Swartberg Cottages
The Klein Swart Berge (lesser Black Mountains) near Ladismith in the Little Karoo is part of the Cape Fold Mountains. It forms part of a much longer mountain range starting on the eastern side of De Rust and then the main Swart Berge near Oudthoorn and Prince Albert. The range include 3 of the 5 highest peaks in the Western Cape namely – Seweweekspoort (2335m), Towerkop (2150m) and Peakplaats (2 m).
The complete mountain range covers many Poorts (a ravine through the mountains) and Passes (a road over the mountains) like :
- Seweweekspoort near Ladismith from Amalienstein/Zoar to Laingsburg ,
- Meiringspoort from De Rust to Prince Albert/Beaufort West
- Gamka Poort near Calitzdorp along the Gamka River
- Die Poort from west of Ladismith to Laingsburg along the Elands river
- Swartbergpas from Oudshoorn (near the Cango Caves) to Prince Albert
- Bosluiskloofpass from inside Seweweekspoort to Gamkaskloof.
- Huisrivierpass between Ladismith and Calitzdorp
The Swartberge forms the northern border of the Little Karoo. North of the mountain range lies the Great Karoo where the escarpement to the south african highveld starts. The Little Karoo was once a lake of which the bottom is at at the top of all the koppies and plat berge in the region. This forms the foot hills for the main Swartberg. A couple of huge island mountain lies in the Little Karoo, namely Rooiberg, Anysberg and Touwsberg.
The region offers of the following:
The mountains host a range of small deer and wild cats and other wild animals like Klipspringer, Duiker, Steenbok, Badgers, Porcupine, baboons, genet, Civet, caracal and even Leopards are still present. They are however very shy of humans.
The Steenslang and Seweweekspoort peaks are situated on a 2 150 ha property in the Kannaland district, near Ladismith. The property houses the deep Balmoral kloof which source is surrounded by the two peaks and a northern wall between them. The kloof provides water for many decidious frout farms down stream in the region.
The property includes the southern access to the peak which is a hiking trial to Colas’ cave and is also the start of the Swartberg traverse.
Hiking on the property:
- a 2 day route to the highest peak in the Western Cape, Seweweekspoort Peak starts at the carpark for hikers,
- the hike is up to Colas’ cave where hikers overnight (please note no ablution facilities), and from there to the peak, back down the next day
- the hike will be shortened for guests who stay at our container cottages (by about 1 hour)
- the route is along the gravel road and then from above the hut in a marked hikers trial
- this hike is also the start (or end) of the Swartberg traverse, a 4 day route along the top of the Swartberg between Seweweekspoort and Towerkop via Steenslang and Peak plaats peaks.
Hikers need to make arrangements with Andre Nel or Jan Viljoen ( ) for hiking and over-nighting, since over-crowding the hut or caves will not be allowed.
Enough Water should be carried on hikes since water is not available in every cave. No fires are allowed on the property. The proistine nature should be respected and protected.
Nature reservation and fires:
Mountain and Veld in South Africa is regulated by the National Veld and Forrest Fire Act with the support of Fire Protection Associations (FPA) that issues Regulations.
The Southern Cape FPA covers the Swartberg.
A mountain fire that originates on the mountain property, places all liabilities caused by the spreading of fire, on the owner of the land. No fires are therefore allowed on the mountain including in the hut or the cave. Only gas camping stoves may be used by hikers.
At the container cottages, there will be sufficient protection and secure facilities for barbecue fires.
The current owners have repaired the road to the mountain hut and also setup a minimal impact accommodation in refurbished containers for visitors to this special hidden getaway. The containers are tucked away behind a rocky outcrop and provides fantastic views of the mountain peaks, kloof, Klein Karoo mountains and farm lands. The accommodation are surrounded by beautiful rock formations and fynbos including proteas. Footpaths connects the various landmarks and view spots.
The development is an eco friendly property using solar, wind and rainwater. Sceptic tank was installed. The container units include fireplaces, full bathroom with outside shower and are postioned to have optimal views to the mountains. The sunsets from the decks and paths are amazing. The following features are available:
Container 1 – Sleeping unit; Steenslang:
- Double bed
- Bath, basin, toilet with gas geyser
- Outside shower
- wooden fireplace
- Deck with covered roof
Container 2 – shared kitchen, lounge; Platberg:
- Gas stove
- Basin with gas geyser
- Fridge
- wooden fireplace
- Kitchen table and sleeper couch
- Large covered wooden deck (to be completed) with covered roof
- Weber barbecue facility
Container 3 – Sleeper unit 2, Seweweekspoort (sleeps 4) – STILL IN BUILT
- Double bed
- Bunk bed (2 single beds)
- Shower, wash basin, toilet with gas geyser
- wooden fireplace
- Deck (to be built)
House Rules
- We offer self catering container cottages. Two containers are independent bedroom/en-suite bathroom but both share a communial lounge and kitchen.
- We provide a cleaning service at end of rental period for linen, towels, dishes and general house clean.
- Since the units are situated high up in a sensitive nature area, it is environmentally and ecologically friendly. The cottage uses Solar power and Gas for energy. Water is collected from rain by the roof and stored in tanks. Use water sparingly.
- In the cottage is a folder of various information documents including emergency numbers, conservation rules, energy consumption and access information. Please abide by these requirements.
- Swartberg Container cottages have a non-smoking policy inside the units.
- We require min of 3 nights stay, otherwise we require an additional premium per night.
- An inventory of property items will be provided and checked at arrival and departures. Breakage, damage or loss need to be reported and refunded by the guest.
- A Deposit is payable on reservation and full rental will be payable 3 days before guest occupies the property.
- An indemnity and waiver form is to be signed by guests to protect the land owner.
Cancellation
Deposits will be forfeited if cancellation is more than 1 week before reserved date, or
if notified 1 month before reserved date, a 50% of deposit will be charged, and
if a cencellation is earlier than 1 month before reservation date, a 0% of deposit cancellation fee will be charged.
Payment Terms & Bank Details
Payment Terms
60% at confirmation of reservation
40% day before arrival
Banking Details will be provided on the invoice.
Provide invoice nr and surname as payment reference details.
Container Cottages
Klein Swart Berge & Steenslang
Videos
Testimonials
Reservations
Please advise us per email, telephone or fax what dates you are interested in. We will revert with availability and prices.
Please note we require a minimum of 3 nights per stay due to certain fixed costs per visit. (If shorter, we need to add a premium to cover the fixed costs per visit)
Contact Details
Andre Nel
Cel: (+27) 82 800 3768
Email: andre.nel@finshop.co.za
Althea Nel
Cel: (+27) 83 448 1749
Email: altheanel123@gmail.com