Swartberg Circle Route
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La Plume Guest House

Mar 9, 2021

OUDTSHOORN ACCOMMODATION

LA PLUME GUEST HOUSE

5-stars

Overview

La Plume is a Boutique Guest House on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley.

A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where Karin, the owner, has combined old-world charm with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.

Our attention to detail, colour and texture is a contribution to the art of gracious living.

Our Rooms

La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation from a Cottage, Private Farm Villa, Luxury Rooms to Luxury Junior Suite, Honeymoon and Superior Suites. With private entrances, sunny verandas and elegant, comfortable antiques, each of the 20 individually furnished air-conditioned rooms and suites offer satellite television, free WiFi, mini bar and abundant comforts.

Apart from the private seating on your veranda from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Olifants River valley, there are also numerous seating spots in the garden where you can leisurely get lost in a novel or just hide away for some quiet “me-time”…

 

Our Facilities

Restaurant:

Our English Breakfast buffet is the perfect start to a busy day with fresh fruit platters, a bread and cereal selection, cold meats and cheeses, as well as hot breakfast with special requests made to order.

We offer a daily lunch menu or picnic baskets for our guests exploring the wonders of Klein Karoo.

For dinner enjoy exceptional local wine and traditional home-cooked cuisine meticulously prepared by our chef and served in the spacious, candlelit dining room of the 1902 Victorian homestead.

Please inform us of special dietary requirements in advance.

Farm Tours:

Join Bartel for early morning coffee in the gazebo before an informative, pre-arranged tour of this sustainable working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm.  Learn about the day to day activities in the life of a full time farmer, as well as the giant birds and the trials and tribulations of farming with them from one of the few experts on the ostrich industry.

Weddings:

Where to say “I do…”

We have a lovely Victorian gazebo in the centre of the garden with spectacular views of the Olifants River Valley and the Swartberg Mountains as a backdrop where the only thing more breathtaking will be you, the bride…

The same view can be enjoyed as you descend down the two staircases in front of the original homestead to the main terrace below where your happy groom and guests are awaiting your arrival. This is ideal for slightly larger wedding parties.

Alternatively, you can tie the knot in any church of your choice for a more traditional feel.

Get in Touch

Email Enquiry
Contact Details
Telephone: +27 44 272 7516
Cell: +27 82 820 4373
Email: stay@laplume.co.za
Website: www.laplume.co.za
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Business hours

Check In: From 14:00
Check Out: At 10:00

ADDRESS

Decimal Degrees (WGS84)
Latitude: -33.655624
Longitude: 22.083315

Degrees, Minutes & Seconds
Latitude: S33 39 20
Longitude: E22 04 59

GPS
Latitude: S 33 39.337
Longitude: E 22 04.999

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Ma Belle

Jul 30, 2024

OUDTSHOORN RESTAURANTS

Ma Belle Country Kitchen

Delicious local dishes and decadent treats

Louise always had a passion for cooking, being a little girl she spent quite some time with her grandmother in the kitchen. She was the only grandchild allowed to be around while grandma was creating her masterpiece wedding cakes. Quietly sitting and watching her every move, Louise came to love the art of food.

“Cooking is like therapy, and every dish is a kind of art – expressing your mood at that point”.

Dreaming of having a place where guests can enjoy good food and good wine a restaurant was slowly established at De Denne. The dream became a reality when she kept on feeling the need to name the restaurant and take it to higher levels. Literally one night in a dream the name Ma Belle arrived and not knowing what it meant she Googled it the next morning and was amazed by the meaning. The name fit perfectly with what she had in mind, – beautiful food, beautiful wine and beautiful views.

The kitchen staff are friendly local people who undergo high quality training. After all, cooking delicious food never reaches a know-it-all point…

Our BBQ Ostrich signature dish is popular the world over and something truly unique and our exclusively selected wines will compliment every dish on our enticing menu. Fresh vegetables & herbs from our garden add the little organic touch.

Please do enjoy our food, exclusive wines and our hospitality.

Get in Touch

Contact Details
Telephone: +27 (0)72 703 0488
Email: info@dedenne.com
Website: www.dedenne.com/ma-belle
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BUSINESS HOURS

We are open from:
Monday to Sunday: 08:30 – 17:00

Address

De Denne Farm
Volmoed
Oudtshoorn
6620

GPS Coordinates
S33° 39, 475”
E022° 07,914”

Matjiesvlei Guest Farm

May 31, 2019

CALITZDORP ACCOMMODATION

MATJIESVLEI GUEST FARM

Overview

Matjiesvlei Guest Farm is a must see when visiting the Klein Karoo. Come enjoy the serene and tranquil beauty of this valley, situated at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains between Calitzdorp and Ladismith. Farming in this area dates back as far as 1821.

We offer you a peaceful, relaxing stay in one of our four self catering units – Douglas-huis, Thiart-huis, Cloete-huis and Huis Oppie Rant. If you prefer being even closer to nature you can unwind at our camping site, Die Damrivierkamp (the dam river camp), situated on the shores of the Gamka River.

We invite you to come kick back and relax. Enjoy some of our delightful local wines while savouring the tranquil beauty as only Mother Nature can provide.

Rooms

OUPAD SE KLOOF

Sleeps 3 | One Bedroom

Oupad se Kloof consists of one bedroom with a double bed and one single bed, a bathroom with shower and another spacious room containing the kitchen, dining room and an extra single bed (ideal for children). The unit is fully equipped and has electricity.

THIART-HUIS

Sleeps 6 | Three Bedroom

Built in 1936 by Pieter Thiart, this comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated cottage has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate 6 persons Two of the bedrooms each have a double bed while the third room has both a double and a single bed. Unit is fully equipped and has electricity.

DOUGLAS-HUIS

Sleeps 6 | Three Bedroom

Comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated cottage dates back to 1860 and consists of 3 bedrooms accommodating 6 persons in total. The unit is fully equipped and has electricity.

CLOETE-HUIS

Sleeps 4 | One Bedroom + separate bedroom

Cloete Huis is amongst one of the oldest buildings in Matjiesvlei and provides for the ideal honeymoon breakaway. The house is fully furnished with one bedroom and a beautiful view of the valley and Swartberg Mountains. A separate bedroom with 2 single beds and bathroom is also available in the outbuilding.

HUIS OPPIE RANT

Sleeps 6 | Three Bedroom

Huis Oppie Rant is a 3 bedroom self catering cottage with beautiful wooden floors and ceilings and a magnificent view of the mountains. Two of the rooms each have a double bed while the third room has two single beds.

DIE WA-HUIS

Sleeps 2 | One Bedroom

Die Wa-huis is situated on top of a hill overlooking a 2km stretch of the Gamka river. Stunning views of the river and mountains.

THE DAM RIVER CAMP

A shady 4×4 bush camp on the banks of the Gamka River with modern ablution blocks, flush toilets and hot water. Enjoy fishing, swimming, boating in Die Dam, walks and hikes. Starting at the Bush camp, drive the rugged Bojaankop 4×4 trail

Our Facilities

*Please note: Units with electricity are fully equipped.

Units without electricity have the following facilities.

  • Gas stove
  • Gas fridge
  • Gas geyser
  • Gas lamps
  • Solar lights
  • Oil lamps
  • Candles
  • Campsite
  • Hiking
  • 4×4 trail

Our Rates

R320.00 per person
Children under 12 years – R150.00.
(Sleeps 6 max)

Both camping and 4×4 routes are R 200 per vehicle.
(Must have 4×4 vehicle to access camping spot.)

Get in Touch

BOOK NOW
Email Enquiry
Contact Details
Telephone: +27 44 050 3346
Selma: +27 73 174 1028
Bennie: +27 83 453 2209
Email: matjiesvlei@telkomsa.net
Website: www.matjiesvlei.co.za
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Business hours

Check In: From 14:00
Check Out: At 10:00

ADDRESS

Decimal Degrees (WGS84)
Latitude: -33.473211
Longitude: 21.627213

Degrees, Minutes & Seconds
Latitude: S33 28 23
Longitude: E21 37 37

GPS
Latitude: S 33 28.393
Longitude: E 21 37.633

Meijer’s Rust

Jun 5, 2019

DE RUST ACCOMMODATION

MEIJER’S RUST

Overview

Meijer’s Rust is a working farm offering a wide variety of accommodations within the heart of the stunning Meiringspoort, just outside the beautiful village of De Rust.

You are welcome to enjoy camping and hiking high in the Swartberg Mountains surrounded by fynbos as well as waterfalls.

Try a farm stay in our historic stone house, perfect for romantic getaways, or perhaps merely savour the Karoo in one of our superb self-catering chalets.

Our Units

Stone House

Romantic Stone cottage, built in the 1850’s, is located on a plateau above Meiringspoort. It sleeps two and you need only bring food and wine to make this an unforgettable experience. The cottage is accessible to vehicles with high clearance and is a good starting point for the farm’s wonderful hiking trails.

Chalets

We have four comfortable, fully equipped, self catering chalets. They are set in beautiful, peaceful surroundings and each chalet has a queen size bed with a sleeper couch ideal for children and adults alike, braai area, covered stoep and undercover parking.  Full bathroom boasting a large shower, freestanding bath, double basins, toilet and bidet.

Milk Barn

The Milk Barn cottage is a fully equipped, self catering, two roomed cottage sleeping four. The main bedroom has a double bed and the open plan living area has stacked bunk beds ideal for children.

Upper Campground

*Currently Closed

New Bottom Campground

Our new campsite has place for 10 x 2-4 campers with an ablution block with 2 x complete bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin. There is an outside wash up area. All hot water is provided by a gas geyser and 220v is available.

The site is situated on the bottom farm bordering on the N12, with a spectacular view of the foot of the Swartberg mountain and Meiringspoort. The site is near the main house and the swimming dam.

Our Activities:

Meijer’s Rust offer lots of activities:

Hiking Trails

Our hiking trails start in Meiringspoort and take you to the top of the Swartberg Mountain with 360º views that will take your breath away. They can lead to natural, ancient waterfalls, pools and rare San rock art.

Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain bike trails have an elevation level of 500m and are only recommended for the seriously fit. Check with us before you attempt these and we will provide you with the proper documentation and maps.

Bird Life

There are over 180 species of birds recorded on the farm. To make the most of your visit we can advise you on the best trails. Attached is a checklist that you can print to use to determine which birds you have seen.

Plant Life

The Little Karoo has the second largest plant biome on the planet, only to be exceeded by the tropics. There are many types of fynbos and cacti, making this area a plant lover’s paradise. It is where the geranium was originally discovered in the mid 1800’s and taken to London’s Kew Gardens for domestication. We recommend that you buy a copy of the book “Field Guide to Fynbos” by John Manning. It will help you identify the plants you discover here.

Get in Touch

Email Enquiry
Contact Details
Vivian: +27 83 626 0804
Barry: +27 72 495 5196
Fax: +27 44 241 2059
Email: Bmeijer@aol.com
Website: www.meijersrust.co.za
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Business hours

Check In: From 14:00
Check Out: At 10:00

Alternative times can be arranged.

ADDRESS

Decimal Degrees (WGS84)
Latitude: -27.764
Longitude: 22.558333

Degrees, Minutes & Seconds
Latitude: S27 45 50
Longitude: E22 33 30

GPS
Latitude: S 27 45.840
Longitude: E 22 33.500

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Aug 6, 2024

MEIRINGSPOORT

(OUT OF TOWN)

Where is the poort situated?

On the N12 between De Rust & Prince Albert in the Western Cape.

What is the distance of the poort?

Through a gorge with a 25 km road crossing the same river 25 times.

Are there restroom facilities?

Yes, there are various places to stop with bathroom facilities.

Is the waterfall wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not, as it is a short hike with stairs leading to the waterfall.

Meiringspoort
Meiringspoort Waterfall
Meiringspoort

INTRODUCTION

Meiringspoort is situated on the N12 between the towns of De Rust and Prince Albert. This spectacular natural gorge cuts its way through the Swartberg Mountains, forming an incredible natural gateway between the Klein Karoo and Groot Karoo.

The 25km road leading through the poort has a total of 25 drifts (each with its own name and interesting bit of history) crossing the Groot River as it winds its way through the huge rock formations.

There are plenty of scenic spots (with bathroom facilities) to stop and appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this geological wonder. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of the towering rock walls or take a short hike up to the waterfall for a bird’s-eye view of the scenery or a dip in the cool rock pools.

[Please note: Unfortunately, the waterfall is not wheelchair accessible, as it is reached by a short hike with stairs leading up to the waterfall.]

Geology

Over 200 million years of geological activity has produced this astounding natural wonder. As this ravine cuts through the Swartberg Mountains (which also happens to be one of the best exposed fold mountain chains in the world), one can see the spectacular rock formations that have been pushed upwards and folded like pleats in the enormous rock walls some 250 million years ago.

Visit Meiringspoort Geology to read more about the geology of Meiringspoort.

Animal Life

Meiringspoort is home to an impressively diverse range of wildlife. Over millennia, many of these animals have evolved in such extraordinary ways, that today they are recognised as unique species that occur nowhere else in the world but here.

Visit Meiringspoort Animal Life to learn more about Meiringspoort’s diverse animal and birdlife.

Vegetation

Equally diverse as its wildlife, the poort also boasts a rich diversity of plants. Some even gained fame across the globe, like the wild geranium that was sent to England where the Duchess of Beaufort started cultivating them by 1710.

The topography of this incredible environment creates various habitats that can differ so completely from its neighbouring habitat that visitors often come across extraordinary combinations like forest ferns and fynbos nearly growing alongside each other.

Keen to learn more about the plant diversity of Meiringspoort? Visit Meiringspoort Vegetation.

VISITORS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO

  • Only make fires in designated fireplaces
  • Not make fires anywhere after sunset
  • Bring all their firewood with them and not to gather wood in the veld
  • Not disturb, collect or remove any animal, bird, insect or plant
  • Not disturb, collect or remove any artefacts or geological objects
  • Use the rubbish bins and not to litter
  • Not feed baboons or any other animals
  • Have picnics only in the designated picnic sites
  • Not camp here. There are camping facilities at De Rust
  • Not make a noise – radios or musical instruments should not be a disturbance to-others
  • Not paint or write on rocks, trees or at the waterfall
  • Not swim in the river – people and animals that live down the stream drink this water!

As a result of the many loose stones and rocks in the Poort, it is dangerous to walk on the mountain slopes and will only be allowed in special cases.

If you require any information about the Swartberg Pass, please feel free to contact us.

A bit of history

The morning of March 3rd, 1858, saw the official opening of Meiringspoort. The poort was named after Petrus Johannes Meiring, an influential farmer from De Rust, and was an extremely important milestone for trading between farmers from the north and the communities of Oudtshoorn, George and Mossel Bay. The new route gave the Groot Karoo economy a major boost with one eighth of the Cape Colony’s wool clip transported to Mossel Bay’s port by 1870.

For more on the history of Meiringspoort, visit The History of Meiringspoort.