Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
KLIPPE RIVIER COUNTRY GUEST HOUSE
Klippe Rivier is a beautiful and historic farm outside the historic town of Swellendam. Built in 1820, it has been the family home of past-presidents Steyn and Reitz. Subsequently it was abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. Recently it was bought, restored and nurtured into a gracious country retreat that is one of the white-walled beauties of the Cape and a National Monument.
The main house, furnished with antiques collected by the owners, serves guests as their living area, dining area, and library. The old 'Waenhuis' (wagon house) and stables were transformed into six unique and luxurious guest suites with all the amenities and little touches to ensure a most comfortable sojourn. A charming thatched cottage is ideal for honeymooners and is decorated with African flair.
The cuisine at Klippe Rivier is acclaimed. Each morning, wake to a delectable and abundant farm breakfast that will see you through your day's activities. In the evenings, the old slave bell rings in time to enjoy a classic Cape wine in the sitting room or library, or on the 'stoep' on balmy summer nights. Soft candle-light and gleaming silver warms the cosy dining room, creating a relaxed setting for an exceptionally prepared dinner.
The nearby town of Swellendam is a quaint historic settlement, the third oldest in South Africa. Soon after its establishment, it was to become a gateway to the interior for early explorers and 'trekboers'; it was even the capital of a breakaway republic for a short period at the end of the 18th century.
Today it is a quiet and tranquil little town with a charming museum, some wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and a handful of studios for potters, artists, and weavers. The surrounding countryside offers some lovely hiking and biking trails, as well as the Bontebok Park - home to the rare Bontebok and other smaller antelope species.
History, hospitality, luxury, and excellent cuisine bring a special magic to this gracious Cape country retreat. It is the perfect place for travellers between Cape Town and the garden route to stop over for a night or two to relax and savour the tranquillity of the Cape's beautiful Overberg region.
To find out more about Klippe Rivier Country Guest House, or to make a reservation, call on 27-11-463-7889 or email us
LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Garden Route
Photo credits: Klippe Rivier Country Guest House