Every year, around March, I start getting into a tizz. Birthdays are a big thing for me and I often spend about 2 months reflecting on my last year in the lead up to my date of birth.
This year was no different and the closer it got to March the 11th, the more I was craving time outdoors with nature to realign.
Last year, I had begun the tradition of traveling out of the city for a personal retreat in Worcester (of all places) and started hastily making plans to do so this year as well.
After looking at campsite after campsite (much to the frustration of my bestie), I stumbled upon Kleinfontein Rocklands — possibly one of the best-kept secrets around 30km from Clanwilliam’s Town and about 2h30 away from Cape Town!
A SHORT PITSTOP
We set out to Kleinfontien early with the intention of hiking on the farm, however, we got sidetracked and stopped for tea at the Yellow Aloe Guesthouse in Clanwilliam’s Town — definitely where I’d stay if my plan was to stay in a guest house in town.
The Yellow Aloe is quaint and it reminded me of a scene out of colonial India — being there was almost like being sucked into one of Rudyard Kipling’s stories! We weren’t there for long and quickly carried on to our intended destination.
SLEEPING UNDER SHOOTING STARS
For those who want to experience the outdoors but still have a bit of comfort (like me) Kleinfontein Farm’s tented accommodation is ideal.
It is equipped with…
- A basic kitchen (keep everything locked — there are scorpions and baboons);
- An ensuite bathroom — hot water made possible by solar power (bless!);
- A BBQ facility and all bedding supplied…
Literally, all for under R1000 per/night for 2 people sharing. PLUS, there’s WIFI — but, when you see the stars, you’re going to want to switch it off. *We saw about 5 shooting stars in the space of an hour — something I miss about living in Kwa-Zulu Natal!
WALKING IN KHOI SAN FOOTSTEPS
Kleinfontien was started privately by a beautiful couple who wanted to retire away from the rat-race — virtually unspoiled and well renowned for its wildlife. The farm itself is available for Bouldering and has many hiking routes and is just 5km away from the Khoi Art Trail.
For only R40 per permit, you can walk a 5km trail. This allows you to view hundreds, even thousands, of ancient drawings. The drawings were left by the Khoi San People on the rocks and surrounding areas — spectacular history and a small price to pay for something so dear.
In the end, our time was away was cut short. It turned out that we had to rush back into town for unforeseen circumstances, but, I’ll definitely be back.
All my Love,
Eden Myrrh
#TheGoodSis
