Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes

Howdy and welcome to our very first blog post and the launch of our series: Travel.

Snap. Share! This series is all about highlighting different sorts of places we’ve

stayed, visited, and explored throughout South Africa. If you’d like to share your

travels with us, we’ve got the perfect space to do so – The Traveler’s Collective:

bit.ly/3kF18rK.

As we’re PE girls and so are most of our following, we thought it best to start with

somewhere local. If you’re one that needs a constant dopamine flow of fresh air,

mountain terrains, waterfalls, a range of walks and hikes we highly recommend

Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes! Just an hour’s drive from our friendly city, this is an ideal

weekend treat. We’re spoiled with five different options for an escape, so we’re

certain they’ll offer something that tickles your fancy!

Our escape took place on their camping spot - Soetdorings Campsite. We turned left

off the R75 and down the gravel road. Eventually, we hit a farm gate, then another,

and a few more – so make sure your passenger is prepped to jump! We were getting

pretty excited around about now. Upon arrival, we met the friendly owner, picked up

some wood and he gave us the grand tour around our stunning little spot. At first

glance, we thought the sheltered kitchen area (including wood stove – how cool),

green grass off the little man-made natural dipping pool, was quite the ideal weekend

spot. Then we came across the oh-so-majestic bathroom! Perched on the side of a

little hill with only a chain at the end of a walkway rather than a door... and half the

wall missing – meaning breathtaking views while enjoying a steamy shower. Lucky

for us, we were spoilt with stunning summer weather. You’ll definitely need to make

sure you’ve got enough logs for the donkey in the colder months!

At R800 for 6 people, this is such an affordable getaway.

Of course, if you know us, one of the very first things we needed to do was explore

the area by going for a walk! The campsite is the furthest accommodation from the

starting point of the walk so we jumped in our cars and took a five-minute drive down

to the bottom of the valley. Five more minutes into our walk we came across four

stunning tented camps! If you were to stay here, you’d need to pack for the short

walk or ask for some assistance but, being surrounded by nature would be oh so

worth it. Each tent is cool, light and fitted with a private en suite and double bed

overlooking a little stream. The covered sharing kitchen has a small solar-powered

fridge/freezer and a four-plate gas hob. Continuing along with our walk, perhaps

another ten minutes or so in we found the next little gem.

Honestly, even if you’re not into walking you can make it to this must-see point. A

perfect little oasis, a natural waterfall flowing into a beautiful, cool pool. It was an

absolute treat to just hang around there for a bit as a couple of us took a dip in.

Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes offers at least ten different walking trails. There are

cycling and 4x4 tracks too. These range from a few hours long to overnighters for the

more adventurous.

This place truly has so much to offer! We’d recommend one of the four Dassiekrans

Cabins for couples seeking a unit that’s cosy and truly speaks to nature. For a group

getaway, an ideal spot would be the Pepper Tree Cottage. This is a three-bedroom

house kitted out for a self-catering getaway, overlooking the beautiful dam, and

perfectly situated to watch the sunset gently behind the mountains.

Speaking of mountains, there is a king jewel of Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes.

This absolutely must be the Stone Mountain Lodge. This is at the top of a steep

mountain road which requires a 4x4 with low range and diff lock. You’d need prior

experience or you’re welcome to ask reception for a lift to the top. It’s true, all the

very best views are at the top of the mountains! The lodge is completely kitted out

leaving you to kick back and relax in luxury surroundings.

When we visit places like this we are completely left in awe. This place has the

power to transport you into a different world, one where you’re allowed to truly

cherish every moment, one that leaves a deep feeling of gleefulness to simply be

breathing. The best part? It’s so close to home! You just have to head over to their

website and have a look at their beautiful images: https://www.kleinrivier.co.za/