The Bakoni Hide-Away - Schoemanskloof Retreat

Description

Set on the Falls Fish Farm in the beautiful, indigenous valley of Schoemanskloof, in Mpumalanga en route to the Kruger National Park, is this off-the-grid retreat ideal for a romantic getaway for lovers of the African bush. Unfenced, it is set on a remote spot on the side of a mountain with abundant birdlife, buck and other game roaming around.

The open-plan cottage is ideal for 2 adults and 2 older children. There’s a king-size bed that can be converted to 2 single beds on request and a steep staircase leads to the mezzanine area with 2 single mattresses. The bathroom is fitted with a double shower with a glass door opening to the outside, toilet, and washbasin. Linen and bath towels are provided.

The kitchen is equipped with a gas hob, fridge-freezer, cutlery and crockery, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. There’s a small dining table with seating where guests can enjoy their meals together and the living area is furnished with a comfortable couch and a cast iron fireplace.

Outside, there is a covered patio with seating. A pathway connects the cottage with a small boma fireplace for outside cooking. A large cast iron potjie pot is available for slow cooking on the fire. The cottage is off-the-grid, with solar batteries keeping the geyser and lights on, and small devices charged. Paraffin lanterns provide lighting for the outdoor area and there is an additional wood-fired hot water heating system for rainy weather. Two old cast iron baths are placed on a nearby cliff edge for cold water baths and sundowners after a very hot day.

The cottage is perfect for birders and nature lovers familiar with the African bush who will delight in perhaps seeing a porcupine, jackal, buck or other wildlife drinking in the little rock pool close to the house. The 184-hectare farm has 2 gorges with cascades and waterfalls when there have been good rains, and is bordered by the river below. There are a number of different hikes and farm roads to explore and easy access to the Sudwala Caves, Kaapschehoop and other spots on the Panorama Route.