There comes a time in everyone’s life when we want to run screaming from the snails’ pace of morning traffic, and secretly wish we could safely roam the forests, beaches, and velds without casting a wary eye around.
This isn’t to warn you off cities, as there are some truly beautiful places around that have very little crime. No, this post is to encourage you and your family to hightail it out to the picturesque countryside, where warm hospitality and an unhurried pace is the order of the day. Enjoy spending time outdoors in open spaces that aren’t surrounded by mile-high fences, and commune with nature, learn how to milk a cow, and for once, relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.
- Chane Cheese Farm & Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal
Chane Cheese Farm & Lodge is a lovely family-run cheese farm where you are invited to take your leisure anywhere on-site, from the lush lawns edged with trees, to the turquoise blue swimming pool and undercover sitting area. You can even head to their on-site restaurant and enjoy a fresh farm breakfast or cheese platter with beer and wine.
As it is a working cheese farm, you can expect to sample cheese tasters (available at an additional fee) such as Halloumi, Boerenkaas, Riccota, and even Chevin at the Cheese Shop and Curio Shop, and can purchase any which take your fancy. If you have children, you need only ask and the friendly staff will take them on their rounds to assist with feeding the animals, milking the goats, and sometimes, even assisting in herding them!
Accommodation here is offered in a choice of units. The four Family Units offer a double bed and a bunker bed in the same room, as well as air-conditioning, TV with select DStv channels, and an open-plan kitchenette and bathroom. Their Four Self-Catering Units are open-plan, with two single beds alongside each other, as well as TV with select DStv, air-conditioning, and an open-plan kitchenette and bathroom. Find out more.
- Tabametsi Farm – Gauteng
Set within the Magaliesburg, the 3-star rated self-catering Tabametsi Farm offers guests beautiful sunsets, ample birdlife, and a taste of farm-styled living. The nearby dam also ensures there is fairly diverse wildlife in the area, and many visitors often get glimpses of bush buck, cerval, hare, mongoose, and roving warthog, while staying here.
Families with children will love the fact that there are activities for the little ones to enjoy, such as visiting and feeding the goats (Heidi & Munchkin), the pony (Cha-cha), and numerous birds such as ducks, turkeys, and chickens. The jungle gym is available for them to use, and other activities offered include tractor rides and pony rides. Babysitting by competent staff is offered, while you enjoy romantic dinners and massages – all at an additional fee.
They have varied accommodation options available. The two Bungalows each have three double rooms, fireplaces, and an open-plan living room/kitchen. The Lavender Cottage is their family unit, catering for two adults and two children, with side-by-side ¾ beds, a living room / kitchen area which can accommodate the children, and a patio with beautiful views. The Owl Cottage is their couple’s cottage, sleeping only two guests on ¾ beds that can transform into a king-sized bed on request, an open-plan living room/kitchen with a fireplace, and a private boma. The rondavels, Sunset and Sunrise, are rented out as one unit, and in this capacity they can sleep four guests. Between the two rondavels there are two double beds, a shared kitchen, showers, and a dining/sitting room. Find out more.
- The Vale Karoo Farm – Western Cape
Set within the Upper Karoo just outside of Beaufort West, is the Vale Karoo Farm, which is perfectly located for day trips into the Karoo National Park (32km away). They’re famed locally as being one of the top sheep farms, though they also have a good variety of other game on-site.
Families with teenagers love it here, as the activities on-site are, well, quite active ones. They offer quad biking, horseback rides, cycling, swimming in the refreshing Plaasdam, and mountain climbing. Stargazing at night is also recommended, and hunting is another activity offered due to the game on-site (they allow hunters to use their butchery and cooling facilities). For those who prefer non-moving targets and would rather hone their firing skills, the shooting range is a better option.
Accommodation is offered in a variety of units, most of which come with electric blankets and fans. The Main Guest Lodge, a converted farmhouse from the 1880s, has 5 luxury en-suite rooms with carpeted floors, plush bedding, as well as twin and double beds. The 8 Single Stone Cottages have twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, and braai areas. The four Double Stone Cottages are suited for families as each unit can accommodate 5 guests, and have kitchenettes and braai areas. The Communal Hunters Lodge is recommended for groups as it can take up to 12 guests in four separate rooms, with a communally shared living room and kitchen. Find out more.
Let us know which of the above you’ve stayed at!
Main image courtesy of Linda Tanner (Flickr)
