrified fencing around the pod area but far enough away that it doesn't take away from the experience.
The wildlife
Mount Cambedoo is a big five game reserve so definitely go on the two game drives per day. We saw 3 out of the 5 which isn't bad for only one real game drive! We also heard lions while at the pod and saw a beautiful black eagle soaring high at the eagles flight pod.
The food
Food is always at the top of my list when visiting lodges and I was definitely wondering how it would work with the remote pods.
Mount Cambedoo thought of everything though and you definitely don't have to worry about going hungry.
Breakfast is served down at the manor house after your morning game drive. Lunch gets taken up picnic style to your pod when you head back. Then dinner comes with you on your sunset drive or gets delivered to your pod. They transport it in wonder bags so it stays warm but you can also heat it up in the microwave if needs be!
We enjoyed our dinner fire side under the stars and it was a magical experience.
Address
Petersburg Road
Eastern Cape
South Africa
6280
Website
Cost
From R6400 per two people sharing per night.