Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway Rawsonville — Hotel in Breede Valley Local Municipality

March 2024

Campsite 1 review:

Dwarsberg offers natural beauty, lush lawns and space few other campsites can match. We had a picture in mind from the website photos and praise from Facebook pages, but were unfortunately disappointed when our requirements or camping experience wishes were not met by Campsite 1. We were hoping to camp right next to the river and share our space with nature, instead we shared the space with noisy man-made constructs and the constant hustle and bustle of farm life. The other campsites may be more hidden and secluded, but the setup and location of Campsite 1 made for a noisy camping experience.

Pros: The campsite lawns are gorgeous, soft and level. The campsite is absolutely massive and can host a great deal of campers. The river has a few entry points and is a delight to explore and cool off in. Private, clean ablution block with showers, toilets and washing sink.

Cons: Noise, noise, noise. Please note this is a working farm. If you camp during the week, like we did, you will hear tractors, buses and other traffic from the road right above the campsite. The nights at least were peaceful. The site, as indicated on the website, has a water pump that runs constantly and makes noise. What the website does not mention, and not indicate, is an awful electrical box that has a continuous loud hum 24/7. The main campsite is not right next to the river as we expected. It lies next to the ablution block by trees and has an electric point. Unfortunately we had no cellphone reception here, which we require for work. We set up camp at the far side of our campsite by the river, where the gushing water masked the sounds of the man-made constructs. Here we had cell phone reception, but were subject to sun and didn’t have an electrical point.

Overall review:

4/5

Pros: The valley is breathtakingly beautiful with mountains on either side of camp. The river is lovely. Birdsong and nature around you for the most part. Well organised and professional. All communication was clear during the booking phase and on arrival. Dwarsberg has their own Bistro for when you don’t want to cook. There is a wonderful waterfall hike not far from the campsite.

Cons: Must book far in advance. Week days are more readily available. We camped on Tuesday and Wednesday and were fully booked when...

Whilst the camping grounds and surrounding areas are scenic and really beautiful, we were extremely disappointed in the lack of maintenance at the cottage, Tant Sarie which we stayed at. What's worse is the lack of accountability on the part of management. We paid a whopping R6200 to stay the weekend and expected a high standard and reasonable level of cleaniness. We were met with a sanitary bin full of diapers from previous guests which had left a bad stench in the bathroom, the taps and bedside tables weren't cleaned, and the WORST part was the old stained sheets. Please see pictures. We reported this to management and DESPITE having clear photo evidence of the lack of maintenance, our concerns were dismissed with a "we are convinced housekeeping did clean the cottage up to standard" which basically denies the evidence which is absurd. The level of customer service is really bad and I have lost a lot of respect for this entity. The situation was handled very unfairly. We enjoyed the hot tub although the water was murky and appeared unclean but again management dismissed this as "due to the flood that had happened and just has a little bit of sand in it." The receptionist, although kind and friendly was also clueless in terms of the details of the hikes and had to call for assistance. Additionally, not really a complaint but something to be aware of is the set up of the unit which is a tad awkward with two of the beds in the kitchen with no barrier so basically if you went to the shared bathroom in the middle of the night/morning you would wake your guests in the kitchen with the loud banging bathroom door. Due to the poor way in which management dealt with this situation by choosing to ignore our concerns and evidence over the word of housekeeping, we will not be back. We had a really sour experience which is a pity given the great expectations and ton of money paid to stay there. Perhaps the camping grounds offer a better experience. Word of advice, document any issues as soon as your arrive as management will dismiss and deny...

We stayed in the Wallis Simpson Pod for two nights. We loved everything about this charming little cabin, equipped with absolutely everything. There was nothing we needed. It has a gas stove, kettle, and coffee plunger. Bring your own coffee. A convection microwave.

We did miss a little indoor table and chairs for eating at, but made do. (Too many bugs and insects at night to eat outside).

I do just want to add that two people walked right past our private area. It appears the path from the cottage above comes right past the pod, which is really not nice if you are sunbathing or in the hot tub. The path should be allocated somewhere else.

We were given a bottle of white wine and a loaf of fresh farm bread upon arrival, which was a lovely touch.

The shower was exceptional. (Window did not open, but did bother us). The mattress is too soft for our liking, but this is just a personal choice. I do feel the duvet could be a down duvet or just better quality. The linen was squeaky, and I was definitely reacting to something that smelt dusty as far as the bedding went. Perhaps it was the duvet inner or headboard or mattress itself. I was not sure. I used my own pillow. This was the only downside for me. However, we really enjoyed the pod as a whole.

The river is absolutely beautiful and crystal clean and clear. We so enjoyed the hike to the waterfall and swimming along the way. The path is a bit overgrown in places, so you have to be careful not to stray. You do have to cross the river in a few places, and if you are short, like me, this might require taking off your shoes to wade across. The hike is only 2.3km and intermediate. Wear proper shoes.

We will definitely be back for camping. The campsites look amazing.

Overall , we loved our stay and recommended it and would go back. But I do feel it's important to always mention the good and not so good for other guests, but also so that the establishment can make improvements...