River View Cottages

The River View Cottages overlook a sweeping bend in the Gamka River. The three cottages are situated on The River Farm near Calitzdorp in the Little Karoo. Come and enjoy walking amongst the Karoo koppies, swimming and fishing in the river, the wildlife of The River Farm, and the view from your patio of the river and the expansive Swartberg Mountain Range. River View Cottages are three self-catering, free-standing cottages. Each is unique and accommodates a couple (if you have children, The Old School House is our family accommodation). The bedroom has a double bed with en-suite shower, and bed linen and bath towels are provided. The living room contains a comfortable lounge area, dining table and a fully-equipped kitchen with spring water on tap. All you need to bring is food. Each cottage has an indoor fireplace and a private outdoor barbecue facility. There is also a central boma with barbecue facilities, ideal for groups of friends occupying the cottages.River View Cottages are situated in the heart of a world biodiversity hotspot. This means that they are situated in one of the most biologically-rich and most endangered areas on earth. There are 35 such areas in the world and three of them, namely the succulent Karoo, Fynbos and Subtropical Thicket, intersect in this area. For an area to be declared a biodiversity hotspot, it must contain at least 1500 species of endemic plants or animals, and have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. This is what gives it its special conservation status and makes it especially interesting. Eco-tourism and the interested involvement of as many concerned visitors as possible, is an essential part of biodiversity hotspot conservation. You can take leisurely walks on the farm roads, along the rivers edge and explore the Karoo koppies. If you feel more inclined towards further exertion, there are a variety of hikes which take you into the pristine wilderness of the area. The yellowfish in the Gamka River provide many passionate fishermen with their favourite fly-fishing. There are also black bass, mogga and eel for those who prefer stationary fishing. The area is a bird watcher's paradise with over 118 different species spotted. The resident pair of fish eagles share a view of the river with you. The Grey heron, hamerkop, cormorant and various kingfishers also favour the elevated vantage point above the river. Smaller birds like weavers, bee-eaters and swallows are always active between the river and the vegetation. The region also boasts the highest concentration of Pale Chanting Goshawk in the southern hemisphere. High over the Swartberg the black eagle can be spotted gliding in search of prey.

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Reviews

  • "Having no cell phone signal = total relaxation"

    29 September 2019

    "Being able to truly get away from it all is only possible if you are not at everyone's beck and call at all times. With no cell phone signal, River View Cottages makes that possible. You can relax, turn off your phone and totally immerse yourself in the experience that is right in front of you. Whether that's walking, swimming, riding your bike, reading a book, bird watching or playing a game of scrabble; whatever you do can be done at your pace without having to answer a call, text someone back, WhatsApp a photo, flick through your Facebook feed or read a tweet. A place where you can enjoy the isolation for a while."

  • "A place where you can breathe..."

    25 September 2019

    "If you want beautiful views, peace and quiet and no distractions, this is for you. Thank you for creating this gem and allowing us to share it with you."

  • "Beauty, peace and tranquility"

    12 April 2018

    "We loved our stay. Bronwyn was a great hostess. We will be back!"

  • "Paradise"

    30 October 2017

    "The view was incredible! wonderfully Private and the hostess was very friendly and welcoming. Will go back anyway."

  • "Sights and Sounds"

    18 June 2017

    "Sights and Sounds - Views Views Vistas just a pity no tea and coffee"

  • "Breathtaking views"

    26 April 2017

    "Loved our stay at River View Cottages. Owner attention to detail is perfect."

  • "Paradise valley at the end of the road"

    31 August 2016

    "River View cottages is an incredible getaway on a beautiful riverside farm. Bronwyn and Colin are incredible hosts and have created amazing cottages to relax in. Definitely will be heading back."

  • "Beautiful scenery, stylish accommodation, lovely quiet get away"

    29 August 2016

    "My partner and I only spent one night at River View Cottages but we will definitely be back for more! The accommodation is stylish and modern while fitting-in with the surrounding landscape beautifully. We spent a lazy afternoon lying in the sun on the stoep admiring the view of the mountains and river. Before we left the following morning we had a beautiful walk along the river. The canoes and jetty available to guests were very inviting; sadly we had to leave before we could experience them. Thank you to Bronwyn and our watchful caretaker, Jock (the Jack Russell), we had a wonderful time and will surely be back to explore more."

  • "Beautiful stay"

    29 May 2016

    "River View Cottages are simply and sparsely designed with everything you need. Stunning view, paddles on the river, fireplace in the bedroom, braai boma, no reception and total peace and tranquillity. The farm owners are lovely, friendly people who cater to your needs with a smile. We loved our stay there. <br />"

  • "Great Getaway"

    06 May 2016

    "Thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet, and facilities."

  • "Stunning views, great accommodation"

    06 March 2016

    "We wish we had booked for longer! Great accommodation with a contemporary edge and very well equipped. We loved lying in the hammock, and we loved Jock! The areas on the river are an added treat and can't wait to be back so we can make full use of this great place."

  • "Southern and Northern Cottages"

    24 October 2015

    "<p>For some background information.What a perfect setting. The cottages all have wonderful views of the the river and are designed in a practical manner so as to make it very user friendly. The kitchen stocks S&amp;P, a bit of sugar and coffee sachets for one day with a plunger. Glasses, mugs, plates and cutlery are supplied, plus towels and soap. The cottages have a semi covered patio where one can sit comfortably on outside furniture and cushions or lie in a hammock and enjoy the view. The waist high braai is close to the patio.</p><p>Jock the little adorable Jack Russel makes one feel loved and appreciated. He has impeccable manners.</p><p>All in all a super experience.</p>"

  • "Stunning view"

    19 January 2015

    "Nice location for a get away. Very quite and peaceful!"

  • "Fantasic"

    09 January 2015

    "The view of the river and Swartberg mountains from our cottage were breathtaking! The cottage were very stylish decorated, clean and comfortable."

  • "One night in the Karoo"

    17 December 2014

    "Awesome, no other word to describe, peaceful and quiet. The night sky was breath taking. Would have loved to stay longer, next time. Would love to bring some friends with next time so that they can experience the same. Thanks."

  • "Wonderfull ovenight stay"

    31 October 2014

    "After a drive over the mountain, you find this amazing and very peaceful spot with a very nice, welcoming and helpful family ! You can really feel all the history of the Old School House with all the old school stuff. Everything was perfect except one thing; It was just for one night!"

  • "Tranquility defined"

    10 August 2014

    "Lovely, comfortable, luxurious, tranquil.. a longer stay is required. Tastefully decorated with any of the creature comforts left at home, available. Thanking you Bronwyn! Our rating a certain 5. See you soon. Manfred and Lizbe PS: Regards to your very sociable dogs, Jock in particular."

  • "Thank You"

    23 June 2014

    "Great place to stay, cottages are new, neat and tidy, surroundings are spectacular, owners are friendly, will definitely be back for a longer stay next time."

  • "Breathtaking view"

    12 May 2014

    "View from our cottage was breathtaking. Cottage is 5 star - stunning! Sitting down on the private deck is so peaceful, you forget all your troubles. thanks for a rejuvenating break from everyday life."

  • "Great Hosts & Stunning Views"

    06 May 2014

    "Our stay at River View Cottages was simply amazing. Cottages are very comfortable with stunning views of the River. Bronwyn was very nice and nothing was too much trouble.The walks around the area are very nice but you must go early to avoid the midday sun.The highlight of our stay was swimming in the river which is located just minutes from the cottages. Here you can swim or take the boat up the river and enjoy the beautiful birds and fantastic scenery.Come well equipped because the nearest shop that you can rely on is in Oudtshoorn."

  • "A little Paradise"

    16 December 2013

    "What a nice little spot, out of the way and so relaxing. The swim in the River was great, and the cottages are well equipped and very comfortable.Definitely a spot to stay."

  • "Amazing"

    27 November 2013

    "One of the occasions that one gets both more than one expected and great value. Would definitely return"

  • "Fantastic"

    16 October 2013

    "Absolutely fantastic, piece of paradise, great facilities!"

  • "Treasure"

    12 September 2013

    "We are very happy to have discovered this jewel of a place. The accommodation is immaculate and comfortable - everything had been thought of! Our hosts were super-friendly and the dogs were a treat! Thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and beauty and we're definitely going back."

  • "Heartland"

    19 August 2013

    "Ancient landscapes, silence, peace. We have never stayed in a place which enchanted us more. The simplicity of the cottage gave it grace - and yet it had every comfort: unobtrusive, sophisticated, thoughtful and charming. The fireplace in the bedroom is a winner."

  • "Lovely and peaceful"

    14 August 2013

    "Clean, quite, lots to do, friendly and beautiful. We could really relax and recuperate."

  • "Outstanding"

    13 July 2013

    "An outstanding place. What a pleasure to find a self catering cottage that's not filled with somebody's leftover furniture, but rather, stylishly put together for comfort and pleasure. Attention to detail from long matches for the indoor fireplace to a deliciously cozy bed spread to a hammock on the stoep. It really is just perfect. Thank you so much for giving us the pleasure of being able to stay there."

  • "RVC south"

    06 May 2013

    "Excellent place with lovely hospitality by Colin and Bronwyn. Thanks so much!"

  • "Wonderful"

    28 December 2012

    "What a wonderfull place! We loved every second of our stay! See you again soon!"

  • "Awesome"

    02 December 2012

    "We had a great time!"

  • "Amazing place, take a fishing rod"

    19 March 2012

    "A really glorious spot with paths around the hills marked out in white stones. The cottages are basic but comfortable. Brai outside with wood ready to go. There was a canoe to explore the river. Take a fishing rod. Our hosts were fantastic. Road gravel not tarmac but in good nick. Strongly recommend this for a beautiful out of the way experience."

  • "Ultimate in relaxation"

    02 January 2012

    "On arrival we were greeted with peace and quiet, nothing but beautiful Karoo scenery and a cosy, rather modern cottage with lovely finishes. We enjoyed our walks with 'Jock'. Enjoyed watching Bronwyn and family take a leisurely drive on their tractor and trailer with kids, and Wippets following behind - it is lovely to see them relax too! We really, really loved the stay. The only little problem we had was the comfort of a too soft mattress that had us aching the following day. We would love to return even for long weekends often, but the mattresses need serious attention. Further more this getaway deserves a 10-out-of-10 rating and I wish them all the best with their little paradise. Thank you so much for a beautiful stay and I hope you let us know when you get comfy mattresses, and we sure will be back in a jiffy."

  • "Very good"

    22 August 2011

    "Ons sal vreeslik graag wil teruggaan, maar vir langer. Dit is pragtig daar. Bronwyn is baie vriendelik en behulpsaam. Net een ietsie, die matras was baie sag - miskien kan julle daarna kyk. Geen ander klagtes nie. We would love to visit again, but for longer. It is beautiful there. Bronwyn is very friendly and helpful. The mattress was a bit soft - maybe you can look at that. N other complaints."

  • "Great place"

    20 April 2011

    "Without doubt the best stay of our three-week trip. Superb, wild location, lovely cottage, tranquility, birds, the lot."

  • "Attention to detail"

    24 March 2011

    "We stayed at the cottages for only one evening and Bronwyn were so kind as to inform us that we could leave the next day whenever we wanted to as the cottage was not booked. We had a lovely stroll along the river, sat on the raft under the willow trees, and had a lazy last day of our weekend. The accommodation was stunning! Attention to every little detail is evident everywhere. From the stunning huge wooden chopping block in the kitchen to the fireplace already packed with wood, just waiting for a match to be drawn. Value for money is an absolute understatement. I would love to go back there. In the perfect world I would have liked the cottages be further apart. But that doesn’t mean that the neighbours were within earshot. Having said that, I would not want anyone to get the impression that it is not private enough, I just love wide open spaces around me."

  • "Be back soon!"

    01 January 2011

    "White, crisp, fresh linen. Cottages 5 Star. Be back soon."

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