The Highest….The Coldest
Come and experience the tranquility and nostalgia of an old-fashioned farmstead with oil lamps and candles; find yourself in the mystical quietness, untouched natural setting and clean, fresh air at the highest and coldest farm in this region. Beautiful views for painters and photographers.
Rhenoster Valley Guestfarm is located on the Nuweveldsberg; halfway between Sutherland and Fraserburg on the scenic Rante Posroete (Post-route) AP2259; (gravel roads to Rhenoster Valley Guest Farm, but it is accessible with a high-clearance vehicle) and near enough to visit the famous Sutherland Observatory.
Rhenoster Valley Offers:
Fully equipped farmhouse
Sleeps 10 people (4 bedrooms)
Outside braai facilities in Harpuisbosskerm ( a vernacular shelter built from bush – used for braaing)
Undercover parking
A farm garden
In winter, the kitchen has an Aga-stove that is lit and kept going for your convenience. In summer we offer a gas stove with oven. The house has an inside fireplace that can be used for a braai too.
We supply the following on request:
Freshly baked farm bread,
Products out of the farm kitchen,
Farm fresh vegetables (in season)
Some guest comments:
‘Unique! Just what we were looking for!’
‘What an oasis for a tired city soul!’
Activities on the Farm:
Aasvoëlkrans:
Here visitors can follow a hiking route that leads to either a viewpoint, Sterbome (Star trees) or the highest point on the farm (1869m above sea level).
For those who enjoy mountain biking, take the route to the viewpoint or do the ‘Rante’ route.
The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Koup, Swartberge Mountains, Moordernaarskaroo (Murderer’s Karoo) and Towerkop by Ladismith.
Many guests enjoy their morning coffee at the viewpoint, watching the sunrise. Or enjoy the Karoo sunset with a sundowner.
And for those who’d prefer not walking – request a trip on the back of a farm bakkie (pick-up truck) to the viewpoint.
Wildlife:
While visiting, you may spot some of the following:
Verreaux’s Eagle (Witkruisarend), Vaalribbok, Steenbok, Dassies and a variety of bird species
History on the farm:
The old farm offers interesting historical sites:
Anglo-Boer War:
English mass grave, where 9 British soldiers are buried.
Bloukoppie’ from where a battle was forged
Farmstead: T-Shaped style farmstead dating back to 1840.
Pear trees that are over 200 years old!
A farm school building where Jan S. Marais attended school (founder of Trust Bank)
Interesting facts:
Rhenoster Valley Farm forms the (former) border between the Western Cape and the Northern Cape; the watershed between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean; the border between Sutherland/Fraserburg/Merweville.
Researchers value the farm for its higher-lying Karoo plants; Insects, moths and butterflies; Anglo-Boer War history; Geological features.
Distances:
60 km from Sutherland
45 km from the Observatory (SALT)
75 from Fraserburg (Rante AP2269 Route)
NB!
Off-the-beaten-track enthusiasts
Flower fanatics
Sea and sun vacationers
RHENOSTER VALLEY is a MUST on your travel itinerary. The ideal rest-stop between North and South.
Kobus and Anna-Marie Olivier look forward to receiving you!
Special guest comment:
“My recent stay at the Rhenoster Valley Guest Farm was the longest continuous stay by any visitor in the five years or so that the farm has received guests. Friends had asked me whether I feared getting bored in such an isolated place without electricity. NOT A CHANCE! When I departed, I still had a mental list of veld hikes I wanted to undertake and walking-accessible places I wanted to visit. This place is fantastic for walking. You can proceed over farm roads or the open veld. In either case, expect to see spectacular scenery, animals (including the elusive vaalribbok) & surprisingly varied plant life. Then there’s the farm’s fascinating history & the relics associated with it. There’s also the timeless Karoo’s peace and quiet, possibly no more pronounced anywhere else in this vast land. Finally, there’s the aura of the Olivier family’s generations-long history as custodians of their land. Even as a visitor, you can share in this heritage. Avail yourself of the opportunity.”
Contact us:
Anna-Marie and Kobus Olivier
Tel: +27 (0)23 571 2780
