Encircled by spekboom-covered hills, Klipkraal Farm is a 15 hectare riverfront property in the gorgeous Groenfontein Valley, 13km from Calitzdorp. The Nels river flows through the property, and the Farm offers guests a cool and verdant escape from the arid heat of the Klein Karoo. Take leisurely walks beside the river in the historic sytem of irrigation channels that crisscross the valley, hike into the hills and discover the succulent floral diversity, swim in the river or mountain bike on the winding gravel road that snakes the length of the valley from Calitzdorp to Kruisrivier and beyond to the Swartberg Pass. We offer 3 accommodation options on the farm: a 5-bedroom Farmhouse and two rustic-luxury cottages. All accommodation is private and brimming with Klein Karoo character. Furnishings and decor befit a Karoo farm getaway - Queen beds with pure cotton linen and mosquito nets draped above, Victorian baths. Views of the olive orchards, river valley, the dramatic hills of the Groenfontein Valley and the Swartberg beyond. The Farmhouse is set up as a comfy no-frills home, with wood-burning fireplaces, a top notch pizza oven, a well appointed kitchen and pantry, wrap around verandas and a variety of seating and outdoor entertainment areas. The Farmhouse is perfect for family farm stays or groups of friends on a getaway. The Farmhouse has WIFI, electric lighting, electric fridge. Klipkraal Cottage is a 1-bedroom en-suite cottage with rustic-luxury decor and a romantic Karoo feel, complete with outdoor shower and bath, gas water heating and gas fridge and no other power apart from a the fireplace, candles and paraffin lamps - an idyllic romantic couples escape. PLEASE NOTE - NO ELECTRICITY, NO WIFI. The Barn Studio is a 1-bedroom en-suite open plan studio apartment in a traditional Karoo barn, with double volume ceilings and gorgeous views over the olive orchards. The studio has electric lighting, a wood-burning stove, gas water heating and gas fridge. NO WIFI.

We work and live on Klipkraal Farm. We're passionate about the beautiful Groenfontein Valley and can advise on hiking routes, local places of interest to visit and where to eat. We are keen gardeners and our veggie and herb garden is open to guests for complementing their culinary adventures here.

The Groenfontein Valley is one of the hidden gems of the Klein Karoo. Nestled in the spekboom covered foothills of the Swartberg range, the Nels river winds through the valley, interspersed with picturesque farms and breathtaking glimpses of the Groot Swartberg mountain range beyond. The gravel road that winds through the valley is an experience in itself, for hikers, cyclists or motorists. Off that beaten track there are hikes to be had into the beautiful surrounding hills and swims in the river. A 1.5km hike from Klipkraal Farm along the shaded irrigation channel - or a very short drive up the valley - gets one to Peter Bayly Wines - where you can sit on the farmhouse veranda overlooking the vineyard, taste their fine wines and highly regarded port, hosted by the family. On Saturday mornings - 10km away on the Wesoewer Road - the Accidental Baker opens for their much anticipated offering of fresh sourdough breads, coffee, food platters and toasties - a favourite with locals and a must-do if you are here on a Saturday morning. The Calitzdorp dam is 4km away and offers rowboat rentals at the Fish Eagle Private Resort. The Kruisrivier Gallery is 13km away and highly recommended, showcasing the works of couple Roger and Phyllis, longtime residents and creatives, it also offers coffee and light meals. In Caltzdorp - 13km away - are a number of places worth visiting: the Calitzdorp Museum for history and second-hand books, Die Bakhuis for pizza and good coffee and Die Dorpshuis for a seat on the veranda to watch the passings-by and absorb the goings-on of a small Karoo town. On Wednesday mornings the Calitzdorp Fresh Market offers the best of fresh locally grown veggies and home made produce - a local secret and not to be missed.