Published: 28-Oct-2019
Cliffie adds style to Kaaimans Grotto
George Herald journalist Pauline Lourens visited Kaaimans Grotto and met the unique owner, Cliffie. Here is an edited version of her article. The full article can be read on the George Herald website :Cliffie adds style to cave
Original article written by Pauline Lourens, George Herald Journalist
The Kaaimans Grotto is a natural cave situated between Wilderness and Victoria Bay that was transformed into a restaurant a few years ago by Fancourt.
Many years ago, I was one of the lucky guests who was taken by rail to this unique entertainment venue, where we were hosted to a dinner dance on raised platforms. Since the demise of the George to Knysna railway, it fell into disuse for a while until an unusual man, 'Cliffie', took up residence there./p>
A unique tourist attraction near Wilderness
Of late the grotto has become an unofficial tourist attraction, which backpackers and hikers find out by word of mouth.
The cave can be reached on foot by hiking along the railway line. Two visitors to the Kaaimans Grotto cave were tickled pink on Sunday to be given a friendly reception and viewing of Cliffie's fussy decor in the 11 bedrooms, dining and seating areas. The 'rooms' are separated with wooden partitions, which presumably keep the winter chills at bay.
Unexpected frills in Kaaimans Grotto
When you mention the words 'cave man' and 'man cave' it conjures up images of macho furnishings and the ultimate macho man.
However, Cliffie is a real fusspot who loves nothing more than to decorate his cave dwelling with hundreds of shell mobiles that hang from the cave roof.
Other decorative touches to give the cave a 'homely' feel are feathers, bedspreads, pillows and masks as well as candles and dolls.
On Sunday, after a group of us hiked from Wilderness to Victoria bay along the railway line over the most photographed Kaaimans railway bridge, we braved the legendary highway robbers (struikrowers) and could not resist a quick stop.
Cliffie give us a tour as we walked along the maze, where he had lit candles to lighten up the dim interior.
Caveman Cliffie is camera shy and found himself a human shield from the glare of the camera.
Acknowledgements
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