Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge
4.2 Km off the N7 Gecko Creek Road, Citrusdal 7340 South Africa
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About
#2 of 2 hotels in Citrusdal
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Gecko Creek Wilderness Lodge offers self-catering Cederberg accommodation, located on a 517-hectare private nature reserve. Accommodation is provided in cabins and tents overlooking the valleys and mountains. We offer full self-catering facilities as well as prepared meals on request. Features include a cool lapa for gathering and cooking, a fire-warmed open-air boma, a stunning salt-water swimming pool, and outstanding ablution facilities. This mountain hideaway borders the 80,000-hectare Cederberg Reserve, a world of awe-inspiring rock formations, bushman caves and endless hiking trails. The area offers the solitude and grandeur setting of ancient and mystical times, with magical sunrises and sunsets, while the Olifants River is a short distance away, allowing for idyllic swimming and picnics. The Cederberg is home to the regal Cape leopard, baboons, lynx, antelope and 165 bird species, including the magnificent Black eagle and Eagle owls. Economical scenic flights are also
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Wifi
Pool
Breakfast available
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Laundry service
Outdoor pool
Room features
Kitchenette
Microwave
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quaint
Location
4.2 Km off the N7 Gecko Creek Road, Citrusdal 7340 South Africa
Getting there
Cape Town Intl Airport
178.2 km•
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Detailed Reviews
The second visit to this lovely, remote place within the Cederberg Mountains is an an almost ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the cedarberg landscape.
The staff is unbelievably friendly and will gladly help you with any problems that might occur. The food is great and the kitchen euipment, though beeing rather Basic offers everything you might ask for. By far the best though is the view. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and a sky full of stars in the night were even greater then we had imagined it. We hiked the Algeria falls as wel as the Maltese cross during our time in Cederberg NP. Both were easily acessible from Gecko Creek by car in less than an hour.
If visiting the Cederberg Mountains again, we would definetly come back.
The staff is unbelievably friendly and will gladly help you with any problems that might occur. The food is great and the kitchen euipment, though beeing rather Basic offers everything you might ask for. By far the best though is the view. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and a sky full of stars in the night were even greater then we had imagined it. We hiked the Algeria falls as wel as the Maltese cross during our time in Cederberg NP. Both were easily acessible from Gecko Creek by car in less than an hour.
If visiting the Cederberg Mountains again, we would definetly come back.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The last Cottage has the best view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I decided to go here for our anniversary, not knowing at all what to expect, but we were blown away by the warmth of the place, the service and the breathtaking views. We stayed in a cabin (highly recommend cabin #3) and loved the simplicity of the place. It was a very grounding experience, met lots of interesting people and felt very well looked after. The biggest surprise was the amazing wifi haha!
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gecko Creek is set in a beautiful part of the Cederberg, giving you an amazing feeling of being truly out in nature and away from it all. The accommodation is small huts and permanent tents, which is rustic but great in that it doesn't impose on the natural setting too much.
Everything about the venue was clean and neat, the showers were hot, and the swimming pool was close by and a great thing to have during the hot days.
The nearby Leopard's rock is an amazing place to explore, with some ancient Khoisan rock paintings that Nico will gladly direct you to.
The biggest highlight during my stay was Nico and Galia's hospitality and cooking. Although this is usually a self catering venue, with a well stocked kitchen, we were lucky enough to be fed lunch and dinner every day that we were there.
Highly recommend this venue to people who want to get back to nature in an unspoilt, rustic venue, with just the right amount of creature comforts.
Everything about the venue was clean and neat, the showers were hot, and the swimming pool was close by and a great thing to have during the hot days.
The nearby Leopard's rock is an amazing place to explore, with some ancient Khoisan rock paintings that Nico will gladly direct you to.
The biggest highlight during my stay was Nico and Galia's hospitality and cooking. Although this is usually a self catering venue, with a well stocked kitchen, we were lucky enough to be fed lunch and dinner every day that we were there.
Highly recommend this venue to people who want to get back to nature in an unspoilt, rustic venue, with just the right amount of creature comforts.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Upon arrival, we were guided by a maintenance worker and could enter the cottage. However, the downside began with a broken water pump. The owner was solely focused on replacing the pump, while guests were allowed very minimal water usage from the tap (for example, only flushing the toilet for the "secund stage"). We couldn't use the shower for 3 days, originally planning to stay for 4 days. Additionally, the swimming pool turned completely green. We decided to shorten our stay by 1 night, and the owner agreed on the condition that we pay for 2 nights in total. In short, providing any comfort to guests is not a priority for this owner, not even offering bottled water to maintain hygiene or to drink, especially considering the nearest supermarket is over an hour away. In conclusion, we were very dissatisfied with the owner's handling of the situation. The only positive things are the rest of the employees and the place is really amazing.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Bring a lot of water and food with you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks to Nico and Galia, the new hosts of Gecko Creek, we had an incredible 4 day stay there. From the food (catering on request) to the general care and comfort to the incredible wilderness setting, I highly recommend Gecko Creek to anyone wanting a nature getaway. Thank you Nico and Galia for a very memorable experience. We'll definitely be back!
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is beautiful and very remote. The campfacilities are sufficient in the lapa. We booked a cottage and this was really bad. The solarpannels did not work so no power. A huge lack of maintenance, windows that could not open well, shower without proper water, a mattrass with a deep hole, broken glass in a window, we asked for a 2 room cottage but got a 1 room cottage. Swimmingpool deepgreen.
Ilse was very nice, she was the temporary manager and had only 2 staff members that did not speak english or afrikaans. The manager was on holiday. The owner was also not there.
Hope he takes the letter I send to him serious, however i got no response.
Ilse was very nice, she was the temporary manager and had only 2 staff members that did not speak english or afrikaans. The manager was on holiday. The owner was also not there.
Hope he takes the letter I send to him serious, however i got no response.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Do not book a cottage, it s bad and far overpriced
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked for two nights via Airbnb. We were told prior to arrival that there would be no electricity due to an scheduled outage from Eskom (electricty provider) on the day we arrive, which we were fine with as it’s part of the outdoor experience in nature, away from the city.
However upon our arrival on a Tuesday afternoon, we discovered from Sunando the lodge manager that there had been no water since the previous Saturday. This was not communicated to us. If we had known this we would never have booked. I feel the lodge could have disclosed this to us as well.
The lodge tried to assist by providing buckets of water for showering, but this takes the word ‘rustic’ to a whole new level. The swimming pool also was green, and pump not functioning (not how the picture gallery portrays the pool) It was a negative experience overall , and we left a day early.
However upon our arrival on a Tuesday afternoon, we discovered from Sunando the lodge manager that there had been no water since the previous Saturday. This was not communicated to us. If we had known this we would never have booked. I feel the lodge could have disclosed this to us as well.
The lodge tried to assist by providing buckets of water for showering, but this takes the word ‘rustic’ to a whole new level. The swimming pool also was green, and pump not functioning (not how the picture gallery portrays the pool) It was a negative experience overall , and we left a day early.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GeckoCreek Lodge, Owner at Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge
Responded 10 Oct 2020
Hi - thank you for the feedback. i sincerely apologise for your uncomfortable stay. I would like to offer you a full gift voucher for the same amount for a free stay at Gecko Creek in the future. Your points have been well noted and rectified. Just to explain the circumstances. Unfortunately our borehole packed up days before ( first time in 15 years ) and we had an emergency 2nd hand pump installed temporarily as a new pump would take 10 days to order and install. the second pump also packed up days later leaving us in a precarious situation. On top of that Eskom cut power to the region for 24 hours which prevented any form of pumping. As Murphies law would have it, the pool sprung a bad leak and we had to stop pumping the pool to allow identification and repair which took weeks to find and allowed the pool to go green ( first time in 15 years ). . I hope this explains what turned into a nightmare for us as well. Hope to see you back at Gecko :-) You can email me directly on linton@gecko0creek.com. Linton Pope ( owner of Gecko Creek Wilderness lodge )
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arriving in the Cederberg for a group retreat, I didn’t know what to expect from the lodge. I can definitely say that the new management have outperformed and exceeded all my expectations. From delicious home cooked food with careful presentation and attention to detail to new looking tents and a clear blue pool. Definitely a place to recommend.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gecko Greek offers a relaxing and amazing environment. The location is a perfect start for hiking in the cederberg area. Nic is a perfect and friendly host with good recommendations for actives around. The landscape is amazing as well as the silent around the place. The pool offers a perfect refreshing after a long hike.
Definitely will come back when being around next time.
Definitely will come back when being around next time.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was my first time staying at Gecko Creek. What a special place. We were absolutely spoilt by Nico and Galia. Amazing views and the swimming pool was a lifesaver on the hot days. Will be back for sure.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Henriette - The cottage has solar lighting and a new queen bed plus a small deck and hammock. In Feb 2018 I plan to refurbish the cottage and upgrade facilities further
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeCitrusdal
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingGECKO CREEK WILDNERNESS LODGE - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews (Citrusdal, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, free parking, and laundry service.
What food & drink options are available at Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge?
Guests can enjoy breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Gecko Creek Wildnerness Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.