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
- 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
- Boat cruises and canoeing available
"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)
Die Hoenderhok & Plaashuisie
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From R600 to R1400, depending on unit, guests and time of year
!Xairu Tented Bush Retreat
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Situated on a small, environmentally conscious farm, 28km from Swellendam, !Xairu Tented Bush Retreat is a rustic bush camp with two equipped, permanent tents, or an addi...
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From R695 - R895.00 per equipped tent
Somerset Gift Getaway Farm
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Somerset Gift Getaway Farm nestles in a beautiful valley bordering the foothills of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, just 16km from Swellendam. Combining an idyllic an...
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From R1400 to R6000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Breede Bush Camp
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A private and exclusively booked campsite and central living area on the banks of the Breede River, 34 km south of Swellendam, Breede Bush Camp is certainly a good bet fo...
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From R350pp for first four guests. Minimum rate for 4 guests.
Bibi's Joy
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Let’s set the tone with a recent guest comment: “If you need peace and tranquility away from the city bustle, this is the place to go. Rustic, comfortable, se...
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From R300 to R1500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Koloniesbos Mountain Cabin
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Koloniesbos Mountain Cabin is the epitome of your classic hikers hut. Originally the first hut of the Swellendam five day hiking trail, This little wooden abode has been ...
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R1500 nightly for the cabin
Karoo Art Hotel
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From R950 to R2440, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Dolittle Cottages
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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...
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From R900 to R2700 nightly for a cottage, depending on unit, guests and time of year.
Sandy's Place
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Sandy’s Place, situated in Barrydale on Route 62, is a good destination, or stopover, for visitors wishing to unwind and relax far removed from the stress and strai...
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From R700 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Riverside Country House
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Riverside Country House is a tastefully furnished self-catering house set at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountain alongside the Koornlands river. The downstairs ar...
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From R2600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Aloe Canyons Guestfarm and Wildlife
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Off the beaten track and tucked along the banks of a river - with an outlook over rugged hills - Aloe Canyons Guest Farm and Wildlife is nature lovers territory. The riv...
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From R900 to R1850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bontebokskloof Manor
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Adjacent to the N2, Bontebokskloof Manor is located on a working farm in the countryside, a stone’s throw away from picturesque Swellendam, with a clear view of the...
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From R3000 to R3850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Gaia Sanctuary
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The Gaia Sanctuary invites guests to visit our little slice of sanctuary, our very own heaven on earth, for a completely back-to-mother-earth experience, to leave your he...
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From R210 to R1750, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Blue Cow Barn
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From R699 to R2196, depending on unit, guests and time of year
KamBati River Resort
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From R2565, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Hermitage Huisies
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From R900 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Mountain View Swellendam
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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 ...
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From R747.5 to R1787.5, 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