WHAT ELSE?
There’s a 5 km Villiersdorp Parkrun at 8 am every Saturday, starting at Twistniet, an old campsite above Bo Radyn farm. Register for free beforehand at parkrun.co.za
Visit the Skilpad Theatre at Leccino Farm in the nearby village of Vyeboom. This open-air live music venue has played host to artists like Refentse and Brendan Peyper. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events. 071 353 3410; skilpadtheatre.business.site
Adrenaline junkie? The Cape Canopy Tour is only 25 km away in the Hottentots Holland Nature
Reserve. It consists of 11 slides that zigzag over the Riviersonderend Gorge. The longest slide lasts more than 30 seconds! R895 per person. 021 3000 501; canopytour.co.za
Golf, anyone? The Theewaterskloof Country Estate boasts a golf course right on the dam. Visitors’ rates from R220 for nine holes, or R330 for 18 holes. Club rental from R80 for nine holes; golf cart rental from R180 (nine holes). 028 840 2213; theewaterskloof.co.za
Truffle hunting is mentioned in this story. If you’re interested, the season is from mid-May to the end of July. The excursion costs a hefty R2 500 per person, but includes transport to and from the Anthonij Rupert estate in Franschhoek, the truffle hunt itself, followed by a four-course meal and wine pairing. 021 874 9041; rupertwines.com
The Villiersdorp Tourism Office is inside the historic Dagbreek Homestead and Museum
(13 Graaff Street). Since the beginning of Covid-19, guests are kindly asked to make an appointment before visiting. 028 840 0082; villiersdorptourism.co.za
STAY HERE
IN TOWN
De Villiers Country Lodge Johannie Barnard is arguably the most generous host you’re likely to meet. Her guesthouse is comfortable and stylish and sleeps 18 people in nine double rooms. A separate cottage sleeps four. There’s a private pool and braai area outside, which guests are welcome to use, and it’s within walking distance of the town centre.
Where? 13 Victoria Street
Rates: From R500 per person. Contact: 083 312 1476; barnardjohannie@gmail.com
Apple Blossom Cottage
This three-bedroom self-catering cottage sleeps six. It’s in a quiet, tree-lined street near the outskirts of town.
Where? 6 Prins Albert Street Rates: Two guests pay R1 000 per night for the entire cottage; three guests pay R1 200; four guests pay R1 500; five guests pay R1 800 and six guests pay R2 100.
Contact: 072 545 1388; jacosmith1@telkomsa.net
FARM STAYS
Dennehof
Two chic self-catering cottages on a working farm with views of Theewaterskloof Dam. One cottage sleeps two people, the other four. Guests are invited to paddle on the dam or lounge on the jetty on warm days.
Where? Dennehof farm, 5 km outside Villiersdorp on the R43. Rates: From R800 per night. Contact: 072 218 5077; mariciavanrooyen1@gmail.com; dennehofplaas.com
Rietspruit Country Cottages There are two units, each of which is ideal for a family of four. If you’re travelling in pairs, you could opt for one of the two double rooms on offer. There’s a dam and farm animals to keep the little ones entertained. Where? Rietspruit Farm, 10 km outside Villiersdorp on the R43. Rates: From R980 per night for a double room; R1 400 per night for the four-sleeper.
Contact: 082 738 3047; rietspruitcountrycottage.co.za
Wolfkloof Farm
This working farm has access to the Riviersonderend Mountains for those of you who love to hike. There’s a B&B in the old manor house and two self-catering units, each of which sleeps six.
Where? Wolfkloof Farm, 2 km outside Villiersdorp on the R43. Rates: From R300 per person. Contact: 073 343 0881; wolfkloof.wixsite.com/ wolfkloofbb/location
CAMPING
Kaaimansgat
This campsite is surrounded by fynbos and mountains, and a stream babbles past. There’s a sheltered lapa with a braai and washing-up sinks, and bathrooms with hot water. No power points. Your noncamping friends can opt for the wooden cabin with bunk beds. Where? The campsite is about 10 km north of Villiersdorp, at the end of a dirt road high in the mountains in the Elandskloof Valley. You can get there in a vehicle with high clearance, but preferably a 4x4. You’ll get directions when you book. Rates: Camping R70 per person; there are 10 stands. The cabin sleeps 18 people in six rooms: R100 per person. Children under 12 years stay for free. Book the whole campsite exclusively for R1 000 per night; R80 per vehicle. R200 per vehicle for the Kroonland 4x4 trail (15 km).
Contact: 028 840 1979; 082 567 4570; kroonland4x4.co.za
Theewater Sports Club caravan & campsites
Somewhat rustic, but you won’t get closer to the dam unless you’re on a houseboat!
Where? Theewater Sports Club,
Old Caledon Road
Rates: R140 per person without electricity; R180 per person with electricity.
Contact: 028 840 1334; theewater.co.za