Somerset Gift Getaway Farm

"Wow. What a peaceful overnight stay. My little son loved trying his hand at fishing. Breathtaking scenery. Fish Eagle cottage so well laid out that it felt like each of our two families had separate apartments. The managers went above and beyond to sort out a booking snafu. We will return joyfully for a longer stay as soon as possible."

(visited Mar 2019)

"What an tranquil spot! We stayed in Loerie Cottage with our 2 Golden Retrievers and had an amazing 3 days. Two beautiful hikes up to the waterfalls were incredible. The first hike to the top very large waterfall was tough going but worth it! A magnificent large pool below high waterfall where we all had the most refreshing swim. The second day we did the less strenuous hike to another pool and waterfall which although smaller was so picturesque and also impressive. Special thanks to Tanya our hostess who took special care of all our needs. We will definitely go back."

(visited Nov 2018)

"We are always looking for places where we can take our dogs with us as we like to holiday with them, so it was such a win being able to take our dogs with us, they had the best time. We stayed in Little Bushbuck cottage, which is very comfortable and perfect for two people. We enjoyed the outside shower! It rained, and even snowed on the high mountains, while we were there and we were very grateful for the generous supply of wood so that we could keep a fire going. We loved waking up to the sunrise, the peace over the lake, watching the birds, hiking to the rock pools, chilling by the river and spotting the bushbuck there and then having drinks by the lake as the sun went down. Tanya, the manager, is so friendly and helpful and we had great service from the rest of the staff. Thanks to everyone for another really special stay."

(visited Sep 2018)

"Wonderful getaway! Well equipped, well stocked with enough dry firewood to allow for adequate hibernation while watching the glorious mountain views. Long winter evenings spent in front of the roaring fire drinking copious red wine soothed the urban rash, albeit for only two nights. The late checkout was really appreciated, allowing us one final meander up the mountain before heading back to Cape Town and Knysna, stopping for barbeque en route. Highly recommended."

(visited Jul 2018)

"We had a fabulous three night getaway with three families and kids. We loved the house, the river, the dam and the mountain pools! The zip line, canoes and dam were the highlight and we took our own SUPs - it was great fun. The kitchen was great, but it would be nice to have a bar fridge too as we had a lot of food for all of us. The garden was fabulous for games of frisbee until long after the sun had gone down. The beds were very disappointing - rock hard and we ended up sleeping on the floor on mattresses from the loft."

(visited Jan 2018)

Getaway Reply

Dear Sue Thank you for your valuable feedback we shall take everything into consideration in relation to our budget for improvements. We look forward to your next stay. Warmest regards Marlien

(Marlien Wright)

"Absolutely loved our stay! So peaceful and beautiful. The only down side was the shower that was outside in the cold weather, brrrrr!"

(visited Jul 2017)

"We had a lovely stay in a beautiful setting. We went for walks in the beautiful mountains, the kids caught fish, canoed in the river and we sat on the "stoep" and admired the view. We will definitely go back!"

(visited May 2017)

"Our time here was very special, tranquil and peaceful. The river is incredible and so nice because it's really easily accessible. We caught fish in the dam with the method Deon suggested. The grass is for sure greener on Somerset Gift farm; we can't wait to get back there!"

(visited Jan 2017)

"A beautiful setting! This is the perfect getaway from the busy city life with the family and friends - a must visit. Dion is a great guy, even though we never met he was extremely accommodating and helpful. We will definitely be returning."

(visited Jan 2017)

"This is such a stunning place. The setting is just beautiful and the surroundings are breathtaking. There are amazing hikes to rock pools and waterfalls and the dam and river are great for swimming. We had a fantastic time!"

(visited Dec 2016)

"Enjoyed an idyllic mid-week break in the Lourie Cottage, and it was easily one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I've ever stayed. Great bass fishing in the dam that's right on your doorstep, too."

(visited Nov 2016)

"Little piece of paradise! I can't wait to go back."

(visited Oct 2016)

"My friend and I spent a very enjoyable few days at Somerset Gift. Although we stayed at Rose Cottage, the only cottage without a lake view, we were instead rewarded with a beautiful, private view overlooking pastures with cattle, horses and other local wildlife. A fenced lawn in front of the cottage means the cows cannot get too close. This cottage is the place to book if you want your own private spot to relax on a lovely stoep and listen to the Nightjar calling at night. I would definitely chose it again. Being away from the dam, we opted to rather swim in the river, which was lovely and warm. Although we didn't manage to go on any walks, I would like to do so on future visits. Our host, Dion, was there to assist if we needed anything, but at the same time respected our privacy and let us have our space. I can truly recommend this place for a stress-free break."

(visited Mar 2016)

"A friend and I needed a place to restore our energy and minds, and Somerset Gift was just wonderful - we swam, hiked, swam, canoed, swam some more in the lake, river and rock pools. We stayed at both Rose cottage, which is tucked away and fairly private, and at Loerie cottage, which overlooks the lake and has great views of the mountains. The bird life around the cottages is very lively, and there were moorhens with cute chicks on the lake. The hikes are fairly short and very accessible, and you are rewarded with the most wonderful rock pools and waterfalls to swim and cool down. We went during the week and the mid-week specials made it very good value. I just wish I could have taken my dogs!"

(visited February 2015)

"Although all cottages here seem lovely, we were extremely happy we picked the Rose Cottage. The last in the row it has a 100% free and private outlook over meadow and mountain range. The fence of the garden is no more than a barrier to keep the cows at some distance, but two times we enjoyed the view of a deer jumping into our garden. The house is simple but clean and has whatever you need (assuming you find tv and wifi not essential). At the end of a dirt road it is nicely quiet and at night the amazing view of the stars."

(visited January 2015)

"Absolutely loved this place. So peaceful."

(visited May 2014)

"Awesome awesome awesome! Prior to booking Loerie cottage last minute we were a bit worried about the kiddie friendliness (there is a playground), not that we don't like kids, but we wanted a private get away away from the masses and noise. And this is certainly what we got at Loerie cottage. Two other cottages were booked for the weekend, but the cottages are far enough apart to have great privacy. Then there is the beautiful river close by for swimming, amazing walks up to even more amazing rock pools and waterfalls. The grass is certainly greener at Somerset Gift, the foffie slide is so much fun, the natural spring great for swimming or canoeing. Dion the owner is attentive to everything, but has great respect for peoples privacy. We have stayed in numerous places around the Western Cape during the past ten years, but this one take the prize. Book early, as it is very popular and we certainly understand fully why! We will be back very soon."

(visited November 2013)

"Simply awesome!"

(visited August 2013)

"An awesome hidden paradise and our kids just loved it. Peaceful, relaxing, stunning views, clean and extremely comfortable, without doubt our favorite Cape getaway. Just pure magic and cant wait to return."

(visited July 2013)

"What a location! We had an outstanding time and could not have been better. We will be back."

(visited April 2013)

"What an amazing find! We fell in love with this beautiful gem and cannot wait to return again to share with more people how beautifully lovely this place is! Exquisite setting, wonderful facilities, a stunning and perfect start to our honeymoon! Thank you guys!"

(visited January 2013)

"We stayed at the Fish Eagle Lodge... it was truly amazing. We really loved our stay and the view... breathtaking. We took a hike along the Buffelsjag River under a shaded route. Very nice. We were greeted with warm hospitality by the owner. Thanks Dion... we will definitely be back."

(visited March 2012)

"Setting is amazing and accommodation ok, but that is where it ends. We found the owner to be rude."

(visited January 2012)

Getaway Reply

"I will never intentionally or unnecessarily be rude to a guest but due to a regrettable incident on departure I informed the guest that I would not take another booking from them hence their review. I have and always will strive to make sure Somerset Gift Getaway farm remains an unforgettable and memorable fun filled getaway for the whole family."

(Dion Wright)

"I go away quite often, and I can honestly say Somerset Gift Getaway Farm is number 1 on my 'best weekend getaways' list! We stayed in the beautiful Fish Eagle Lodge - hidden away in the valley alongside the Buffeljagsrivier - pure bliss! You simply must go and visit this farm..."

(visited January 2011)

"Stunning breakaway from the stressful city life, loved every moment in the peaceful surroundings."

(visited February 2010)

"I needed somewhere to chill and I got it. It's so quiet at night you can hear the stars. The rivers/ponds are brown water - but gorgeous to swim in, deep, safe, cool and so welcome in the heat. I took the hike through the forests to the small waterfalls, climbed up a bit and meditated at the pool - all I could hear was the wind in the pine trees. Jumped into the pool afterwards and felt invigorated and so happy. Within easy driving of Swellendam if you need to pick up supplies. Go, you won't be disappointed."

(visited February 2009)

"We stayed in Rose Cottage, now with two ensuite bathrooms. Everything was absolutely perfect. A great break from the city. We were impressed in particular with how spotlessly clean everything was."

(visited July 2008)

"The perfect place to wind down after a long week at work or, as in my case, a long tour through the Garden Route. As a tour operator I have been taking guests here for more than three years and everyone has found it to be an unforgettable and truly unique experience. Well done Dion!"

(visited September 2007)

"This place is mind blowing. we enjoyed every moment of being there. As an artist I really enjoyed my experience of painting there. I could picture every corner as a painting, and the great harmony of the sound of nature just completed this heavenly composition. And greater than that was the perfect and very warm hospitality and the comfortable accomodation."

(visited June 2007)

"A definite A+ for this place! I would recommend it to anyone looking to get away for a fun-filled, relaxing holiday in one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We would definitely visit again."

(visited May 2007)

"Somerset Gift Getaway was so beautiful.... It has the most beautiful views and the cottages are furnished beautifully and comfortably. We had a great time. Thank you to Dion who is a great host. We loved the place!!!"

(visited February 2007)

"Somerset Gift Farm is absolutely beautiful. Stunning views of the Langeberg mountains, perfect for bird watching and fishing. Cottages are lovely and clean. Really an amazing getaway when needing rest."

(visited February 2007)