"In die Hoëveld, waar dit oop is
En die hemel wyd daarbo
Waar kuddes waaigras huppel oor die veld
Waar 'n mens nog vry kan asemhaal
En aan 'n God kan glo..."
Toon van den Heever
AA Recommended Accommodation (2001) SABS Grading: Three Crystals
Waaigras Cottage in Hills and Dales, north-west of Johannesburg, overlooks the rolling grasslands of the Rhenosterspruit Nature Reserve which straddles the Jukskei, Crocodile and Hennops Rivers south of the Schurveberg range. It is situated about 30 kms from northern Johannesburg and Pretoria. This is a place for connecting with yourself, space and silence - not recommended if you crave entertainment and activity! A good place for "chilling out".
Rambling walks or hikes (up to nine kilometres) can be taken through the lush Bankenveld grasslands and the views stretching in every direction are a balm to the soul. During the day the korhaan's raspy call echoes over the veld and in the evenings the night birds, frogs and jackals take over. The cloudscapes are beautiful and the sunsets are often stunning. A bird list is available - 298 bird species have been spotted in the Reserve. For the more energetic there is a floodlit volleyball court.
Waaigras Cottage is a member of the Crocodile Ramble and it is within reach of the Sterkfontein Caves (the Cradle of Mankind World Heritage Site), game reserves, art and craft galleries, and other attractions.
The cottage has six beds in all, with an option of king-size beds or singles. It has one en-suite bedroom plus a two-bedroom family unit, also en-suite. The two units are separated by a sitting-cum-dining room and kitchen. Waaigras is never let to separate groups at the same time - your privacy is respected. (There are extra beds in the main house for workshops and retreats.)
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The sitting-cum-dining room leads onto two shady patios. Braai equipment is available. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering. Five varieties of tea (Ceylon, herb and and bush tea) are provided, plus coffee, salt and sugar. Fresh herbs can be picked in the gardens. There is extra freezer space if needed. A water filter is available. Dishcloths, detergent, gloves and potholders are there for your use.
Bed linen, towels and soap are supplied.
For your individual comfort you have a menu of pillows and blankets to choose from:
feather, hollow fibre or Saratoga (buckwheat) pillows; summer or winter duvets, mohair,
medium or summer weight blankets. Free extras: tissues, hand cream, bath foam,
shampoo. Also: nail brushes, make-up mirror, full-length mirrors and hotwater
bottles for chilly winter nights. (Or cuddle up in a mohair blanket.)
The cottage is equipped with ceiling fans, heaters and mosquito repellers, radio alarm clocks and a portable radio/CD/cassette player . On request for workshops: flipchart and pens (R50). Telephone, fax and computer services are available as well as e-mail. Cleaning services are arranged according to your needs. Additional help and laundry services will be charged separately.
For those who prefer to snuggle in bed with a good book, we
have hundreds to choose from. And gardeners are welcome to take slips, seed and
cuttings or just wander through the Wild Garden. Music lovers can bring their
own CDs or take their pick from ours. There is no TV (voted out by
guests!).
Note : There are no shops in the vicinity, so bring all you need. If you forget something crucial, we'll help you out.
Languages : English, Afrikaans and very basic German.
Pets: By special arrangement only. We have some nice ones that can be adopted temporarily.
Children: Most welcome if they like the outdoors and the veld and can find their own entertainment in nature. A cot is available on request.
Smoking: Visitors are requested not to smoke in the cottage.
Special offer: Waaigras offers a multiple-option holiday (minimum seven days). Use the cottage and the garden as a base at no extra charge to invite friends or family for braais, get-togethers or to sleep over (two nights maximum), or for walks or picnics .
Directions: A detailed road map to Waaigras is available - and necessary. It is five-and-a-half kilometers of dirt road from the tar road turn-off. We use it daily - with and without 4x4s. Vehicles with a good clearance are recommended.
Payment: A 50% deposit is payable on booking. If a cancellation is received seven days before the booked date, this amount will be refunded.
| Rates : | |
| R200 per person per night (sharing), minimum two nights | One night only: R250 pp per night |
| Children under 12: R100 | One person only: R250 per night |
| Children under 5: No charge | Groups, workshops, etc - Rates on request |
For more information contact Helen Duigan at :
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http://www.crocodileramble.co.za