Ngahere Vermaaklikheid

In a land far away... happiness is a hamlet of Vermaaklikheid - “entertainment” is the translation. A four-bedroom Cape Dutch style house located on the Duiwenhoks river with a private access. This much-loved holiday home is the property of a Cape Town family with New Zealand connections. They named her “Ngahere” ‘nigh-here-ee’ - a Māori term for the beauty, spiritual presence, and ecology of a wild forest. Max. capacity 6 adults and 3 children. Your perfect sanctuary in the southern cape!The spacequick facts: 3 bedrooms on ground level (3 queen - king beds). Mezzanine level is a k

In a land far away... happiness is a hamlet of Vermaaklikheid - “entertainment” is the translation. A four-bedroom Cape Dutch style house located on the Duiwenhoks river with a private access. This much-loved holiday home is the property of a Cape Town family with New Zealand connections. They named her “Ngahere” ‘nigh-here-ee’ - a Māori term for the beauty, spiritual presence, and ecology of a wild forest. Max. capacity 6 adults and 3 children. Your perfect sanctuary in the southern cape!
The space
quick facts: 3 bedrooms on ground level (3 queen - king beds). Mezzanine level is a kids room with a queen and two single mattresses. Max capacity 6 adults 3 children.

Unpretentious, traditional country style architecture with a generous indoor living area including a large indoor fireplace. For afternoon sun, guests can chillax in the cool, covered porch / stoep facing the river. For starry nights set up a braai in the east facing courtyard. There are three bedrooms on the lower floor; one ensuite bathroom and two sharing a bathroom. Two of the rooms have double doors leading to outside areas. The airy loft is best utilised as a “kids’ bedroom and contains 2 x single beds + 1 queen mattress.

More Info

● Children utilising the mezzanine level must be able to navigate a staircase without safety railings.
● Ground Floor shared bathroom contains a bath, shower & toilet.
● Ground floor ensuite bathroom contains a shower and toilet.
● Gas stove with electric oven and fridge. Wine fridge.
● Rudimentary slipway to launch a small boat off / on a trailer.
● Braai / firewood can be ordered in advance of arrival.
● Bottled water for drinking purposes is recommended.

Good to know / Please be aware of

Vermaaklikheid is 3 ½ hours’ drive from Cape Town, 1 ½ hours from the garden route area, without stops, without traffic. The distance can make a weekend getaway seem a little too far. Try to find the time for 3 nights or longer and take advantage of our long stay and weekday discounts.

The house is best described as a comfortable, spacious traditional country house with the common maintenance challenges associated with sea air, rural climates, and nature settings. Guests wanting contemporary design with high end finishes and other fancy gear … shall not find it. To see a harmless spider in the top corner of a room is certainly possible, and yes, we try to eradicate.

Vermaaklikheid does not have food shops – Guests are required to bring all groceries / purchase at food retail outlets along the N2.
Guest access
Guest are met on arrival (normal hours) by the African Spaces local team managed by Nella Coller. Support via mobile from Cape Town. If arrival is after hours a lock box complete with details directions and access details is provided.
Other things to note
Vermaaklikheid does not have food shops – Guests are required to bring all groceries / purchase at food retail outlets along the N2.

Please have expectations to that of a traditional, country house with the common maintenance challenges associated with sea air, rural climates, and nature settings. Guests wanting contemporary design with high end finishes and other fancy gear … shall not find it. To see a harmless spider in the top corner of a room is certainly possible, and yes, we try to eradicate.

The area / Activities
Guests with expectations of a rural town e.g. MacGregor or Greyton will find Vermaaklikheid to fall far short. The hamlet is a collection of quaint country cottages, devoid of a town centre. Many artists but no galleries, many cooks but no restaurants! Come to Vermaaklikheid to “kuier” with your favourite people, make potjies / hearty stews, play in the river, breath the country air and tune out.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the tranquil waters of the Duiwenhoks River by kayak or canoe. Paddle through pristine estuaries, mangrove forests, and winding channels while taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting diverse birdlife.

Fishing: Cast your line and try fishing in the Duiwenhoks River or along the coastline. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, there are plenty of opportunities to reel in a variety of fish species, including kob, mullet, and various types of bream.

Birdwatching: Vermaaklikheid is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its diverse ecosystems supporting a wide variety of bird species. Grab your binoculars and camera to spot resident and migratory birds, including kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and more.

Swimming and the swings. Rope swings on Extra-large eucalyptus trees directly across the river from Ngahere. The swings have provided untold joy to visitors and local residents for many years. Children must be supervised, and guests accept full responsibility for accidents.


Nearby
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Nearby
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Embrace the spirit of innovation at Inverroche Distillery, pioneers of South Africa's craft gin scene. Delight in their original fynbos-fused gins and discover the allure of aged rum, all crafted with passion by the Scott family.