Quick Facts
E 18°59'21''
Budget Getaways Review
Tucked beneath the famed Krakadouw Peak at the end of a 13km dirt cul-de-sac from Clanwilliam, Dwarsrivier Farm is a tract of unspoilt beauty bisected by two rivers and crystal pools. “Ons klein stukkie hemel,” owner Therese calls it – and what’s more, she’s willing to share it with you.
The farm has three cottages, two of which are particularly characterful.
Oorkant se Huis (sleeps 5) is a privately appointed thatched abode with a head-to-head view of Krakadouw and everything else you could ask for, barring an indoor fireplace. The interior is open-plan with French windows and stone floors.
A little closer to the main farmhouse, Frikkie se Huis (named after one ‘Frikkie’, who lived there for years with his 13 children), is a quaint thatched cottage with a jackpot bonus of both open hearth and Dover stove in the stone-floored kitchen. Frikkie has three bedrooms, of which one is a cosy loft. The cottage is fully equipped with all the luxuries that Frikkie did without.
Jan Dissels (sleeps 5) is a more recent addition to Dwarsrivier and, as such has a tad less of Oorkant’s and Frikkie’s old-time character. Character aside though, this two-bedroom cottage on the banks of a river by the same name is not to be scoffed at. It is private and shiny-clean, with the added benefit of a fireplace and outlook over the river.
"We had a lovely long weekend in Jan Dissel cottage alongside the river. The stars were stunning, the wildlife, walks, river, and fresh oranges all make this a very special place and the owners were friendly and welcoming and helpful. However we felt the cottage lacked a few comfortable touches that would have made it more cosy and appealing for the price, such as cushions for outside chairs, some firewood, towels and hand towels, sharp knife in kitchen, flatter beds. We would however return here again for the outdoor beauty."
(visited June 2015)
"Our work team were visiting Clanwilliam for business and chose to make Krakadouw our overnight stay. We loved being just near the town and able to enjoy the beauty and pristine nature of the surrounding area. The fresh air and not having cellphone reception gave us a proper break. Staying in Frikkie se Huis was just perfect, as we could all have our rooms, while being able to spend time together in the shared facilities. The kitchen is equipped with absolutely everything you could need including good pots and knives. We enjoyed the outside braai area under the stars and sat chatting around the indoor fireplace in the kitchen. We had a fantastic night's sleep on beautiful quality linen, and enjoyed a hot and strong shower. Walking around the farm was a joy, seeing the sheep and lambs, wondering through the orange orchards, and splashing my face in a fresh mountain stream. Thanks to our hosts who offered a personal and professional service and who have created simple, homely and perfectly wonderful accommodation. My only suggestion is to provide a few basics like salt, pepper and sugar, things one forgets to pack for self-catering. We all left determined to return with our families for a weekend or longer break."
(visited May 2015)
"The mattresses were uncomfortable but the beauty of the surrounds made up for it. Was such an amazing getaway from the city weekend"
(visited May 2015)
"It is a very pleasant farm for any person who enjoys nature. It has a mountain backdrop where a small stream with beautiful mountain water is fed to the farm. This is the water that one drinks and it is quite safe. The cottage is rather primitive, but quite adequate. We cooled off in the stream, but it is very tiny, only about 1.5m wide from side to side. The only negative is the 12km dirt road leading to the farm. It is a perfect spot for a rest spot."
(visited January 2015)
"We had a lovely and relaxed stay at Krakadouw and especially enjoyed the nearby walking trails, the river pools and sitting outside at the fire at night watching the stars overhead. The quiet and peace that reigns there soothes the weary city soul in next to no time. Our friendly hosts made us feel welcome and gave advice when asked."
(visited January 2015)
"The setting really couldn't be better. The view from "oorkant se huis" up the valley to the mountains beyond is breathtaking. Our girls (1 and 3) loved the patch of lawn in front of the house and we had cheeky family swims in the crystal clear stream about a 10-20min walk away. An indoor fireplace would've been nice for the nippy evenings but we sat around the braai under the full moon instead, beautiful. A very cosy, rustic and minimalist cottage in a world class setting. If we had to change anything: the antique couch in the lounge, though attractive, is no longer particularly comfortable. Thanks for a wonderful weekend. We would definitely return and hunt for the tortoise that visited the garden,"
(visited January 2015)
"We absolutely loved it. The accommodation is simple and modest and very cosy. We felt immediately at home and made a fire, it is beautifully quiet and safe, with much privacy. There is a wonderful walk from the cottage where we found leopard footprints, very exciting! And the nearby trail to the rock art is a must. The owners are very hospitable and helpful. We will be back soon."
(visited January 2015)
"Accommodation is basic and equipped with everything you need. We stayed at Frikkie se Huis which was very neat, cozy and clean.Water pressure was perfect.I have lived on a farm before where hot water and water pressure was problematic, but this was not a problem for me at Krakadouw. It was very pleasant. One of the reasons I chose this place is because it is private, quiet, beautiful and there is no signal! It was the perfect way to get away from the buzz of the city. Hiking trails are great and the stars at night are the brightest we have ever seen. Krakadouw will definitely see us again!"
(visited August 2014)
"We, a group of 10 friends, spent three nights at Karadouw Cottages recently and we loved it. The setting is lovely and so was the way we were received. We will definitely be back!"
(visited June 2014)
"We had a fantastic time in Frikkie se Huis! Therese and Annetjie were great hosts. It was really hot during the daytime and cooling down in the river was great. We recommend lying on the grass at night watching the stars. You will not regret going."
(visited December 2005)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland