You feel surrounded by nature and you can actually see the stars without too much light pollution. Our cottage was on the river, so if you want to fish it is very easy to do so. It is also quiet and peaceful. There were also alot of butterflies which was special.
The one couch is not very comfortable, and the other chair is very narrow. So if you are not very skinny and streamline you will not be able to use the one chair.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 30, 2025So scenic and not enough time to fully explore the property.
8/10
Reviewed Dec 26, 2025A piecw of paradise aet against the water banks of the Spekboom river and majestic mountains. Truly a breathtaking experience!
The road getting there.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 4, 2025The location and surroundings... it's exactly what surrounded by nature means
We loved everything.
They can just maybe grade the road closer to the cottage for an easy ride for non suv cars. Otherwise the road wasn't too bad for a low lying car
10/10
Reviewed Nov 13, 2025The location is excellent. The peaceful and quiet setting is what it is all about. The sighting of an African finfoot was a bonus.
The pictures on the website is deceiving as I thought it was one big house with separate units. It turned out otherwise however still very nice setting.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 8, 2025The peace and quiet. A lot of space as well
The road leading to the property can really damage your car
9/10
Reviewed Oct 28, 2025Geweldige afgelegen plek. Stilte. Paradijs op aarde.
Je moet wel een half uitboort dirt road om er te komen. Het ligt afgelegen!
10/10
Reviewed Oct 27, 2025The house is big and has everything you need for a comfy stay at this beautiful setting. For self catering this place is perfect. Its close to my favorite fishing spot as well alongside the river.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 5, 2025Prachtige ligging maar ook een mooie accomodatie.
Niks
7/10
Reviewed Aug 19, 2025On the river front, sharp knives
No Hot water for more than one shower
The place needs a 4x4, however, very lovely and nice!, perfect for connecting with nature and relax
The tranquility
Nothing, however I would advise anyone staying to stock up on supplies as driving in and out on that gravel is not ideal
10/10
Reviewed May 5, 2025We had a wonderful time. Remote and peaceful. Absolutely blissful. My husband caught a couple of rainbow trout🎣. I saw a kudu bull and 2 females. We also saw the purple crested lourie. Loved the serenity. The unit was emaculate. We will highly recommend this establishment.
No complaints.
7/10
Reviewed Apr 29, 2025The location is perfect, the fishing was great, beautiful scenery.
For the price you pay for the long weekend, it was very disappointing, one toilet did not work, the gas geysers where not working properly, the solar system had to be rebooted on two mornings. If I paid half the price I would have put up with these problems, but for R13 000 you would expect everything it good condition.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 25, 2025Bag End Cottage is located very close to the river which is teaming with trout. The braai area was our base for the weekend.
9/10
Reviewed Apr 25, 2025Tranquil and peaceful place. Loved the supplies they left for us which we didn't expect. The lovely rusks, teas and coffee. A generous supply of complimentary wood. Also an Easter egg treat for all 4 of us. I'd recommend it!
Apart from the road that goes there, nothing I would fault.
9/10
Reviewed Apr 17, 2025Tranquility, beautiful views and warm hospitality
10/10
Reviewed Apr 14, 2025Beautiful getaway. Really loved the views and the cottage is perfectly laid out for a family holiday.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 24, 2025The location is breathtaking, nestled in a gorge with the most clean and beautiful river. Fishing was challenging for someone that only did dam fly fishing before, but that did not stop him.
Kids loved swimming in the river, building dam in the tiny stream adjacent to the main river and go for a hike
This is by no mean something bad and the owners cannot change it, but when they mean high clearance vehicle, they mean it, your need a AWD to clear up the drive up to the gate.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 24, 2025Host Angus is exceptional.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 7, 2025Spectacular place!!
10/10
Reviewed Feb 26, 2025The views, fishing and hosts were just absolutely amazing. We didn't want to leave. Great birding and hiking.
1/10
Reviewed Feb 24, 20254x4 Trail, gorgeous views of the river and the surrounding nature, All short-lived.
We booked for two nights, and the moment we entered the chalet, it was overrun with roaches, even on the bedding/curtain rails and wooden headboard.
The cleaner came back, and we were provided a can of DOOM. but there were cockroaches everywhere I looked. (Curtain rails, bedding, wooden headboard, living room furniture)
Packed our bags and headed out at first light. The owner sent a message to apologize and advised the full stay would be refunded it’s been 10 days and still no refund.
9/10
Reviewed Jan 17, 2025A very private and quiet spot right on the river
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Jan 4, 2025Nestled deep in the bush with no other people around you, quiet and serene, you can hear the river flowing from the living room. They even gave us a cot for our baby, and provided fire wood for the fireplace and braai.
I liked everything
It was quiet and peaceful, definitely not a place to go if you're looking for fun and noise. The views are to die for..the air is clean and the cottage is cozy.
The multi purpose fireplace was the highlight of our evenings.
The river, though too fast to swim in at our time, was great to take a dip in.
The friendly staff was amazing and not having to clean up during a trip for a busy Mom is a huge bonus.
Angus was very accommodating and even went to town to get us some groceries..I was humbled by his generosity.
Before arriving, the property prepares you for your stay and what to expect, their pamphlets are super detailed and informative and it was super helpful.
The cottage needed more airing.. it was musty and a bit dusty in areas not obvious to the eye..for my allergy ridden family..we struggled a bit but we pushed on coz we loved the place.
The main bedroom needs flatter pillows so the sleeping experience is 100...
We loved the friendly host, peacefull surroundings, privacy, views, walking trails, sound and beauty of the river and bird life
Solar solution don't cope with cloudy days, our power went out 3 of the 5 days stay, cant use patio when sunny or raining as it is only partially covered with wooden poles so no outside relaxing on patio or braai when raining. Towels wasn't changed during our 5 day stay, gas geyser solution needs improvement, sensitive and hard to operate
7/10
Reviewed Dec 31, 2024Isolated, private, spacious.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 20, 2024The best river fishing and amazing scenery.
Nothing! It is perfect.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 15, 2024Fantastic stay! Cant wait to visit there again. If you want to relax and enjoy nature this is the place to be!
5/10
Reviewed Oct 26, 2024The scenery was beautiful, the mountains and river close by. The self catering unit was fully stocked with everything you will need. If you are a nature lover you will enjoy it. You most definitely need a SUV vehicle to get there. Do not attempt to travel in a sedan.
The showers in both rooms were not draining water, both were flooding. The chalet structure is very old fashion not appealing. There is a huge water filtering system next to the chalets which takes away the feeling of nature and adds to the unappealing atmosphere. It would be nice to have someone meet you at the chalet for questions and explain logistics around the farm
10/10
Reviewed Oct 18, 2024Probably one of the most beautiful scenery of nature i have ever witnessed. From the various animals on the reserve to the massive clifs with the Spekboom river running alongside it. This place is a real gem! The hosts were amazing, Angus showed me the whole farm and took me to some of the other accommodations on the farm. Standing next to a river and fly fishing is amazing!
That i only booked one night....will be back soon and stay for longer!
10/10
Reviewed Oct 17, 2024What a gem, great flyfishing in a proper wildlife venue, I saw 4 different species of wild animals during my fishing outings. if you are not an experianced small stream flyfisher this might be tough but a great learning tool
I don't think that there was anything that I didnt like
8/10
Reviewed Jun 25, 2024What a delightful setting next to the river in a deep ravine. The cottage was comfortable and had everything that I needed. The owners were very kind and friendly and went out of their way to assist me.
The road was challenging for my Honda Brio.
10/10
Reviewed May 10, 2024Nature, the river, the bird and tree species.
That I only stayed 3 nights.
With the cottage nestled into the valley, the cliffs behind and the bubbling stream in front of the house, time stands still and the world fades quickly away!
Order trout in from Jenny and Angus and supper is sorted.
The cottage is very will equipped and comfortable.
The road is quite rough and a high clearance vehicle is essential.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 25, 2024Pretty much everything. Serene, wild, safe, beautiful, isolated, quiet, relaxing, wild. Everything my heart needed to recover from city life
I didn't like the fact that my stay was so short, so I will have to fix that next time I book! :)
10/10
Reviewed Mar 16, 2024Fantastic location in a wilderness area. Un paralleled access to views and nature.
An outside light on the patio would be helpful to facilitate evening meals outside.
Location
Access road a little in a 2 wheel drive small saloon especially in the dark and rain
7/10
Reviewed Jan 29, 2024Everything was perfect besides the showers and missing keys to the doors. But safety wasn't a problem once we knew.
No hot showers until the day of departure.
9/10
Reviewed Jan 10, 2024Beautiful place right on the river. Very relaxing. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Jan 9, 2024The setup, nature, facilities, fresh air, clean, infrastructure created for comfort and service, we loved everything out there
Some minor issues are not important as so much of goodness provided
Awesome location and surroundings.
It’s very peaceful
The road leading to the chalet
10/10
Reviewed Dec 30, 2023The owners are super attentive and super friendly. They are on call 24/7. Their facilities are well and neatly kept. This is a true nature spot, a hidden gem. The staff members are friendly.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 28, 2023Loved the nature setting. Loves the that the river was just 1 minute from our door. Loved the way the unit was set up. Its modern and yet cozy and warm. Feels like home away from home if nit better!
Wish there was a jacuzzi or even a small splash pool.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 22, 2023Everything.
Nothing. The road is fairly rocky within the estate, but nothing to worry about.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 11, 2023Exceptional hidden gem, a nature lovers paradise.
Clean, well stocked, modern, tasteful & inviting. Completely private & peaceful.
Our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer!
Nothing!
When we were deciding where to stay, there were some reviews complaining about the 10km dirt road to get there, its actually totally fine.Our Nissan Almera (with a fully loaded boot) made it without issue at all, you just have to know how to drive 😉
9/10
Reviewed Nov 27, 2023Everything! Absolutelly beautiful location there was everything that you could need to make your stay fabulous! LOVE the fishing spot!
The road was bad and you defnitely need a bakkie
8/10
Reviewed Nov 16, 2023the scenery was beautiful and the fishing was good.
time to leave was 10am.
The cleaning lady was dropped off to start cleaning at 09:20 so we felt a bit rushed.
would have liked to have a last cup of coffee on the verandah!
7/10
Reviewed Nov 11, 2023We got very late reaching , it was pitch dark and we were really scared ; it’s a very good property provided you reach your cottage in daylight .
The owner Angus specially came to see us and was a good to see him !
Grant was great in communication and guidance!!
Overall a good spot , but strongly recommend
A 4x4 suv and also make sure you reach
In day light !!
10/10
Reviewed Nov 9, 2023Exceptional location. House in a canyon near a small river. We really had the feeling we were all alone in the middle of nowhere (which actually was the case). Accomodation is fully equiped with everything you need, including fire pit and barbecue.
When staying for longer period, would recommend to do groceries for multiple days. The closest shop is more than half an hour away. The drive to the property is stunning though. Would recommend to book this place when driving a high wheeled vehicle sice the road has some steep bumps and deep potholes.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 2, 2023Very clean and well maintained cottage.
Beds are of excellent quality.
Beautiful area.
Everything needed for the night was in place.
The drive on the gravel road was a bit long. If yu want to take a drive to enjoy nature, its absolutely beautiful, but if you just want to get to bed, it feels like the road goes on forever.
10/10
Reviewed Oct 19, 2023Riverdell Trout estate is a hidden treasure, Beyond my expectations and Grant the host was so accommodating, I am going back, the scenery and river and hammock, just wow !!!
Chocolates and rusks and beverages. buckleberry was super clean and had everything you would need and more.
Nothing , I loved everything
10/10
Reviewed Oct 8, 2023The setting is exquisite, the facilities are perfect for the stay. This place is a secret hideaway- we feel so lucky to have found this on our way back from Kruger. We will definitely be back.
Nothing.
The trip was fine
Only the gas stove
10/10
Reviewed Oct 5, 2023Most beautifull Place we have ever been. Thank you!
9/10
Reviewed Sep 26, 2023Spacious and well equipped with a beautiful view
Bath water was brown but probably to be expected in such a remote place.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 18, 2023It was exceptionally beautiful and large house!
The road leading to the property was challenging.
9/10
Reviewed Sep 14, 2023Awesome location. Attentive and friendly hosts
Very little to no internet and mobile network connection.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 30, 2023Everything fine
Some of the mattresses not good
10/10
Reviewed Aug 26, 2023Tbh I liked everything,the place exceeded our expectations.
They don't have to change anything everything is perfect.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 24, 2023The location, scenery as exceptional. Rivendell was so tranquil and relaxing. It gave us the perfect family holiday and quality time to bond with the family. We absolutely loved it and will be back.
Excellent location with spectacular views and nature. Peaceful and ideal place to rest and relax with family. The river and river trails was where we spent most of our time fishing and enjoying nature. There was poor reception and no TV which we preferred as a bonus to spend time with one another as a family.
None..
10/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2023This House is so cozy and big and the fireplace was awesome