Beyond the Moon Guest Farm

Budget Getaways Review

This beautiful spot in the majestic Outeniqua’s is no Dark Side of the Moon.

In fact, a few days at Beyond the Moon Guest Farm is guaranteed to bring back the sparkle and have you, err... shining on like a crazy diamond.

Spread across 24ha of lush green this is Garden Route at it's best: rolling farmland, pristine indigenous forest, mountain vistas, mountain streams bubbling past your bedroom, and enough tranquility to heal the wounds inflicted by months in the concrete jungle.

Accommodation at Beyond the Moon is a casual mix of five cottages with relaxed decor, ideal for families and larger groups keen on doubling up. The more private units even arguably fall into the category of romantic forest hideaway.

Kicking off with Francolin (sleeps 5) and Kestrel (sleeps 4), these are semi- detached and therefore a great option for two families sharing. The units spill on to a common outdoor living area (but with own braais) and lovely views over the forest and mountains. Francolin has one double room and a separate kids room with three single beds, while Kestrel comes with a double room and a second room with a bunk bed. Both have one bathroom with shower. Outside, there's an open stoep, braai place and stretch of lawn for the kids to baljaar on.

Next up is Froggy Lodge (sleeps 7), perched on the banks of a large pond filled with lilies and plenty of birdlife. Located in a forest clearing, visiting bushbuck and the occasional curious bush pig poking its snout through the dense foliage are part of your weekend. With a single bathroom and two bedrooms with Queen beds, an additional bunk bed in the second room and a bed in the living room, two chilled families can squeeze in here. Like all the units the kitchen is equipped and the decor and furnishings casual. The living area comes with fireplace and leads onto the stoep, braai area and water's edge.

Kingfisher Cottage (sleeps 5) also sits in forest clearing next to the vlei, with impressive views from the unique garden bathroom and shower. The cottage consists of two rooms, one of which is the bedroom (with double and a bunk bed), the other comprising the kitchen and living area (and with another bunk bed). The living room opens out onto a braai area shaded by a beautiful weeping willow packed with weaver nests - no sleeping late here.

Loerie Lodge (sleeps 8) is crisp, fresh, spacious and inviting with stunning views over the pond and surrounding forests. You'll find four bedrooms, two of which are queen (one en-suite) and the other a twin and a double bunk room - great for the kids.

Finally, River Sanctuary (sleeps 5) is for families wanting to be in the thick of nature. This quaint timber cottage is tucked in a Hansel and Gretel indigenous forest setting, with a crystal-clear stream running through it. It’s got one bedroom with a single bed and two bunk beds, and a further double bed squeezed between the bedroom and the dining area. Besides the bath-only bathroom the outside hot-shower is the way to go. The living room (with much needed fireplace) opens onto the stoep and garden. Families with heaps of kids will have a blast here - as they will, for that matter, at all the other options.

Apart from chilling out at your accommodation all day, there’s plenty to do in and around the farm, including a 45-minute forest walk, miles of safe cycling tracks, and a trampoline and slide to keep the kids out of your hair. With the beaches at Wilderness a short drive away, the Knysna forest nearby and the Saturday market at Sedgefield within striking distance, life at Beyond The Moon couldn’t get much better.

Again, to sum it all up we pay homage to the Pink Floyd classic: “Wish you were here."