Rhenosterpoort Water Retreat

Reviews

• "Beautiful & peaceful"

  21 December 2020

  "Wow what a beautiful place and so much peace and tranquility thanks so much"

• "Tranquil surroundings"

  02 January 2020

  "We had an amazing time at Rhenosterpoort Water Retreat! I could sit on the chalet's stoep for hours just listening to the birds.The farm and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife and our boys enjoyed spotting all sorts of animals."

• "Will definitely return"

  06 November 2017

  "What a beautiful spot, away from the maddening crowd. Loved sitting on the stoep and watching the birdlife on the dam right on our doorstep, a birder's dream. The cottage is comfortable and has all the basic necessities. We will definitely return for a longer visit."

• "Relaxing at your own pace"

  09 October 2017

  "The 3 days we spent at this wonderful and relaxing place in the Rankin pass area was worth more than just the actual hours on the clock. it is the ideal place to give your mind an soul some peace while enjoying the wildlife and pleasant hikes to one of the most serene waterfalls I have seen. Do not hesitate to go and relax here, the hosts are very accommodating and friendly and one feels like family within hours of arriving."

• "Quiet Hideaway"

  19 December 2016

  "This hideaway is perfect for those seeking ultimate bush time to wind down and relax. <br/><br/>We enjoyed our quiet time out. The host were gracious and always willing to assist. <br/><br/>Note: Take a insect repelleant :-) you will need it.....<br/><br/>The hiking trails, were enjoyable and cool. So, for bush lovers, this is a place to be. No frills, No Fuss."

• "Great weekend"

  29 February 2016

  "My wife and I enjoyed our weekend at Rhenosterpoort so much, we didn't want to leave. It was so peaceful and quiet. Was so relaxed and had time to unwind. The stone chalet was beautiful, and loved that it was so close to the water. We enjoyed the hike and the most amazing views. We definitely would go back for another few days and would recommend Rhenosterpoort to all our friends and family. Sharyn and the family were so friendly and are all round lovely people. Awesome place! Thanks for the amazing weekend."

• "Lekker"

  04 March 2014

  "Dit was n ongelooflike naweek. Baie gerus en lekker gaan stap al langs die revier en oor die berg, wat n uitkyk dit was die moeite werd. Sal verseker weer gaan kuier !! Baie dankie"

• "What a wonderful retreat"

  02 January 2014

  "We had such a wonderful and peaceful stay at Rhenosterpoort. The cabin was spacious with beautiful views. The braai area is excellent and allows for a proper bush braai. The hiking trails were good with some spectacular views. I would definitely recommend Rhenosterpoort for a peaceful holiday."

• "Lovely place"

  29 October 2013

  "What a lovely place to relax and unwind. The chalets are in an ideal setting and you can really get away from it all during your stay. Sharyn was so accommodating and was great to us during our stay. Would definitely stay there again. Many thanks."

• "Renosterpoort Water Retreat worst weekend away"

  22 October 2013

  "No mention was made on the website that 21km of ungraded gravel road to be travelled to reach Renosterpoort Water Retreat. We drive a low Citroen C2. I now have had to replace a broken right front shock at the cost of R2720.00. Alluring descriptions of river rock pools to cool down in in 37 degrees celsius heat and an accessable waterfall cascading into a deep rock pool fell away upon arrival as we were non-chalantly informed that our car was too low to access these river retreats which was (surprise again) 1.7km away from the chalets.A complaint that no desciption on the website explained you needed a 4x4 or the likes got us an instruction for an exact time in which we could be driven there by the owner.Despite the fact that it was our money, get away and leisure time, we abided by the instructed allocated time to be dropped off and collected.Instruction to follow marked stones that would take us 20 minutes cleared walk to the waterfall failed with missing stones us hiking up cliffs for over 2 hours to this waterfall and back.Seeing it from high above and afar, we couldn't even swim as we had to be collected at a certain time which we never made because we got so badly lost along this instructed path. this so-called cleared path which you could walk by "barefoot" got a branch with a thick twig jutting out of it into the air sole of my R1,800.00 Puma sneakers.I am diabetic:without water or food for over 2 hours of climbing and hiking, I went into glycaemic shock.Upon arriving back at the hikers' base camp,complete strangers provided watered-down juice and ice. The owner, deciding we had chosen to be late for the pick-up, had left. The hikers gave us a lift back. A complaint to the owner about getting so decidedely lost and the health consequences was laughed off by a comment that the baboons turn the rocks that guide the path around.She complained that she has to wake up early Mon-Fri to get her kids to school but will pick us up at 8am Saturday morning to go to the rock pools. She further complained that her poor husband would be feeding the game that we were there to see the next morning as their staff was off duty.Trying to braai in our boma on Friday night left us with burnt offerings as the light in the boma's fuse was burnt out. Awaking by 6:30am Saturday morning for the 7am feeding, we awaited this game feeding and supposed "abundance of game" as advertised. After 8:10 the feeding only happened. Waiting to be collected for the rock pools at 8am, 9:45 arrived. Exhausted from our unexpected hike the day before, I went back to sleep. The owner arrived after 10am. At this point my fiance didn't want to wake me. The broken boma braai light was reported. The owner promised to fix it.But to no avail. Spending money on lamb, veggies and cous cous, we had to try to make a potjie by the light of our cell phones Saturday night.The result:burnt meat and half raw vegetables.A very poorly equipped chalet where only 3 of all cutlery and crockery was made available for 2 was disappointing.There wasn't even a chopping board or a peeler.The outdoor shower which we thought would lead to a romantic treat under the stars happened to be the space that all cleaning equipment, mops, buckets etc was kept and it only had cold water. Much potential but a DISAPPOINTING weekend that cost more in broken shoes and shocks than did the get away!<br></br><b>Establishment's response</b><br></br><i>As owners of the Rhenosterpoort Water Retreat we would like to respond to the guest comment. There seem to have been expectations that were not met. To avoid this happening again we would like to advise any guests wanting to book with us that they please make sure that they are fully aware of the following;<br></br> The map on Safari Now clearly shows that our property is at least 25km from the nearest tarred road. We cannot be held responsible for the failure of the Department of Roads to maintain the roads.<br></br> The property is not overly developed and the most beautiful areas are only accessible on foot. One can drive a bit closer, but building a road to the waterfall and ravine will in our opinion destroy much of the beauty of the property. Nowhere in any of our marketing do we say that the waterfall and rock pools are accessible by vehicle.<br></br> When hiking it is imperative that you make sure that you have the correct footwear and any medication you might need. It is very dangerous to hike without medication if you suffer from a medical condition. We expect guests to know their own medical needs.<br></br> Rhenosterpoort is a working farm; cattle, game and various accommodation. There are certain work schedules on the farm and we have to adhere to these, thus if we ask guests to be ready at a certain time for pick-up we expect them to be on time. If there is any question that you need answered please make use of the Safari Now facility for asking us. We would far rather have guests find accommodation more suited to their needs than be unhappy with what we have to offer.<br></br>Finally, we take into account all comments posted on Safari Now and we feel that these guests did not make sure that what we have to offer would meet their needs.<br></br>Best regards<br></br>Anton and Sharyn</i>"

• "A wonderful, private paradise"

  21 October 2013

  "This was our second time at Rhenosterpoort and we invited my parents along as well since we had such a good time previously. It's completely private and so peaceful with the dam right in front of your doorstep. It is an all-time favourite place of mine to go and relax and enjoy life."

• "Excellent stay"

  30 September 2013

  "Stunning views, great pools, great hiking, excellent hosts."

• "Absolutely amazing weekend away"

  02 April 2013

  "Our stay was one of the best and most relaxing holidays we have ever had.It was an unforgettable experience.From the friendly and accomodating owners,Anton and Sharyn.To the incredible view of the Waterberg Mountains with sights of game 100m away from you was truely amazing.We cant wait to come back in the future."

• "Bush getaway"

  26 February 2013

  "What an amazing place to spend a long (too short) weekend. Comfortable and well suited accomodation in the middle of the Waterberg region, gorges, rock pools, game and scenery. Looking forward to the next visit."

• "Besonders"

  18 December 2012

  "'n Baie besonderse uitspanplek wat deur baie gawe en kundige natuurmense bedryf word. Van die mooiste bosveld- en waterryke bergwêreld denkbaar, met volop wild, voëllewe en vis. Die blyplek is gerieflik ingerig. Rus vir die siel."

• "Relaxing"

  23 March 2012

  "We enjoyed our stay very much! Quiet and relaxing!"

• "Very nice"

  03 January 2012

  "Dit was baie lekker en ek sal weer een dag daar gaan bly. It was very nice and I will stay here again one day."

• "A true gem"

  03 January 2012

  "The peace and quiet were wonderful. Stargazing at night next to a big fire. My kids thoroughly enjoyed the walk up the mountains, swimming in the river, the animals and being able to sit on your front 'stoep' and catch fish, all this added to a really enjoyable weekend away. The hosts made us feel welcome and went out of their way to add to our wonderful weekend – thanks again. I would definitely go back and would also recommend this lodge to friends and family."

• "Last night in SA"

  02 August 2011

  "Peaceful retreat with nyala, impalas, blesbok and waterbucks grazing on our doorstep. Good accommodation, great view and nice, friendly people."

• "Excellent Place to Stay"

  11 May 2011

  "It was one of my best bushveld holidays ever. Closer to nature you can't come! Lots of game and wildlife to see. The owners are very helpful and friendly. Only negative - no cellphone and Internet reception yet. I will recommend Rhenosterpoort Water Retreat to anybody that loves the nature."

• "Great experience"

  30 April 2011

  "We had an absolutely wonderful time and the walking trails are definitely a highlight and could be recommended. We also received very good and personal attention and service from the hosts. We will certainly go back for another visit."

• "Rhenosterpoort is 'soul food'"

  22 March 2011

  "The tranquility and unspoilt beauty of Rhenosterpoort rejuvenates the soul and provide a complete escape. Walking on the lands with farmer Anton le Roux was fascinating. It is the best run, most humane farm we have ever seen. We plan to return again and again, with or without our children."

• "Wonderful, close to nature"

  03 March 2011

  "We had a wonderful time there. We were surprised at how close to the water the cabin was and it really created a wonderful atmosphere. We enjoyed the privacy the cabin offers, leaving us to enjoy the bushveld, the mountain and the dam. We will definitely be going there again!"