Schoemanskloof Retreat

The Schoemanskloof Retreat consists of two self-catering guest cottages situated on Falls Fish Farm in the beautiful indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof. The two cottages are named the Mountain Pondokkie, located near the top of the mountain, and Khaya Mandevu, situated at the bottom of the mountain.

The Mountain Pondokkie is an old stone cottage dating back to around 1900. It can only be accessed by vehicles with high clearance, or by a shuttle service provided by the owners upon request. Khaya Mandevu, an old farmhouse overlooking a dam with a stunning view of the mountain, is more easily accessible but still requires a vehicle with fairly high clearance.

Both cottages can accommodate up to six people in three separate sleeping areas, making them ideal getaways for nature lovers and those interested in activities such as birding, hiking, and mountain biking. The Mountain Pondokkie may even have a resident feral cat as a guest, helping to control the rat and mice population.

The Mountain Pondokkie sleeps six comfortably, with one separate downstairs bedroom and two loft rooms upstairs above the lounge, accessed by steep stairs. The cottage has two bathrooms, one en-suite and one with a bath, shower, basin, and toilet. Linen and towels are provided. The fully-equipped kitchen includes a gas stove and a fridge with freezer space, as well as a wheelbarrow with a grid for braai. Water is provided by a mountain stream, but guests may want to bring bottled water or boil the water if concerned. The lounge features a fireplace and a covered patio with incredible views.

Khaya Mandevu has similar facilities, including a bedroom with a queen-size bed and en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom with a bathroom and shower, and a third bedroom with two double beds. It also has an outside shower and a small dip pool. The fully-equipped kitchen has a fridge, gas hob, and an electric oven.