Quick Facts
E 19°44'42''
Budget Getaways Review
Buitenstekloof describes itself as "a jewel in Nature's crown". We would certainly back up this claim (even though we haven't been there), 'cause what you've got here is a pristine kloof at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, harboring a rich array of birdlife, small game, tortoises, and five private cottages.
Sheltered from the elements Buitenstekloof's cottages offer a chilled weekend close to Mother Nature's generous bosom, lekker diep in die berg. The units are eco-friendly affairs - instead of coal-powered Eskom, solar LED lighting and gas appliances (fridge, stove and hot water) are the order of the day.
Both couples looking for a romantic eco-hide-away, families, and groups are well catered for on this 1300 ha farm - that stretches to the top of the Langeberg - with two, four, five and twelve-person options available. Three of the units (Rooipensie, Baboon's Gift and Witkruis) are appointed in the the kloof proper, while Pomegranate Homestead and Aloe Cottage (sleeps 12 max and overlooks a farm dam and the old milking shed, which have been restored to a covered lapa, ideal for groups) are closer to the outskirts.
Common to all are stunning 360 degrees mountain views, indoor fireplaces, outdoor braais, equipped kitchens, full linen and towels, and nice furniture and decor - especially Pomegranate: timber floors, high beamed ceilings, elegant pieces from the past...
Although secluded the cottages are within walking distance of each other, thereby offering a whole range of nifty permutations for a group outing.
As to activities, there's no shortage. Crack of dawn: klipspringer and other small game sightings as they come down to drink. Birdwatching: the farm has close to 100 species! Mountainbiking: there are various tracks on the farm and in the kloof; Walks and hikes: from a post-brekkie stroll in the kloof to a strenuous hike halfway up the Langeberg to a waterfall cascading down a rock chimney, or even the 5 and a half hour hike right to the summit of the Langeberge for the trial runners, and those that are fit and adventurous; The dam: fishing and swimming, and rowing (boat provided); the mountain pool: swimming in clear mountain water. Further afield: Robertson is 18km up the road, a variety of wine farms, farm stalls and restaurants even closer than that; Post-braai/too much wine: brilliant star-gazing - best enjoyed lying on your back, relaxing in a hammock.
Like the Buitenstekloof mense say: a jewel in Nature's crown.
"What an idyllic setting - perfect in many ways to explore the surrounds by MTB or car with many things to do or to just relax and drink craft beer at the Saggy Stone brewery. However, in winter not having consistent hot water and the only fireplace being in the kitchen, made it less than cozy and the house seemingly an ongoing 'project' ... whilst it bing difficult to make contact with owners without cell reception for minor odds and ends took some shine away from a generally wonderful time."
(visited Jul 2016)
"We enjoyed our stay and will definitely go back."
(visited Feb 2016)
"Solar lights did not work properly in living area, but views from the Witkruis cottage made up for it. Enjoyed the hike to the waterfall."
(visited July 2015)
"Very quiet and relaxing, no stress."
(visited July 2015)
"This was an amazing place to stay at. The arrangement were smooth, and the facilities were amazing."
(visited January 2015)
"This is a beautiful kloof, and is great for mountain biking. However, one of the main criteria for us was a swimmable dam, but when we got there it was completely covered in waterblommetjies, so no swimming or paddling could be done which was a real letdown for us. My husband, myself and our 6-year-old son stayed in Witkruis and it was just too small for the three of us. I would not recommend this house for more than 2 people. There was not enough seating, and the fold out bed was uncomfortable. In addition, there is no where to pack anything, so clothes bags had to lie on the floor, and the kitchen had no where to unpack food except the window ledge, which gets sun in the afternoon, so not practical. The cost was too expensive for such a small house, and I feel they should have notified us about the state of the dam, as it did not match what we were expecting."
(visited January 2015)
"It appeared that we arrived at the accommodation uninvited and not prepared for. The floors were dirty and not swept, there weren't decent glasses and not sufficient cleaning liquid. It wasn't pleasant to have a "hot" shower with the water temperature changing from freezing to boiling every couple of seconds. The cottage is off the grid which is great, but we were not provided sufficient candles and the lights were not charged in the bathroom and bedroom, this should of been checked before we arrived. None the less, my brother and my 2 boys had a great time "roughing" it, I do however doubt that I will dare introduce my wife to Buitenstekloof."
(visited January 2015)
"Had a wonderful and relaxing time. We were surrounded by beauty and tranquility. Buintenstekloof is really the place to be if you are looking to refresh and restore your soul. We hiked up to the waterfall and felt like we had made a huge achievement. I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on a mountain of challenges."
(visited January 2015)
"Two families traveled to stay at Pomegranate Cottage. The house is is adequate but needs some serious updating and maybe a good clean. The kitchen needs shelves or a cupboard for groceries. The position is lovely. Star-gazing, beautiful views and great walks. The biggest downfall is the lack of facilities for swimming. It was 36 degrees when we were there and nowhere to really swim. The dam is not full enough nor clean enough. The 'mountain pool' is man made and just a large hole among the trees. It looks neither clean nor inviting. I think the biggest problem is that at the price (R2200) per night, one expects alot more. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice enough getaway but for what is available, the price should be seriously readjusted."
(visited Dec 2014)
"Very peaceful and has everything one needs. There's a lovely hike to the waterfall and so many birds, peace and tranquility. We stayed in Baboons Gift, which has no view as such but you are right in the bush in the kloof, and the animals and birds provide the view. No complaints, feel rested."
(visited October 2014)
"It may be that the poor rating arises from my bitter disappointment at what I found here, but I have little doubt that the large amount of money we paid was a moderate rip-off. The main house is generally tacky (ugly fire place, horrid pictures, doors that were broken, a stoep pillar that had fallen over) the guest cottage just grim (shower curtain stuck on with duct tape). Setting is great, and the house is an old farm house, so hard to see how it could go wrong, but the price was steep and marked by general sloppiness, and poor attention to detail. And other campers may disagree with me strongly, but I think it's tacky to leave various goods from the farm store and ask for them to paid for(ever heard of complementary?), and may I burn in hell forever, but I could do without cutesy religious notices stuck up everywhere. I could see that the other cottages might be a lot more successful, the main house I would avoid."
(visited July 2014)
"Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us. We had an absolutely lovely four days spent hiking and just lazing about. Saw lots of baboons, a huge puff adder and tortoise. Needed this break to destress and appreciate Gods creation. Will definitely be back again."
(visited March 2013)
"A little peace of heaven tucked away in the middle of the mountains."
(visited January 2013)
"We spent a fantastic long weekend in the most beautiful setting. Most of our party were visitors from the UK and USA who were blown away by the idyllic beauty and isolation of this site. It is also the most perfect spot for children - they were very happy swimming and paddling in the dam, going for mini-hikes and petting the tortoises. It was the perfect antidote to a very long and very stressful year - just that one weekend was enough to completely relax us."
(visited December 2012)
"We had a great time at Buitenstekloof, staying in the Witkruis cottage (definitely the best of the cottages having the most privacy and most beautiful view). We would definitely recommend it. The tranquillity and nature were stunning, and the hike to the waterfall a real blessing. We truly relaxed. We saw many animals, including dassies, an eagle, turtles, and countless birds. A bit of a drawback were the facilities; the fridge was too small for 5 days and did not cool very well, the water stays hot all day in summer, there is no shade at all for the car to park under (which other cottages do have), and too little toilet paper. Nevertheless 4 stars overall, for the friendly owners and overall vibe and beauty of the place."
(visited December 2012)
"Our stay here at Witkruis Cottage (the best view of all of the cottages) was unforgettable. Peace, tranquillity and breathtaking scenery left us feeling relaxed and recharged. Great value for money! High recommended."
(visited September 2012)
"It is an awesome setting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lots of peace and serenity whilst admiring nature in all its splendour appreciating what GOD has created. Accommodation is excellent with all that is required to enjoy the stay."
(visited March 2011)
"The perfect place to get away from the city lights, technology and the fast pace of life. Being so close to nature is a joy that is rare to find. It's a peace of heaven."
(visited December 2010)
"My husband and I had the privilege of stying here, it was so stunning, a memorable stay that we would love to do again and again. We HIGHLY recommend this beautiful setting, with 5 star accommodation and peaceful, tranquil surrounds. You will be blessed! And there is also so much to do in the beautiful Robertson - plenty wine farms."
(visited February 2010)
Fossil Hills Farm Accommodation
McGregor, Western Cape
Up for a few days in the fossil-filled koppies of McGregor? Stone Cottage, Aloe Cottage, Lavender Cottage, Lemon Tree Cottage, Pinotage House, Tango Guesth...
Rate Guide
From R1350 to R6000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
De Wilge
Worcester & Hex Valley, Western Cape
Let’s dive right into the guest book on this one: “Rural luxury.” “This is an absolutely beautiful place to be.” “Gorgeous luxury deco...
Rate Guide
From R1200 per couple for self-catering or R1000 per couple for Manor House Suites
GuBas de Hoek - Meet, eat, sleep
Robertson, Western Cape
A well-appointed guesthouse, right in the heart of Robertson, GuBas de Hoek offers a number of guest rooms (outside of the BG budget range) as well as two beautiful, self...
Rate Guide
From R1550 to R2580, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Tanagra Wine & Guest Farm
McGregor, Western Cape
Let's cut straight to the chase with a few choice quotes posted on that little known website called Tripadvisor. “Lovely place, exceptional hosts, don't miss it!&rd...
Rate Guide
From R1350 to R3300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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 R1150 to R1970, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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 R3000 to R3500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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.
Wild Almond Cottage
McGregor, Western Cape
This character cottage on a quiet McGregor street, oozes a great deal of rural charm, places you right in the centre of the village, yet you're surrounded by tr...
Rate Guide
From R385 per person nightly for the cottage.
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 R2100 to R2310, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Barn, McGregor
McGregor, Western Cape
The Barn McGregor is a self-catering unit, a quaintly rebuilt and renovated old farm shed or barn, with sash windows with shutters and dark beamed ceilings. The Barn can ...
Rate Guide
From R1440 to R2875, 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 R2300 to R3650, depending on unit, guests 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 R1400 to R6700, depending on unit, guests and time of year
DuVon Farmhouse
Robertson, Western Cape
The old Farmhouse at DuVon provides a good getaway for friends and families, amongst the vineyards and gardens on this lovely farm. The Farmhouse was renovated into sepa...
Rate Guide
From R625 to R1900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Chalcedony
McGregor, Western Cape
Chalcedony Guest House lies on the edge of the Krans Nature Reserve and overlooks the small village of MgGregor, which is nestled in the winelands area of the Western Cap...
Rate Guide
From R3300 to R4400, 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 • Prince Albert • 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 • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland