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Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage

230km from Cape Town
Sprawling Karoo farm with a secluded rustic-luxury stone cottage - 24km from Matjiesfontein
  • Klip Cottage
  • Twin bedroom
  • Double bedroom
  • Hiking in the nearby mountains
  • Springbok
  • The road to the cottage
  • Farm gate
  • Sunsets at Snyderskloof
  • Walking trails on the farm
  • Mountain biking
  • Indoor braai/fireplace
  • Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage
  • Equipped kitchen
  • Living room and deck
  • Starry nights
  • View of the veld
  • Solitude

Rate Guide

From R2200 nightly for two guests. R350 per additional person. Minimum two night stay. Pets by request only.

Quick Facts

Where
24km from Matjiesfontein
GPS
S 33°04'45''
E 20°25'16''
Sleeps
6
Equipped
Yes
Linen
Yes
Towels
Yes
Fireplace
Yes
Braai
Yes
Meals
No
Pet-Friendly
By request
Activities
birdwatching, kloofing, mountain biking, small game-viewing, spring flowers, stargazing, swimming, walking
Overall Rating
Standard of facilities
Appeal of setting
Professionalism
Value for money

Budget Getaways Review

Just in from a happy visitor to this diamond in the Karoo dust: “Everything was perfect. If you just want to get away from the city, Snyderskloof’s got it all. No electricity, beautiful surroundings and very romantic.”

As far as romantic, miles-from-anything escapes go, Snyderskloof is going to knock your veldskoene right off.

The huge 1700ha farm is set among gentle hills and big skies, 24km from Matjiesfontein; besides a perfect setting for contemplative navel-gazing it also holds plenty in the way of activity to keep the urban cold turkey at bay: hiking up the mountain to spot resident klipspringer and varied birdlife; trekking into the kloofs, mountain biking to Matjiesfontein for your breakfast (a 'mere' 24km in the saddle), lolling around on the deck, dipping into the pool…

Chances are the lure of the cottage will have you abandoning any thought of physical activity that involves anything more than a braai tong and corkscrew.

This stone hideaway perches in solitary splendour in a pretty valley, with little more than a creaking windmill to keep you company.

The interior is tastefully decorated in an eclectic mix of antique furnishings and vibrant fabrics offset against raw stone walls.

There are two bedrooms, a double and twin, as well as two extra single beds fitted with crisp white linen in the living room for your spillover. A communal bathroom (possibly the only minor downside?) with shower looks onto the surrounding mountains. 

The living room is a cozy hub with built-in fireplace, oil lamps and candles - there's no electricity, which is how we hope they keep it. The open-plan kitchen sits alongside and is equipped with gas cooker and fridge freezer.

Heading out to the deck, this overlooks the swimming pool, braai lapa and gobsmacking Karoo outlook. Just imagine those night skies…

From what we can tell there’s little to fault Snyderskloof - the rustic-luxury accommodation is superb and the secluded setting invigorating. In fact, Team Budget is jostling over who gets to go first.

Overall Rating
Standard of facilities
Appeal of setting
Professionalism
Value for money
Guest Reviews
Overall Rating (based on 3 reviews)
Standard of facilities
Appeal of setting
Professionalism
Value for money

"Beautifully well appointed. Charming, peaceful and quiet, quiet, quiet. Just what we needed! Star gazing is on another level"

"Perfect getaway, 100% off grid. Enjoyable and relaxing. Time well spent with the family having no media distraction."

"Stoepsit, stap, swem, sonsopkoms, sonsondergaan, sterrekyk en stilte...sielskos op Snyderskloof. My partner and I (both healthcare workers) needed a break from all things COVID. This secluded magical cottage nestled between two trees provided all the soul-nurturing we needed. Emmarie was welcoming (even though we didn't meet her or talk to anyone the entire time we were there, except waving to Kerneels and Zelda as we drove in and out past their cottage) and had thought of every little detail when decorating and equipping the cottage. We didn't miss electricity at all and enjoyed disconnecting and slowing down. If tranquility, gorgeous views and abundant birdlife is what you're looking for, then Snyderskloof is highly recommended."

"The most picture perfect little Karoo cottage. Completely secluded, with only the stars at night to keep you company. Incredible views of vast of Karoo landscape, your soul with thank you! The cottage is decorated beautifully and kitted out with everything you need. No electricity and a plunge pool for hot days ��pure heaven. We can't wait to visit again!"

"Beautiful stone cottage off the grid - so comfortable & cosy - they had thought of every little thing!"

"A most delicious bottle of red wine on the kitchen table; bunny cookies wrapped in cellophane greeting us from the bed spread; home made rusks; dazzling red pomegranates in the fruit bowl, matching the decor, fresh flowering pot plants (the nearest shopping center is miles away), the yard swept clean, the only visible footprints: francolins on a midday stroll - this was our welcome at Snyderskloof Cottage. It is a simple stone cottage. The big fireplace which is also most useful as an indoor braai, keeps the wind and cold at bay. The interior is oozing homeliness, cosiness and romance. The views are endless, not a soul, not a light in sight. Starry evening skies, Milky Way and Southern Cross at their best. Long walks along the riverbeds and up the mountains reward with fascinating geology, beautiful flora and breathless vistas. Country Life, Getaway, Go (Weg) to name a few, would lick their fingers being invited. But hey, we don't want everybody to know... maybe just our closest friends....."

"This has got to be the most delightful accommodation we have ever stayed in. It is so beautifully appointed and Emmarie has thought of absolutely everything her guests might need. The farm offered lovely long walks and cool dips in the pool. The views of the valley and the Milky Way were simply breathtaking. We will definitely be back to see the landscape in the winter time."

"What a magical spot!!! Sitting at night under a roof of stars and listening to the silence of the Karoo is pure bliss. Our kids immediately made this their new home and spent hours playing in the hammock. Everything was perfect, only pity is that we did not have more time to explore the area. Could easily stay for longer to run up the mountains and trails:-) Thank you to Emmarie for all your support and advice. Also, Johan for dropping off some more wood and milk! Haha, what a service to receive this via tractor. Thank you again for having created a remote getaway which is food for our souls and for allowing us to share this with you!"

"Fantastic well equipped cottage in a quiet, idyllic setting in the Karoo. Perfect for rejuvenation away from city hustle and bustle."

"Amazing, amazing, amazing!"

"This was the best experience of our lives. I proposed to my girlfriend. The way the owner handled things, the attention to detail, the place and the energy were simply "unrepeatable". Thank you from the heart."

"We had the most relaxing and peaceful time at Snyderskloof Cottage. We loved that there was no electricity - the candles create a lovely atmosphere at night, and looking out into the darkness at night and realizing your little cottage is the only light you can see is quite an experience. The cottage is beautifully decorated and very comfortable, clean, and tidy. A great weekend getaway."

"An absolutely delightful cottage, with furniture and fittings for every need and which takes you back in years. Tucked away high up in a kloof in a beautiful part of the Karoo close to Matjiesfontein, situated on an extremely well maintained farm with nothing but the sun, moon and stars above you. A truly tranquil and peaceful place to visit. Owned by a couple who are particular about customer service making the experience of a stay there one to be remembered for all the right reasons and to be repeated."

"This is a remarkable getaway. Secluded and beautifully tended stone cottage kitted with everything you can imagine (including binoculars and bird watching guides). Unexpected and incredible attention to detail - from fresh rusks and cookies to the quilts on the beds. Great for two couples. PS: You do need a vehicle with high road clearance, though!"

"What review can do justice to this magical spot. It perfectly reflects the philosophy and approach of owners Jaco and Emmarie: grace, elegance, gentility, humanity and generosity in sharing it with us - and all in perfect harmony with nature. Here all human agonies recede into irrelevance. Time spent here is never long enough."

"'Fabulous' doesn't even begin to describe Snyderskloof. If you are looking for perfect peace, this is the place to be. The stone cottage with its red and white hearts and hares decor, the perfect linen and the le Creuset equipped kitchen, the home made biscuits on the bed and the fresh flowers all add up to make this a very special place. And then there are the views. Oh the views! You can see for miles across the Karoo veld, and by looking up at the myriad of stars you can see infinity. The closest farmhouse is over a kilometer away, the walks are spectacular, the plunge pool and the hammocks and the lack of electricity make this a place that is peaceful beyond measure. I couldn't recommend it more highly."

"If you're looking for a remote getaway at a great price, without compromising on luxury, this is your spot. The attention to detail is phenomenal, fresh cut flowers, complimentary bottle of organic wine, jars of homemade heart shaped cookies, hammock, lanterns, plenty of candles and the majestic Karoo night sky. Three nights felt like a week, but I could have stayed longer."

"Wow, what a magic place! This cottage is a real gem, beautifully decorated and thoughtfully kitted out so that all your desires and needs can be met (from welcome wine and home made rusks and biscuits, to magazines, games, reference books, beautifully equipped kitchen and extra everything). It feels like a loved, precious space. We luxuriated in the pool, cooled down under the balcony misters, swung lazily in the hammocks, enjoyed the outdoor shower, counted the many shooting stars and are fully recharged, ready for the busy modern world. This was a delightful, delicious getaway and our new favorite. We will be back this year."

"While indulging in the glorious view of the Klein Karoo, the dusk sky lit up with shades of pale pink and wintery hues of blue and grey. Silence could be heard for miles. It was at this moment, we heartily agreed, we had stumbled across a piece of heaven. Snyderskloof is most definitely a slice of heaven. From the perfectly furnished cottage to the views from every window, the "good morning" sunbird at the window, the red whistling kettle, and the perfectly thought out details, we couldn't quite get over how much heart was in this little place. Another exciting realisation was how escaping to the middle of nowhere didn't mean you needed to go without. As cheesy as it sounds, this little cottage is 5-star luxury, beneath a galaxy of Karoo stars. Breathtaking views, and a place we will definitely be visiting again. A weekend here was just not enough. It was absolutely awesome."

"Snyderskloof was all we dreamed of and more. The perfect romantic getaway. The breathtaking beauty of the region continually inspires, and the house is perfectly located and designed to take full advantage of that beauty. The house itself is just too charming. I cannot wait to get back."

"A real gem, perfect in every way. Thank you to Emmarie and Jaco for your wonderful hospitality. We hope to beck someday soon."

"What a splendid time we had with my husband at the Snyderskloof cottage. The location is absolutely perfect, very remote, quite far away from civilization, starry nights and lots of space and fresh air. That's why we love Karoo. The cottage is one of the nicest cottages we have ever been. Straight away we felt so comfortable and like at home. Emmarie have thought of everything when building and designing this place. It is a real treat and we can not wait to be back in few month."

"This is a fantastic spot. We stayed for a week and it was just so comfortable, beautiful and peaceful. Emmarie and her team have done such a great job on this house and we will definitely be back."

"We had the most amazing time here. As I walked in my first thought was "when can we come back?!" It is such an amazing little spot I cannot recommend it enough. Whether its a romantic getaway, quality time for a family or soul searching on your own, its all possible at Snyderskloof. We will definitely be back."

"Die plekkie word hoog aanbeveel , dit is so rustig en mooi daar , fasiliteite is uitstekend, is lekker plaas en tog is alles wat jy nodig kan he is daar, ontspan op sy beste, glo my."

"My wife and I recently spent three glorious nights at Snyderskloof. I must just mention that this is not for everyone. If you like us enjoy total solitude, no sight of people cars and the outside world for the three days then this is for you. There are lovely walks (take plenty of water with you in summer) and we saw springbuck as well as a herd of other buck that I could not identify. The cottage is perfect with everything you need for a self catering stay. We will be back for another recharge of the soul. Thanks Emmarie for this little bit of heaven."

"We had a wonderful weekend at Snyderskloof. Realy nice setting in the Karoo, cottage well equipped with clean linen and all the necessities. Watching the stars was amazing, the silence deafening. We enjoyed reading the latest Getaway, Country Life and other magazines. Well done to Emmarie and staff."

"Magical, peaceful, perfect. Can't wait to book another trip to Snyderskloof."

"Perfect getaway, with everything and more that was advertised. Will definitely be back."

"We now understand why people fall in love with the Karoo. The view is magical, the silence music to your ears and the cottage has heaps of personality with attention to every detail. This will be a yearly getaway on our list, nowhere else have we ever unwound so completely!"

"This was by far our favourite place to stay at during our 12 day trip up through the Karoo and back down the coast from Cape Town. The cottage is decorated beautifully, with a whimsical touch that is very endearing. The location is stunning and completely off the beaten track. And the hosts and caretakers were very responsive to our needs. It's great for a family or for a couple wanting a romantic weekend away. We're definitely coming back! The only challenge we ran into was not having a 4x4. We ended up tearing a small part of the underside of our rental car off when attempting to cross the small river that runs across one part of the dirt road (despite the water level being low). So if you're traveling in a low-riding car, especially a rental car for which you're liable for damages, I'd highly recommend leaving your car at the river and letting the caretakers take you and your belongings across in their own vehicle. Thankfully the caretaker was able to help us put the piece back on and so it ended up being a happy ending."

"I can see why the Budget Getaway team was considering not sharing this gem on the website, it is an absolute gem of a place and I want to be able to go back again soon. Snyderskloof has so much to offer, the fossilised ocean floor that is easily viewed in the rock formations very close to the house are magnificent, the birding that can be done from the comfort of the verandah and the quirky decor were all highlights. Thanks to the owners for sharing this very special part of the Karoo with us."

"The cottage is located in a beautiful part of the Karoo. The accommodation is pretty as a picture and the furnished to a high standard. I honestly cannot find anything negative to say about the getaway and would strongly recommend it to everyone! Many of my friends on Facebook saw photos we posted and immediately asked how to book this getaway."

"We (family of two adults and two teenagers) enjoyed a superb four night-getaway at Snyderskloof. Although we do not have a 4x4 the road was still accessible, if somewhat bumpy. The environ-friendly cottage in a kloof is quite isolated and exactly what you need if you want to get away from the rat-race. I was disappointed to have cellphone reception! The red and white d�cor is delightful, and the cottage is well equipped. The nights were freezing, so do stock up on the wood the farm provides. We are only sorry that it was too cold to make use of the little splash-pool. Do not hesitate to contact the friendly owner, Emmarie, to discuss your specific needs."

"What an incredible place. I'm tempted to give it a poor rating so that it stays my secret! The cottage is brilliant and the attention to detail is incredible. Just be warned, it is remote so if you are looking for burglar bars and locks on doors you wont find them here, there is no one else around for miles. Nothing to do and all day to do it, time slowed down which is just what we needed. Loved meeting Emmarie and Jaco too - next time we'll have coffee and chat more with them."

"What an amazing little peace of heaven. We cannot wait to get back out there. The mountain biking was awesome the sunrises and sunsets inspirational, the cottage spot on. We were very sad to leave."

"Fantastic Stay! Couldn't ask for better. Thank you, we will be back."

"We've just returned from a two night stay at Snyderskloof, and we couldn't have been more impressed. So much thought has gone into the interior of the cottage - the decor is quirky and cool, with such attention to detail (including seasonal touches), and there are no compromises on comfort. The location is made for relaxation, whether wallowing in the pool or sitting around the fire watching the Karoo sunset. Emmarie was incredibly helpful and professional and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely be back, and can't recommend this place enough."

"Snyderskloof is an absolute Karoo gem. Walking through the door you feel as if your arriving home with the beautifully decorated interior. Arriving at night we woke to the most spectacular setting with absolutely nothing except nature around us. As a group of six the cabin suited us perfectly and it was refreshing having no electricity and witnessing the most gorgeous night sky. All of us are looking forward to returning in the near future."

"Thank you Snyderskloof for opening up your magnificent property to the rest of us city slickers. Only my parked vehicle served as a reminder that the 21st century actually dawned upon this land. You've set a new standard for what could be expected from a cottage on a Karoo farm. The interior is decorated with a touch of personality, love, humour and beautifully coordinated between what looks good yet remains functional. Thinking about life without electricity actually seems idyllic when there's enough lanterns and matches within arms length to create a romantic glow amongst the starry night sky. We can't wait to return!"

"A very reasonable price for a lovely weekend getaway cottage."

"Everything was perfect. If you just want to get away from the city, Snyderskloof has got it all. No electricity, beautiful surroundings and very romantic. My girlfriend and I went there in March. Everything was perfect."

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Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage, Matjiesfontein
 
 
 
 

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Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage
(sleeps six, minimum stay two nights)
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The above is a rate GUIDE. Exact rates should be confirmed on enquiry.

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Getaway Map
Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage, Matjiesfontein, Western Cape
GPS: S -33.0792   E 20.4211
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Rate Guide

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