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

ACCOMMODATION:

• All the chalets are tastefully furnished and fully equipped to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Each chalet and unit has its own personal name and style

  • CHALET 1: “King-of-Kings”

    This is a free-standing self- catering chalet that features two bedrooms, each with their own en-suit bathroom. This spacious chalet gives tranquil vibes, and each room can be set up with king-sized bed or two singles depending on your requirement. Electric blankets * There is an open plan fully equipped kitchen and sitting area. Beautiful views from patio.

    • 2 Bedrooms – max 4 people, King size bed in main bedroom

    • Tea & Coffee Tray

    *WIFI

    • Fireplace

    RATES: R2,700.00 PER NIGHT (1 – 4 PEERSONS INCLUDED)

  • CHALETS 2 – 7: “Next to one another”

    These “chalets” are open plan units for only 2 persons, with a fully equipped kitchenette for self-catering with all the goodies you would need. The small sitting area has a fireplace and is ideal for couples.

    Please note that chalets 2 – 6 all have queen size beds and only Unit 7 has either 2 single beds or a King-sized bed.

    • Open plan – 2 People King-size or 2 single beds. Electric blankets

    • Bathroom with shower

    Fireplace

    • Tea and Coffee Tray

    WIFI

    Beautiful Mountain views

    RATES: R1,250.00 PER UNIT PER NIGHT (1-2 PERSONS INCLUDED)

  • CHALETS NO 9 & 10:

    These spacious chalets give tranquil vibes, and each room can be set up with king-sized bed or two singles depending on your requirement. Each bedroom has its own en-suit bathroom. These chalets have fully equipped kitchens and sitting areas.

    Only Unit No. 10 currently offers the luxury of a private “Kol Kol” wood-fired hot tub. We are continuously improving our units to ensure the best experience for our guests. We’re excited to share that Unit 9 will soon be getting its own “Kol Kol” wood-fired hot tub.

    • King size and/ or 2 single beds. Electric blankets

    2 Bathrooms

    • Private open plan Kitchen & dining / sitting Private braai facilities

    • Tea & Coffee Tray

    Fireplace

    • WIFI

    RATES: R1,250.00 PER UNIT PER NIGHT (1 – 2 PERSONS INCLUDED)

  • CHALET 11: THE PRIVATE “COTTAGE ON THE LAKE”

    A Beautiful dreamy 3 bedroom cottage standing on the edge of a pond with beautiful mountains as a backdrop. Each room can be set up with king-sized bed or two singles depending on your requirement. The Main bedroom has its own en-suit bathroom and an additional shared bathroom.

    • 3 Bed rooms – 6 people maximum

    • King size and/ or 2 single beds + 2 single beds in 2nd & 3rd room

    • 2 Bath rooms Electric blankets

    • Fire place WIFI

    • Tea & Coffee Tray Braai (Barbeque area)

    • Full Kitchen and Dining/ sitting area

    RATES: R4,500.00 PER NIGHT (1 – 6 PERSONS INCLUDED

  • CHALET 12: (Brand new)

    This is a quint and cosy open plan chalet for 2 persons only.

    Only 1 bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bath room.

    Own fully equipped kitchen & dining/ sitting area. It has braai facilities outside.

    RATES: R1,450.00 PER NIGHT (1-2 PERSONS INCLUDED)

  • CATERING/ MEALS

  • We’re pleased to offer breakfast and dinner at our Lodge, served in the beautiful and relaxing setting of our lounge area

    Dinner is a three-course meal, thoughtfully prepared using the freshest seasonal ingredients available. Our menu is selected at our discretion to ensure the highest quality and flavor, and each meal includes a beverage of your choice.

    Vegetarian options are available on request. Please enquire for current pricing.

    Breakfast includes a variety of freshly baked goods and spreads, fruit, yogurt and preserves, cold or hot cereals, and a selection of warm dishes to start your day right.

    Please note:

    All meals are available by pre-booking only.

    We look forward sharing a delicious experience with you.

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.

  • Early Morning Drives – Feel the magic of the bush awakening, warmed by the first golden rays of sunrise.

    Sunset Drives to the Summit – Let the romance of dusk envelop you as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky turns to fire.

    Book your game drive at the reception

Hiking Trails

  • There are 5 x GREEN FLAG accredited circular trails for beginners, modest, and very experienced hikers.

  • All trails are clearly marked and easy to follow.

  • All trails are available to both day visitors and overnight guests. Overnight guests have the benefit of being able to take full advantage of the five trails on offer during their stay. Knowledge that one does not have to rush off after the hike means that overnight guests can enjoy the trails at a more leisurely pace.

    • Should hikers wish to complete both the Tranquility Trail and the hike to the waterfall in one day, please note that this would be a long and challenging hike more suggested for the fit and experienced hikers (also a good option for trail runners).

    With the introduction of a circular walking trail of ±10Km, it is however now possible to visit our hideouts, winding your way through vegetation representing both succulent Karoo as well as Outeniqua-fynbos. Various aloes, as well as protea species, grace the trail on both sides, exploited cheerfully by cape Sugarbirds, Jangroentjies and other nectar feeders.

    Look out for the gracious, Grey Rhebuck, who not only finds its home but thrive here in this inhospitable surrounding. It is a strenuous walk with a total ascent of 800m but 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.

  • 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.

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.