Rate Guide
From R280 - R500 per person nightly
Quick Facts
E 20°32'24''
Budget Getaways Review
Man, for a moment forget the fantastic view over the glistening dam and Langeberg peaks, we can't stop staring at that green grass. How do they get it like that? Bert from Admin says he's tried it all - pig manure (supplemented by Canus monstrus), ammonia sulphate, Supergro, you name it - and his little patch in lower Plumstead still looks nothing like Umshanti's.
Anyway, we digress...What we have here is a mini resort built on a prime piece of real estate that encompasses fabulous green lawns (sorry), awesome views and a beautiful dam that appears to take centre-stage on most weekends - hence the name.
The long activity menu includes (take a deep breath now)… canoeing, skiing (bring own boat), boat cruises, a 45m high, 200m long foefie slide over the water (at least your landing will be soft if you let go), fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking to a uberlekker mountain pool, birdwatching, stargazing, braaing, donning the thong and spreading out on those uhmmm… damn fine green lawns…
With so much on offer who really cares about where you bed down for the night. But accommodation there is, in the form of five fairly basic chalets that can pack in nine happy campers, and an altogether more romantic timber cottage for couples appropriately called The Chapel, with awesome views of the dam and mountains, which can be savoured from the deck.
The chalets are equipped, with linen supplied - but not towels. Each has a braai area outside. Prices range between R280pp - R500pp, depending when you go and how many there are of you.
If you're the hardened canvas and peg type, the three campsites are ready and waiting for you. With plenty of that hallmark Umshati lawn to pitch your tent on, a shade covering for each site, power point and light, as well as picnic bench and braai area, camping at Umshanti looks like an equally appealing option.
Umshanti is clearly tailored for social animals - but of the right sort, mind you, as this is a chilled family spot with a focus on nature and physical enjoyment. One guest comment in particular sums it up for us... "Happy memories have been made here over the years. We return each year. Our children LOVE the freedom and open field. It becomes home from home. Management doesn't get in your way, yet is there if you need anything. Would I recommend Umshanti? Yes, but dont mess it up." Thank you Pepe Gee.
After a hard day on the dam, slap on the Aftersun and amble along to the 'bar house' (as management calls it), where you'll find DSTV on tap, a pool table, dartboard, inside braai and fireplace, and a dining room.
Heck, you can even get married at Umshanti - as others have done before you.
Haven't been there, but we reckon this is one place where the grass sure ain't greener on the other side.
Additional Info
- Boat cruises and canoeing available
- Only 15km from Marloth Nature Reserve
- Own ski-boats welcome if you have all the necessary licenses
- Firewood available for purchase
- Stunning MTB Trails in Swellendam
"This place is fantastic. Vicky is so friendly and accommodating. This place is just awsome and really a must visit. We loved every moment."
(visited Feb 2023)
"This place was super rustic but one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in terms of scenery. We loved swimming in the dam and the boat cruise up the river was epic!"
(visited Jan 2023)
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Rate Guide
R1500 nightly for the cabin
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R800 nightly for the first two guests. R360pp thereafter. Minimum 2 night stay.
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From R700 to R1300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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From R350pp for first four guests. Minimum rate for 4 guests.
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From R695 - R895.00 per equipped tent
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From R300 to R1500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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From R1460 to R2620, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
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Rate Guide
From R2252.5, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R600 to R1000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R900 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R2500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R800 to R1730, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R1650 to R2550, depending on unit, guests and time of year
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Rate Guide
From R3000 to R3850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Blue Cow Barn
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Rate Guide
From R650 to R1800, 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 • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • 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 • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland