Photo: Supplied
Eenzaamheid Holiday Farm lies 50km to the west of Graaff-Reinet, in the heart of the Camdeboo Karoo. Lying at the foot of a mountain and covering 4 000ha, it caters for just about every holidaymaker out there: nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, star gazers, mountain bikers, 4×4 enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers of all ages.
To add even more interest for the visitor, it is also a working family farm. Francois and Stephanie Theron are the current owners, and their children, Milan, SP and Anje, are the sixth generation of the family living on the property. Stephanie, who has been in the tourism industry since 1998, manages the hospitality on the farm.
Caring for nature
Eenzaamheid is situated within the access-controlled Camdeboo Conservancy, which stretches over 85 000ha and contains 20 commercial farms. The conservancy is overseen by the Mountain Zebra National Park and is a protected area for the Karoo Vulture Safe Zone, which is aimed at getting vultures to return to this area in numbers.
Each farmer in the area is required to submit a nature conservation plan annually, indicating the conservation activities that he or she aims to undertake.
Eenzaamheid Holiday Farm attracts guests of every type. Family holidaymakers are amongst them, and some families meet up from different towns and cities all over the country for a break over the Easter weekend or school holidays.
The farm is also an ideal stopover for travellers between the Garden Route and the interior, and receives a number of international guests, especially during the warmer months.
Hunting
A number of antelope species occur naturally in the area, and require some control to keep their numbers at environmentally optimal levels. The Therons therefore welcome hunters during winter, although the farm is not known as a hunting lodge.
Kudu are especially sought after by trophy hunters, some of whom bring their spouses and children and turn the trip into a family outing. Francois and his sons accompany the hunters in the veld, and Stephanie processes the meat when they return, producing dry wors, biltong and fresh meat. She also processes meat for other hunters in the area.
A mountain bike challenge takes place in October each year to raise funds for the conservancy, and money generated through other projects is used for uplifting conservancy workers’ quality of life.
Eenzaamheid, as mentioned, is a busy working farm. The Therons run Angora goats, Merino and Persian sheep, and Bonsmara cattle, and produce lucerne under irrigation for the livestock during the drier months. A citrus orchard provides fruit to shops in Graaff-Reinet. Guests are allowed to handle lambs and can watch when shearing takes place.
Other attractions
Graaff-Reinet and nearby towns such as Nieu-Bethesda and Aberdeen offer unique activities for visitors. Graaff-Reinet has several museums, including ReCollection Rides with its impressive collection of vintage cars.
The town’s famous Groote Kerk, which is often featured in magazine articles, is worth a visit. The Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park is also a must-see for any visitor to the area.
Accommodation
Three units are available to guests on the farm. Farmer’s Weekly stayed in the New Cottage, which can accommodate four guests. It has two bedrooms; one with a double bed and another with two single beds. There is one bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette, and a dining table and fireplace in the lounge area.
A kettle, a two-plate stove with a small oven, a microwave oven and a fridge are supplied, as well as all the necessary cutlery and crockery. Linen and towels are provided. There is a stoep with benches and a braai area, which also makes a great sundowner spot.
Rusks and milk are provided on arrival. The Old Cottage houses up to 12 people in three bedrooms, with en suite bathrooms. Linen and towels are provided, and a fireplace is available for colder evenings.
The kitchen is sufficiently equipped for self-catering guests. The Family Room at the main house can accommodate four people and has a bathroom en suite. It does not have self-catering facilities, but has a coffee and tea station with a bar fridge.
Eenzaamheid has a lapa that is available to all guests for braaiing, and fire pits make for a cosy evening. Wood can be purchased.
Meals can be provided by prior arrangement. Alternatively, one can visit Our Yard in Graaff-Reinet, which has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on its menu. The Hello You restaurant offers a wide selection of meals, as well as wine, cocktails, beer and liqueur.
Guests are welcome to cool off in the farm dam on hot days. Wi-Fi is available to guests, and there is a Vodacom signal. Eenzaamheid can be reached off the N9 highway via a 20km gravel road. The road is well maintained but can get rather muddy after rain. Guests are advised to drive slowly on the road and to be on the lookout for wildlife.
Farmer’s Weekly paid R800 per night for two people.
Phone Stephanie Theron on 082 896 4463, or visit eenzaamheid.co.za
