Melkhout Guest Farm — Hotel in Langeberg Local Municipality

While the Farm Cottage was well stocked with comfortable beds and thoughtful touches, we still had some challenges.

1. The cottage is right in the middle of a working cow farm. This means there is a constant smell of cow dung, an ABUNDANT amount of flies - no matter what you try, they make there way inside -and we were there in the winter (I can't imagine how bad it must be in summer). I killed about 30 flies in my bedroom last night. Also, tractors start up at 5:30am and continue until into the evening.

2. The inhumane treatment of the newborn calves was quite distressing for us. Little calves were locked in tiny cages and left there overnight in the freezing weather, without a blanket or straw. I was really disturbed and felt so sad for them. I feel that the calves should be in an indoor shelter with a surrogate older cow to act as a mother figure. It was horrible.

3. There are workers constantly walking around the cottage, so there is very little privacy when in the hot tub.

4. There was only 1 bathroom for 5 people, which became quite challenging.

5. The host, Lizelle, was quite rude and very abrasive and her people skills left much to be desired.

Suffice to say, I definitely...

We spent last weekend camping at Melkhout Guest Farm near Bonnievale. What an amazing place. We were greeted by Lizahn who welcomed us with a basket containing fresh milk, a loaf of home made bread, butter and 6 eggs, all produced on the farm.

There are 5 sites. Each site has a bathroom and a large undercover deck overlooking the Breede river. The sites are huge with lush green grass and divided by a row of small shrubs. The bathroom was clean, had freshly laundered bath mats, a vase of fresh flowers and ample loo rolls.

Our Jack Russell had whale of a time. He had so much to investigate and a beautiful river to swim in.

We counted 23 species of birds in the short time we were there including a brief spotting of a Fish Eeagle.

Thank you Lizahn for letting us experience such a...

Staying on this dairy farm was an absolute dream – truly a hidden gem we were so lucky to stumble upon! From the moment we drove up to the cottage, we were in awe. Walking inside to find a farmstyle bread, butter, and the creamiest farm-fresh milk was the warmest welcome.

The cottage itself was perfect – beautifully set up for all of us: our 2 kids and 2 furkids. The kitchen was well stocked, the rooms were cozy and comfortable, and the hot tub on the stoep overlooking the stunning view was the ultimate treat.

We only wish we could have taken more of that incredible milk home with us. An unforgettable stay –...