THIS WEEKEND

Stay on a farm in the Little Karoo, hike up the Helderberg or spend a weekend in Grabouw.

SWARTBERG COUNTRY MANOR, LITTLE KAROO

Swartberg Country Manor, on the farm Voorbedacht, opened its doors on 1 February 2005. The original farmhouse, which is 154 years old, overlooks a fig orchard and has four guest rooms. It also has a wide stoep facing the Swartberg with easily one of the best views in the Little Karoo. You can even see the twists of Thomas Bain’s famous pass as it snakes into the mountains. There are sprawling lawns for the kids and a big pool where you can nap in a deckchair or lie in the shade of a jacaranda tree. The old tobacco sorting shed on the farm is now a stylish restaurant called Patat, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order Karoo specials like ostrich fillet or lamb shank – the vegetables on your plate will likely have come from the garden on the farm. You’re centrally located in the Little Karoo and there’s lots to do in the vicinity, but you’ll be equally tempted to stay put and soak up the slow pace of farm life. Facilities? There are 25 double rooms available. The Historical House has four en suite double rooms; the Main House has 11 double rooms; the Cango Cottages have nine double rooms and there’s a honeymoon suite in what was once the old bakery. Rates: From R1 050 per person sharing; R1 250 single supplement. Rates include breakfast. Things to do? Relax next to the swimming pool or hike to a mountain pool under a waterfall. There are self-guided hiking trails, or hire a mountain bike (R200 per day) and explore the trails on the farm. Come sunset, you’ll want to be on the lawn or on the stoep of the old farmhouse to take photos of the Swartberg changing colour. The clear night sky is perfect for stargazing and the top of the Swartberg Pass is only 15 km away – it’s definitely worth the drive. The Cango Caves are also only 20 km away. If you want to hike in the Swartberg, the manor can arrange your CapeNature permit. Still not done? Visit the nearby Cango Ostrich Farm or Karusa Vineyard for wine and craft beer. Pet-friendly? You’re welcome to bring your pets along, but you do so at your own risk. If your dachshund picks a fight with an ostrich, you have to accept responsibility… Where? About 45 km north-west of Oudtshoorn via the R328. Contact: 044 279 3188; swartbergmanor.co.za