RUSTIG, MAGALIESBERG
This farm in the Hekpoort district dates from the 1930s. The original farmhouse has been turned into a guesthouse, but the vibe of the era has been retained. Rustig is exactly what you can be on this farm. Unpack, light a fire and relax next to the 25 m swimming pool, watching squirrels over the edge of your book. If you want to actually do something, there are great hiking trails: The Olievenhout (3 km) and Witstinkhout circular trail (5 km) go up into the mountains, with the latter going to some caves in the cliffs. Rustig also has two tougher trails, the Karee (13 km) and the Magalieskrans (18 km). Hikers can do these trails over one or two days – there are huts with basic facilities on the trail. More things to do? There’s a game camp where you can see everything from zebras to sable antelope. Book beforehand if you’d like to go on a game drive (R100 per person; R250 per person with breakfast). The restaurant on the farm is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm. If you’re a group of six or more, you can arrange to have dinner too. Facilities and rates: The renovated Heritage House with its Victorian furniture sleeps six people in three double rooms (with double beds). Rates: R650 per room (breakfast included) or R2 000 per night for the whole house. The self-catering Farmhouse also sleeps six people. The kitchen is fully equipped for entertainment and the stoep will have you looking forward to nights spent around the braai. Rates from R250 per adult; R100 per child under 10. There are also four-sleeper safari tents (R720 per night) or six-sleeper tents (R990 per night). Each tent has a self-catering kitchen and an en suite bathroom. Hikers looking for a place to sleep for one night can try the Dormitory (R150 per person). It has 36 single beds, a communal kitchen and an ablution block. Another option is the five-sleeper Stone House (R180 per person) with a basic kitchen and a communal ablution block. Some units include bedding and there are often special midweek offers – visit the website for details. How to get there? Rustig is about 75 km west of Joburg. Turn off the R560 onto the R401 dirt road and look for the sign. Hiking trails: If you’re a guest, you can hike for free. Day visitors pay R30 per person to enter the farm; hiking fees from R65 per person. Contact: 079 490 2690; rustig.co.za