7/10
Reviewed Sep 14, 2026Interesting old house in good condition. Pleasant welcome at the property.
As city residents we were concerned that the house was not locked in the evening, and we were uncertain whether other people were staying in the house. SMS sent to the owner was only responded to later in the evening (after we were asleep).
Way too many blankets on the bed - although the extremely cold weather of the previous week may have been the reason. Had not realised there was only a bath - no shower (probably my mistake). Lack of delivery of take away meals was unexpected. Access from the parking very inconvenient for an older couple.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2026It was perfect. Loved the electrical warm blanket. Elsa went out of het way to wake early and prepare breakfast as we had to be off early. She was very friendly and welcoming
9/10
Reviewed Jun 23, 2026The property is beautiful and so well looked after. Even though they are busy with renovations, the detail put into the rooms are stunning. You can see that the owner really cares.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed May 11, 2026Everything was perfect. No noise or any disturbance. We were there for a funeral and not for a holiday,we were happy with the set up.
Would have liked to have a shower.
From the moment we stepped into the guesthouse, we felt welcome and at home. The house was beautiful and quiet with safe parking. The Breakfast was exceptional. We loved our stay.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 31, 2026Great accommodation and hosting
7/10
Reviewed Mar 11, 2026Excellent breakfast. Beautiful room and old fashioned bed
There were an unfortunate situation where the toiletpaper ran out.(was not a full roll) No milk or sugar on the tray. Also no milk or sugar in the breakfast room.
quiet stay, across the road from the police station. friendly host, tea and coffee available. ample breakfast, omelette, yoghurt, toast, juice and a fresh pot of coffee. lovely stay.
the room didn't lock and there is maintenance required. we were the only guests but it may be crowded if full.
9/10
Reviewed Jan 26, 2026As always, everything was perfect, clean and neat
10/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026The home was beautiful and comfortable and attention to detail was amazing. Our hostess told us some interesting facts about the town... although we never had supper at the house, she pointed us in the direction of a small restaurant/pub which had the most delicious steak... real value for money
I cannot think of anything
7/10
Reviewed Jan 16, 2026Enjoyed our stay, staff were friendly and location close to all local restaurants. Will definitely stay there again.
Nothing
7/10
Reviewed Jan 15, 2026Was comfortable and big room. Allot of effort was made to be comfortable and meet your needs. The host is lovely and tries very hard to accommodate you and her effort needs to be acknowledged.
Olifantshoek is a really odd town. We had to stop there as we were on a long journey, but the region is not great. There were power cuts, water cuts in the 16 hours we were there.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 5, 2026We bezochten de accommodatie voor 1 nacht op doorreis van Springbok naar Johannesburg. De locatie is rustig gelegen net van de hoofdweg af. Er is een prachtige tuin waar je heerlijk in de schaduw kan zitten. De kamers zijn bijzonder ruim en van alle gemakken voorzien. Ook de badkamer is ruim opgezet met een fijne douche. Elsa ontving ons bijzonder hartelijk en wist veel te vertellen over de geschiedenis van het dorp en de accommodatie zelf. Ze gaf ons fantastische tips voor de eetgelegenheden in de buurt en de Kalahari Waterhole kunnen we zeer aanraden! En het ontbijt wat Elsa zelf heeft gemaakt was heerlijk!
Niks!
8/10
Reviewed Dec 28, 2025The food was exceptional and the host Elsa's assistance after a very bad rainy day was also very helpful. The decor in the facility is outstanding very modern country just loved the feeling of an old country vibe. We will definitely return in the future.
I should say when it's raining maybe there could be more of a different approach in getting the client into the facility as the puddles were quite awkward to get into reception. Especially the fact that I got an eye disability I was afraid that I might slip. This I would say is only when it's raining...working on the drainage or the paving in those areas would be a plus.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 19, 2025This is a charming home with tasteful decoration, comfortable and clean rooms and two bathrooms that made it perfect for our big family. Elsa is an amazing host and gave us a wonderful reception with added interesting facts about the house and the town.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 17, 2025Lovely old house beautifully decorated. Clean and comfortable with good wifi. Elsa is a very attentive host and serves a delicious breakfast.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 10, 2025Cosy lovely old house with the most beautiful decor. Elsa was absolutely amazing with all her food recommendations in town.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 7, 2025It was an amazing stay. Elsa was very friendly and helpfull. I would recommend anyone that needs a place to stay in or near olifantshoek to stop by there
From outside it looks a bit unappealing but once you in it feels like you're in a whole different place
2/10
Reviewed Nov 24, 2025Die Lage.
Sehr in den Jahren bekommendes Zimmer.
Etagentoilette, nicht abschließbar.
9/10
Reviewed Nov 21, 2025Elsa is a very warm and accommodating host. She has decorated the guesthouse with originality and taste. Attention to the small details and the large ones. We loved the artwork she has lovingly displayed. Our dinner especially ordered for us and our breakfast were delicious and well presented. Our bed was comfy and the room spacious. Secure parking was arranged.
Nothing not to like bearing in mind it’s an original house built years ago and its flaws are small but didn’t take away our lovely stay over with Elsa as our amazing host.
7/10
Reviewed Oct 31, 2025Professionalism, Warm welcoming
Suggest: the breakfast needed to be Included.
9/10
Reviewed Oct 29, 2025Eine großartige Gastgeberin, wir wurden herzlich empfangen. Das Omelette zum Frühstück war ausgezeichnet, vielen Dank für die liebevolle Bewirtung.
Wir haben uns sehr sicher und wohl gefühlt
10/10
Reviewed Oct 28, 2025Everything was perfect. Elsa is a super host. The breakfast was awesome. We even received welcome cupcakes
Nothing. Everything was clean, neat and well presented
10/10
Reviewed Oct 19, 2025Beautiful, old B&B. The hosts were wonderful people, very comfortable, clean, brilliant atmosphere. Value for money and a wonderful stopover in Olifantsfontein.
Leaving.
7/10
Reviewed Oct 16, 2025no shower
8/10
Reviewed Oct 13, 2025Very secure house and safe parking. Great breakfast. It is situated a block or two from the very busy and noisy main road with all its trucks.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 19, 2025Elsa was so welcoming. The rooms are comfortable, best overnight with delicious breakfast, filter coffee, homemade jams, etc.
Thank you Elsa for sharing history of Olifantshoek and the house
NA
8/10
Reviewed Sep 12, 2025After a day's long drive, a pleasant stay to build up energy for the next day's drive.
We felt at home, but it was not.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 9, 2025Everything exceeded our expectations! Elsa, the host is very nice, helpful and has many years of experience in hospitality. She really spoils the guests rotten: from the rose gold cutlery to the little details in the bedroom and bathroom like candles and pillow spray to sweets and abundance of treats any time of the day and night !She makes the best omelette and excellent coffee. I even had proper frothed milk for my cappuccino!! The property is located in a secure and quiet location of the small town of Olifantshoek. It is at a convenient distance from Johannesburg to stop overnight on your way to Western Cape. We will definitely be back
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Sep 3, 2025Felt at home, and friendliness. Owner was very helpful and accommodating.
Elsa makes you feel like you are a visiting friend, not a customer. Breakfast was lovely.
9/10
Reviewed Aug 31, 2025Great stop over from Joburg to the Namaqua. Host was very friendly and informative regarding places to see and visit. Nice cottagey feel to the dining area and rooms. Lovely breakfast and well presented.
No complaints
10/10
Reviewed Aug 30, 2025Friendly reception and great service.
Nothing.
8/10
Reviewed Aug 26, 2025Clean good linen, everything you want in a room.
A part of athe Shower door was missing and was a bit of a challenge and could be dangerous.
8/10
Reviewed Aug 18, 2025Smart TV was excellent
The parking area under tree not conducive, birds get the car dirty, recommend over roof shelter, and the basin tap water is pertruding very limited.The opening of the main entrance gate with key was a challenge, easier way or means to be devised thank you.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 1, 2025Baie dankie, Magda, vir ’n onvergeetlike aand by jou pub! Ons kan met oortuiging sê – julle het nie net die beste steak in die dorp nie, maar in die hele land! En dan praat ons nie eens van die uie ringe nie… ons het nog nooit sulke heerlike uie ringe geëet nie.
Ek en Aliandra wil jou opreg bedank vir jou ongelooflike gasvryheid. ’n Spesiale dankie ook aan jou niggie, Elsa van Bowden B&B, vir die wonderlike verwysing en hartlike ontvangs.
Julle is werklik van die mees ongelooflike mense wat ons al ontmoet het. En vir enigiemand wat ooit in Olifantshoek oorbly – ons beveel Bowden B&B én Kalahari Watergat met groot vrymoedigheid aan. ’n Ervaring wat jy nie sal vergeet nie!
This must be one of my most favorite B&B's ever. It has a spacious lounge with ample coffee and other luxuries. The breakfast was delicious and overall a fantastic experience.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 24, 2025Elsa was really kind and helpful to make our stay comfortable!
10/10
Reviewed May 19, 2025Baie vriendelik ontvang en die gasvrou Elsa het ons n bietjie geskiedenis vertel van die dorpie. Fantastiese ontbyt
Alles was perfek
9/10
Reviewed May 18, 2025the host Elsa and her husband is sooo friendly and helpful. would definitely recommended Bowden B & B
10/10
Reviewed May 18, 2025Everything good here and a delicious breakfast as well
8/10
Reviewed May 11, 2025No breakfast offered.
N/A
The charm of the old country house and wonderful decor by Elsa contributed to the warm and wonderful stay in Olifantshoek.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 25, 2025Old, very charming house, fitted with heart by a fantastic host.
Anytime again
10/10
Reviewed Mar 18, 2025The room was clean, comfortable bed and very friendly and helpful hostess.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 28, 2025Had to leave very early, but Elsa was so kind as to make us fresh baked bread sandwiches for the road.
1/10
Reviewed Jan 23, 2025Nothng.
Opportunistic and unreliable owner.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 23, 2025The place is a gem of tradition and old beauty. The owner Elsa is very helpful, knowledgeable and kind. She telks the story of the village and the place. We had to leave early and she made us a take away breakfast. Her niece rund a very lical and mice resto next doirs
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Dec 31, 2024Nice place to sleep over. We'll love to stay there again.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 17, 2024Unique welcoming place with an exceptional friendly host!
Nothing
8/10
Reviewed Oct 20, 2024Could be better
None
10/10
Reviewed Oct 20, 2024Pragtig gerestaureerde huis met 3 slaapkamers, groot eetkamer met vars gemaakte koffie en beskuit . Goeie plek om oor te slaap op pad na Namibie .
Niks om nie van te hou nie
The host. The bedroom. The breakfast
The shower - in great need of attention and reneovation
9/10
Reviewed Sep 26, 2024The breakfast was great, served with plenty of great coffee. We had also booked dinner, which was delicious. And both meals were great value for money.
Very convenient location, 1 block away from N14.
The hostess, Elsa, is friendly and hospitable.
I would have liked a proper shower, but the hand shower over the bath was more than adequate.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 19, 2024We stayed here on our way to Namibia and again when we returned from our journey. The room was neat, good bedding, and very clean. The bathroom of our bedroom only had a bath. Elsa our host made fresh roast coffee when we arrived. This was one of the first houses in Olifantshoek, but it is beautifully decorated. There are a few basic breakfast items, like cereals and rusks. Coffee and tea are also available. There are 3 rooms for guests. Elsa told us where we could eat dinner, at The Watergat, or a takeaway place.
Nothing
The whole place is decorated beautifully and the beds were very comfy, we had everything we needed and Elsa was a great host. The room was very spacious as well and we could watch Netflix which is great.
The only thing I can say negatively was the bathroom, it was dirty, the shower water pressure was really bad and there was a bad smell in the bathroom, also the toilet was not clean.
8/10
Reviewed Aug 24, 2024A quaint cozy b&b, everything we needed, perfect for our stopover, nicely decorated place, safe & comfortable..Elsa was very welcoming, gave us some tips, such as eating at the Kalahari Watergat, a short walk from the accommodation.A nice courtyard we didn't use due a shortages of time.