GAME LODGE & HIKING TRAILS

Mountain Pastures, (Three star rated Lodge) nestled in the De Hoop valley between the Kouga and Honniball mountains, is situated next to the popular R62 route, 18 kmfrom Uniondale. It is on the doorstep of the famous Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site as well as a wide range of popular tourist destinations in this region, rich in history and culture.

Here you can hike, or just relax and enjoy a crisp morning game drive with the beauty of the rising African sun as a backdrop. Catch a bass while being watched by the inquisitive Eland, Zebra, Spring buck or even see the (almost extinct) Blue Cranes raising their young, while the Black Eagles soar overhead.

In the afternoon, take a trip to see the elusive Lynx or, if you are really fortunate, the scarcely seen, phantom-like Leopard.

The more energetic may be tempted to explore the mountains on foot using our well-developed hiking trails (International Green Flag Accredited), where a huge variety of fynbos can be appreciated and a possible encounter with some of the smaller members of the bush family will add to a very special and holistic bush experience.

After a day of excellent sightseeing, hiking, game viewing or fishing, you will be treated to a delicious meal, prepared the traditional South African way (real “Boerekos”).

During winter time you just might be lucky to see all our mountains covered in a blanket of snow, a sight you will never forget!!

The main lodge has a:

  • Fully equipped commercial kitchen (for catering and self catering groups)
  • Beautifully furnished big dining room
  • TV / intimate reading corner
  • Bathroom and
  • 1 x room(Room 1) for 2persons. (See accommodation list).

ACCOMMODATION:

Room (No 1) (2 Singles or 1 Double)

  • 1-2 Persons. This is ideal for the caterer/ chefs for self catering groups.

  • Electric blankets and electric heating available for cold winter months.

  • Bathroom: Separate ladies and gents bathroom.

  • Kitchen: Communal.

  • This is also a good option for 2 people who would like to experience a hearty, “homey” feeling of staying in real beautiful and luxurious farm house. Visitors will quickly feel at home while enjoying views of our farm dam and stunning mountains.

Loose standing Two Bedroom Chalet ( No 2)

  • Max Occupancy: 4 Persons.  2 X separate bed rooms: King-size and 2 single beds.

  • Bathroom: Bathroom with bath. Lounge/ sitting corner: Fire place & Tea & Coffee Tray.

  • Electrical Heating and indoor fire place.  Stunning view on the mountains.

  • Furthermore, there are 5 beautifully furnished en suite studio rooms, overlooking themountains. These rooms sleep 3-4 Persons each.

  • There are separate main bedrooms and 2 or 3 single beds in open plan.

  • 1 x King-size and 2- 3 single beds and en suit bathrooms with baths.

  • Lounge/ sitting corners with Indoor fire places,electrical heating& Tea & Coffee Trays.

  • There is Wi Fi available in all facilities and is included.

  • Self catering groups make use of our communal lodge facilities: the lounge, ladies bar/ reading corner and the fully equipped kitchen – all cooking utensils, fridges, gas stoves, ovens, microwave, cutlery and crockery for groups up to 24, are included.
  • Meals can be arranged for groups – rates and menus available on request.

  • RATES: AVAILABLE ON REQUEST ONLY.

Chalets Studio rooms No’s 3 – 7

  • Furthermore, there are 5 beautifully furnished en suite studio rooms, overlooking themountains. These rooms sleep 3-4 Persons each.

  • There are separate main bedrooms and 2 or 3 single beds in open plan.

  • 1 x King-size and 2- 3 single beds and en suit bathrooms with baths.

  • Lounge/ sitting corners with Indoor fire places,electrical heating& Tea & Coffee Trays.

  • There is Wi Fi available in all facilities and is included.
  • Self catering groups make use of our communal lodge facilities: the lounge, ladies bar/ reading corner and the fully equipped kitchen – all cooking utensils, fridges, gas stoves, ovens, microwave, cutlery and crockery for groups up to 24, are included.
  • Meals can be arranged for groups – rates and menus available on request.

  • RATES: AVAILABLE ON REQUEST ONLY.

Fishing

 

  • 5 x well-established dams

  • Mainly Bass: Catch & Release.

  • Fishing rods available or bring your own.

Bird Watching

 

  • More than 150 species identified.

  • Blue cranes and some Eagle species are very common visitors.

  • Free of charge, can be done from your stoop or all along our dams and hiking trails.

Game Drives

  • Enjoy a safe and relaxing game drive with our very experienced field guides/owners.

  • Duration: 1 or 3 Hours (on a pre-booked basis).

  • Snacks are included with the 3-hour drive.

Hiking Trails

  • There are 3 x GREEN FLAG accredited circular trails for beginners, modest, and very experienced hikers.

  • All trails are clearly marked and easy to follow.

  • (Hiking trail maps available at reception).

Buffelskloof Walk (5.5 km – Family Route)

  • This is a circular walk, within the game area (where there is a variety of game species).

  • Hikers follow a sloping kloof, enjoying beautiful fynbos species up to a plateau with spectacular views.

  • The route then drops down a wide kloof, passing a few beautiful rock formations and meandering through Renosterbos back towards the Lodge.

Grey Rhebuck / Vaalribbok Trail (9.5 km)

  • This trail has more inclines and declines as hikers follow kloofs and gorges, going a bit deeper into the beautiful mountains.

  • Hikers will enjoy stunning panoramic views and can explore the interesting rock formations where they will find very interesting plants growing/hiding away within the tight crevices.

  • On this trail, hikers can also look out for our proud Klipspringers and Grey Rheebucks.

Tranquillity Trail (11 km)

  • Tucked away, deep in the mountains in the most remote part of Mountain Pastures, is one of the best-kept secrets of the De Hoop Valley.

  • Hiding there in the upper reaches of the Driehoeks River is a perennial waterfall which, until recently, was almost totally inaccessible.

  • NB: This is a strenuous walk with a total elevation gain of 950m.

  • Not recommended for children under 12 and the not-so-fit hiker.

  • Strongly recommended for those who desire to connect with nature.

  • Once the destination is reached, behold the simple beauty of crystal-clear water, cascading more than 10m over ancient rocks.

  • Except for the silence, you may hear the melodious “Kieee-uup” of the African Eagle, who, with its wingspan up to 96cm, soars effortlessly with other lesser hawks and eagles in the endless skies above.

Mountain Biking

  • Bring your own mountain bike and come and explore more than 40km some challenging dirt roads and paths on our farm.

  • Mountain Pastures is an excellent “stop over” on your way to the Outeniqua Trails, Garden Route and Cape Town. But as you will experience, once you have visited this beautiful area, you would not want to leave.

  • Mountain Pastures are +- 80km from Knysna and George, 120km from St Francis, Jefferies Bay and Mossel Bay.

  • Come build your own snow man, play in the snow or just take in the beauty of our beautiful surroundings!! (Even during our cold winter months). Come and discover the beauty and serenity of this pristine wilderness area while relaxing in the comfort of our well-appointed accommodation.

Rates

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Accommodation/Service Price Additional Info
Room 1 (2 Singles or 1 Double) Rates available on request Communal kitchen, separate ladies and gents bathroom.
Two Bedroom Chalet (Chalet 2, Max 4 Persons) Rates available on request King-size and 2 single beds, bathroom with bath, lounge, fireplace, tea/coffee tray.
Studio Rooms (Chalets 3-7, 3-4 Persons) Rates available on request King-size and 2-3 single beds, en suite bathroom, lounge, fireplace, tea/coffee tray.
Game Drives (1 Hour, Min 2 Guests) R150 per person
Game Drives (3 Hours, Min 2 Guests) R250 per person Snacks included.
Conference Facilities Rates available on request Sound system, projectors, tables, chairs, pedestal included.
Meals (Groups) Rates and menus available on request