The farm is situated about halfway between Montagu and the N1/R318 turnoff at the western end (the beginning actually...) of the 250km long Langeberg. With a size of 2000ha it's covered by Renosterbos Karoo and Mountain Fynbos, and habitat to a variety of Protea, Buchu and many other medicinal plants.

Farmhouse Accommodation - colourful rooms and yummy food

Simonskloof, abandoned for many years, has been restored to regain a unique self-sustaining spirit. Being untouched by ESKOM's power net, it truly reflects simplicity and down-to-earthiness, giving guests a glimpse of "once upon a time...", a real escape from mundane values such as TV-commercials and microwave food.

Farmhouse accommodation comprises three twin rooms, each with perfect views of the kloof. They are equipped with mosquito nets and are candle powered. The bathroom is shared - its soft and healthy water comes straight from the mountains, untainted by pesticides, fertilizer or other pollutants. Showering turns into a real treat!

Meals are served -and joined by the chef himself- on the veranda overlooking the Kloof with its organically grown apricot orchards, oak trees and surrounding hills. The morning air filled with the aroma of freshly-ground coffee, wood fire baked bread and the chant of the birds provides a perfect start for an enjoyable day out.

'Far-Away' and 'Orange' Cottages

Self-catering accommodation with superb views! Following the renovation of the second of two original farm cottages, we can now accommodate two self-catering parties (of up to 4 people) instead of one.

The Far Away Cottage has two bedrooms (2, 1+1), a massive built-in fireplace, gas stove and paraffin lamps. It is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery, so all you have to bring is yourself, food and -if desired- bedding. The Orange Cottage is pretty much the same, but see for yourself.

Camping for the nature lover and hiking clubs

Sheltered by a 200 years old oak tree, our grassy campsites are situated away from the farmhouse, next to the mountain stream and a row of apple trees. It is completely down-to-earth with a camp fire, a table in the shade, a hot shower clad in reed, a wash trough and a loo with a view!

Get active...

A net of hiking trails lead up the mountain slopes to panoramic lookout points up to 1300m above sea level. They open the view into the Nuy River Gorge (splitting the farm in half), the Robertson Winelands in the south, or as far as the Matroosberg of the Hexriver Valley in the north. To the east it's the fruit farming Koo valley and Keeromsberg to the west.

Matata, our border collie, eagerly guides you on your hikes. There are also moderate walks down through the valley to the 40m high Keerom dam wall, which serves as the water supply to the Nuy wine cellar near Worcester. Alternatively go free-style and discover hidden beauties.

The kloof is home to rhebok, klipspringer, porcupine, mountain tortoise, leopards, rock dassie and troops of baboon - to name but a few. The sky above is guarded by a pair of black eagles and a host of other birds.

..or just be

If you prefer activities of the quiet kind, just chill out at the dam (now sporting a jetty for easy access), stroll along the mountain stream, through the apricot orchards, past the old dams, or simply enjoy the cooling shade of the big 200 years old oak tree.

Nuy River Gorge Kloofing

The ultimate wilderness experience! Bushwhacking, abseiling, boulder hopping, swimming, rafting and bivouacking under the starry full moon sky - this is, in short, the most adventurous kloofing in the total solitude of the Nuy River Gorge. The trip is fully catered and guide; it is suitable for a max. of 6 people at a time, traditionally run on full moon weekends or by special arrangement. Here is more...

I hope this website gives you an idea about this special place, and I'll see you soon at Simonskloof Mountain Retreat for a truly down-to-earth escape!