Southern Yurts

Amazing little getaway. Peaceful and quiet

10/10 Everything was perfect - it’s cozy, beautiful, the hosts are awesome, the view and bird life is incredible. Just a general good-for-the-soul getaway

It is warm and cozy. Also set up to cater both inside ad out

The amenities are impeccable and the hot tub was the best during the evening and star gaze. Everything is stunningly beautiful and very creative. Everything was provided for. The hosts were most welcoming. Being in nature with no television and mobile connection is really a spiritual break away from the crazy world.

The kids were bored as there isn't much kid activities. There's no pool and the dam was to swim "at your own risk". Poisonous snakes could "possibly" be basking away on walking and hiking trails so I didn't want to take any chances with the kids as the mobile network was not great.

Everything was well thought out. Bathrooms went the extra mile, hot tub was great, the extra living room space was amazing and the host Kate was friendly.

We honestly had almost no complaints. The only thing that may be worth improving is the zips to get in and out of the tent. They often got stuck, or would strip open. But this had no impact on our stay.

An absolute gem. Calm, peaceful, and exactly what we needed to switch off. The lookout point was a huge highlight — truly breathtaking and something special. If you’re looking to escape the city rush and everyday madness, this is the place. We left feeling rested, grounded, and not wanting to leave just yet. Would recommend to have a SUV though as we did- it allowed us to do a little farm drive to add to some exploration adventures. Will definitely recommend to anyone and will go back anytime.

We loved the hike and would have done a second one, but due to illness we were unable to.

Lack of a microwave was our only problem - it's something we need for medical reasons but we managed without.

Unikátní atmosféra pobytu v divoké přírodě s fantastickými výhledy a dokonalým zázemím. Okolí se stezkami a jezírkem ke koupání. Skvělý hostitel.

We loved everything about the property.

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Everything! The view, the location, the cleanliness and the once in a lifetime experience!

We LOVED the yurt!!!!!! The mattress was a tiny bit hard, but hey it was still amazing!

Southern Yurts is a slice of heaven. The attention to detail in every corner and space was well noted. It was comfortable, homey, relaxing and had everything you need for a self catering unit. Cannot wait to come back.

It was amazing - nothing we didn't like :)

Loved the quiet surroundings. Host was super friendly and the bed comfortable.

Didn't realize it is more glamping. The bathroom that is open, made us play hide and seek with spiders. But if you love camping this is definitely the place to go.

Beautiful setting and accommodation. We had a wonderful time with our friends and dogs. The hikes were lovely and the accommodation was very well kitted-out.

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It has everything you need to relax but also have fun - pizza oven, hot tub, canoeing, games, bird hides. Completely perfect romantic getaway. You feel tucked away. Beautifully decorated, you can see everything is thoughtfully selected. Even the towels were thick and fluffy and we got bathrobes! There were actually too many nice places to relax as there are two braai areas attached to Botanica and a small pool area, which we didnt have time to use. So you never run out of things to explore.

This was the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. We loved everything the property had to offer and the peaceful surrounding. Such a relaxing escape - we’ll definitely be booking another visit!

My only small critique would be the shower, as it runs on a gas geyser and can be a bit tricky to get the water temperature just right. That said, it really wasn’t a big issue and certainly didn’t spoil our stay in any way.

We stayed in Kestrel. It is super quiet and private. Beautifully maintained, very clean and comfortable. The hot tub was great and the scenery is beautiful.

Everything was perfect. The only note is that the wifi is not really strong at Kestrel camp.

Exceptional getaway in the mountains with a wood fired pizza oven, hot tub and attention to detail in this cozy cabin. We loved hiking, star gazing and making our own pizzas. Highly recommend

Every single thing about southern yurts was amazing . Worth every cent 👌 the hot tub was a highlight not to speak about the pizza oven, and then there's the viewpoint with the most amazing view every. Best way to cut off from everyday life and stress.

Tobin and Kate were very friendly and welcoming. Our yurt was the Forest View one, and nicely secluded. We had everything we could ask for on hand, and enjoyed the hot tub in the early evenings. The bird life was super and the walking trails we did were very scenic. We loved our stay and would heartily recommend Southern Yurts for a weekend away, or longer.

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This is our first time in South Africa and without question, this stay was a highlight for us. Both Tobin and Kate were incredible hosts, so responsive and we were really impressed with their initiative and dedication to making their yurts and cabins a place of beauty and rest. We loved the privacy and spaciousness of our space, the design of the main room to maximize air flow, functionality and light, and of course the hot tub. Beautiful view of the mountain, kitchen had everything we needed, and Kate made us 2 beautiful baskets for dinner and sundown. Bed was super comfortable and the yurt had good air flow, which we appreciated given the heat. All in all, an unforgettable experience!

clearer signs for hiking trails

Hidden gem, amazing location. A lot of attention to detail by the very friendly owners. Nature at it's best. Totally worth a visit

Beautiful, thoughtful design, fully kitted out, lovely view of the mountain and black eagles during the day, gorgeous stars at night. Kate and Tobin were perfect hosts.

A little scary drive way, some unsightly construction going on, but I guess it has to happen sometime!

I appreciated that it was distant enough from the city to offer peace and quiet, yet close enough to avoid feeling like a long journey. The glamping site comfortably accommodated our family of four, providing all the necessary amenities, and the wood-fired hot tub was a delightful bonus. We didn't try the hiking trails, but the walk to the dam, with its canoeing and fishing opportunities, was completely manageable for someone who doesn't hike at all.

This isn't a dislike, but rather a heads-up: the dirt road can be a bit daunting for cars with a lower profile. However, we managed to reach our glamping site without any problems.

It was quiet, peaceful and though there were a few accommodations on the property we had no one close to us

The road leading to the accommodation was impossible to drive without hitting the bottom of your car. The water in the damn was not clean and therefore unpleasant to swim.

Luxurious accommodation in nature at it's best. A unique and tranquil stay. Worth a visit!

Nothing!

We loved our stay here. The forest yurt was right in the middle of nature and with lots of privacy, but it also felt super luxurious with the separate living area, hot tub, pizza oven, brai and other amenities. The unit was really well equipped for self catering and we purchased the pizza basket which was so well stocked with 2 pizzas, so many toppings and some chocolate & crisps. Loved the wood fired hot tub too!

Not an issue for us, but the bathroom is open to the elements so you’re at risk of creepy crawlies entering.

The hosts are wonderful and so thoughtful. The place is spectacular, perfect for hiking enthusiasts, bird lovers, dog walkers, and family adventures. Oh and did I mention how amazing a hot tub is under the starlit sky? Wow 🌟 🤩

Very comfortable

Loved the freedom and nature as entertainment.

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Location was absolutely stunning!

Only extremely minor issue was that the fan didn’t work in the bedroom.

The setting is stunning. Loved the grass at the site for my daughter to play on. Of course the hot tub was lovely.

host Kate is wonderful! the breakfast basket was so delicious

Location 👌

Everything was perfect as always

Amazing place and wish we would have spend more nights. Perfect breakfast and welcoming atmosphere. We were 😁 thrilled.

We had an amazing stay at Southern Yurts. The location is amazing, the campsites are well thought through and very conveniently set up with all the necessary amenities.

We loved how well equipped the kitchen was, how comfortable the bed in the yurt was and how beautiful the bathroom's views were. The breakfast basket was delicious!

The atmosphere, friendly service, apt facilities, fully equipped kitchen, games drawer

The insects

Quiet location at the foot of the mountains, with lovely hikes

Woodburning hot tub, peace and quiet, birds, tranquility, friendliness of the staff, clean, intentionally designed, love the sustainability and attention to being "green"

Absolutely nothing! Loved the whole trip - my only suggestion is to provide a picnic blanket or a lounger or two in the camp site to lounge outside and not just sit on the chairs.

Southern Yurts is so beautiful and peaceful! We had an amazing time, thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub and slept soundly in the yurts. We really appreciate the effort done by the hosts.

Comfort of the Yurt, peaceful sounds of the birds chirping and nearby river flowing. We also loved the pizza basket. Will definitely be back :)

The whole setting of the place was excellent. Was extremely private.

The staff were great. Location good.

We should have been told that a 4x4 was preferable to get to venue. The tents are toonfar from the common area. The common area is not well insulated, so in cold weather, it's best to stay in the tent which is uncomfortable to get in and out of.. the common area doesnt have a door but a curtain. The toilet is up on a high "throne: which is difficult for older folk to navigate.

Privacy Yurts Jacuzzi Kitchen Fireplace Braai area Hiking Trails Dam Eagles Bathroom

We arrived in wild weather and not much visibility. We had booked a yurt and was grateful to be moved to the River Cabin. This was still a kind of glamping…it was suggested we leave our small car across the river which was a brilliant suggestion as we had to exit the cabin on planks across the river in the morning and would never have got the car out in a hurry. The owners are wonderful and friendly. We could not use the facilities but enjoyed the heated blanket on the bed and slept super well. We were able to see the surrounds better as we left today and it is stunning, there are walks for a sunnier day. My 11yo children thought this a fantastic adventure. In better weather, the hot tub and pizza oven surrounded by the bush would be fabulous. We ate at the Elgin Railway which was 30mins away and lots of variety. Thank you so much for a memorable stay.

The bedroom part smelled a bit mouldy, and we left a window open, which would be good to have flyscreen on it - perhaps it was the damp weather.

The place is just stunning!

Shower was a bit challenging

Enjoyed every part of our stay, Kate and Tobin are amazing. The location is breath taking and the camp site exceeded our expectations, the yurt and kitchenette were fully equipped, didn't need anything. Thank you!!! Will definitely be there again.

Everything was great.

Nothing really

The property is very private , neat and beautiful. We had fun.

Loved the location, completely off the grid with awesome night time skies

Loved everything

The Botanica was really joyful. The pizza oven and hot tub were so nice, especially with the view of the stars above at night. The lighting in the room was very nice, with the fairy lights above the bed. I would recommend this destination to everyone! Thank you to Kate and Tobin, for your welcome and thorough support.

We were so close to nature, that a tiny little scorpion (smaller than half a matchbox) made its way into the kitchen – fortunately, we saw him in time and could set him free into the furthest point in the garden.

Such a lovely stay. It’s In the middle of nature, very secluded and peaceful. The yurts are very comfortable and innovative. Kate and Tobin are great hosts, so friendly and helpful. The breakfast was so good, great value for money and very fresh and authentic. Definitely would recommend for a break from the city getaway.

Loved everything. Perfect views especially at night under the stars. Perfect place to get away and unwind.

Loved everything

The tranquility and setting is amazing. The unit Botanica cabin was all that we needed. I wish we could have stayed longer. The kolkol was perfect and relaxing. The hospitality we received on arrival and on departure from the host was phenomenal.💯🤗

There was no place to hang our wet clothes after using the kolkol

Tobin and Kate are amazing hosts who have created a wonderful, welcoming and peaceful space. So lovely to spend some time out in nature! The camp is beautifully decorated and has everything one needs for self-catering. Lots of carefully thought-out extra details too. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

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It is unique , one with nature and private

Kate was such a kund host. It was taken care of everything. We loved the tranquility, nature, amazing facilitations and the communication with Kate. Thank you so much. We will come back.

Nice for Family Glamping in a beautiful landscape

So beautiful and incredible. Tobin and Kate were exceptional hosts. Kind and caring. The wildlife and views were spectacular. Can't wait to go back!

The spiders. Oh my god!!!!

We loved everything about this spot ! It was brilliantly designed, super efficiently equipped and absolutely beautiful. The yurt was cosy, comfortable and such an experience ! So many things to love !

Absolutely nothing !

Dog friendly and really awesome camp setup. The hot tub is also really nice.

Our cabin we booked is the only one that is right next to another one. You don’t share any facilities but you can hear your neighbour every now and then if they being noisy.

Wow! What a beautiful place to be. We really enjoyed our little couple get away. It is in the middle of nowhere which we loved and obviously the hot tub was the highlight of this place. The kitchen was very well equipped with not only the main necessities, but also spices to cook with, which I find really rarely in these kinds of places. Kate was very accommodating. She showed us how to get to the hikes and brought us everything we needed.

If I had to come up with something it would probably be the WiFi connection in the kitchen. In the bedroom the WiFi worked perfectly fine, but in the kitchen the WiFi didn’t work at all. I told Kate and she did her best to fix it, so not her fault at all! Also kind of nice to disconnect for a bit, since there’s no cell reception whatsoever.

Remote location. Nestled in the mountains. Magnificent for a really secluded getaway to reconnect with loved ones.

Everything !!!

No electricity for the last eve, no cell reception so couldn’t contact to inform the property.

What a remarkable escape! Our family of four enjoyed a fantastic stay at Southern Yurts this past June (2023). This hidden gem provided an unforgettable experience. The location is stunning, surrounded by majestic mountains, creating a fairytale-like setting. Numerous well-marked hiking routes cater to all levels, offering awe-inspiring natural beauty at every turn. Southern Yurts' facilities are exceptional, creating a secret oasis. Our campsite was fully equipped, offering a cozy home away from home with thoughtful amenities at our fingertips. However, the standout was the warm and friendly hosts. From arrival, they treated us like old friends, ensuring smooth communication and exceeding all expectations in their dedication to our experience. For fellow travelers, winter visits require warm clothing despite provided bedding and hot water bottles. Extra wood is recommended for chilly nights, available at a reasonable price. During rainy seasons, slightly higher ground clearance vehicles provide added safety, although a 4x4 isn't necessary. In conclusion, Southern Yurts captivated our family with its tranquility and adventure. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Don't miss out on an epic and enduring experience—book your stay now!

Amazing scenery around the camp!

Jerry the field mouse (but he was cute).

We enjoyed the hot tub so much. There was nothing we didn't like. Everything was perfect!

Excellent ..everything was just outstanding.

This is a wonderful place. The hosts Kate and Tobin were helpful and thoughtful.The cabin was clean, comfortable and there is an attention to detail which made it so delightful. The location was superb: beautiful views, a lovely well tended garden(with fresh herbs growing). There was even a private lookout point. I will definitely be bacl.

The road getting to the cabin is pretty rough, but heavy rains haven't helped that.

We loved this venue. The yurts were perfect - better than I had imaged. The kitchen/dining/sitting area was extremely well appointed - Kate had thought of everything. The hot tub was great. I loved the split level ablution block. The scenery was stunning. The site was tranquil and so peaceful - ideal for a get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I can't fault it.

We didn't have Sat Nav so finding Van der Stel Pass Road was trickier than it might have been of SA residents. The road is not explicitly signposted from the R321. I understand that Kate is in the process of trying to get a signpost for Southern Yurts at this junction so hopefully it will be easier for others to find in the future!

The host Kate was very warm and welcoming and took the time out to tell us about interesting activities to do within the area. The location was in a location that’s easy to find. Rooms and the area was clean.

was just amazing!

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