Steenbokkie Private Nature Reserve — Attraction in Beaufort West Local Municipality

Having spent a month at the Nature reserve??? I feel I can give an honest opinion of the place. The web gave an impression to be a reserve with a big dam with blue water, water hole where game came to drink, a swimming pool, shaded caravan sites: This made me decide a good place where by the size of the dam I could go fishing, swim on those hot days, go game viewing. BUT, we arrived and greeted with a warm welcome by the reserve manager, we set up camp under plenty of shade and green lawns, it was too late to look around so a braai we had. The next day early I walked over to what looked like a dam wall and saw a scrap yard once a dam, I asked a worker where was the dam, there wasn't any, where was the waterhole, there wasent any, ,and the game at water hole , the game, yes but nearly all shot out, and swimming pool, yes over there, a 6m x 4m resavour, water a brown coulour. Not much later a big crowed of local people arrived on a Sat morning with lots and lots of kids from very small to about teenagers, they loved the pool and in they went about fifty, with costumes or just their clothes, there was no filter or chemicals in the pool and one knows how kids are when they get into water, and don't forget the Boom Boom music and shouting, and language you don't want to hear for the whole day and take over all facilities the kitchen Ablution block until no toilet paper, all toilets don't work normally or at all, this seems to be only on week ends or public holidays except the toilets they stay the same. On our game drive we saw a few animals, but only with Binos, the game was the wildest I have ever seen in my fifty years being amongst game, I had to stay there as every thing was booked up and I also had other commitments in the area at this time we were the only caravan on site. This place I will recommend only for overnight stays if no other camps are available but not week ends, although I don't know in mid year. In the day the goats, geese, tame Springbok, and Peacock are a big problem entering your camp and eating what they can and alarm call every morning from about 4.30 onwards. I say to you not again in agreement with other campers, there was very seldom more than six caravans at any one night. day visitors pay I am told R50 per car, caravans R150 a stand. Did I complain, oh yes, with no...

Our chalet, like the others, is comfortable, well appointed and we love the attention to detail. Air conditioning, mosquito repellent mats, coffee, etc. I have visited every room & chalet and found them to be well above farm stay standards. This is not a five star hotel, resort or spa. It is a working farm and game reserve, where injured animals are given a second lease of life. Satellite television - we did not really use it as we aren't TV people - will be high on the list of some visitors.

Facilities for braai (BBQ done right), hiking trails that afforded us with spotting gnu, deer, three types of springbok, steenbok and other animals. There is a zebra that can be petted, as well as numerous different farm animals.

What impressed, was the lush green lawns for camping under huge, shady trees. Also, ablutions facilities were better than some and campsites do have access to electricity.

We have spent a few days here and plan to return for a longer period as the farm spans well over eight thousand hectares. Bring a wide-rimmed hat, sunscreen, proper hiking shoes/boots and a great attitude. This is not the kind of place to expect hotel treatment; it is a farm. As such, you have the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors in abundance, discover new things and you will soon learn to love the "nothingness" of the Karroo. I am from the beautiful Cape Town and grew up in Worcester, but Steenbokkie is a very special place. Don't just pass through, one night isn't enough. Plan your holiday to stay a few days at least, enjoy the abundance of Karroo farm life.

Finally, this is a farm in a desert experiencing the worst drought in almost a century. Anyone expecting sparkling pools and mod-cons must really reconsider their own expectations. For what it is, Steenbokkie is just brilliant. Only people who don't understand how farms work will ever complain. Staying here is a privilege and one night simply isn't enough. Rise up very early in the mornings, take a hike into the hills and enjoy the herds of antelope. We have seen several herds of more than fifty each. Some complained about not seeing any game, perhaps it helps to know where, how and when to look. Just this evening, we saw four deer just about two hundred yards from the farmstead. A walk into the veld might...

Literally one step between Karoo desert landscape and absolute paradise! Our stay in the Garden Cottage was sheer bliss. There aren't predators about, but we saw a dozen or more wildlife species, even right up to our doorstep! Steenbokkie is a family friendly, safe holiday destination, so much more than an overnight stop. After a long weekend, the toddlers and the teens wouldn't want to leave. The paradisiacal garden, or the desert with its quartzes and Bushman candles, sunset views upon the Nuweveld mountains...a place to untangle the soul, to drink in the peace and quiet....a place great for retreat, reflection, restoration. We could live here forever and a day. Beaufort West's hidden gem, its best kept secret. Don't rush past the seemingly empty Great Karoo, as this land is brimful of the goodness of the God who had created this magic wonderland. The Karoo is the fountain where your soul quenches its thirst. The night skies invite the artist to capture the clearest of night skies, with the stroke of a brush, the click of the shutter or with poetry that falls from a million stars. Steenbokkie signs its name on your heart, impresses upon your mind, to become the place where the true birth of your soul takes place. Far from the city's hooters & sirens, just a place where you can BE. Go be at Steenbokkie indeed. The right receptive mindset will let you experience...