Cedar Peak, Porterville, Western Cape on Budget-Getaways

Budget Getaways Review

Cedar Peak is a mountaintop nature farm perched at the top of Dasklip Pass, about 10km from the entrance to Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Nature Reserve and its Jupiter landscape of weird and wonderful sandstone formations. As such, the farm is surrounded by several mountain ranges and the Olifants River valley - in fact, at night you can see Citrusdal's twinkling lights.

Your accommodation comes courtesy of an old four-bedroom, two-bathroom, massive stoep, farmhouse called Blomhof, and a second, beautifully (we are told) restored cottage called Rooibos Cottage. Blomhof Farmhouse is best tailored to four adults and a similar number of children, as there are two bedrooms with double beds, another with two singles and a fourth with a double bunk. Rooibos Cottage, on the other hand is a two-bedroom retreat with a huge balcony and a bath with a spectacular view.

Both abodes are furnished with period Cape cottage furniture, including some beautiful antique items. The kitchens are fully equipped, quality linen and towels are provided, and the lounges have large fireplaces - Rooibos has the further benefit of a working woodburning stove.

One thing you've got to bring is your cozzie because the farm has a large dam fed by a tributary of the Ratels River. Unlike most farm dams the water in this one is crystal-clear and it has a small sandy beach with real beach sand! It's also large enough for canoeing (canoe provided) and wind surfing. The farm and surrounding area offers huge scope for serious hiking. The farm itself has a number of paths, including one leading through pristine fynbos to several rock pools and waterfalls - the terrain is rough so come prepared. Likewise, the gravel roads cutting through the area offer gnarly mountain biking and great views; you're also permitted to ride your bike to the waterfall. A diverse variety of buck and other animals is common to the area, some of which you may well spot on your intrepid wanderings.

Back at the ranch, while your kids exhaust themselves on the trampoline and Fido drifts off into canine dreamworld, you can light up the braai and settle down for a night under the stars. We've haven't yet got there, but looking at the pics and guest comments below, Cedar Peak seems like a pretty awesome spot.

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Guest Reviews

"Great place with simple rustic functional facilities; my favourite place in the mountains. It is great fun and fairly safe for dogs. The on site manager is generous, friendly and fantastic. I have been there in full summer, full winter and now spring - there is always deep swimming water and endless rivers to rock hop. The actual booking and payment process with the management is unpleasant, unprofessional, hard work and unfriendly - but is it worth getting through the booking process without loosing interest or your temper for the fantastic holiday destination."

(visited Sep 2016)

"Beautiful setting and a wonderful stay.The roads were a bit hectic, but definitely a place I would visit again."

"Once you hit the base of Dwarsberg Pass, you know you are in for an adventure. Our 4x4 cruised up the narrow path with a labrador on the back and our middle child closing his eyes for fear of 'falling down the mountain'. But once we steadied out, the views were breathtaking. Smells of pine, cedar and thick brush revive the most tired of souls. The path to Cedar Peak is 4x4 or 4x2 friendly, we watched a low slung sedan chuck passengers out in order to get over the rocks. We stayed in the main farm house which has plenty of room, suitable for two families. Linen and towels are crisp and white, and there are basic amenities ( take a skottel to cook up a breakfast on the porch). The old farmstead shows off as you pass through the old frame and onto the long verandah. The view is completely beautiful. We spent every evening outside around the fire, under the stars. Completely quiet and private. Our kids spent the day hiking, exploring, catching tadpoles, fishing ( we agree that there are no fish in the dam ) and lying in the hammock provided. The resident farm dog is friendly and journeyed with us occasionally. Hiking and walking trails are easy to medium, depending on your fitness. Glad we got to see this part of the Western Cape."

(visited Jun 2016)

"Way over priced."

"We had a perfect time! Much much more marvelous than expected, and I will go back as soon as I can!"

(visited May 2016)

"This was my 3rd time here and it just gets better!"

(visited Mar 2016)

"This is our second stay at Cedar Peak and it really is a magical place for families (especially with dogs). You can walk, swim in the dam or one of two little rivers, clamber in the rocks and watch beautiful sunsets. Blomhof is well situated, comfortable, large and has enough of everything (just note there is no oven so prepare to braai or improvise)."

"Always a fantastic venue! It was out 4th visit and it never disappoints. It's the best hidden gem in Cape Town and we absolutely love the fact that we can take our furry friends to Rooibos Cottage at Cedar Peak for a holiday filled with fun in the sun and lots of swimming with our 4 legged friends. The host, Mack, is exceptional and would highly recommend the venue."

(visited Feb 2016)

"Beautiful setting."

(visited July 2015)

"Awesome hiking trails."

"This was our third visit to Cedar Peak with our dogs and we absolutely love it there! We will back again soon."

(visited May 2015)

"This is the second time we have been to Cedar Peak. The views and surrounding area are absolutely beautiful. Mac, the farm assistant, was very helpful and everything was there we needed. Cedar peak is one of those places you arrive at and don't leave as you unwind and relax. The farmhouse is great for kids and dogs and we will be back."

"What a beautiful setting, and a charming simple cottage. Loved it!"

(visited February 2015)

"Amazing spot for relaxing, hiking, swimming, paddling."

(visited January 2015)

"We had a lovely stay in the big rambling farmhouse, we took our dogs with us and enjoyed long walks and swims in the dam. The setting is wonderful, but the house, though well equipped in so far as it has everything one needs, fireplace, gas hob, fridge etc, is an old and ramshackle building. For those who love luxury, I would not recommend it, but if you, like us, enjoy unpretentious comfort with your furry kids, this is definitely the place to come."

"It's the 4th time we have been to Cedar Peak and we love it each and every time. Our dogs run around like mad, the owls come out in the evenings and the setting is beautiful. Rivers to explore and dip in, the dam for a proper swim and the odd leopard spoor to look out for. I highly recommend for a relaxing, nature filled, low key weekend away."

"We have been at Cedar Peak about 15 times with family or friends and love this fabulous place. You feel like being in a very remote place, but still there is white linen. And lots of things to do: Paddling, swimming, hiking, bird watching, bouldering."

"Fantastic setting and Rooibos cottage was lovely: clean, quaint and well-equipped. Endless hours sitting on the shady veranda, enjoying the views. Fitted in a sunset mountain bike ride which was tremendous. Whilst we loved swimming in the dam, the pics on the site are a bit misleading. We were expecting rock pools and streams, but Mac said not to bother walking to the waterfall. Perhaps we were just there at the wrong time of the year? But a great find and worth the bone-shattering drive for us non-4x4-ers."

"Cedar Peak was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. Despite its remote position, the accommodation was spotlessly clean with a wonderful bathroom and crisp linen to boot. The kitchen facilities were more than adequate and the hosts including the owners and Mac went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Our family of four and one dog all had a ball with our only regret being that we couldn't stay longer. We will definitely return."

"We have been here 15 times, that speaks for itself."

(visited December 2014)

"If you need to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city and breath in the best mountain air ever, the this is the place to come to. We took music along but decided rather to listen to the deafening silence. In the morning it is just the cockerel exercising his lungs. The rock formations are like something out of a Star Trek movie. The walk to the dam was worth the beautiful crisp clear swim. Even Pixel (our Jack Russel) went in 4 times. We were only there for two nights but it felt as though we had been away for four days. The drive from Porterville is another hour at least, but worth it."

(visited November 2014)

"We had an absolutely amazing time staying in Rooibos cottage at Cedar Peak guest farm. Walks into the mountains with stunning scenery and rock formations, swimming in rock pools and chilling on the perfect little white sand beach on the farm dam. Dogs enjoyed it tremendously too. Will definitely be back and highly recommend it as a lovely getaway for a small family or romantic weekend for two."

"Fabulous, fantastic and fun. For families with kids this is an amazing spot, the kids can bike, fish, boat, swim, explore and play while mom and dad breathe in the glorious fresh mountain air and gaze out at the spectacular mountains and valley. The morning swim in the dam is refreshing and heavenly. So relaxing for the "grown ups " and so much to keep the children busy, and we did not see another soul. What bliss! The accommodation for two families is perfect and such good value for money. My son has voted it his favorite spot and we will be back again and again and again."

(visited October 2014)

"This was our second visit to Cedar Peak and yet again we were 'wowed' by the insane beauty of this destination. The tranquility and peacefulness of no TV's and radio's was just what the doctor ordered. The highlight of the stay was we got to take our dogs with who had so much fun swimming in the dam, rivers and waterfalls. The only warning I would suggest is to tell people the road is not for low profile cars and that SUV's/bakkies are suited to the conditions. We will be back!"

(visited September 2014)

"Fabulous setting and scenery, and wonderful hiking. Just a pity that the accommodation can only be described as "shabby neglected" style. Whilst it is solid and full of potential, a little human touch in the way of perhaps a few stuffed chairs in the lounge area, grass mats on the tiled floors and a bathmat, would improve it immensely. Also, a little more judicious cleaning of the kitchen area would be appreciated. I will go back, for the hiking is majestic, and can only hope that the cottage (Rooibos) has been injected with some human warmth and character."

(visited August 2014)

Getaway Reply

"Hi Colin, Thanks for the reply. It clearly demonstrates your interest in keeping your guests happy, and this is appreciated. I've sent you some specific suggestions which would add nice touches to the cottage. Once again, thanks for the speedy response, and please do not take my feedback as anything other than positive critique, in the interests of Cedar Peak Farm as a special destination. Thanks and regards, David."

(David Raper)

"A bit expensive for a self-catering place."

"Dear Colleen Thanks for your feedback. Regarding your "bit expensive" comment. I don't think its fair as if 4 people stay it costs R187 per night per person in 2 bedrooms with a farm thrown in. This is about the rate for a dorm bed in a backpackers so I really don't think we are expensive (and I wish we could charge more). Regards Cedar Peak Farm"

(Colin Kahanovitz)

"Unfortunately the cottage we were after was already booked. But the owners did make the offer of the bigger house at the same price which I was very impressed with. We will definitely keep them on our list of places to try."

(visited July 2014)

"Fantastic couple of days in the cottage. Lots of snow on the peaks and good walks in the breaks between the rain. Can't wait to come back in the summer!"

"Beautiful setting, exquisitely quiet and secluded. Facilities are adequate for a weekend getaway but there is little or no attention to detail. At the rate, one would expect a lot more. Budget accommodation at not-so-budget-rate."

(visited June 2014)

"Wonderful place very rustic we were a little unlucky with the weather. I would definitely go back when it is not rain season."

"We loved Rooibos Cottage at Cedar Peak. The peace, the view, the long walks with our dogs, the magnificent starlit nights with the lights of Citrusdal twinkling in the distance, the dam, the crazy rock formations. The worst thing about the visit was that we couldn't stay forever. We plan to come back."

(visited April 2014)

"What an awesome spot! We went on hikes, watched the stars and shooting stars. We had the time of our lives. Only let down was the fishing that was advertised to be very good. I spent a lot of time fishing and all kinds of bait. I could have used that time doing something more productive. Otherwise it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Thank you for fantastic stay."

(visited July 2013)

"This was really a treat for us, being a very busy family and needed a break on short notice, the owner was super helpful and let us stay in the Rooibos Cottage. Being welcomed on the farm was really nice and felt at home almost immediately. The Rooibos Cottage is so nice and secluded. Saw some eagles and the family's newest member (pup) loved the pigs when they visited. The dam was great for fishing and the rock pools where the cherry on the cake being almost 38 degrees. So refreshing and could not get out! Then as the sun was setting, hubby was lighting the braai and at that moment we where convinced that we will be back for more very soon."

(visited December 2012)

"A fantastic jewel of a place! A paradise for those who want to lounge and those who'd prefer to explore the mountains that are literally a stone's throw away from Rooibos Cottage. From the warm welcome we received on the farm to the sprig of wild flowers on the pillows, this is a haven for city-weary folk. We will definitely be back!"

(visited October 2012)

"We had the privilege to stay in both cottages on the same weekend. The reason being that we did not want to go home after our weekend and stayed on another night. The natural beauty of this farm is overwhelming and the hospitality of the owner and caretakers heart-warming."

(visited July 2012)

"We had a wonderful four nights there! Rooibos Cottage is perfect for our family of four, plus pooch. I also appreciated the great linen and bedding provided, it added to the all round comfort. Rooibos Cottage could do with one or two more comfy armchairs inside as my two kids and husband monopolised the couch while I was left on the hard wicker seat... The views, the walks, the rock pools were just what we needed. And Arthur, the caretaker, was excellent and very helpful. We will definitely be back."

(visited October 2011)

"Stayed there weekend of 26th of August 2011. First off, driving up there and not being used to narrow roads without barriers and huge heights was a bit of an experience, however the road is tarred and safe. The farm and accommodation itself was a pleasant surprise. You're secluded, but still not too far away in case of an emergency of some sort. Accommodation has "everything", so you really don't need to take anything other than food and snacks and warm clothes. Breathtaking views, black eagles (we saw 2), crisp clean mountain air....I'll definitely go back. Plus it's a two hour trip from Cape Town's Northern suburbs areas."

(visited August 2011)

"What a wonderful spot! We were treated to glorious mountain views, clear water, beautiful walks, souring eagles, barking baboons and a beautifully furnished and spacious farmhouse. There are even pigs for the kids to feed... we couldn't have asked for anything more."

(visited April 2011)

"This is just a wonderfully quite place to relax with friends and loved ones. It's also great that it is pet friendly and you get to take your furry friends along. The setting is amazing and it really takes you completely away from city life and back to nature. Well worth the visit!"

(visited February 2011)

"A group of eight of us visited Cedar Peak in September, taking over both romantic Rooibos cottage and the spacious farmhouse for the Heritage Day long weekend. We go away on farm getaways, but this place is unanimously one of our favourites. The houses are furnished with quirky antiques, the beds are comfy and the surroundings are spectacular. Being at the end of a (very scenic) road, it's incredibly private and there is loads of space for walking, mountain biking and even swimming (although not in September - it was freezing!) We will be back for sure!"

(visited September 2010)

"Amazing place if you want absolute silence! Beautiful!"

"Our family had a great weekend at Cedar Peak. It was just after a huge veld fire in the area and the owner offered us a free weekend due to it. Notwithstanding the fact that we had black children and a black golden retriever dog due to the burnt field, it was a very enjoyable experience. The house is very comfortable and spacious and there are wonderful views from some of the bedrooms and bathroom. The stoep is the best place to relax and enjoy the beautiful rock formations. Everybody enjoyed the spaciousness and freedom of movement and we will definitely visit again."

(visited July 2010)

"Pure bliss! Really enjoyed the tranquil and serene setting. The dam and streams were really nice to have a dip in after the scorching sun. The view of the stars at night were really a sight to behold. I would like to go again to experience the place in winter."

(visited February 2010)

"We enjoyed very much our three nights stay and liked the well signposted walking trails, especially to dam: just well fitting our 77 years old bones. Ein herzliches Dankesch�n."

(visited January 2010)

"Wonderful getaway! Great views, excellent accommodation and facilities... especially for families with kids! Dam is stream fed and thus a great swimming spot. We will certainly be back to enjoy it again!"

"'n Ideale wegkomplek tussen maanlandskap en stilte. Die fasiliteite was 100% soos beskryf, en nog meer. Goeie netwerk bergfietsroetes, wandelpaaie, en ja - 'n kristalhelderdam het gesorg vir propvol naweek. Antebevole!"

(visited February 2009)

"This place is a beauty for the eye and just the place to recharge your batteries. The rock formations are from another world and cannot be missed - literally and figuratively speaking!"

(visited November 2008)

Cedar Peak

Porterville, Western Cape

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