Ngahere

Budget Getaways Review

Ngahere…now any good Saffa would suspect that this sounds distinctly like a word from the land of the long white cloud. True it is: Máori in origin, the word honours the forest for its beauty, spiritual presence, and bountiful supply of food, medicines, and weaving and building materials. Pretty apt we’d say. Apart from the owners have strong ties to New Zealand, this stunner of a Cape cottage, in the most gorgeous of South African settings, really does provide a clean canvas for rest and relaxation, fabulous family memories and a bountiful supply of spotted grunter if you’re fishing from the private jetty down on the Duiwenhoks.

Looking around the cottage, Ngahere sleeps a total of nine guests, with three queen sized bedrooms (the main being ensuite) and an additional three beds in the mezzanine loft - best suited to kids. The style of the interior is laid-back, light and spacious, with exposed timber beams, light screeded floors and white linen. Nice touches bringing the outdoors in are bedrooms which open out via double cottage doors onto the garden, a large covered patio with hammock and dining table, outdoor braai area and of course an expanse of lawn big enough for a few All Black teams to perform the Haka on.

The living area is open plan to a well equipped kitchen. You’ve got a nice spread of comfy couches, a big ol’ dining table and an open hearth fireplace to keep the vibe (and the heat) up on those chilly evenings. For “chop n’ dop” you’ve got a great little outside braai area set off to the side of the cottage.

Looking beyond the cottage and onto Vermaaklikheid, we’ll be honest, if you’re after a village with quaint coffee shops, funky art galleries and restaurants on every corner - Vermaaklikheid might disappoint you. Little more than a scattering of holiday cottages and one general dealer, you’ve got even more reason to arm yourself with a good book, a fishing rod, a canoe and make the gentle flowing waters of the Duiwenhoks your go-to while you’re here. That said, there are miles of gravel farm roads to enjoy on a mountain bike or in your running shoes if you’re the Energiser Bunny type. You could also take a day trip to nearby Witsand, or canoe down to the river mouth and beach at Puntjie (about 4km each way).

Kiwi title and all, Ngahere makes for an authentic SA escape to a little-known area of our spectacular Cape coast. An idyllic spot for families or couples sharing, we reckon this is a getaway you’ll struggle to pry yourself away from.