DescriptionDown to earth retreat in pure nature and the silence of the mountains, untouched by electricity. Mouth watering African Swiss cuisine prepared on open fire and served in candle light tranquility. Five years, believe it or not! Five years since we welcomed our first guests here at Simonskloof. Time flies when you're having fun. But what's really new here? First of all, there's a news and information link, which means I can publish my rants and raves without disturbing the other parts of the site. We've also redone the image gallery. This one works slightly different though, but we hope you like it. Some parts of the site allow visitor comments. It's kind of a guestbook, so if you've been to Simonskloof and stayed in the farmhouse or cottage, I would love to hear from you. It may also help other visitors to decide whether to come up here to the Kloof. Five years later we may just have the most useful and informative of all farm/mountain retreat accommodation websites in South Africa and beyond. Thank you so much for your visit; I hope to see you up here in the Kloof soon! Accommodation Farmhouse Built originally in the 1950s, the farmhouse has a classic mining town corrugated iron look with timber floors and a long sheltering veranda giving view over the Simonskloof "valley". The house contains 3 double/twin rooms and a central bathroom and for the wild at heart there's even the old cast iron bath in the garden perfect for a cooling dip in the summer heat. A grand round table is the centre piece of the dining room. If you book the Farmhouse on self-catering basis, the fully equipped kitchen (from the coffee plunger to the garlic press to properly sharp knives...) is all yours. Far Away Cottage Our 'Far-Away Cottage' was completed on the 27th of December 2003 - just in time for the first guests. It has since become immensely popular with visitors and geckos alike. It's the ideal getaway for 2 but can accommodate a group of 4. Orange Cottage The second farm labourer's cottage, aptly called "Orange Cottage", has been completed in August 2004 after extensive renovations. This will be great news for all those who've tried in vain to book, because the "Far Away" Cottage has enjoyed full occupancy. This cottage offers two bedrooms, one with a double bed, the other one with 4 bunk beds. Identical in layout with the first cottage, it has a bathroom with toilet, basin and shower, a kitchen with a gas stove and small fridge, a Dover wood stove and a dining table. Camping Nestled between a 200 year old oak tree and a little mountain stream, we have created a spacious grassy camp ground for plenty of tents and play. If you prefer, there are all so many hidden and more private sites along the stream and under the oak trees. In general we keep the numbers low (4-5 individual groups of max. 4 people each).The facilities are down-to-earth and bush camp style. They consist of two showers (one hot, one cold), two latrines (comfy! long drops) and a couple of water points with pure spring water. All sites have pit-braai's - Please bring your own fire wood. A short walk will bring you up to the farm dam where you can swim among the wild ducks and be watched by our resident heron... the start of the hiking trails are also just on your "door" step. The sites are not recommended for the average caravan due to its steep access road and absence of electrical points. Otherwise if you know "how" to drive your home on wheels on any road and are looking for a unusual setting, this is your spot. RatesCamping:R 50.00 (R55.00) per adult per night R 25.00 (R30.00) per child 4-12 Cottages s/c: R 400.00 (R420.00) sleeping 2 person R 120.00 per additional person per night R 80.00 per child 4-12 per night R 35.00 (R 40.00) pp once off for optional bedding & towels R 150.00 (R160.00) supplement for One-Night-Weekends may apply Farm House PRIVATE s/c: R 980.00 (R1080.00) sleeping 6 person - per night the house R 35.00 (R40.00) pp once off for optional bedding & towels Special discount in "low season" may apply Farm House SHARED D,B/B: R 480.00 (R500.00) per person per night Farm House SHARED s/c: R 330.00 (R360.00) per double per night R 210.00 (R250.00) per single per night R 35.00 (R40.00) pp once off for optional bedding & towels Day Visitors: R35.00 pppd (Hiking, Mtn-Biking, Picnic, etc) The Nuy River Gorge Kloofing (Canyoneering) October - April only: Classic : 2 day trip R 1300.00 per person all incl. Optional 3rd night dinner with B&B R 380.00 per person All in One Day - The shorter version for the very fit only! R 500.00 per person incl. Lunch Kloofing trips are fully guided and catered guiding, abseil-gear, accommodation (Classic only) & meals all included. Self-guided "On your Own": R 120.00 per person (1 day and night) "On your Own": for experienced groups of minimum 4 persons and with own gear only. Abseiling (Rappel): R 180.00 per person for 2 abseils each Minimum 4 persons & prior arrangement only Gecko-Trail : R 35.00 per person per day Ideal party: 4 people. No Dogs allowed. Budgies, Cats & Dogs : R 40.00 per night at Cottages R 30.00 per night when Camping
DirectionsFrom Cape Town: Via Hex River Valley ± 210km a 2 ½ h drive. Via Montagu ± 240km a 3 h drive. Take the N1 (watch out for speed traps outside the Tunnel and after De Doorns) past Worcester, through the Hex River Valley, past De Doorns and up Hex River Pass. Then take the R318 right, towards Montagu. Follow the R318 for ± 40km. Just below Rooihoogte Pass, after the bridge, turn right at the SIMONSKLOOF sign onto the gravel road* (Red Dot on Map). 2km later turn right again at the "Simonskloof 8km" sign - From here follow the little brown "Simonskloof – logo" signs all the way. *After heavy rains the gravel road can be bumpy and slippery. It is however safe and accessible by normal cars. Please drive with care and watch out for the tortoise and sheep. Take your time, specially the last 1km. From Montagu & Route 62: Enter Montagu on the R62 / Long street. Turn into Cross street, the last one left when coming from Ashton, or the first one right when coming from Barrydale. At the next 4-way Stop (711 - Friendly Grocer) turn right towards Touws River, Matroosberg and Koo. Stay on that road for ±40km, which takes you through the Keisie Valley, up Burgers Pass, through the Koo Valley and past two farm shops with petrol pumps. At the SIMONSKLOOF sign turn left onto the gravel road* (Red Dot on Map). 2km later turn right at the "Simonskloof 8km" sign - From here follow the little brown "Simonskloof – logo" signs all the way. |
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