Quick Facts
E 20°13'41''
Budget Getaways Review
Stradding the banks of the Breede River and sitting sort of mid-point between Bonnievale (17km) and Swellendam (27km), this cheese-producing farm is tailor-built for a big group of buddies who like to camp in style.
Why? Because on offer is a tented camp comprising a total of six comfortable tents - each with its own bathroom and private patio (wow!) - and a shared kitchen/clubhouse/lapa, where your tribe will gather at meal and other times. In other words, what Melkhout offers is a perfect blend of privacy, comfort and the great outdoors, with the languid river forming the central focus.
The tents are equipped with bedding and towels, braai wood is supplied, and since it's a dairy farm, you are welcome to trundle along to the dairy with a container and top up on Jersey milk that's come straight from the udder. Wandering along to the clubhouse, you'll find everything and more for a group of 12 happy campers, including DSTV (bring own card or suffer the perils of SABC), all kitchen and braaing supplies etc. What's more, ye camping hedonists can opt for either a full or semi-catered service. Melkhout sounds more and more like our kinda place.
Now what to do? Chill out under a tree, swim, fish, birdwatch, drink beer, braai, drive to Bonnievale, drive to Swellendam, don't bring your quad bike, drink milk, eat cheese, drink some more milk. If you ask us, this could be a darn near perfect group getaway.
"WOW is what comes to mind when you first arrive at the Melkhout Guest Farm. Peaceful. Quiet. Magical. My kids thoroughly enjoyed their stay over the Easter weekend. They enjoyed the facilities, canoeing, swimming, milking the cows and the open spaces. The Cabin/Tents are cosy and equipped with all that is needed for a weekend away. We really had a Perfect Weekend. Thank you so much to the lovely hosts for having us. Have already promoted your facility and would love to come back soon. Warm hugs to all at Melkhout Guest Farm."
(visited April 2012)
"To Liza and Herman, everybody can't thank me enough for a wonderful time they had on the farm. The kids enjoyed the open space, kayaking in the river (the Easter rain did not stop them at all), their overall highlight was going up to the barn and watching how the cows are being milked and getting to taste some too. The tents were clean and spacious enough for 4 people to share, even the mini bathroom we had in the tents were awesome. The clubhouse was our eating and socialising area, we certainly used all the dining areas, which was more than enough space. Thanks for thinking about all the little extras we found in cupboards, drawers and not forgetting all the wood. We all - the whole happy lot of 24 people (12 adults - 12 children) cannot express in words the fantastic time we all had on the farm. We won't all forget the memories we made and will certainly not forget to visit soon. Thanks once again for everything, Liza. Ps. The kids were quite fond of the four other guests roaming around - the kids made up there own names for the dogs."
(visited April 2012)
"Just had my 60th birthday bash to which I invited a few close friends, and even though we stretched the facility to its limit, everyone was comfortable and a fantastic time was had by all. This is the second time I've spent a weekend at Melkhout, and again Werner Hartman's friendliness and professionalism were once again very, very impressive. This is a wonderful place. Peaceful, cathartic, are words that come to mind. Stunning views, trails, and kayaking on the river were wonderful. I'll be back..."
(visited August 2010)
"Ons was op ons eie road trip en sou net een aand daar geslaap het. Ek het die volgende oggend gaan toestemming vra om weer oor te slaap..... wat 'n STUNNING plek, en die eienaar laat mens verskriklik welkom voel. Ons het nou 'n groep vriende en gaan weer terug gaan oor twee weke. Ek is smoor verlief op die plek. As jy hou van plaas lewe is dit 'n moet om te gaan kuier!"
(visited October 2009)
"I really don't want to tell anybody about this location as it is one of those you would like to keep to yourself. Everything was absolutely excellent and Werner and his family were great hosts. Fresh farm milk, and with their own little butchery everything you need is right there. The facilities are excellent. Definitely a place I would visit again soon."
(visited July 2009)
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 R1400, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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
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.
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 R850 to R900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Dolittle Cottages
Swellendam, Western Cape
There’s always a good reason to drop into Swellendam. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip, spending some time exploring the magnificent hiking and M...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R2700 nightly for a cottage, depending on unit, guests and time of year.
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 R500 to R2600, 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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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 R2200 to R4400, 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 R1683 to R1980, 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
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 R2210, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Hermitage Huisies
Swellendam, Western Cape
A picturesque smallholding just outside Swellendam, Hermitage Huisies has a certain quality that many guests find irresistible. There are four cottages, the original Ro...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R1600, depending on unit, guests 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 R2280, 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
Mountain View Swellendam
Swellendam, Western Cape
Comprising The Cottage (sleeps 4) and The Lodge (4 units, sleeps 10 in total), and set in fynbos gardens overlooking the historic town of Swellendam against the backdrop ...
Rate Guide
From R747.5 to R1787.5, 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 R1000 to R2100, 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
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