Schoemanskloof Retreat

The Schoemanskloof Retreat comprises three self-catering guest cottages on Falls Fish Farm (we do goldfish and koi) in the beautiful indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof - The Mt Pondokkie near the top of the mountain, The Bakoni Hide-Away half-way up and Khaya Mandevu at the bottom. The Mt Pondokkie is supplied with power by Eskom as well as a solar geyser and electric geyser, the Bakoni is an off the grid cottage, and Khaya Mandevu is supplied by Eskom. The 2 top cottages are accessed by vehicles with high clearance only (4x4 in wet weather), but we are happy to shuttle guests up to the cot

The Schoemanskloof Retreat comprises three self-catering guest cottages on Falls Fish Farm (we do goldfish and koi) in the beautiful indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof - The Mt Pondokkie near the top of the mountain, The Bakoni Hide-Away half-way up and Khaya Mandevu at the bottom. The Mt Pondokkie is supplied with power by Eskom as well as a solar geyser and electric geyser, the Bakoni is an off the grid cottage, and Khaya Mandevu is supplied by Eskom. The 2 top cottages are accessed by vehicles with high clearance only (4x4 in wet weather), but we are happy to shuttle guests up to the cottage from the main gate upon request. Khaya Mandevu near the river below is an old farmhouse, overlooking a dam with a stunning view of the mountain. It is more easily accessed but also needs a vehicle with fairly high clearance.

All the cottages are ideal getaways for nature lovers and those keen on activities like birding, hiking and mountain biking.

All cottages have fully-equipped kitchens with fridges with freezer space and outside braai/barbecues with grids. The Bakoni has a gas hob (no oven) and a potjie pot, while the other 2 cottages have gas stoves. Linen and towels are provided. Water is provided by a mountain stream with water filters for drinking water which we all happily drink but please bring bottled water if you are worried about tummies not used to it or be prepared to boil the water. The first lot of firewood is free – thereafter it is available for purchase at R50 per bag.

All cottages have covered verandahs, are totally secluded and surrounded by indigenous bush - ideal for relaxing and getting away from it all. Network reception is pretty good, weather permitting. Khaya Mandevu is the only cottage with wifi.

The Mt Pondokkie can accommodate 6 sharing - in 1 queen size bed in the main bedroom with en suite shower & toilet, 1 king size bed in the main loft room above the lounge area, and 1 queen size bed in the 2nd loft room. There is a full bathroom with bath, shower, basin and toilet.

The Bakoni Hide-Away cottage is designed for 2 but another 2 (adults or children over the age of 5) can sleep on 2 mattresses placed on the mezzanine floor above the lounge/bedroom area. The mezzanine is accessed by steep stairs and guests are required to use these with caution, especially with young children. There is an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet.

Khaya Mandevu has a bedroom with a king size bed & bathroom en suite; a 2nd bedroom with a king size bed or 2 singles, a 2nd bathroom with a shower and loo; and a 3rd bedroom with 2 single beds in it. A long couch in the entrance alcove can be used to squeeze in a 7th guest. There is also an outside shower and a small dip pool. The fully equipped kitchen has a fridge/freezer and a gas stove.

The Mt Pondokkie and Khaya Mandevu are pet friendly and have fenced in gardens. A small cash once-off extra cleaning fee is charged for pets - check with the owner when booking. Dogs are required to be walked on leashes when outside the gardens for their own safety as well as that of the wildlife which should not be chased.