SELF-CATERING · OFF THE GRID
Before you arrive
A few things to know about self-catering in the kloof.
GOOD TO KNOW
Simple living, well prepared
Speekhout is a working farm deep in the Baviaanskloof, running on fountain water, gas and limited electricity. Here is what to expect, and what to pack.
In the kitchen
Each cottage has a two-plate gas stove, a kettle, a coffee plunger, and a braai grid and tongs. A percolator and three cast-iron potjie pots are available on request. Please bring your own fire-lighters, serviettes, salt and sugar.
Power
The Tree House and Klein Karoo Cottage have electricity for a kettle, toaster, microwave, fan and fridge, with inverters for the lights. Klipspringer Cabin has an electric fridge and freezer, a fan and LED lights. Paraffin lamps and candles are on hand. Bring a torch or headlamp. For load shedding, we are Stutis, area 13, on EskomSePush.
Water
Our fountain water tastes great and is safe to drink, so there's no need to bring your own. It's heated by gas geysers, with spare cylinders on the farm. Water is precious here: please use it sparingly, and don't top up the pools or water the gardens. In summer the cold tap can run warm. We are on a septic system, so no chemicals down the toilet.
Beds and linen
In summer, beds have percale sheets and a mosquito net. In winter, flannel sheets and hot water bottles, with feather duvets in the Tree House. Our linen is not ironed. There is one towel and a hand towel per person. Please keep oils and creams off the linen. A waterproof bed cover is available if you ask a week ahead.
Fires
Good, dry braai wood is for sale at R60 a bag. Please don't gather wood from the veld.
House rules
All units are non-smoking, and no drugs are allowed on the farm. This is a quiet farm, with no loud music or partying. Please don't feed the wildlife, and go easy on insect sprays.
Cash and signal
There are no card facilities on the farm, so please pay for extras in cash. Draw it in a bigger town, as country ATMs can run dry at month end. There is no cellphone reception on the west side of the kloof, so one-time PINs for bank transfers won't come through. There is limited Wi-Fi on the farmhouse veranda, for emergencies only.
On the road
The last stretch is on the R332 gravel road. Sedans can make it if you take it slowly, but pack tyre plugs and tools just in case. Ask us for up-to-date road directions before you set off, and plan to arrive in daylight, as we ask guests not to drive in after dark.
Medical help
The closest doctor and pharmacy are in Willowmore. The nearest hospital is Mediclinic Klein Karoo in Oudtshoorn (044 272 0111), then George. Please know where these are before you head into the kloof.
On arrival
Follow the signs from the R332 to reception: the gate in front of the farmhouse. Ring the bell and we'll come and show you to your stay. You'll find a take-away map of the whole Baviaanskloof waiting for you. Ask us about freshly baked bread and our own chicken eggs.
PACKING LIST
What to bring along
The kloof can be hot by day and cold at night, in any season.
- Trail shoes
- Slippers
- Sunhat and sunblock
- After-sun
- Mosquito repellent
- Torch or headlamp
- Swimwear
- Rain gear
- Warm clothes, always
- Long sleeves and pants for the veld
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Your medication
- Double socks and a jacket in winter
- Nail clippers (for after a hike)
- A good book
Breakages are charged at replacement cost, for example R50 for cutlery, R80 for crockery and R1,000 for a chair. Items left behind can be posted back by Postnet for R250.
QUESTIONS?
Ask us anything
There is no cellphone reception in the kloof, so WhatsApp or email works best.