Boskloof Swemgat
What could be better than sitting on the stoep of your white-walled, thatched-roof cottage, coffee in hand, watching ripples on the surface of the Jan Dissels River? Well, perhaps jumping into the Jacuzzi right next to you! Or splashing in your own private rock pool… Boskloof Swemgat, named after a famous swimming spot in the river where guests spend most days in summer, is a mere 10 km from Clanwilliam but it feels hours away from civilisation. Tall trees shade the eight cottages and the kids can run wild: There are horses and dogs, a baby donkey and even zebra to look for. Visitors can cycle along the farm roads or take a walk to see the flowers that blanket the valley in spring. More ambitious hikers can climb to the summit of a nearby peak called Die Toring (four hours there and back). Where can I see flowers? All over the farm. If flowers are scarce, head to the Ramskop Wildflower Garden in Clanwilliam (R25 per adult; R18 per pensioner; R9 per child). The garden is irrigated so there will be flowers even if it’s been a dry year. Facilities: There are eight cottages on the farm. The smallest sleeps four and the biggest sleeps eight. All are fully equipped, self- catering units with an indoor fireplace and outside braai area. Kliphuis and Hangnes have private Jacuzzis on the stoep; Langhuis has its own rock pool. Swielhuis is a stone’s throw from the famous swemgat and Nenna has a paved outside braai area overlooking the river pool. Gustav has four bedrooms for larger groups and Owen is a cosy two-bedroom cottage. Rates: From R390 per adult sharing; R185 per child aged 3 – 18; free