Why This Man Hasn't Left His Cave in 18 Years

For the past 18 years, Clifford has been living in a cave on the edge of a small town called Wilderness. What was once a popular restaurant and tourist stop is now home to a man on a mission, one who believes he was called by God to give up everything and live here. Over time, others have joined him, turning the cave into an unofficial refuge for people with nowhere else to go.
In this documentary, I travel to Wilderness to find Clifford’s Cave, meet the man himself, and get a rare look inside his world. From his unbelievable backstory to the way he survives off curious visitors, this is a story you won’t forget.
Credits:
Videography: Thabani Makanza & Joshua Rubin
Colour Correction: Liam Cockcroft

[@matteocash7672]

Nothing prepared me for Clifford's voice 💀

[@sentientslug3259]

🤣

[@techtalkdevs]

It was so random 😂

[@Eye2Sky4U]

Same 😮

[@MrJacquesJVR]

Nothing , took me a while to adjust

[@westkola7649]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣after reading this comment, heard his voice. I spilt my drink

[@annelizeharris1344]

He gave me shelter and protection from an abusive relationship🤗Thankyou! Bless you Cliff🙏💙

[@Jju-f8p]

Yo Josh my guy it's me Asenathi the homeless guy u met by sea point Beach yesterday ❤❤❤like I said continue WHT u are doing & I wasn't lying when I said I'm a fan😢🎉

[@locadiakaskayi537]

Big up to the guy who did the interview he's so patient

[@jennaadkins473]

That’s Josh. He’s such a hottie 😍

[@BellaMonsoon]

What a fascinating man and story. This was such an interesting look into a world and a way of life so many will never know! Well done 🙌🏽

[@edgeoftheforest772]

Visited Clifford's Cave once... had such an impact that I mentioned it in one of our songs!

[@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271]

So you are promoting yourself on somebody else's channel, dang folks nowadays

[@edgeoftheforest772]

@@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271 I hope your cynicism serves you well 🤙

[@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271]

@@edgeoftheforest772 the truth hurts buddy

[@barbrathompson9798]

Don't be so negative, he didn't sell himself​@@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271

[@barbrathompson9798]

You so nasty, he did not mention the song and so what,,, get a life man 😂​@@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271

[@feliciaosiecki1903]

I live in wilderness, Clifford has helped so many people that need a safe place to stay, to recover and to help rediscover themselves ❤

[@MalkaMoon]

Dude is just living like people used to thousands of years ago, and I absolutely adore that. ♥ THIS is the Cribs I wanted to see on MTV.

[@Gadget_genius-muk]

No you didn’t

[@phylthamendment]

​@@Gadget_genius-muk🤡

[@UNCLGOD]

Ngl, Cliford has a fresh crib.

[@eugenesamsonsa6445]

Brother this is the most beautiful documentary ❤ Great work

[@christineemma1619]

Thank you for sharing Clifford and his story with us - so fascinating! Watching you form a relationship with him was lovely and you told the story so beautifully! Well done!

[@linirkalif6697]

Honestly enjoyed every minute of this video! Love the work you’re doing 🫶🏼

[@Bigdaddyt22]

Dude this episode is the best Clifford's cave 🎉 I enjoy it Big ups bro💯🤟🏾

[@CharlizeBotha]

Clifford is living life and therefore, im jealous ..What a beautiful place and scenery .. Beautiful documentary, I iust hope that now that they are exposed they won't be bothered ..😢

[@ww.Sarlynne]

"You can't put God in a box are you sick!?" 😂😂😂Bro whattttt

[@gingermo]

😂😂

[@sentientslug3259]

Dude this was phenomenal

[@misterb1915]

I'm 45. Have driven through Wilderness countless times in my life, never knew this existed.

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

@@misterb1915 same. And now that I do know, I will change absolutely nothing about that.

[@DanielSmith-hg2uc]

What a great documentary

[@clairehodgson621]

@11:24 is a half-tented transport wagon that my Dad, Tom, made!! Wilderness Wagons. My family lives in Hoekwil and we had no idea the was inhabited so throughly! All I know is that the railway is apparently very unsafe to talk due to muggings. Another fascinating podcast, Josh!!

[@jacquesvo]

Thanks again for your amazing videos Josh! I've been to that part of South Africa so many times but never realized her was there in the cave!

[@megansalmon5297]

My fiancé and I stayed with Clifford at Kaaimans Grotto for a year. An absolutely incredible and humbling experience and not easy by any means. Our time there showed us how to appreciate the important things in life. A must visit in Wilderness 🌻

[@Tashie675]

Very interesting content... And the way you're handling yourself is getting better and better. Well done Josh...

[@LimitlessLivingConsultancyGrou]

I want to meet this uncle. Wow what magic.Thanks for creating this documentary

[@WTG194]

I stumbled across this cave while exploring the tunnel along the beach, met Clifford and he took me on a small tour of his cave even though I didn't even have a cent for a donation, interesting man and cave

[@uzairthomason2337]

Woooooow, I have been canoeing the river every year for many years and never knew clifard stayed there. I am excited to go back and visit him. Thanks for the plugg

[@mywaychannel1]

What the hell, as a child we went to the sea for school holidays and i remember seeing that bridge as we drove past ...kind of scary now knowing old Cliff was living there 😅😅😅.....seems like he is helping many people with issues

[@RaasigRuiters]

I was fortunate enough to live at Kaaimans river year 2006 while my Dad was tasked to reinstate one of the river houses nearest to kaaimans river mouth after the mudslide, witnessed Cliffe's first days at the cave, often stopped at Cliffe when my siblings and I were tasked to walk the train track from kaaimans river to wilderness convenient store to purchase essentials, was weired and scary at first but we got use to as if a neighbor.. surprised to see the progress Cliffe, get some solar set up and keep enjoying ❤

[@amiwildone7383]

Loved meeting this human years ago. I'm so glad they are still around!

[@DidgeMama]

I met him and he was wonderful!!!❤

[@aneretief795]

I've visited Cliffy about 5 times, every time i go to wilderness i have to take a friend to show them and always a different interesting experience. he doesnt usually come off this goofy in person and you get a very eerie feeling walking around his cave, nevertheless its an experience, each to their own :)

[@francoisstrength]

I stayed here for a few days years ago. God bless you Clifford, it was an experience I will never forget.

[@lootcifer6191]

This was surreal to watch. Thank you for the work you do.

[@ameerasaays6941]

Good to see South Africa has this kind of people around....

[@turismosudafrica4499]

Love your journalism, Josh, keep it up

[@rudolphbosman2179]

Many years back when i visited that area, i heard roomers about Cliff, i never beleived it. Wow, after all these years to see that it was true. I am dumbfounded. I will defenitaly pay him a visit when i visit that area again. Many thanks to this young man who made this video. God bless!

[@turnupthehot]

enjoyed this video immensely !

[@Cjdontplayy777]

Thanks for the vid Josh.

[@jackryan9415]

love this video bro - good work !

[@loannahoffmann8556]

When I lived here, I learnt about God from Cliffeyrt my life has completely changed

[@dinoanastasopoulos8511]

Such a fascinating man and life, and so well documented by you! 🙏

[@kaveetjeram8732]

Awesome video Josh.

[@hookngrill]

Thats for sharing this🙏🏽💪🏼 I lowkey want to live like Clifford😅

[@dantekramer3753]

Broooo this is my home! I used to check out that cave all the tiiime! ❤❤❤

[@itsnevertoolatetodotherigh3271]

The voice was...is a pleasant surprise 😅

[@AllTheNamesAreGone]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing .

[@barbrathompson9798]

Hope your documentary does not bring them trouble 😢

[@theonlyjimmy3227]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Clifford: Shoosh Josh: Did you just shoosh me!!?? Clifford:(okay he's not listening) Shut Up!!

[@annrichards364]

Lol

[@ReachGaming]

I am not sure if making a video on this persons place was a great idea, can only imagine what some people are going to do to this person now.... let's hope clifford can remain there without hassle.

[@ayandakhumalo8692]

This is such a beautiful life. I am jealous

[@jordiolsson]

interesting story and great video!

[@AndrewSanchez-wm5op]

Thats not living homeless that's living freedom !!

[@relaxspace9836]

Least favourite thing..."uhhh avocado" 😂😂😂

[@cazjohnson7062]

Whats your least favorite thing ? Avacados ? 🥑 16:10

[@Fuzigish8]

That was classic 😂.

[@shannonlovesjesus-e5l]

16:12 that was the most adorably wholesome answer, "avocado" and the fact that he took so long to answer the least fav question but immeditaley knew the answer to the most fav question just shows that he is so content and grateful for the life he has, love it!

[@sandyc6569]

Thanks for sharing! ☮

[@JOATMOFA]

Excellent doccie, entertaining eccentric (but batshit crazy) person. Survive we must!!!

[@emgee972]

i stayed around the corner from clifford at a time, by kaaimans river i stayed... he would pop around now and then... the groto is what we called it, they would sell coffee to passing by tourist at that time... this was in 2006/7/8.

[@LifeisEnergy2]

Loved it! 😊❤❤❤

[@ruanpeters4410]

The sunset that side is amazing

[@etiennecfourie777]

What an interesting and stylish man!

[@cherylcarr5690]

Lots of love to you Clifford ❤️❤️❤️

[@CharletteChihelele-d5v]

Waal!! Stunning I didn't know of this place I'm in albertinia just a few kilometers away from wilderness

[@emgee972]

above the cave is dolphins point, you should drive down... hopefully the tide is coming in when you arrive.. lol very beautiful , when the water (in kaaimans rivier) is clear then you can see thee different types of fish especially schools of mullet and a few huge grunters lurking as well

[@faraifx]

This life is beautiful

[@AndyBester-f5l]

Ive visited that cave it true right on edge of sea rail track beautiful

[@Cjdontplayy777]

love the stories bru

[@jaymargolis6822]

Another banging documentary

[@disciplebliss3255]

Such a beautiful mind and place 😊 he has created a safe space for him and others how amazing 💖

[@kristintrisha2616]

Cliffard comes across well intentioned. He may get frustrated by the challenges he faces but it seems he offers people a glimmer of hope while they get back on their feet.

[@tobiaschurch8848]

Lol I find this strange, and I have so many more questions!😅 Although, despite the adversaries in his life, he seems joyous. Dude should start doing sitdowns/interviews/podcasts withthese people so we get to learn more about them.

[@ynwa197]

Josh why is your stories not on TV? This is TV quality bru 👌

[@roloep85]

Bro's got such an awesome voice! But I do get 'my precious' vibes.

[@Justegg3]

I'm out of words but I love this guy

[@frederikeksteen2587]

I remember sleeping in that cave as a kid with friends!

[@Eudaimonia-za]

Love his faith but he needs prayers I don't think he is okay

[@called.followed.]

Did the disgusting room make you wonder a little?

[@dantekramer3753]

For all the peeps wanting to go visit please be careful, there have been many muggings and robberies on those exact train tracks 😢

[@aneretief795]

really? ive gone many times, never any issues... i think the key is to travel in groups....

[@fennecfoxmusic]

Nothing could have prepared me for Clifford

[@jamesmeridith8875]

I would love to live like that….searching for a soul stuck in Los Angeles……looks like heaven to me. I just want to surf and be one with god and my family

[@eulanzejoubert7133]

Wow can't believe they made a video about the cave.

[@Fuzigish8]

I'd still like to hear more of how he actually found the spot though.

[@1JessicaKelly]

He almost reminds me of an unstable Truman Capote. I bet Clifford isn’t always so endearing, seems like he could go left really quick.

[@evildave7687]

Just like any other human being. Nobody is always sunshine and roses.

[@faithnaidoo7647]

How I wish I could move into a cave and never come out with all this insanity going on in this wicked world!!!

[@OrnamentalHermit03]

The age of the cave hermit is making a comeback

[@ws43]

YOU CAN'T PUT GOD IN A BOX, ARE YOU SICK? LOVE THIS MAN

[@shellz444]

Love him❤

[@nirigovender5390]

Thank u cliford I love it

[@AntJB12345]

I visited Cliffords cave while in wilderness a few years back.

[@megatesla]

Probably many "travellers" around there that were talking about the restaurant being closed down.

[@nirigovender5390]

Wow I l love it

[@Sanchez-e4s-g7m]

In a world of evil is better to be alone..

[@kiara1560]

Josh, you’re truly truly a storyteller and you have a brilliant eye for capturing. Great work bud!! I remember binge watching all the old docs at some point, so glad to have found this back on my feed. Good luck with your work, there’s a lot of hard work and dedication behind the scenes for something like this and it doesn’t go unnoticed, I really hope it goes well! 🪴🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@thekikster11]

Agreed! ❤

[@DonnyAlbert-b5g]

Clifford got tired of people

[@Mr.Brownstain-xf2ne]

Ohhhhh him...i was at his house ,but didnt know he was a thing ,i just happened to walk past

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Putting the real spin on MAN CAVE.

[@AndreVisagie]

How do I get in touch with this man. I would love to spend the day with my band

[@megatesla]

You walk there and knock on the gate

[@trichotwigsafrica7952]

Saw this cave while launching out of Kaaimans last week My skipper told me about the man who stays there, now today you release this So kiff

[@Charlton-v7w]

I don't want to be mean But why is his voice so Soft I was not Expecting thevoice

[@GunnyPerrero]

Does Mr. Cortzee still own it. Or did Clifford buy the place somehow?

[@megatesla]

Clifford definitely didn't buy that property.

[@glaubs65]

I'd like to see Andrew Wilson and Clifford have a little discussion.

[@verakotze]

Agh i love him. I could easily live like he does. Just that charging of phone puts me off😂need my phone.x

[@markrice1048]

love it

[@jareddurand831]

Gourgouse place right there by cymons river, been there last December and visited the site, wow breth taking, the clearest water. South Africa really is a poes lekker place 😂

[@clairehodgson621]

*gorgeous *Kaaimans River *breathtaking

[@myferventhope]

Oh Clifford 😅!