Quick Facts
E 22°11'47''
Budget Getaways Review
Now here’s a spot where the kids can run wild, where the in-laws can kick back on the stoep and take in a real macoy Karoo sunset dipping behind a rusty windmill, and where YOU can finally unwind.
Occupying an area the size of a small European country (but somewhat less heavily populated), Grootwaterval Farm - about 45km north of Prince Albert - is also the perfect antidote to the madding holiday crowds.
Not only do hosts Danie and Narina Le Grange work this unforgiving 7000ha land as a sheep farm, but also as a tourist-friendly venue, with plenty in the way of accommodation, hiking trails, mountain bike routes, and even a spot of fishing.
They offer guest rooms in the main farmhouse, two rustic Eskom-free self-catering cottages in the middle of nowhere, and a separately-located lodge for larger groups or families.
The cottages are both privately located, with views stretching onto the surrounding koppies and valleys, and infinity beyond.
Gemsbok Cottage, the larger of the two, sleeps six max and has two bedrooms (double and twin), both with ensuite shower. The living room (with double sleeper couch) and fully equipped kitchen spill onto a covered stoep with dining table and built-in braai on hand. You also have optional use of an outdoor hot tub, a rugged stone construction heated by a log fire. Think Hagar in his jacuzzi.
Ribbok Cottage has two bedrooms (double and twin), again both with ensuite showers, a small living room with single sleeper couch and an equipped kitchen with dining table.
Outside Ribbok there’s a covered stoep and braai area, with ample shade courtesy of an old acacia tree, plus a swimming dam a short walk away. In other words, survivable in summer.
For those bringing the entire gang, there's Grootwaterval Lodge, a Cape Dutch-styled home centered around a massive stoep and outside braai area.
As with the cottages, the lodge is also off-grid; instead you'll enjoy the glow of oil lamps under a stupendous Karoo night sky.
The Lodge comes packed with four ensuite bedrooms - two doubles and two twins. The large living room has a fireplace and is open-plan to the kitchen, equipped with gas fridge/freezer and an Aga stove.
Sundowners from the stoep won’t disappoint at Grootwaterval; keep the binocs on hand as you may well spot the odd springbok or gemsbok passing by.
While you laze about like a lizard, gran and the kids can head off one of two mountain bike trails on the farm, followed by carp fishing in the dams, three hiking trails and the farm's favourite sport: sheep counting. There's the further option of going on a game drive to spot gemsbok, springbok and a porcupine or two.
The night skies are something to behold. All the more so when viewed through the farm's dedicated 16" telescope. Who said size doesn't count?
For quintessential rustic Karoo soul and big African skies, Grootwaterval sounds like the genuine article.
"Lovely place with lots of wildlife. It's a place to go to if you just want to relax. Lots of birds and amazing night sky. Danie and Marina were great hosts. The roads were pretty bad though and not to be attempted if you don't have a vehicle with good ground clearance."
(visited December 2013)
"What a wonderful Karoo experience at it's best! Cozy cottage, clear dark night skies, good hikes, peaceful setting - perfect to recharge your batteries. Thanks to hosts Danie and Narina who made a perfect time for us. We will be back - promised!"
(visited December 2012)
Weltevrede Fig Farm
Prince Albert, Western Cape
In a valley at the foothills of the mighty Swartberg Mountains, where huge blue gums tower above you, is Weltevrede Fig Farm. Here you can wander down to the ...
Rate Guide
From R1300 to R5200, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Prince Albert Cottage
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Enjoy peace, tranquillity and great hospitality. Prince Albert cottage is annexed to the old 1851 Cape Dutch farmhouse. It has its own private entrance and patio. A prett...
Rate Guide
From R1000 to R2800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Wolvekraal Guest Farm
Prince Albert, Western Cape
The Nel family are your typical salt-of-the-earth Karoo sheep farmers. And a stay on their 4000ha spread is your typical Great Karoo experience. Lying just 8km north of...
Rate Guide
From R600 to R2800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bushman Valley
Prince Albert, Western Cape
This is a real Karoo experience, set on 1200ha (that's big) of private nature reserve at the foot of the Swartberg Mountians, not far from Prince Albert. Bushman Valley ...
Rate Guide
From R150 to R2000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Acacia Cottage
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Private safe quiet graded 3 star retreat, solar powered, within walking distance to the village. Acacia Cottage is a self-catering private retreat, located on a hectare ...
Rate Guide
From R700 to R2700, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Karoo View Cottages
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Appointed just outside Prince Albert is Karoo View Cottages - four stylish farmstyle units with an outlook that delivers on the name. With the tin roofs and church spir...
Rate Guide
From R1250 to R3050 per unit, depending on number of 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