Oewerzicht, Greyton

Racking your brain for a venue for Dad’s 70th where the whole family can celebrate together? A place that suits everyone’s preferences and budget? Oewerzicht is a good bet. The affordable accommodation is laid out along the banks of the Sonderend River: two safari tents and four stone cottages, a fully equipped communal kitchen, indoor braai, dining room and lounge, and a hot tub heated by a wood fire under a stand of bluegum trees. For those who prefer to use their own camping gear, there’s also a campsite a little way upstream – and there are bigger selfcatering cottages on the opposite bank. The safari tents have double beds with white linen and springbok-skin rugs on the floor – it’s like you’re staying at a luxury safari lodge. Each tent has its own bathroom, a braai, a fridge and electricity. Your children will have a ball. There are extensive lawns, jungle gyms, a tennis court, Tarzan rope swings, a suspension bridge, a raft that the kids can pull across the river and a friendly sheepdog. The adults will be able to toast Grandpa in peace next to the braai. Niggles? When we were there, there was sometimes a faint whiff of septic tank in the air. Rates: Camping R360 per night for four people, plus R90 per extra person (max six per stand). Safari tent R770 per night for two people. Stone cottage (sleeps four; newly built, each with a fireplace) R990 per night. Bigger self-catering cottages from R1 155 per night for four people. Where? Oewerzicht is about 10 km west of Greyton along a gravel road. The farm is accessible in a sedan, but you will have to park and carry your gear across a suspension bridge over the river. High-clearance vehicles can drive right up to the tents. Contact: 028 254 9831; oewerzicht.co.za What else? During Greyton’s Rose Festival on the weekend of 27 – 28 October, local gardens are open to visitors free of charge. At some you’ll even get a free glass of bubbly. Book now.