GET AWAY AT GROENVLEI GUESTHOUSE FARM

Finally, a weekend off from hunting. Time to sleep in, relax at home and do absolutely nothing. Well boy was I wrong. My family had organised a surprise farm getaway for my birthday for the weekend to a farm located between Graaff Reinet and Richmond in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Groenvlei Farm Guesthouse is the perfect getaway for those that want to escape the busy city life and find relaxation on a working cattle and sheep farm. The homestead sits at an altitude of 4640ft above sea level, but the surrounding higher peaks is what gives this farm magnificent sceneries. It is an easy drive to get there and is North of the town of Graaff Reinet. This remote paradise was perfect for time away from the rat race and to get back to what really matters.We left the tar road about 25kms out of town, passing through the Camdeboo National Park. The next 30kms would be on a scenic dirt road. Well maintained, so no requirement for an off road vehicle. Driving through this beautiful landscape makes time fly by (vital when you have a twelve-year-old son that talks non-stop) and we soon arrived at the entrance of the farm.
We were warmly welcomed by Johnny and Sula, the farm owners and they took us to our family cottage which comprised of 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), an open plan dining room lounge, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor entertainment area. The farm can accommodate up to 20 guests in cottages, but also has a camping area on site.
The sun quickly disappeared leaving us with a night sky filled with stars unaffected by light pollution of any kind. We sat outside in awe of the stars. Staring up at the Milky Way, Southern Cross and counting the satellites passing overhead before heading inside to relax in front of the fire in the lounge. We enjoyed family time, playing cards and board games and discussed the following day’s agenda. With around 12000 hectares of openness we had lots to explore.The sun was coming up and the forecast was very positive for a perfect day for being outside. A cup of coffee was surprisingly brought to our room by the children. We could tell they were ready for a day outdoors and the thought of a lie in was over. It was quickly pointed out that they were ready for breakfast and then we should get going on our exploration.
All ready we headed out for the first walk of the day. Passing by the flock of stud merino sheep we walked along the river bed. My daughter armed with her camera, snapping away at the abundant birdlife and stunning views. Seeing a fish eagle looking over the dam watching for their next meal was the highlight of that first morning.
Back to the cottage for a breakfast of eggs and bacon washed down with another coffee. We sat on the veranda while the children showed us how much energy they have by running around on the tennis court before asking “what are we doing next”.
We left them to continue burning some of their energy while looking around the area with the dogs before we headed out again.
Taking the vehicle this time we headed out on one of the 4×4 routes. Driving slowly up the mountain, where low range is sometimes needed we took in the fantastic scenery of this amazing property. High peaks, deep valleys and stunning views around every corner. The Karoo area is still in a drought and I will definitely return when there has been some rain, as I would love to see some of the many mountain streams running in full flow over the numerous waterfalls we saw.An abundance of wildlife was spotted on our drive. Kudu bulls following the females showing the season had changed and the rut had started. The high altitude living Vaal rhebok were plentiful in numbers, seeing herds in most of the valleys. A number of grey wing partridge ran along in front of the vehicle before bursting into flight and dispersing in all directions. This all made the journey up the rough track worthwhile and we all enjoyed it. Reaching the top of one of the mountains we off loaded a cooler box and enjoyed our lunch whilst feeling we were untouchable at the top of the world. Looking out from our vantage point we could see for kilometres without being able to see a sign of other inhabitants. If you want to sit and listen to the sound of silence then this would be a perfect place to hear it.
We slowly continued on with the road and eventually after about three hours we arrived back at the homestead. Kids now exhausted, we lit the fire and watched the sun going down like a ball of fire lighting up the sky in different shades of orange and purple. The evening once again was filled with millions of stars and if you are a star gazer, this is definitely a spot to take in your interest.We woke to two bright-eyed children ready for an exciting adventure ahead and a gorgeous sunrise to kick start the last day of our weekend.
After a short morning walk we jumped into the vehicle for another drive, this time on the flatter section of the farm. Seeing herds of springbuck grazing and kudu disappearing like ghosts into the bush. We did a small circuit before heading back to the cottage to prepare for our trip home.With the kids dragging their heels to pack while mumbling about not wanting to head back to town. We assured them that we would soon return and they would once again have the freedom of the fantastic Groenvlei hospitality.
We started our journey home with the knowledge that we will definitely be heading back to this picturesque part of the Eastern Cape.For more info on the farm, visit their website http://www.groenvlei.co.za