Oshoek River Farm

Budget Getaways Review

Oshoek, the Borain family farm, lies in a beautiful valley, along the banks of the tidal Duiwenhoks River. Besides 21ha of pristine fynbos and 600m of private river frontage, you’ll find a rustic river cabin, a large outdoor kitchen, open-air shower and a central fire pit. It’s a Huck Finn scene second to none, the kind of place where you’ll doze off to the sound of the river lapping on the edge of the jetty and a log crackling on the fire as the night sets in.

Taking a scout around, central to the lawned riverfront is The Boat House, a rustic, off-grid wooden cabin, with double doors that can be thrown open to a greeting of rural views and of course the gorgeous Duiwenhoks River. Inside you’ve got a fireplace, equipped kitchenette with gas stove and a solar-powered fridge. The bedroom is open plan and decked out with a comfy queen bed and an extra single bed, suitable for a child.

Recently added as a fun extension to The Boathouse is The Caravan (This can only be booked with The Boathouse), a retro Jurgens, sitting pretty under the shade of a nearby tree. The Caravan sleeps two people in a double bed and can make a useful addition if you’ve got the kids, or another couple to hunker down in for the night. There is built in lighting installed, as well as an outdoors kitchen and braai area alongside.

Both The Boathouse and The Caravan make use of two separate loos and the funky outdoor shower area.

Oshoek isn’t the kind of place you want to be rushing around trying to keep busy. With the river right there, you might opt for the occasional plunge to cool off or a quick check of the rod to make sure your bait’s still in tact. The river is a nature conservation area, so no water-skiing or tubing is permitted. The river mouth and beach lies 5km downstream. This can only be accessed by boat - you can bring your own boat. Fishing is allowed by licence, so definitely bring your rod and tackle - cob, spotted grunter, elf and haarder are on the cards. Trolling and night fishing is not permitted.

With a setting like this, it’s hard to imagine anyone not already grabbing their fishing gear, loading the SUP’s and hitting the road, so get cracking, here’s a place where you can make some magical memories.