Experience this contemporary eco-lodge set within the hills of a wild game farm at Witklipfontein Eco Lodge. This small lodge offers modern sustainability that disappears into the African wilderness. Only 90 minutes away from Johannesburg, this architectural hotel reminds visitors that nature is closer than they think.
Witklipfontein is situated within the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is Witklipfontein beautiful, but it is set within a geologically significant part of the world. It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Vredefort Dome is a representative part of a larger meteorite impact structure or astrobleme. Dating back 2,023 million years, it is the oldest astrobleme yet found on Earth. With a radius of 190 km, it is also the largest and the most deeply eroded. Vredefort Dome bears witness to the world’s greatest known single energy release event, which had devastating global effects including, according to some scientists, major evolutionary changes. It provides critical evidence of the Earth’s geological history and is crucial to understanding the evolution of the planet. Despite the importance of impact sites to the planet’s history, geological activity on the Earth’s surface has led to the disappearance of evidence from most of them, and Vredefort is the only example to provide a full geological profile of an astrobleme below the crater floor.
The buildings on site were designed by GLH Architects and are meant to disappear into the hills. The buildings nestle into the hillsides, in a style reminiscent of the vernacular architecture of the area. By tucking the buildings into the ground, Witklipfontein is able to maintain comfortable temperatures without air conditioning. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to stay in a beautifully designed eco-lodge.
Their story
Architect Xavier Huyberechts bought Witklipfontein Farm in 2013. He saw the potential of this unique property and set out to build a beautiful eco-lodge there. As the director of GLH Architects, Huyberechts used this opportunity to implement traditional architectural techniques which use thermal mass from the earth to control the temperature within buildings.
Huyberechts “lifted the carpet” and placed his lodge within the hills. Nearly all the materials that make up the structure were found on site. Huyberechts envisions the lodge one day being reclaimed by nature, the same way a sandcastle is washed away into the sea.
Not only is Witklipfontein an architectural marvel, but it is also situated in one of the world’s largest astrobleme, The Vredefort Dome. An astrobleme is an eroded crater left behind by a meteorite. The Dome is 190 kilometers wide and 2.023 billion years old. The meteorite that struck there had vast evolutionary effects.
Witklipfontein offers the beauty of a modern hotel with the excitement of the South African wilderness. The site serves as a game farm, in which guests are welcome to participate. Onsite you can visit farm animals. Offsite enjoy fishing, hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The lodge structure is tucked under the earth, a low-impact and energy-efficient building technique. The structure does not block or hinder the natural landscape, instead, it uses the landscape for all it has to offer.
- Almost all the materials used in construction were found on site.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Witklipfontein uses thermal mass to its advantage. The thermal mass of the earth keeps the lodge cool in the day and warm at night. This mechanical air-conditioning negates the need for electrical air-conditioning entirely. The climate in the Free State region with its large thermal daily variance of 20 degrees lends itself to the use of the principle of Thermal Mass instead of mechanical air-conditioning. The thermal mass flattens the temperatures throughout the year by using thick stone walls, earth walls (rammed earth, adobe and sandbag) and the green roof. The main innovation is the combination of large openable glazing, protective shutters and the heavy thermal mass walls, floors and roof.
- The lodge has solar water heating and photovoltaic electrical production.
Pioneer in waste management
- All the water on the property comes from boreholes, which supply high-quality spring water.
- No single-use plastic is used at the Lodge.
- All items are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
- Recycling boxes are provided for the guests.
Aims to have a fully organic and chemical-free operation
- The gardening team uses permaculture principles, which do not require harmful pesticides.
- They raise chickens for fresh farm eggs.
Actively protects nature and community
- Witklipfontein is designed to disappear back into nature, instead of lasting hundreds of years.
Most Popular Activities near Witklipfontein Eco Lodge
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cycling and Mountain biking
- Game Drive around the farm
- Stargazing
- Petting the livestock
Best time to visit Witklipfontein Eco Lodge
- The cooler winter months between May and September is usually recommended to visit South Africa especially if you want to go game watching.
- If you want to avoid crowds and high season, visit them between March and May or September and November.
Features
Pricing
per 6 persons per night (sharing) starts from
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Lodge rooms
Includes: Coffee and tea Drinkable borehole water Soda stream sparkling water Firewood Housekeeping service 24 free range eggs Self harvested vegetable basket
$ 490