Outdoorsman, professional hunter, and family man Clifford Myers has an incredible passion for the African bushveld and a deep love for his family.
“The outdoors and hunting have always been passions of mine, and being lucky enough to have been brought up in a home in the African bush has always played a huge part in my life.”
Just 20 kilometers outside Bloemfontein lies Weltevreden Game Lodge, a tranquil 500-hectare wildlife reserve. It’s a place where African wildlife thrives, and visitors experience the untamed beauty of nature.
The man behind this picturesque venue is Clifford ‘Mukiwa’ Myers, someone whose deep connection to the African bush has shaped the reserve and all it has to offer. For Clifford, Weltevreden is not just a business – it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
Weltevreden Game Lodge began as a personal retreat. In 2009, Clifford’s family purchased a piece of land along the Modder River for weekend getaways. “At first, it was just a small number of game and cattle,” he explains. But as time passed, the family saw potential beyond personal use. What started as a simple deck overlooking the river grew into a fully operational game lodge, welcoming guests from around the world.
His love for the outdoors was cultivated from a young age. Growing up, weekends were often spent on the farm, where braais with family friends and hunting trips with his father fostered a fascination with the African bushveld. “Hunting and the bush were always a big part of my life,” he recalls. “It really took hold around the age of six or seven, when I became curious about the diversity of Africa.”
This curiosity evolved into a career when, at 21, Clifford decided to enter the game farm and hunting industry. He immersed himself in rigorous training, completing various courses and apprenticeships under seasoned professional hunters, experiences that honed his skills and allowed him to guide safaris across Africa. “It was a dream come true to guide people from all over the world, sharing Africa’s beauty and wildlife with them,” he says.
The evolution of the lodge has been a source of pride for Clifford. Over the years, the property has become home to a wide range of wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. A particularly memorable achievement was their involvement in relocating giraffes from their resident herd to the Naval Hill Nature Reserve – a contribution to conservation that continues to drive Clifford’s work.
Running a game lodge comes with its fair share of challenges, and Clifford has faced several over the years. A runaway fire in 2015 devastated much of the grazing land on the property. “We lost 80% of the grazing, and the drought that followed made it even more difficult,” Clifford recalls. Despite the hardships, the local community rallied around the lodge, helping to sustain the animals.
Perhaps the greatest challenge came with the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought the tourism industry to a halt. “We had cancellations across the board, and everything stopped,” Clifford remembers. Like many in the travel and tourism sector, Weltevreden faced a difficult road to recovery. Clifford’s resilience and optimism, coupled with his dedication to his team and guests, helped the lodge navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic.
For Clifford, some of his most cherished memories at Weltevreden are deeply personal. “Watching my children be baptised overlooking the river is a moment I’ll never forget,” he shares. But it’s not just family milestones that hold special significance. Years of sitting around campfires, and listening to stories from guests, have been just as impactful. “Sharing Africa with people from all walks of life is a privilege. It’s amazing to hear their stories while also helping them experience the magic of this continent.”
Professionally, Clifford takes pride in the friendships he’s built with clients, many of whom return year after year, a testament to his hospitality and the genuine connection he fosters between his guests and the African wilderness.
While Weltevreden Game Lodge continues to grow, Clifford remains grounded in his values and his commitment to family. “Being a safari outfitter and professional hunter means I’m often away for long periods, and the greatest sacrifices are those of our families back home,” he reflects. For Clifford, coming home after a long season in the bush is a reminder of what truly matters. “Those hugs at the front gate after months away – they mean more than any successful safari.”
His appreciation for family is clear, and he treasures the time he spends with them. When he’s not hosting hunters or leading safaris, he dedicates his free time to his loved ones, recharging and reconnecting. “I cannot begin to show my utmost appreciation for my family,” he says.
Clifford envisions a bright future for Weltevreden. Plans are already in motion to expand the lodge’s accommodation and activities, offering even more opportunities for guests to experience the African wilderness. But beyond the business, Clifford’s long-term vision is rooted in conservation and education. “I hope to leave a lifetime of memories in a place where my children can grow, be curious, find adventure, and come to love Africa as I do,” he says. “Whether it’s on the frontline of anti-poaching or even right here at home on the very piece of land we call home.”
For Clifford Myers, Weltevreden Game Lodge is more than a business. It’s a lifelong passion, a family dream, and a platform to share Africa’s wonders with the world. Through all the challenges, milestones, and quiet moments in the bush, ‘Mukiwa’ remains deeply connected to the land—and to the people and wildlife who call it home.
Text: Warren Hawkins Photograph: Gypseenia Lion
