Farm Sanctuary SA — Hotel in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

We were very excited for our stay at Farm Sanctuary but unfortunately the service did not meet our expectations. I normally do not leave negative reviews but for the cost and attention from the team I feel like it’s only fair to share our experience. Upon arrival it was unclear which entrance to use, we called the number on the email and they told us to drive around the corner with unclear directions and then hung up, we went to the second gate and waited for awhile and one of the groundsmen had to help us because no one from reception appeared to open the gate. Once someone came to help us they gave us the keys to our room and provided minimal instructions for our stay, which we thought we would be able to get more information once we returned from the wine tram. The one positive thing was that they allowed us to drop off our luggage early. Once we returned we had no information on what the wifi code was, loadshedding, and it was raining and the room was leaking and freezing cold. We walked around the grounds, went to the reception, and called all of the numbers that were provided to get the info we required but no one was around to help and our calls were left unanswered. We found a random number on Facebook which I assume was the owner who we spoke to, we had to provide her with the numbers we had been trying to contact and only then did a team member contact us via WhatsApp message. When they contacted us we asked for more wood as there was loadshedding and we could not turn on the small heater, and there was not enough left in the room to maintain the fire. Our request went unanswered and we were directed to use the small heater which would apparently heat up the entire room but it barely emitted any heat and they did not account for loadshedding. There was also unexpected loadshedding in the morning and they generously offered us an additional 2 hours to enjoy a warm bath and tea once the power was back but we would have had to sit in a cold room without a heater and no wood for a fire so we left early. We do not blame the site for not having power, but would have been grateful if we could have been provided with more wood to use the fireplace amenity provided to stay warm. The grounds appeared to be a ghost town, the barn was closed on a Saturday, there was no where on site to have the wine and food they offer (or at least it was not explained or offered). The room was nicely decorated but appears more run down than as shown in the photos, as there were leaks in the room with the rain. Additionally the road to the room was not well maintained and it looked like we could potentially get stuck, the remote to open the gate never worked. Really wanted this to be a unique experience. Hope this helps improve other guests experiences...

Although we enjoyed our stay among the animals, our time at Farm Sanctuary was peculiar. Upon arrival, we discovered that the originally booked accommodation, a charming little cottage, had flooded a month ago. Consequently, we were placed in a different, much less luxurious lodging—with an outdoor toilet. While that isn't inherently an issue, it should be communicated in a timely manner by the provider, especially considering the flood occurred a month ago. There are numerous delightful places in Franschhoek, and had we known we'd be staying in a converted container, we would have booked elsewhere. The lack of communication, even a week before our stay when discussing payment, was disappointing. Neither the staff nor the owner greeted us or provided any welcome. It felt incredibly distant and unwelcoming.

Now, regarding the service and hospitality—utterly dismal. We received minimal instructions, and the manager had to rush off. No information about WiFi, load shedding, or breakfast. So, we walked in later to inquire. One of the staff members was supposed to fetch the manager (as he didn't know either), but they never came back. Consequently, our questions remained unanswered. Suddenly, it was quiet, darkness fell, and Farm Sanctuary felt like a ghost town. There was no one around, and we had no information on how to reach any staff member. That's when we realized the entire property is accessible to anyone; there's no fence or security. Extremely poor service. If only I had read earlier reviews—apparently, many guests had similar...

Farm Sanctuary is an absolute gem, particularly for families looking for a fun and educational outing. This petting zoo is beautifully maintained, offering a serene and charming environment that captivates both children and adults alike. One standout feature is the stunning bar with a cozy seating area, ensuring that your children can interact with the various animals even on cold and wet days. This thoughtful addition makes the experience enjoyable regardless of the weather.

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to feed the animals. Baskets of feed are available for R100, with the cost seen as a donation, although it's not clear which organization benefits. Nevertheless, it adds a meaningful component to your visit, making you feel like you’re contributing to a good cause while having fun. My kids had an absolute ball feeding and interacting with the pigs, goats, chickens, and the many other animals present.

Though it was sad to learn that the original Pigcasso, known for its unique paintings, has passed away, the sanctuary still offers a delightful experience with its other resident animals. The variety of friendly creatures ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend a visit to Farm Sanctuary; it's a beautiful place that promises an unforgettable day for the...