Check in: 14h00 Check out: 12h00
Minimum two-night stay applies
Off-grid self-catering with generator back-up
Limited network coverage, no Internet
www.doornkloofnature.co.za
Almond Blossom Cottage :
Sleeps two guests
R1 780 per night mid-week
R2 100 per night weekends
Check in: 14h00 Check out: 10h00
Minimum two-night stay applies
Off-grid self-catering
Uncapped Wi-Fi
The farm Doornkloof remained uninhabited by humans for over 30 years after the last almond farmer left in the fifties and until the land was bought by professor André Rabie in 1981. He had a Private Nature Reserve declared shortly after. Today, the officially recognised Doornkloof Private Nature Reserve provides refuge and renewal for its naturally occurring wildlife and for a select few human beings.
The unspoiled Renosterveld and clear, blue skies have a beauty that is healing – you only have to breathe it in to benefit. Feel the renewing energy of veld and fresh air, mountains and trees, sunshine and raindrops. Use the marked trails to explore the area (the views are great!) or settle in front of a large picture window for some birdwatching. We provide plant-, mammal- and bird guides, and binoculars for identification. When driving, don't be surprised to find a Cape Grysbok around a quiet corner or one of the large Leopard tortoises blocking your way.
When you've had enough rest and relaxation, take a short drive next door to have a beer and a scrumptious meal at Saggy Stone Brewery. It's better to book over weekends. The Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy network of MTB trails (85 kms) starts near Doornkloof and I'm happy to get you a permit.
The dirt road leading to the accommodation is more suitable for vehicles with higher ground clearance like an SUV or bakkie, but four-wheel drive is not necessary.
DEPOSIT, CANCELLATION & MINIMUM STAY POLICY
A deposit of 100% applies to all reservations.
If reservation is cancelled up to 1 month before arrival date: 50% of deposit is refundable.
If reservation is cancelled up to 2 weeks before arrival date: 25% of deposit is refundable.
If reservation is cancelled less than 2 weeks before arrival date: 0% of deposit is refundable.
DIRECTIONS
Halfway between Worcester and Robertson; two hours' drive from Cape Town.
One of only four residences inside the 500-hectare reserve, two of which accommodate guests.
Two private hiking trails for guests' exclusive use.
85 kilometres of Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy MTB trails close by: ask me for permits.
Doornkloof welcomes guests of all races and is LGBTQI-friendly.
Day visitors STRICTLY BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ONLY.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to the whole of the reserve.
Guest Interaction:
Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that you came to the mountains to take a break from human interaction and won't come and knock on your door. You are, however, welcome to knock on ours if you need anything to make your stay more comfortable. That's what we're here for.
GETTING THERE:
Doornkloof Private Nature Reserve is situated against the Langeberg Mountains halfway between Worcester and Robertson on the R60, Western Cape, South Africa.
The dirt road leading to the accommodation is more suitable for vehicles with higher ground clearance like an SUV or bakkie, but four-wheel drive is not necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: at no point do you turn off to Saggy Stone or Die Kliplapa to get to Doornkloof. Saggy Stone & Kliplapa are in the kloof that runs parallel to Doornkloof.
FROM WORCESTER VIA NUY (gravel road)
From Hoog Street in Worcester turn right onto the R60/Robertson Road and drive for 12.6 km to the Nuy Valley turnoff and“Nuy on the hill” restaurant. Turn left, cross the railway line and follow the road for 6.3 km. Where you see Conradie/Penhill Artisanal Wines on your right, start to look for the Penhill/Amandalia/Kliplapa turnoff also to the right. This road is easy to miss! You will pass the Nuy Winery just after turning right and then the tar road changes to gravel. From here it is 12.9 km to the Doornkloof gate.
FROM WORCESTER VIA R60 (tar road)
From Hoog Street in Worcester turn right onto the R60/Robertson Road and travel for 29.5 km to the Agter-Vinkrivier turnoff. Turn left toward Le Roux & Fourie and Afrimat Cape Lime and immediately right again, across the railway line, and follow the tar road for 2.2 km.
At the crossroads, take the gravel road to your left with signs indicating Saggy Stone/Kliplapa/Buitenstekloof. Follow the gravel road for 3.3 km. You will go through three ditches: the third one is much deeper than the first two. The Doornkloof gate is at the top of this last ditch, to your right. (If you reach a face-brick house on the left with arches and a green roof, you've gone too far. If you reach Saggy Stone, you've gone much too far. Have a beer and turn back.)
FROM ROBERTSON VIA R60
From Voortrekker Street take the R60 to Worcester for 11.6 km and turn right at Rooiberg Winery. Follow the road across the railway line and around a bend, do not turn right to Orange Grove, but continue straight onto the gravel road up to where it crosses the next tarred road, with signs indicating Saggy Stone/Kliplapa/Buitenstekloof (4 km).
Drive trough the crossing and follow the gravel for another 3.3 km. You will go through three ditches: the third one is much deeper than the first two. The Doornkloof gate is at the top of this last ditch, to your right. (If you reach a face-brick house on the left with arches and a green roof, you've gone too far. If you reach Saggy Stone, you've gone much too far. Have a beer and turn back.)
Doornkloof Gate: Latitude: 33°43'20.46"S Longitude: 19°43'54.76"E
Bush House: Latitude: 33°42'14.38"S Longitude: 19°44'29.71"E
Bush House @Doornkloof, its owner and personnel will not be liable (or held responsible) for any damages, loss or injury that results from the use of facilities at Doornkloof Private Nature Reserve. Facilities used and entering the premises are at own risk.
Please note that the house is in a wilderness area and as such visitors may encounter natural fauna such as field mice, spiders, birds, snakes and other small animals and insects. We cannot be held liable for any loss or injury that result from such encounters.
FURTHER DETAILS PERTAINING TO BUSH HOUSE @DOORNKLOOF:
Summer Room
- extra length king size bed
- down duvet, hot-water bottles in winter
- efficient air cooler for summer
- en-suite shower, basin and toilet
- French doors to pool
Winter Room
- king/twin beds
- down & feather duvets (cotton in summer)
- Jetmaster fireplace (this is the only fireplace in the house)
- serviced by main bathroom with shower & bath
All the rooms in the house have breathtaking views.
PROVIDED:
- quality linen
- bath towels
- swimming towels
- toiletries incl. insect repellent
- camping cot/travel crib with gender neutral linen
- mini hi-fi with Bluetooth
- books
- board games
- air coolers/heater
- full-sized gas stove with gas oven
- electric fridge/freezer
- electric toaster
- all cutlery, crockery, proper working utensils
- a range of elegant glassware
- percolator and plunger
- outdoor braai and grid
- potjiekos pot (size 2)
- firewood and -lighters
- dishwashing supplies
- drying cloths
- tinfoil
- containers
- freezer bags
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- spices
- honey
- quality morning beverages
- home-baked rusks
- 250ml fresh milk
- small block of butter
- fresh ice (two trays)
NO microwave
NO television
NO Internet
CHILDREN:
A camping cot/travel crib with gender neutral linen is gladly provided upon request.
Unfenced wilderness = pets not allowed & caution advised with small children.
Please note the pool is uncovered.
