Schoemanskloof Retreat – a comfortable hide-away for nature enthusiasts

Schoemanskloof Retreat

Based at the Falls Fish Farm, in the beautiful Schoemanskloof valley in Mpumalanga, Schoemanskloof Retreat provides comfortable, self-catering accommodation to those seeking the seclusion of the Mpumalanga outdoors.

The retreat has two lovely and unique self-catering cottages that can be booked for short or long term stays. Both have great mountain views and are surrounded by the indigenous African bush. Paths have been cut through the bush and one can walk for hours on the mountain.

Expect clean and sanitised facilities as well as top notch service excellence – many previous guests had wonderful things to say about the hosts and the Retreat’s facilities.

Accommodation at Schoemanskloof Retreat

Guest accommodation at the Retreat comprises two self-catering options:

The Mountain Pondokkie / Stone Heritage Site Cottage can accommodate six guests comfortably in an en suite downstairs bedroom and two loft rooms upstairs above the double volume lounge area; nine guests at a squeeze, using extra beds in the lounge area and the main bedroom. This old stone cottage, originating from around 1900, is located near the top of the mountain and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and those keen on activities like birding, hiking and mountain biking.

Pets are allowed by prior arrangement at this cottage only as it is fenced in.  Dogs must be walked on leads when outside the fence for their safety as well as that of the wild life – buck, baboons and other game are around.

Located on the upper mountain slopes, The Bakoni Hide-away can accommodate two guests comfortably in either a king or two single beds, four guests at a squeeze using two single mattresses on the mezzanine floor above the lounge.  It is an off-the-grid, unfenced cottage designed for romantic getaways for those who enjoy time in the African bush. Set in a remote spot on the side of a mountain, there is abundant birdlife as well as buck and other game around.

Your amenities in both cottages include large, comfy king and queen-size beds, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens with tea and coffee, and braai facilities.

Access to the cottages is via very rough farm roads so vehicles should have high clearance (4×4 only necessary in very rainy weather).  Transfers can be arranged and there is secure parking for vehicles.

Long term stays are allowed.

Things to do nearby

There is plenty to keep you and your family busy during your stay at Schoemanskloof Retreat which is situated 50 km between Nelspruit and Machadodorp en route to the Kruger National Park. Activities in the area include bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and trips to the Sudwala Caves, Kaapschehoop, the Panorama Route, Barberton Geo Trail, etc.

Reviews from previous Schoemanskloof Retreat guests

“If you really want to get away from it all do yourself a favour and go to Schoemanskloof Falls Retreat sooner rather than later. It is quiet, with nothing to distract you or entertain you other than Mother Nature in all her abundant glory… The best reset there is for city weary people…,” wrote Ira Bekker.

Gilda Swanepoel added; “What a delightful place! The house is very comfortable and reeks of history and old stories. Beautiful surroundings, and I believe the hikes will get even better. Dee, the owner, is a most charming lady. Highly recommended.”

Schoemanskloof Retreat is located at Falls Fish Farm, N4 via Schoemanskloof, Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga. For bookings, call +27 (0) 13 733 4179 | +27 (0) 79 885 3509 or email info@schoemanskloofretreat.co.za or visit schoemanskloofretreat.co.za today.

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Actually, Home Food and Travel offers a lot more than just reviews of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities.  We also visit great destinations, receive advice from interior designers and stop to smell the roses and taste the coffee.

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No matter that the food is delicious and the setting delightful, poor service can ruin the occasion.  However, great service combined with mediocre meal and a plane jane restaurant can still be a pleasant night out.

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