Rate Guide
From R1520, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Quick Facts
E 19°27'35''
Budget Getaways Review
Witkrans is a nature-lovers paradise, that judging by the glowing guest reviews certainly strikes a strong cord among its happy visitors.
Owned by the Privett family - themselves involved in a number of conservation and environmental projects - this 35ha organic farm, lying a 15km drive from Gansbaai, comprises pristine fynbos and at least 180 indigenous plant species. The farm is also home to a wide variety of birds and is a member of South Africa Birdlife. (Grab your bird list on arrival).
There is a natural stream running along the bottom of the property which is included in a gentle, circular walking trail. There are another 4 well marked hiking trails on the farm with varying distances from a family friendly 0.5km to 6.5km hike which includes a climb up to the top of Witkransberg...as you can see, it's all about the outdoors here.
Moving along to your accommodation, where you can kick back and enjoy some R&R amidst these beautiful surrounds. The farm has two cottages, namely Buchu Cottage, an Overberg-style affair, and Cone Bush Cottage, a timber unit. Both are set away from the main farmhouse.
Buchu Cottage, the smaller of the two sleeps four, with an additional sleeper couch in the lounge suited to a small child. It is simply furnished, with tiled floors and sash windows and uncluttered decor. It has one double room which opens out onto a balcony with mountain views, and an additional twin room. There is a shared bathroom with shower. The kitchen and living room are open-plan and spill onto a covered stoep and braai area with views over the hills beyond. The cottage has a private path leading up to a dam, where there are a few boats that can be used. Buchu now alos has its own wood-fired hot tub.
Cone Bush Cottage has much the same feel and features, but sleeps six in three twin bedrooms. The main bedroom has an en-suite and the other bedrooms share a bathroom. Beyond the covered patio with built in braai, there is a large round fireplace with built in seating area where you can make a bonfire and enjoy the evening stars. The views up the spectacular Flower Valley are superb. This cottage also has a wood fired hot tub in the garden area. (Note that Cone Bush Cottage is only available for the months of Dec/Jan/Feb/June/July).
The farm forms part of the multi-day Fynbos Trail, which guests are welcome to walk or run sections of during their stay. Mountain bikers are also well catered for with The Klipspringer Mountain Bike Route running on the farms doorstep. Lomond Wine Farm is just down the road and Platbos is close by alternative for day walks.
The nearby beaches at Franskraal and Stanford’s Cove in De Kelders are also a worthwhile outing, especially when the whales take up residence.
Not much more one could really ask for.
Additional Info
- 5 well marked hiking trails in pristine fynbos on Witkrans
- Day trails at neighboring Platbos Forest
- MTB trails in Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy with day permits
- Lomond Wine Farm
"The bird life, the fynbos, the peace and quiet, just wow! A very warm and cozy cottage. Hope to go back."
(visited September 2024)
"A little piece of paradise!! Will definitely be back."
(visited August 2024)
"A little piece of paradise. Thanks Ginger for the walks and talks. Thanks Michelle and Sean for the birthday card and wine. Very sweet gesture. We will be back"
(visited July 2024)
"Peace of Heaven close to home with wonderful manicured walks for all, a wood fired hot tub and spacious covered patio and braai area. Comes highly recommended."
(visited Jan 2023)
"If you are looking for a place where all you want to hear are the sounds of nature and see beautiful vistas - this is the place to be. The accommodation and hospitality of the Privett family are exceptional. Stunning walks and cycling can be done from your doorstep and if you want to venture 15 minutes away - plenty of seaside walks, caves to visit, and tourist attractions to explore."
(visited Aug 2016)
"We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back soon."
(visited May 2016)
"Friendly hosts who go out of their way for you and a lovely relaxing setting with lots to entertain the kids! Only downside was that the dam was dry but that was expected with our drought conditions. Otherwise perfect."
(visited Feb 2016)
"Witrkans is a beautiful place with excellent hiking paths crossing literally out the front door. The accommodations are just what one would want in an ecolodge and the food was wonderful, too. Sean and Michelle are very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and answered all questions with infectious enthusiasm. The night sky alone makes it worth a visit. It's a very relaxing place that was difficult to leave after just a few days. I hope to return soon and perhaps complete the three-lodge hiking circuit that Witkrans is part of. My highest recommendation!"
(visited April 2015)
"What an amazing stay we had in such a beautiful spot. The cottage had everything we needed and it was lovely just to get away from it all and get back to nature. Thanks Sean, Michelle and kids for being so welcoming, we'll be back soon."
(visited April 2015)
"Awesome! if you have kids, they will love it! If you like hiking bird watching you will enjoy yourself. Calm relaxing farm stay."
(visited February 2015)
"We had the most fantastic weekend at Buchu Cottage. From the little welcome board, to the farm bread (which we made short work of), star gazing on Friday evening and enjoying the hiking trail on Saturday. Sunday just came way too quickly. Everyone has agreed that we will have to come back to spend some more time exploring. The Privett's have a corner of heaven and we are really happy they shared it with us."
(visited May 2013)
"All you could ask for, would recommend it to anyone!"
(visited March 2013)
"A simple little cottage set in the most stunning spot on a farm . Perfect for walks, peace and tranquility, bird watching and a fantastic stoep for braais, games and really chilling. Sean and Michelle and the whole family are fantastic hosts, even a welcoming blackboard and a home baked chocolate cake on our arrival! This is a gem if one wants to read a book, play some board games, relax and recharge, sit around and do nothing but take in the silence or use as a base for exploring the area."
(visited December 2012)
"Witkrans is the perfect place for our family with our little ones, enough space to allow them freedom to explore without constant supervision. Tastefully decorated without having to worry about them touching anything breakable! The gardens and view of the mountains are beautiful! We will definitely be returning very soon."
(visited October 2012)
"Sean and Michelle Privette are fantastic hosts who provide excellent value for money accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. If peaceful tranquility in beautiful surroundings is what you are after then don't hesitate to book at Witkrans Farm Accommodation. I for one will definitely be back again!"
(visited October 2012)
"What a fantastic spot to escape the city! A beautiful setting, lovely comfortable cottage and welcoming, thoughtful hosts. The farm bread, crunchies and organic eggs which our son collected really topped off the experience! Great for couples or families wanting to get out of town and experience farm living! Can't wait to go back in warmer weather so we can enjoy a swim in the dam after our walks."
(visited October 2012)
"One seldom stays at a place where it is more beautiful even than the advertising. Imagine arriving not only to clean and well serviced, as one would expect, but a loaf of home baked bread, a pot of jam (home made) fresh farm eggs, proteas (from the garden), little sprigs of lavender on the bed ... even the little signs are thoughtful. My wife and I were there on our own and we will definitely be back, however we also plan to go with our children (19 and 20) and I would recommend it for young children as well. You can hear I loved it."
(visited September 2012)
"I loved every single thing about it - the delightful family - the freshly baked cake, all the extra little touches - the surroundings. I cannot fault it in any way - just wish it was way bigger to take my usual gang of friends with me!"
(visited January 2012)
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