Welcome to Grootnek Guest Farm

Grootnek Guest Farm is situated in the Langkloof Valley along the scenic Cape Route 62 between Joubertina and Krakeel River. Resting in the heart of this scenic valley, Grootnek Guest Farm offers a unique accommodation experience for visitors to the Eastern Cape.

Guests can choose to enjoy their stay in the comfort of one of three quaint, self-catering, fully equipped cottages nestled amongst the orchards of this quiet and peaceful fruit farm.  The Weskus Cottage, Karoo Cottage and the Bosveld Cottage each boast their own unique farm Jacuzzi. Expect comfortable simplicity during your stay as this guest farm offers the charm of the rustic coupled with the luxury of everyday comfort. Each cottage is fully equipped with gas appliances and hot running water, complimented by lamps and candles to complete the beautifully uncomplicated, farm-life experience.  Electricity is also available on the farm should it be required.

Whether you enjoy complete relaxation or appreciating nature through outdoor activities, Grootnek Guest Farm offers the ideal opportunity to do both. From lounging in the farm Jacuzzi or watching 64 species of indigenous birdlife to horseriding and trail hiking, guests are invited to take part in a wide variety of activities on offer at the guest farm.

Come and experience the true sense of 'getting away from it all' by letting the birds wake you up to breath the fresh country air each morning. Drink fresh natural spring water at the source and simply celebrate the peace and tranquility of nature undisturbed by the fast-paced city life.

Activities

Grootnek Guest Farm has a host of activities to offer guests during their stay. Activities range from blissful relaxation to bushveld adventure. 
So whether you want to simply take in the beautiful surroundings and untainted sunsets or explore the natural mountain fynbos on foot 
or horseback, you are sure to find your niche at Grootnek

• Swimming
• Horse riding
• Hiking
• Bass fishing
• Bird watching (64 species)
• Stargazing 
• Donkey rides
• Picking fruit (plums, peaches and pears in season)
• Feeding farm animals
• Drinking natural spring water
• 4x4 route
• Golf (farm is 6km from the nearest course)

Whatever activity you choose to pursue, you will inevitably fall in love with the simple, rustic charm of the farm life experience.

About

Gawie and Erika le Roux have owned Grootnek since 2007, fulfilling a life-long dream, and it is their passion and commitment that is evident on this farm, particularly in the guest houses. The three cottages were originally built in the 1950's as homes for the farm workers. 

When Gawie and Erika arrived they were completely rundown and the project of rebuilding and renovating was tackled with Erika at the helm. After much planning, decorating and hard work, Grootnek Guest Farm opened its doors to guests in May 2009. 

The original farm house at Grootnek Guest Farm was built around 1890. The five tall Blue Gum Trees were planted around the same time and stand as testament to the rich history associated with the farm and the surrounding area. The occupants of the original farm house, Oom Nicklaas Ferreira and his wife, Vinny, have lived on the farm since 1974, but have moved away during 2012. Gerhard is the new Manager since 2012. 

The fruit production at Grootnek includes two varieties of pears (Packhams and Russet Bosc), which are exported at approximately 250 000 kilograms per year; peaches (Nova Donna) which cater to the local market at approximately 32 500 kilograms per year (and growing as these are the youngest trees, planted in 2005); and 2 varieties of plums (Laetitia, red, and Son Gold, yellow) which also cater to the local market at approximately 20 000 kilograms per year. There are currently in the region of 12 000 fruit trees on the farm.

Gawie and Erika welcome all visitors to come and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing few days at Grootnek Guest Farm, where the peaceful surroundings and amazing views provide excellent food for the soul. 

The Area

Grootnek Guest Farm lies along the popular Cape Route 62 that runs through the southern provinces of Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa. The R62 serves as an alternative 'scenic' route to the N2 Highway, and links the small farming towns to the bigger centers from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The route is an endless source of wonder whether you plan to take part in the many activities on offer or simply take advantage of the breathtaking scenery and explore the historic buildings and churches.

The area surrounding Grootnek Guest Farm is known as the Langkloof, or the 'Fruit Route' and boasts a feast of attractions to the avid traveler. The farm is situated between the towns of Joubertina and Krakeel, a typical example of the historic villages in the area that are still largely unaffected by modern day stresses. The people of this area prefer to spend their days honing their craft, from farmers to local artists.
The Langkloof, which means 'long ravine' houses a variety of natural wonders, spectacular scenery and great hospitality. Your trip to the Langkloof filled with hiking, horse riding, fishing, caving and exploring will be perfectly complimented by the comfortable simplicity of the farm life experienced at Grootnek Guest Farm.

Nature-loving guests can also look forward to visiting the nearby Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. This popular world heritage site, which stretches over 200km, is home to the truly unspoiled elements of nature that Southern Africa has to offer. Travelers are offered the opportunity to take part in many eco-recreational activities within this conservation area while experiencing nature face to face.

During winter, snow sometimes falls in the Lankloof area.  To the left are a couple of photos taken during winter 2010.  The photo on the left was taken from the farm, with the snow capped Tsitsikamma mountains in the background.  The second photo was taken about 50kms from Grootnek.

Nearby restaurants include The Belfry, The Ark, The Kontrei Kombuis and The Klip Hotel.