Rate Guide
R225pp - R300pp (minimum of 2-night stays)
Budget Getaways Review
Q: What’s the quickest way of getting the Swiss flying squad to your house? A: Forget to take a library book back on time.
Corny jokes aside, if the owners are Swiss you can bet the place is clean and run to cuckoo-clock perfection. Maybe it will have character or maybe it won’t. Happily, in the case of Klein Paradijs, both virtues are present.
The guestfarm, a carrot-chewing health hydro in a previous life, is 21km from Gansbaai, just across the way from Pearly Beach. It is a relaxed and private spot, far removed from the maddening crowds.
Other than a guesthouse for the rich, Susanne and Michael (both Swiss, by the way) offer five traditional Cape cottages, each as whitewashed and neat as the next.
Needless to say, they are meticulously maintained and equipped with nice rustic finishes, including black slate or terracotta floors, colourful country furniture and blazing fireplaces.
Although in proximity of each other, all five cottages are surrounded by a swathe of open lawn and great views.
There is more than enough to keep you occupied at Klein Paradijs. You can hike up the mountain, take a dip in the glistening farm dam or row across it in a canoe that's provided, enjoy an afternoon picnic on the jetty or cycle down to Pearly Beach (bring own bike) and reward yourself with lunch at the Rooibier, a relaxed family eatery.
Quick Facts
E 19°32'07''
"Beautiful all round!"
(Magdalene de Jager, visited Sep 2019)
"Very nice little cosy cottage on a beautiful farm.Our dog really loved the farm and open space. We enjoyed the fireplace in bedroom on the cold nights."
(Cobus Potgieter, visited Apr 2018)
"A very restful place, with very nice and well equipped kitchen. There are lots of interesting and picturesque places to see and visit. Being able to make use of the row boat and canoe on the dam was a pig plus. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful, we had a lovely 3 day holiday and would happily go back."
(Tony Thomas, visited Sep 2017)
"For a city boy and friends it was a great experience to have no television, to be be surround by beautiful picturesque mountains and an amazing night sky view of heavens most precious diamonds...the stars; something we city boys don't know. We loved the setting, the facilities were adequate and the location great to travel to all the surrounding areas. The beaches are great in surrounding areas and we had great fun as the weather was great. We were disappointed that the hosts weren't around once to check that all was okay - we understand that she was away on the day of arrival. We will definitely recommend to friends and family."
(Anthony Davids, visited March 2017)
"What a fantastic getaway with your pets, rustic, secluded and very "rustig". Owls hooting at night, bird life is fantastic. We stayed for a weekend and the house has all the facilities you need, and the inside braai place is working like a bomb! I will go there again and again."
(Gertjie Coetzee, visited March 2015)
"We found cottages at Klein Paradijs basic, although comfortable. Michael and Susanne were charming and helpful."
(Mike, Jackie & Guy Longmore, visited January 2015)
"It's been some time since we visited Klein Paradijs. We've always liked it because it is dog friendly and a safe and restful place to stay. Previously we stayed in one of the small cottages facing the vlei, and slept to the sound of the frogs croaking through the night. The vlei has dried up though (or maybe it comes alive again when it rains). This time we chose the bigger thatched cottage, which accommodates 4-6 plus space for maybe 2 youngsters in the loft. There were four of us plus our two dogs. Outside is an enclosed area surrounded by the most impressive Milkwood trees, which are more 100 years old. One in particular providing dappled light for those lazy, extended alfresco lunches, reading and snoozing opportunities. Total peace and quiet, besides the sound of the numerous birds and the rolling of the sea at Pearly Beach in the distance. Besides eating, reading, snoozing opportunities, the Conservation area within a short walking distance, has an impressive dam with its blue water lilies and beautiful reeds, and then a mountain walk ahead with a fynbos wonderland (Christmas blomme, proteas, pincushions, sugarbirds, baboons and more), and a short drive to the beautiful long beaches with the black oyster catchers and no more 4x4 vehicles (hooray), where one can walk to eternity. Klein Paradijs indeed! We'll be back."
(Elizabeth Sole, visited January 2015)
"This getaway is splendid."
(Wienkas Jooste, visited July 2009)
"Nice and functional, a fair weather getaway. Don't forget to bring wine glasses or ask the hosts for them, and bring a torch so you can see how far your meat is on the braai."
(Protea Hirschel, visited March 2009)
"We prised our teenage son and daughter away from the computer for a weekend at Klein Paradijs - what a success! Highlights of our weekend were climbing the koppie; unlimited use of the rowing boat and canoe; all of us lying on the stoep for hours watching the stars; and seeing the joy on our little dog's face as we went for yet another walk!"
(Brenda Burgess, visited January 2009)
"It is very cold in winter and extra blankets would be appreciated. Otherwise a beautiful setting and would love to go back in summer. The owners are very accommodating."
(Kristin Petersen, visited June 2007)
"Absolute fantastic place to take the dogs away...they loved it."
(Lindi Broughton, visited July 2006)
"We found this a perfect getaway - going there again this year and will rate it again but found it surprising that it only warranted 3 stars on your website - we found it perfect!"
(Shirley Wilson Johnston, visited January 2005)
"We visited Klein Paradijs in Dec/Jan 2004/5 and loved it! It is a very relaxing environment and if you like fishing, sunset picnics on the jetty and scenic walks, this is a must-see... And it really is a few minutes from the beach! We've now decided to return there this year for our honeymoon!"
(Megan Terry, visited December 2004)
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