Quick Facts
E 20°32'21''
Budget Getaways Review
Man, for a moment forget the fantastic view over the glistening dam and Langeberg peaks, we can't stop staring at that green grass. How do they get it like that? Bert from Admin says he's tried it all - pig manure (supplemented by Canus monstrus), ammonia sulphate, Supergro, you name it - and his little patch in lower Plumstead still looks nothing like Umshanti's.
Anyway, we digress.. What we have here is a mini resort built on a prime piece of real estate that encompasses fabulous green lawns (sorry), awesome views and a beautiful dam that appears to take centre-stage on most weekends - hence the name.
The long activity menu includes (take a deep breath now)… canoeing, skiing (bring own boat), boat cruises, a 45m high, 200m long foefie slide over the water (at least your landing will be soft if you let go), fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking to a uberlekker mountain pool, birdwatching, stargazing, braaing, donning the thong and spreading out on those uhmmm… damn fine green lawns…
With so much on offer who really cares about where you bed down for the night. But accommodation there is, in the form of five fairly basic chalets that can pack in nine happy campers, and an altogether more romantic timber cottage for couples appropriately called The Chapel, with awesome views of the dam and mountains, which can be savoured from the deck.
The chalets are equipped, with linen supplied - but not towels. Each has a braai area outside. Prices range between R160pp - R250pp, depending when you go and how many there are of you.
If you're the hardened canvas and peg type, then recently laid out are three campsites. With plenty of that hallmark Umshati lawn to pitch your tent on, a shade covering for each site, power point and light, as well as picnic bench and braai area, camping at Umshanti looks like an equally appealing option.
Umshanti is clearly tailored for social animals - but of the right sort, mind you, as this is a chilled family spot with a focus on nature and physical enjoyment. One guest comment in particular sums it up for us... "Happy memories have been made here over the years. We return each year. Our children LOVE the freedom and open field. It becomes home from home. Management doesn't get in your way, yet is there if you need anything. Would I recommend Umshanti? Yes, but dont mess it up." Thank you Pepe Gee.
After a hard day on the dam, slap on the Aftersun and amble along to the 'bar house' (as management calls it), where you'll find DSTV on tap, a pool table, dartboard, inside braai and fireplace, and a dining room.
Heck, you can even get married at Umshanti - as others have done before you.
Haven't been there, but we reckon this is one place where the grass sure ain't greener on the other side.
"Myself and my girlfriend had a great time, lovely rustic accommodation in a perfect spot on the river, it's also close to other stunning places for day visits, I recommend taking a trip to De Hoop Nature Reserve and going to visit the fairy sanctuary."
(visited January 2015)
"It was a fantastic getaway, lovely atmosphere and facilities. Would definitely go back."
(visited October 2014)
"We had an amazing time and the people are AMAZING (very friendly and accommodating). Absolutely love the set up, the facilities and the people. Will definitely be returning, sooner than later."
(visited April 2013)
"Happy memories have been made here over the years. We return each year. Our children LOVE the freedom and open field. It becomes home from home. Management doesn't get in your way, yet are there if you need anything. Would I recommend Umshanti? Yes, but don't mess it up."
(visited March 2011)
"Amazing! We are going to Umshanti in two weeks for a breakaway from work and all our worries."
(visited February 2011)
Koloniesbos Mountain Cabin
Swellendam, Western Cape
Koloniesbos Mountain Cabin is the epitome of your classic hikers hut. Originally the first hut of the Swellendam five day hiking trail, This little wooden abode has been ...
Rate Guide
R1500 nightly for the cabin
Bibi's Joy
Swellendam, Western Cape
Let’s set the tone with a recent guest comment: “If you need peace and tranquility away from the city bustle, this is the place to go. Rustic, comfortable, se...
Rate Guide
From R300 to R1500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Somerset Gift Getaway Farm
Swellendam, Western Cape
Somerset Gift Getaway Farm nestles in a beautiful valley bordering the foothills of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, just 16km from Swellendam. Combining an idyllic an...
Rate Guide
From R1300 to R6500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Rivierplaas Cottages
Swellendam, Western Cape
River House and Stone Cottage are secluded cottages appointed on a fruit farm along the banks of the Breede River. Both have a relaxed rustic personality suited to Budget...
Rate Guide
River House (sleeps 4) R500 nightly for 2 adults, Stone Cottage is R600 nightly for 2 adults; additional guests R50 per person nightly.
Umshanti
Swellendam, Western Cape
Man, for a moment forget the fantastic view over the glistening dam and Langeberg peaks, we can't stop staring at that green grass. How do they get it like that? Bert fro...
Rate Guide
From R280 - R500 per person nightly
Die Hoenderhok & Plaashuisie
Swellendam, Western Cape
Pastoral bliss and a skyline dominated by the jagged peaks of the Langeberg are surely sufficient reason for a stop-over near (12km) Swellendam? Be it a midway break bet...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R1300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Breede Bush Camp
Swellendam, Western Cape
A private and exclusively booked campsite and central living area on the banks of the Breede River, 34 km south of Swellendam, Breede Bush Camp is certainly a good bet fo...
Rate Guide
From R350pp for first four guests. Minimum rate for 4 guests.
!Xairu Tented Bush Retreat
Swellendam, Western Cape
Situated on a small, environmentally conscious farm, 28km from Swellendam, !Xairu Tented Bush Retreat is a rustic bush camp with two equipped, permanent tents, or an addi...
Rate Guide
From R695 - R895.00 per equipped tent
Karoo Art Hotel
Barrydale, Western Cape
A charming Karoo village is Barrydale and adding a big chunk to that charm must surely be the Karoo Art Hotel? Back in the day, there were a few constants that made up th...
Rate Guide
From R1635 to R2330, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Oorvloed Farmhouse
Swellendam, Western Cape
A large working Overberg farm is the setting for Oorvloed Farmhouse. It’s big sky country here with swathes of wheat and canola fields and wide open spaces. The far...
Rate Guide
R800 nightly for the first two guests. R360pp thereafter. Minimum 2 night stay.
The Blue Cow Barn
Barrydale, Western Cape
The cottages, Ansie, Betsie, Corlie and Donsie, are named after milk cows, a throwback to when the farm was still a working dairy farm and they used to give a name to eac...
Rate Guide
From R650 to R1500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bontebokskloof Manor
Swellendam, Western Cape
Adjacent to the N2, Bontebokskloof Manor is located on a working farm in the countryside, a stone’s throw away from picturesque Swellendam, with a clear view of the...
Rate Guide
From R3000 to R3850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Hermitage Huisies
Swellendam, Western Cape
A picturesque smallholding just outside Swellendam, Hermitage Huisies has a certain quality that many guests find irresistible. There are four cottages, the original Ro...
Rate Guide
From R1150 to R1690, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Sandy's Place
Barrydale, Western Cape
Sandy’s Place, situated in Barrydale on Route 62, is a good destination, or stopover, for visitors wishing to unwind and relax far removed from the stress and strai...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Mountain View Swellendam
Swellendam, Western Cape
Comprising The Cottage (sleeps 4) and The Lodge (4 units, sleeps 10 in total), and set in fynbos gardens overlooking the historic town of Swellendam against the backdrop ...
Rate Guide
From R1100 to R2550, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Gaia Sanctuary
Swellendam, Western Cape
The Gaia Sanctuary invites guests to visit our little slice of sanctuary, our very own heaven on earth, for a completely back-to-mother-earth experience, to leave your he...
Rate Guide
From R1246 to R1466, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Riverside Country House
Swellendam, Western Cape
Riverside Country House is a tastefully furnished self-catering house set at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountain alongside the Koornlands river. The downstairs ar...
Rate Guide
From R2500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
KamBati River Resort
Swellendam, Western Cape
Kam’Bati, a 5km drive off the N2 and 25km from Swellendam, is aimed at nature lovers and families out for a relaxed weekend of caravaning and camping alon...
Rate Guide
From R2650, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Aloe Canyons Guestfarm and Wildlife
Swellendam, Western Cape
Off the beaten track and tucked along the banks of a river - with an outlook over rugged hills - Aloe Canyons Guest Farm and Wildlife is nature lovers territory. The riv...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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