Self-catering from R 275 (family units from R 2,200)
R 275
Rietkuil Farm Cottage is a third generation cattle, sheep and maize farm. The farm is only 2 hours' drive from Johannesburg and is ideal for a family retreat. Get away from the city rush and surround yourself with cattle, chickens, geese and sheep; the farm setting will do wonders for the soul.
The cottage consists of four neatly furnished, cosy bedrooms and one bathroom. Many a leg of lamb has been roasted in the fully equipped rustic kitchen. The lounge and dining areas are spacious with sunny windows and a fireplace. The large patio is ideal for enjoying that steaming cup of coffee, gazing at the stars or to just relax.
Apart from the numerous farm activities, like milking cows the old fashioned way, there's also more than 3000 ha to explore on foot or on mountain bike. For the serious mountain biker there is a 65 km single track trail on the banks of the Vals River only 30 km from the farm towards Bothaville.
Take the kids swimming in the large pool at the main house, take a short walk down to the Otterspruit for a game of "kleilat" or try your hand at catching cat fish.
There is a variety of bird life on the numerous pans on the farm. Night drives or walks can be arranged for the adventurous who would like to see a porcupine, jackall, springhare or aardvark roaming the grasslands.
Remember to pack your farm shoes, a good book, binoculars, excellent coffee and an expectation to wind down.
