September 2023
Uitspan Guest Farm
On our second day in the Baviaanskloof we woke up to a cloudy morning with a light drizzle. Gone was the lovely blue sky and we quickly packed up to leave for our next accommodation for the weekend, just a few kilometers from Makkedaat Caves.
Sheep and lambs at Makkedaat Caves
Uitspan Guest Farm is surrounded by spectacular scenery – the majestic mountains tower high above the farm. The word “Uitspan” is an Afrikaans word that means “Place of rest”.
Gate at Uitspan Guest Farm
At the entrance to the guest farm, a few old rusty cars and colourful farm implements are scattered in the field. We drove by at first, but later, after dropping off our luggage, Berto and I walked back to the entrance to take some photos.
Rusty cars
Colourful farm implements
Rusty cars
We stood in the road and looked up and down – this is the main road that goes through the Baviaanskloof and we just loved how peaceful it was.
Main road through the Baviaanskloof
There are a few types of accommodation at Uitspan Guest Farm. You can either stay in one of the lovely self-catering houses or book a shaded campsite. We stayed in a double story chalet with a spacious deck offering great views of the farm and impressive mountain range.
Fully equipped kitchen in our chalet
Main bedroom
Stairs to the upper floor
Deck with views over the farm
Bedroom on the top floor
Views over the mountains from our chalet
After we unloaded everything from our ‘bakkies’, we went for a walk on the farm. We were impressed with how well cared for the farm is. We also met the owners of the farm, Nico and Alta and they really made us feel welcome in their little piece of paradise in the Baviaanskloof.
Well maintained garden on Uitspan Guest Farm
Rock garden (‘rotstuin’)
Reception at Uitspan Guest Farm
There is a very old threshing machine (‘dorsmasjien’) on the farm which is on display. This farm machine was used many years ago to separate seeds or grain from the husks and straw.
Threshing machine (‘dorsmasjien’)
Since we entered the Baviaanskloof the day before, we also saw many mountain aloes (‘aloe marlothii’). It is a large single-stemmed Southern African aloe that grows on rocky places and can sometimes grow up to 6m tall.
Aloe Marlothii
If it’s tranquility you’re looking for, Uitspan Guest Farm has to be one of the top favourite places in the Baviaanskloof. On a next visit we would like to stay here longer.
Our friends suggested that we do another hike to the top of one of the nearby mountains where there is a picturesque rock arch and a cave. But more about this stunning hike in our next post (read here).
Wet and Dusty Roads 
I love the Uitspan Guest Farm! From the rusty old cars and old farm implements to the mountain scenery, it looks spectacular. The chalet appears to be the perfect place to stay for a few nights, and I adore the thatched roof on the reception building. I’ve never seen one, and it’s just something I want to see one day. I’m looking forward to your next post about the hike!
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This is an incredibly beautiful place Kellye. We really enjoyed our short stay there. Yes, the thatched roofs are something we often see on our travels in South Africa – it’s special, isn’t it? I’m sure you’ll enjoy next week’s hiking post on Uitspan Guest Farm – the view over the farm from the arch was so beautiful!
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There’s something so special about the peace and tranquility of a place like this. You feel a different level of alive.
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You know how much we love secluded places … and Uitspan Guest Farm is now definitely one of our favourite places of this kind!
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Looks like a beautiful and tranquil place to spend a few days. I love the big,inviting deck. The rusted cars and old farm implements are really interesting. I know I’ve said this many times, but South Africa seems to have so many interesting and beautiful places. Thanks for sharing Corna!
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The silence was deafening there Tricia 🙂 … just nature sounds that fill one with so much peace. There are so many beautiful places in South Africa that even we haven’t even seen (but I think I’ve told you that a few times too). And thank you for joining us on Uitspan Guest Farm – it’s definitely a special place.
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Looks like a wonderful place to stay! I love the interior, the bedroom and the kitchen area exude warmth and a peaceful vibe. The farm as well feels tranquil and quiet. The rusting cars are a nice touch. Amazing landscape, I’m sure the hiking options are fantastic in this place. Looking forward to reading more about it.
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This was just such an amazing place! I think one can easily forget about the world and its problems when visiting Uitspan Guest Farm. And the effort that the owners of the farm make to accommodate all guests is just commendable. As for the hiking – you’re right, it was lovely. I think you will like the next post 😉.
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What a lovely chalet. I imagine that place has a nice “vibe” or feeling and peaceful, as you say. Perhaps it’s the absence of human clutter. The old cars seem to fit right in. I love the old threshing machine. I wonder if we weren’t better off with all the old ways of doing things.
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Yes, the chalet was almost luxurious after the cave from the night before … although, both have their charms. You sum it up perfectly Carolyn: It is indeed free of human clutter. Maybe years ago it took a long time to get things done, but I think a lot of satisfaction went into it. It’s simply one of those places we’ll go back to without a second thought!
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Ahhh Uitspan farm looks amazing… And lovely views too. It’s wonderful to find a little place of heaven to rest in… Like a retreat 💖💖💖
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‘Uitspan’ … I don’t think they could have picked a better name for this farm! I can see us easily staying there for a week (or longer) – you’re right, it’s almost like a retreat 😉.
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That looks a great place to stay! I love the views and the old cars and implements 🙂
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We were very impressed with this guest farm – from how neat the grounds are, the cozy chalet and of course the natural beauty. Yes, the old cars and farm implements provides that extra charm, didn’t it?
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Wow, what a lovely and relaxing place to stay! I love the meerkats on the pillows, that’s a cute detail. Looking forward to reading about your hike as well!
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I’m so glad you saw the meerkats! That’s the first thing I noticed when we walked into the room 🙂. And I’m sure you’ll love the hike – not as challenging as yours, but we had such lovely views.
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Stunning pics Corna, Baviaanskloof looks like a lovely place to enjoy some peace and comfort.
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Oh yes, you’re 100% right Henrietta. Baviaanskloof is incredibly beautiful – one can really ‘recharge’ there while enjoying your surroundings.
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Corna, dit lyk omtrent na ñ juweel van ñ plekkie. Die ou karre en plaas implemente is die oulikste idee.
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Og Una, om so tussen die berge deur te ry en dan op hierdie lieflike plek af te kom … dit was ‘n groot verrassing! Ja, die ou motors en plaas implemente vang ‘n mens se oog onmiddellik – jy sal mos alles weet van hoe om jou plek vir besoekers aantreklik te maak 😉.
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Rustige saligheid!
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Dis darem nou net soos jy daar sê! Hier by Uitspan vergeet mens van die wêreld daar buite …
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Your accommodations look very comfortable and cozy. My favourite feature is the view over the mountains though. Great pictures of the old farming equipment and rusty cars.
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It was a lovely place to stay. And like you, I couldn’t get enough of that view over the beautiful mountains.
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Aw it looks like a total place of rest – the views out over the mountains from your guest house are beautiful. It looks like the perfect place to stop and recharge amongst nature 🙂
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The farm is literally at the foot of these big mountains – truly a lovely place Hannah.
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Those colouful mountains are enough to convince me, but the relaxing vibe makes it an even better spot! Maggie
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You’re right Maggie, mountains are definitely not just brown! What a lovely relaxing place – time stands still at Uitspan.
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My husband and kids would also go back to the rusty first for sure. They actually look nice where they are. The aloe that you described and in the photo looks like the aloe here too but here, they don’t seem to grow tall.
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I think it was good planning to place the old cars and farm implements so close to the main road because everyone who drives by stops to look at them. And then drive in to the farm (and stay there in the end) – great marketing strategy! I’m surprised to hear you also have some of the aloes. Some of our aloes are also small, but in nature they grow quite tall.
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South Africa has so many hidden gems and this is certainly one of them. It looks like it is defintely worth a visit.
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And best of all, when you enter the Baviaanskloof from the Willowmore side, you don’t need a 4×4 to drive to Uitspan. We saw a few caravans on the campsites … just think how ‘lekker’ you can camp here 😉.
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Who needs sunshine with a view like that! What a cute house you stayed at but I am surprised you didn’t camp. I love this place and would stay there too if I could.
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We would have loved to camp, but all our camping equipment is still in our hometown (1,100km from where we currently live). But you’re right Diane, this chalet between the mountains was a good option 😉.
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