Makkedaat Caves, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape on Budget-Getaways

Budget Getaways Review

Now, here's a one-of-a-kind getaway that will leave Fred Flinstone green with envy.

What we have at Makkedaat are five fully kitted natural caves (not the Tomb Raider fibreglass variety) perched above a desolate valley off the main Baviaanskloof drag.

Van Terrebert, Makkedaat, Dawid se Bak, Die Aalwyn Bak and Dassiebak are a truly novel concept, and cleverly executed.

Each is private and fronted by open views of the surrounding hills. The general finish and attention to detail is variable across the caves, but on the whole all are to be recommended.

Wooden facades shelter the caves from the harsh elements, while inside it's all natural rock and clever engineering detail … farmer style. Van Terrebert is Eskom powered, while the rest rely on solar and gas for their lighting and hot water.

Staying with Van Terrebert, it's suited to a larger group or family, as the cave sleeps 10 total across two levels - access to the higher level (and it's three bedrooms and covered balcony) is via a timber ladder. Downstairs you have a living area with comfy sofas, kitchen with dining table and a few extra beds tucked up against the rock face. Outside there’s a stoep with braai area and plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Next up the valley is the original prototype, Makkedaat Cave, a wedge-shaped cave sleeping eight, with a mezzanine level known as the Lion's Den - where the Flintstone offspring can bunk down in single beds. Squeezed into the wedge is a small kitchen, open-plan to the dining and living section. Alongside and in it's own cavern is a loo and shower with a view.

Dawid se Bak is more overhang than cave and accommodates six, again on two levels: beds upstairs, living area downstairs; in this case the latter is centered around a twisted tree and indoor splash pool. The overall feel is a little lighter and more spacious than the other caves. Outside, there's a lapa-style braai area, loo and gas-heated shower.

Ready for a night under the explosive Baviaans skies? Die Aalwyn Bak is the way to go. Housing 10 Neanderthals, this spacious grotto is an open affair, with two separate rooms recessed into the back of the cave and four more singles on the open timber deck. Below we have the built-in braai, chilling and kitchen area. The loo and gas-heated shower are again alongside.

For couples, head across the valley to the impressive Dassiebak. Set high up the cliff face, the facade is a series of canvas roller blinds which open to incredible valley views. The bedroom and its double bed can also flip open to these vistas. A cozy lounge area with dining table for two and fireplace, a small kitchen, outside loo and hot shower powered by a donkey, are among the features.

Life of the cave dweller not for you? Martiens House is the alternative, a new addition to Makkedaat, and built around a farm reservoir. Like the rest of the accommodation, it's far from your your average dorm, but an eclectic and rustic affair of different materials and diverse architectural inspiration. It sleeps 10 happy campers who place sociability higher than home-from-home comfort. For activity, you've got a farm dam nearby, with water slide for the kids and a trampoline.

While Makkedaat may not be for everybody, it's a unique experience with a loyal following: “WOW!!” says an elated Capetonian; “The most amazing place” says another.

Our advice: Experience it for yourself and let us know what you think.

(P.S. Makkedaat experiences erratic internet, so if you do send an enquiry we'd suggest you follow up by phone if you don't hear back.)

Makkedaat Caves

Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape

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