Seasons come and go, but a few historic cottages located in our national parks and reserves have stood the test of time. While staying true to their rich history and heritage, these cottages welcome guests for exquisite wilderness escapes.
Afsaal Cottage
Karoo National Park
Picture by Romi Boom
Tucked away far from civilisation, this century-old shepherd’s cottage promises endless views of the Karoo. On the stoep, wait for surprise animal visits as wildlife come to quench their thirst at a small waterhole just 50m in front of the cottage. Here, nights and days are quiet with only wilderness sounds echoing across the arid landscape. And it’s absolutely true what they say: nothing rivals the Karoo’s splendour. Come winter or summer, cooking on an open fire while admiring a crimson sunset never gets old. This rustic and quaint cottage is located along the southern section of the Nuweveld 4×4 Route, some 35km from the park’s main rest camp.
Words are inadequate to describe the peacefulness that fills a person fortunate enough to experience this, a piece of the Karoo just for ourselves. – Bridgena Barnard
Good to know
- Accommodates two adults and two children
- Equipped with solar power system for lighting, cooking and fridge/freezer
- Bedding is provided
- Two outside braai areas
- Gas geyser for hot showers, and outside wash basin
Reservations: +27 (0)23 415 2828, [email protected]
Lenie Marais Cottage
Swartberg Nature Reserve
Picture courtesy of CapeNature
It’s believed that Lenie Marais built this structure herself. She was among the pioneering families that headed to Gamkaskloof after farmer Petrus Swanepoel settled in the area in 1830. With pebbled windows and doors, decorative gable, and your very own splash pool, the cottage is an atmospheric and restful retreat. The rugged and mountainous setting provides views for days and countless hours of relaxation – think birding, hiking, or simply growing quiet in a beautiful place. Situated between the Klein and Groot Karoo, Swartberg Nature Reserve is home to a fusion of intriguing plantlife, rich heritage, and dizzying mountain passes. If you’re lucky, very lucky, you might even get a glimpse of a leopard.
Good to know
- Sleeps up to five guests in three bedrooms
- Outdoor braai facilities (wood on sale at the reserve office)
- Bathroom with shower and gas geyser
- Electricity provided by gas
- Equipped kitchen with gas stove, gas fridge, sink, cutlery and crockery
- Bedding, linen and towels are provided
Reservations: +27 (0)21 483 0190, [email protected]
Mockford Cottage
Pafuri Border Camp
Picture by Mike Kendrick
The Kruger National Park’s Pafuri Border Camp is what wild dreams are made of. With lush plant growth, serene fever tree forests and epic river gorges, it’s no surprise that many call the Pafuri region Kruger’s Eden. Situated near the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers, Pafuri Border Camp hosts three historic houses: Mockford House, Mockford Cottage and English House. The smallest of the three, Mockford Cottage, is where the Kruger’s spell will captivate you. With a thatched roof, old-school veranda, high ceilings and cement floors, it’s elegant simplicity is what creates the cottage’s special atmosphere. Although Pafuri Border Camp – hugging the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders – opened onlyin 2015, it’s quickly becoming a favourite amongst Kruger connoisseurs.
Good to know
- Two bedrooms with en-suite shower and bath facilities
- Fully equipped kitchenette
- Dining room and patio
- Outside braai facility
Reservations: +27 (0)13 735 6873, [email protected]
Wow I can’t wait to explore all the cottages each one seems to have a magical ambience. I have stayed at most camps and bush camps in Kruger over the years so I vote for Mockford as my first choice. Oh who am I kidding all 3.
Afsaal Cottage: We had a wonderful stay at Afsaal! It’s a special place surrounded by the splendor of the Karoo.
The cottage is comfortable and well equipped, with everything needed.
We will be there again in September!
These all look absolutely fabulous!!! Unfortunately we can’t even afford your ordinary cottages and always camp. I guess we will just have to dream on!!!
Like Mary Morgan we too cannot afford staying in any of the very beautiful cottages. We have visited all Sanparks except for
Marakele and Mapungubwe which we will be going to in August. Making it possible to put a tick against every park, however,
we have to camp and am thankful for the opportunity to do so.
Wow almal pragtige cottage maar ek sal daarvan hou om by Afsaal cottage te gaan afsaal so stil en rustig dink ek met net die natuur om jou Wens ek kon gaan