Deep in the Langeberg mountains faraway from the hustle and bustle of city life, you will find Simonskloof Mountain Retreat. Situated 50km from Montagu in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, we are only a 2½-hour drive from Cape Town.

Established in 1999, we aspire to responsible Eco-tourism and invite you to rest, relax and recharge your weary soul. Alternatively engage in some of the outdoor activities on offer: Wilderness hiking, mountain biking to abseiling (rappelling) or kloofing (canyoneering). Since 2011 even a Zip-Slide just 15km away.

Simonskloof is 2000ha in size and split by two great biospheres: The Succulent Karoo (Renosterbos) and Mountain Fynbos. We are habitat to a variety of Protea, Buchu and numerous medicinal plants. Wildlife such as Rhebok, Klipspringer, Leopards, Mountain tortoises, Porcupine, Genets, Caracals and the sky above is guarded by a pair of black eagles and a host of other birds. All are part of Simonskloof’s fauna.

Accommodation

We offer three colour full, down to earth self-catering cottages: Faraway Cottage and Orange Cottage as well as Eric’s Place where it all started back in 1999. Our main focus is on simplicity, sustainability, Eco-friendliness. All units are without electricity, yet are equipped with solar and gas for heating, cooking or cooling.

We also offer Dinner Bed & Breakfast. A unique African-Swiss cuisine prepared on the open fire and naturally served by candlelight. The morning air filled with the aroma of freshly-ground coffee, wood fire baked bread and the chant of the birds will provide a perfect start for an enjoyable day out in the mountains.

Finally Camping down by the over 200 year old oak tree – the reason my late granddad move into this valley end of the 1970s – here we have 7 grassy sites all spread out private and most have shade and water points too. Again free of electricity!

Get Active…

Over the year we’ve created a network of hiking trails leading up the mountain to panoramic lookout points up to 1300m and with views into the Nuy River Gorge. Our border collies, eagerly guides you on your hikes. The ultimate one the Gecko Trail is a multi day adventure through the Langeberg.

A farm dam and little rock pools are the perfect places to cool down in the Summer heat and the perfect location of bird watching.

For the ultimate wilderness experience try: Bushwhacking, abseiling, boulder hopping, swimming, 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. Further more there’s a guided 60m Abseil on the edge of the gorge and over 40km of MTB trails to keep you fit.

See you soon at Simonskloof Mountain Retreat for a truly down-to-earth escape!