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Come visit Matjiesvlei - the gem of the Little Karoo. Matjiesvlei is a must see when visiting the Klein Karoo. Come and enjoy the serene and tranquil beauty of this valley, situated at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains between Calitzdorp and Ladismith. Farming in this area dates back as far as 1821.
Matjiesvlei invites you to experience the soul of the Karoo through a stay in one of six self-catering farmhouses, each steeped in a history stretching back to the 1800s and lovingly chronicled by the current custodian, Bennie Nel. These homes are not adorned with the usual modern embellishments or constant digital connectivity. Rather, they offer a return to a simpler way of life, one that values authenticity over excess.
Guests will find every essential comfort thoughtfully provided, from soft linen and plush towels to a fully equipped kitchen complete with crockery, cutlery, and cookware. It's the considered, personal touches that set this stay apart from the impersonal nature of many short-term rentals.
Character abounds in every detail, from the low-slung ceilings and flickering paraffin lanterns to the reed-clad roofs and the welcoming warmth of a kitchen hearth. Here, evenings are best spent around the kitchen table, shuffling a deck of cards and sharing quiet moments with loved ones.
While the surrounding landscapes are undeniably captivating, Matjiesvlei offers something far deeper than scenic beauty. Whether seated on the stoep, strolling along the riverbank, or following the curves of a dusty gravel road, you’ll come to appreciate the immeasurable worth of open space, stillness, and crisp Karoo air.
Please see the individual cottage or farmhouse descriptions with photographs below, to assist you with your choice.
This is an angler's paradise, with a wide variety of fish species including Yellow fish, Black bass, Eel and Carp. There are also fantastic water holes perfect for swimming and rowing.
Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
Oupad se Kloof (sleeps four guests) consists of one bedroom with a double bed and one single bed, a bathroom with shower and another spacious room containing the kitchen, dining room and an extra single bed (ideal for children). The unit is fully equipped and has electricity.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 6 guests (max 6 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
This tastefully decorated cottage has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate 6 persons Two of the bedrooms each have a double bed while the third room has both a double and a single bed. Please note that electricity is only available in the kitchen.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 6 guests (max 6 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
Douglas Huis (sleeps six guests) is a comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated cottage dates back to 1860 and consists of 3 bedrooms accommodating 6 persons in total. Please note that electricity is only available in the kitchen.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
One Honeymoon bedroom with double bed and separate bedroom with double bed and bathroom is also available in the outbuilding. The house does not have electricity, but is equipped with sufficient candles, oil lamps and a donkey boiler for hot water.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 6 guests (max 6 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
Huis Oppie Rant (sleeps six guests) has two bedrooms with double beds and a third bedroom has two single beds. The cottage does not have electricity, but has oil lamps, solar panel and a donkey boiler for hot water. Braai facilities, fully equipped kitchen and verandah. Magnificent view of the mountains.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed
Die Wa-huis is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Gamka river. Double bed. Stunning views of river and mountains. Without electricity but fully equipped with candles and lamps. Gas stove, fridge/freezer and donkey-boiler for hot water.
9 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
A truely wonderful experience and an opportunity to leave our busy world behind for a few days amd let everything come to a standstill for once. The cottagaes are adorable amd steeped in history. The silence is addictive. The heat is unreal but the river offees the most beautiful opportunity to cool down. Thank you!
January 2025
Claire v. (Knysna)
Verified review
Many thanks for a very enjoyable stay at The Cloete House at Matjiesvlei Guestfarm. The facilities were very good and everything was available to cook up a storm! We mostly enjoyed the outside fire-pit! Our batteries are recharged with the quietness and stunning birdsong every day! If I can just make one small suggestion regarding the return of the house keys- maybe a locked 'post box' can be put outside of the old Post office/Museum to drop off the house keys. Then the owner can pick it up from there as opposed to dropping it off again at their office. But overall extremely enjoyable stay, thank you!
September 2023
ELKE K. (GEORGE, WESTERN CAPE)
Response timeMatjiesvlei Guest Farm typically responds to requests in 5-10 minutes.
Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.
Closest airport(s)George Airport - 105km
Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 14h00
Check-out by 10h00
Payment methods accepted by the property EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com
Host on SA-Venues.com for 15 years
Find out more about Calitzdorp as a destination
FIND / South Africa Self Catering / Western Cape Self Catering / Karoo Self Catering / Calitzdorp Self Catering
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