Quick Facts
E 20°11'39''
Budget Getaways Review
Span Spek has all the ingredients for a great weekend getaway: a chocolate box setting of manicured fields and vineyards merging into rugged fynbos-covered mountains, several farm dams, and wholesome cottages.
The accommodation comes in the form of Berge Toe - a timber-clad cottage set under shady oak trees - a scattering of five refurbished worker cottages spaced adequately apart and filled with rustic traditional elements such as rietdak ceilings, wonky walls and open fireplaces, as well as a new abode tailored for a group.
Circled by green lawns, vineyards and fantastic views, Berge Toe is a calm abode of timber floors and simple uncluttered décor befitting the Alpine setting. When push comes to shove Berge Toe can accommodate up to 11 guests - good news for those of you weekending en masse. The living area is a summery space drenched in dappled sunlight and views, while the kitchen is spacious and equipped with an indoor braai.
Moving further up the track to the renovated worker abodes, all are rustic and tailored for a chilled out weekend in nature. None have Eskom (yipee!); instead there's gas power for your shower, small fridge and two-plate stove. All have appealing outside braai areas (with a pile of free wood!), decent beds and clean towels and linen. The cottages sleep either two or four guests.
New on the Span Spek map is Spot-On, described as a deluxe abode with the luxury of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a wonderful veranda and braai area staring face-on at the towering mountains. By the sounds of it the ideal place for a large family or group.
Not only is the accommodation nice and simple, there's also plenty to do at Span Spek: good hikes and mountain biking, quad bikes for hire, glistening farm dams (stocked with fish and great for a dip), and varied small wildlife. There's also a seasonal farmstall which operates December to April, for spanspek and other seasonal veggies and fruit.
With breathtaking Langeberge views, plenty to do and even more reason to relax and do nothing, Span Spek se Plek makes for an altogether relaxing weekend among pristine mountains.
"The perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Loved the fact the there is limited cellphone reception. We will definitely be back."
(visited December 2013)
"Span Spek se Plek provided exactly what we'd hoped for - mountains, solitude, and simple accommodation. We stayed in Maraai se Plek, a two-bedroomed farm worker's cottage, the last in the row and closest to the mountain. This meant that the storm on our last night was very exciting, but we remained dry and warm despite the howling gale. We will definitely return. Span Spek se Plek has just the right combination of country and comfort."
(visited August 2012)
"What a surprise for city people like us.The cottage has all the basics needed for a quiet getaway.We had a long walk up the mountain.Very good for you after driving for a few hours.The friendliness at reception does make a good impression.This is a place we would highly recommend and we will return for another visit if we are in the vicinity."
(visited August 2011)
"We recently spent a short weekend at Berge Toe. Apart from suffering from severe allergies to one of the indigenous trees, we had a lovely time. Rose and Don are great hosts - thanks for the allergy tabs Rose! Goobles the turkey was the main entertainment and my 11 year old daughter could not get enough of him. A pity about the fishing dam... little water and NO fish. The swimming dam is also quite a hike, but well worth the effort. All in all, good fun. We will be back."
(visited October 2009)
"This was one amazing week away from the world... Visit Spanspek se Plek where you will meet Don and Rose...the most friendly hosts I have ever come across. The kids loved the grass and swimming in the dam... and paddle ski... and fishing. The horses came to say goodmorning and goodnight... and came for their carrots and apples every afternoon. And a quick drink out of our portable pool. Kids loved it. And best of all... THE TURKEY. Keeping the kids occupied for hours... Please go and visit Don and Rose..."
(visited December 2008)
"Loved all the local produce in the area. Cottage was comfortable, and we enjoyed our time there a lot."
(visited October 2008)
"We had a wonderful weekend getaway. At Spanspek se plek the hosts make sure you are comfortable. On arrival (late in the evening) we were welcomed by the host who guided us to our cottage. The fireplace was packed prior to our arrival ready to start the fire! This and many other small things make this a visit we will not forget. We will return (hopefully soon!)."
(visited May 2008)
"Rose and Don's farm is without a doubt the most beautiful setting for a relaxed weekend getaway with the family. We were 4 adults, 2 children and stayed in the main house 'Berge Toe'. The farm caters for everyone's needs... lots of space for the kids, peace and quiet if you want to chill and read, perfect routes for walks or trail running PLUS quadbikes and Simba the farm dog is the perfect host. A gorgeous outside fire makes for perfect late night banter. We enjoyed playing cricket and soccer on the lawns next to the house which was fully equipped with comfortable beds. Rose and Don are wonderful hosts. Do yourself a favour... pay them a visit. We will definitely be visiting again in Summer so that we can swim in the dams."
(visited May 2008)
"What a gem to find. Just what we were looking for and exceeded our expectations! So nice to be so far removed from normal life of cellphones, TV and electricity! The candles create such an amazing atmosphere. Really feels like you�ve had a holiday after returning home. Recommend it to all.
(visited December 2007)
"What a fantastic place! Had a wonderful weekend of rustic flora, lovely local port, freshly cooked farm produce (which you can order ahead of time.... don't miss the HUGE milktart! ) and quadbiking. Stayed in one of the renovated cottages and braaied to our heart's content, both inside and out. Lovely friendly hosts and many local towns to explore. Have fond memories of our stay here. Hot tip: source the farm butchery on the way to Spanspek: stunning aged lamb and other wonderful products...a real find and excellent prices! :-)"
(visited September 2007)
"We had a super super time! It was awesome that there were quad bikes available and an indoor braai was a great plus, especially for chilly nights! The hosts Rose and Don were great and supplied us with all the necessities. So at ease and beautiful surroundings. Thank you very much."
(visited August 2007)
"What a rich getaway!! Don and Rose, thank you SO much! Warm and generous hosts; basic but well equipped cottages with a hot shower, spotless linen and towels and cutlery, a hot water bottle for each bed, a lovely fireplace inside and outside, comfortable chairs, piles of DRY wood, fresh creamy farm milk, milk tart, fresh fruit, mountains, dams, grass, fields full of oats and wheat and geese and horses... We will definitely be back!"
(visited August 2007)
"Was the perfect getaway to 'Nothing-Ness'. Would recommend it to anyone who wants a real break from cellphones and the hustle and bustle."
(visited August 2007)
Simonskloof Mountain Retreat
Montagu, Western Cape
Described in the brochure as “your-down-to-earth-mountain-retreat”, Simonskloof is special – thanks to a remote setting and lovingly-restored accommodat...
Rate Guide
R630 per person per night for Faraway & Orange Cottage. R650 pppn for Eric's Place. R130 pppn for camping. 50% discount for children 4 -12 years old. Pets charged at R60 per pet.
Assegai Rest
Robertson, Western Cape
Fifteen kays from Robertson and tucked at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains on a 12ha tract of fertile farming land, Assegai Rest is a down-to-earth escape from your us...
Rate Guide
From R3200, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Breede Escape
Bonnievale, Western Cape
This excellent group getaway, comprising of two separate river camps. HutCAMP has mini reed-and-thatch huts and Campground is an open area for campers. Each has its ...
Rate Guide
HutCAMP: R2000 - R4000 nightly per group. Campground: R1000 -R3500 nightly per group. Rates vary according to group size. Minimum two night stay on weekends. Weekday discounts of 50% apply.
Die Houthuis, Die Wyntenke & A Snoozer's Cottage
Bonnievale, Western Cape
As far as rustic weekend getaways go, Die Houthuis is the last of a dying breed – a place where not even Triple-X Gel can keep the hair up. It’s the oldest ge...
Rate Guide
From R550 to R3850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Running Stream
Montagu, Western Cape
There’s no doubt that you’ll be “wowed” by the setting of this little farm cottage. The Langeberg Mountains cut the horizon, the vineyards and fyn...
Rate Guide
From R1980, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Anchorage Inn
Montagu, Western Cape
Tucked away off a quiet street in Montagu village, this character-packed, thatched getaway is the idyllic bolthole to head back to after a long day out exploring the gorg...
Rate Guide
From R595 per person nightly for a cottage.
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
Oppikoppie Self-catering Guesthouse
Bonnievale, Western Cape
Oppikoppie is a built-to-order group getaway that consistently receives a mountain of glowing feedback. True to name, Oppiekoppie perches on a hill above a fr...
Rate Guide
From R1500 nightly for the house. Depending on number of guests.
Tibani Nature Reserve
Montagu, Western Cape
If you love remote and rugged getaways, places where you’re off-grid and left to your own devices, where fancy frills take a distant second to gobsmacking settings,...
Rate Guide
From R895 to R1295 nightly for Die Botterboomhuisie, depending on number of guests; from R485 - R685 nightly for Mongoose Campsite, depending on the number of guests.
Lancewood TiPi Lodge
Robertson, Western Cape
Fifteen kays from Robertson and tucked into the slopes of the Langeberg Mountains on a 12ha tract of fertile farming land, Lancewood TiPi Lodge is a down-to-earth escape ...
Rate Guide
From R910 to R2245, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Olea Cottage at Assegai Rest
Robertson, Western Cape
Fifteen kays from Robertson and tucked at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains on a 12ha tract of fertile farming land, Assegai Rest is a down-to-earth farm escape from yo...
Rate Guide
From R1800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve
Montagu, Western Cape
It started off with an idea for a romantic weekend for just the two of you. But then the troops and your buddies got wind of it, who in turn informed gran and gramps&hell...
Rate Guide
From R500 to R4080, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bonfrutti
Bonnievale, Western Cape
Situated at the foot of the dramatic Langeberg mountains, off the R60 between Montagu and Swellendam, Bonfrutti offers wholesome country living on a fruit and w...
Rate Guide
From R1215 to R5040, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bordeaux River Cottages
Bonnievale, Western Cape
Surrounded by orchards and vineyards in the broad Breede River valley, and eight kilometers from Bonnievale, lies the farm Bordeaux and its three rustic timber cottages. ...
Rate Guide
R820/night for the first 2 people and R100/pp thereafter. Peak season rate is R1300/night for the cottage.
Leopard Trail Guestfarm
Bonnievale, Western Cape
Perched high on the Langeberg slopes, Leopard Trail Guestfarm offers an action-packed nature weekend. Walks, hikes, kloofing, mountain biking and three 4x4 trails, six ...
Rate Guide
R380pp for the farmhouse (R200pp kids under 12); R350pp for the open barn-style cottage (R200pp kids under 12); R150pp for the bush camp (R80pp kids under 12)
Taaibos Views
Bonnievale, Western Cape
The setting: A working farm gazing out across a rural landscape. The accommodation: A simple and spacious farmhouse set amongst plum orchards and vineyards with vistas se...
Rate Guide
R2400 nightly for the house
Mountain View Eco Lodge
Montagu, Western Cape
Whether it's a blast down the R62 with the boys and the bikes, or an easy-going stayover with a group of friends, Mountain View Lodge just outside of Montagu ticks a conv...
Rate Guide
From R855 to R910, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Blue Gum Cottages
Bonnievale, Western Cape
About 5km out of Bonnievale, Blue Gum Cottages is a laid-back and family-friendly spot with two cottages spread along the banks of the Breede. First off is Blue G...
Rate Guide
From R950 nightly for Blue Gum, From R850 nightly for Die Stal
Klein Nektar Cottage
Montagu, Western Cape
There’s not much more you could ask for from a getaway; in fact, Klein Nektar's appeal will leave you a little tongue-tired after reporting back on your successful ...
Rate Guide
From R1530 to R3060, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Long Acres Cottages
Montagu, Western Cape
Nestling between the mountains of Montagu, Long Acres Cottages has five fully equipped self catering cottages. This 1865 Cape Georgian establishment is situated in the hi...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R1000 per unit, depending on unit and time of year
Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
Robertson, Western Cape
The setting of this farm-cum-reserve is stunning: a folded green valley below the towering Langeberg, segmented into multiple mini-valleys, each concealing further n...
Rate Guide
From R1000 to R6200, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Dew Cottages
Montagu, Western Cape
Dew Cottage is a relaxed and private escape on a little organic fruit farm called Vredenshoogte - meaning 'Peaceful Heights', or, like someone aptly put it, 'The Height o...
Rate Guide
From R1100 to R2550, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Ontevreden Farm
Montagu, Western Cape
Ontevreden Farm offers a family friendly guest cottage located on the host’s property, situated on a private farm overlooking the surrounding vineyards of Montagu, ...
Rate Guide
From R1700 to R3050, depending on unit, guests and time of year
360on62 Mountain View Farm Cottages
Montagu, Western Cape
360 on 62 offers self-catering farm cottage accommodation with 360-degree mountain views on a working farm just 7 kilometers outside the charming village of Montagu, in t...
Rate Guide
From R1450 to R1850 per unit, depending on unit 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 R1987.5 to R2120, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Glen Eden Farm
Montagu, Western Cape
Glen Eden Farm is 50 hectares of countryside, just 14km outside of Montagu. There are 5 cottages and 2 glamping sites (glamourous camping). All cottages have privat...
Rate Guide
From R1400 to R3500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Smitten Guest Cottages
Bonnievale, Western Cape
This cottage accommodates 4 people in 2 bedrooms and offers an indoor fireplace, wood-fired Hot Tub, built-in Braai on the verandah as well as a firepit. The Glamping Ten...
Rate Guide
From R1318 to R2083, 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