Many views come with a hefty price tag, but these ones don’t. Of the nine cottages on this 500-hectare farm, the six on the hilltop offer the best vantage points of the Hekpoort Valley, as well as swathes of grassland that become burnished at sunset.
You’ll need a 4×4 to get to them, but if you don’t have one you can walk the 400-metre trudge uphill and pay a tip to the staff to help carry your luggage. If you like your view while submerged in water, Karee and Olienhout cottages have window-side baths that are great for lounging in while doing a bit of light birdwatching.
The patios of each hillside cottage are the best spots for a sundowner – you might be lucky and spy a jackal.
There are various walks on the farm, including a meander along the banks of the river and a longer three-hour bush walk around the farm. Saamrus is pet-friendly so if Rufus is socialised and well-behaved, you can bring him along too.
Do it
Karee Cottage is the one to choose for best views and privacy, as it’s furthest up the hill. Each cottage has its own fenced garden, which means you don’t have to spend the weekend worrying that Rufus might stray. All have a fire pit and braai. From R420 per person