Need some space and time to stargaze, cycle, hike, barbecue or just unwind? Swap the city lights for the awe-inspiring expanse of the Milky Way and reconnect with nature. Stay in one of our beautiful off-the-grid cottages, each featuring a wood-fired hot tub, luxury linens, and a fully equipped kitchen. Spend your days exploring the reserve on our hiking and mountain bike trails, and enjoy sundowners as the sun sets over the Swartberg mountains. You can also order our organic farm-to-table products, including free-range chicken, eggs, vegetables, lamb, game and ostrich meat, figs, and pomegranate juice, subject to availability.
The Aardvark Bioreserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including springbok, eland, kudu, oryx, giraffes, ostriches, blesbuck, zebras, and, of course, aardvarks. We offer world-class mountain bike and hiking trails, including our unique “green” trails.
Relax, recharge, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo.
**Premium 4-Sleeper Zebra Cottage:**
Our self-catering premium cottage offers two bedrooms and a study/TV room, which can accommodate an additional single bed upon request. The spacious patio features a cosy fireplace, braai/BBQ, and a private wood-fired hot tub. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything from an ice machine to a Nespresso coffee maker. The cottage is conveniently located near the main gate, as well as the mountain bike and hiking trails. Wi-Fi is available, but general phone reception can be intermittent.
**Standard 4-Sleeper Gemsbok Cottage:**
This self-catering cottage boasts two bedrooms, a large patio, a lapa, and a fully equipped kitchen. It also includes its own bicycle shed and storeroom. Situated in the “western section” of Aardvark Bioreserve, it is close to the main entrance and our mountain bike and hiking trails. Wi-Fi is available, but general phone reception can be intermittent. Your cottage overlooks one of our waterholes and is fenced to keep our hungry zebras out. Enjoy your own private, wood-fired hot tub!
**2-Sleeper Springbok Cottage:**
Our 2-sleeper self-catering cottage is a romantic single-bedroom unit. Uniquely situated on the border of the game reserve and working farm, it offers views of both wildlife and grazing sheep. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a lapa, and a braai/BBQ area outside. The cottage overlooks the Miertjieskraal dam wall, a spectacular sight when the dam overflows. The spacious veranda hosts your own private wood-fired hot tub.
**Die Opstal (Farm House):**
Aardvark Bioreserve’s Die Opstal is a comfortable and stylish remodeled farmhouse - the largest of our accommodations. Easily accommodating 8 people, this quirky yet classic house offers a large kitchen with a pizza oven, two indoor fireplaces, a wood-fired hot tub on one of two large decks, and your own lapa. You also have a TV room and a bicycle shed. The house is very private and close to the Miertjies Kraal Dam, as well as our walking and MTB trails.
**Die Berghuisie:**
Unwind in our luxurious 1-bedroom, off-the-grid mountain cottage, accommodating 2 guests. Enjoy two crackling indoor fireplaces, your own cold splash pool, hot tub, and a kitchen equipped with all modern conveniences.
You also have exclusive access to one of the best MTB and hiking trail networks in a unique Klein Karoo game reserve.
Area Info:
Aardvark Bioreserve is a 4900 hectares nature or bioreserve and farm-to-table family venture known for conservation, our exceptional mountain bike trails, hiking, sunsets and organic food. Aardvark Bioreserve is both a game reserve and a working farm. It is situated on the R323 between Ladismith and Riversdale 3.5 hours from Cape Town and 2 hours from George Airport. Access to our farm is on a tar road and to your cottage on a well-maintained gravel road, many of our other roads do however require 4x4 capabilities.
Attractions:
Please see our Activity list
Game Drive On-site: * Mountain Biking On-site
* Trail Running On-Site
* Hiking On-Site
*
* Wine Cellar at Hillock Wines
Rooms and Units Available:
Die Opstal (Farm House)
Die Opstal is a comfortable and stylish remodeled farm house - the largest of our accommodations. Easily sleeping 8 people, this quirky but classic house offers a large kitchen with a pizza oven, two-in door fireplaces, a large patio and hot tub.
Sleeps 8 Adults
Luxury 2-Sleeper Berguisie Cottage
Unwind in a luxurious 1-bedroom, of-the-grid, mountain cottage. Enjoy two crackling indoor fire places, a cold splash pool, hot tub and a kitchen with all the modern conveniences. You also have exclusive access to our Mtb and hiking trail networks.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Luxury 2 Sleeper Springbok Cottage
Our of-the-grid 2-sleeper cottage has one luxury bedroom with a king bed, a bathroom, a cosy covered veranda, a fireplace, and a romantic wood-fired hot tub. The kitchen is fully equipped with your own designated barbecue area.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Luxury 4 Sleeper Gemsbok Cottage
Our of-the-grid standard cottage has two luxury bedrooms: king and 2 twin beds, 2 bathrooms, a large covered veranda, an indoor & outdoor fireplace, and a wood-fired hot tub. The kitchen is fully equipped and you have your own cycle shed.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Luxury 4 Sleeper Zebra Cottage
Our of-the-grid premium cottage has two luxury bedrooms: king and 2 twin beds, 2 bathrooms, a large covered veranda, an indoor and outdoor fireplace, and a wood-fired hot tub. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a separate study/TV room.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Honeymoon Couples Laundry Service Self-Braai / Barbecue
Garden Parking (off-street - open) Wi-Fi Afrikaans English
Hiking / Walking Trails Swimming Pool No Pets Allowed Nature Wine Estates
Hiking Birdwatching Safaries
Cancellation Policy:
- If cancelling 7 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total. - If cancelling 14 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the deposit. - If cancelling 21 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the deposit. - If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 25% of the deposit.
Terms and Conditions
We’re delighted to welcome you to Aardvark Bioreserve!
To help you enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay, please read through the following Frequently Asked Questions and Accommodation Guidelines. Our Activity List and Organic Farm Produce Catalogue will be shared with you separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide meals?
Aardvark is fully self-catering. Your fully equipped kitchen includes an oven, microwave, pressure cooker, air fryer, ice machine, and all essential cookware.
What should we bring?
We provide:
• Quality ground coffee (for a French press, Nespresso machine, and Italian stovetop espresso maker)
• A starter set of coffee pods
• Dry herbs, a wide range of spices, and olive oil
Please bring (or order) your own milk, bread, coffee pods (beyond the first day), and other preferred condiments.
Will someone welcome us on arrival?
Yes! Please coordinate your estimated arrival time with Annetjie to ensure smooth entry and avoid delays at the gate (contact details below).
Is firewood provided?
Yes – we provide complimentary wood for your first evening (hot tub, indoor fireplace, and braai). Additional wood is available for purchase on the reserve, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome in the Gemsbok Cottage, Zebra Cottage, and Die Opstal (Farmhouse). Unfortunately, the Berghuisie and Springbok Cottage are adults-only.
Do you offer game drives?
Yes –game drives and our unique Kiddies Feeding Safari are available:
• R1,500 per cottage when sharing a vehicle
• R2,500 for a private vehicle
You're welcome to bring your own drinks.
Please note:
• No children under 2 allowed on game drives
• Children under 6 may only join if no other guests are present or on a Kiddies Feeding Safari
• No private/self-guided drives permitted
When do I pay?
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
• For direct EFT bookings via our website: Please send Proof of Payment (POP) with your details immediately to confirm.
• For international credit card payments: The cardholder must present their passport/ID and the physical card used at check-in.
• All charges are VAT Inclusive
Card transaction fees are non-refundable in the case of cancellations or reversals.
Arrival Details
Check-in: From 3:00 PM
Check-out: By 11:00 AM
Your host: Annetjie Meyer
? +27 (84) 839-3996 (WhatsApp preferred due to limited cell reception)
Please notify Annetjie when you pass through:
• Riversdale (from the N2)
• Barrydale (from Cape Town via R62)
• Ladismith (from Oudtshoorn via R62)
Your Wi-Fi code and gate opener will be provided in your cottage.
The Cottages
The Zebra, Gemsbok, Springbok cottages and Die Opstal (Farmhouse) are located on the Western Section of the reserve, which includes both wildlife and farming areas. While some farm buildings may be visible, your accommodation remains private and peaceful.
The Berghuisie (Mountain Cottage) is set apart and offers complete seclusion, and an incredible view over the Miertjiekraal Dam.
Important Notes:
• Each cottage accommodates a maximum of two guests per room
• All cottages are self-catering
• A “cottage day” runs from 3:00 PM to 11:00 AM the following day
• Please arrive before 5:00 PM – a R500 late check-in fee applies after this time
Facilities & Safety
Wi-Fi is available in all cottages. 3G reception is limited but accessible at the main stone gate
All units are solar-powered and use reverse-osmosis purified drinking water
No pets allowed – our Zebras are quite jealous
No smoking indoors
Please keep doors and windows closed to avoid insects and wildlife intrusion
Always close your cottage gate to keep Zebras from sampling the garden
Fireplaces & Hot Tubs
• Wood-burning fireplaces and air conditioning are available in all cottages
• Each unit has its own private wood-fired hot tub
• We’ll demonstrate how to light the fire safely, but fires will not be lit prior to your arrival
• Do not use the fireplace or hot tub on your departure day
• Always turn off gas heaters at the cylinder before bedtime
• Ensure all outdoor fires are properly extinguished before sleeping
• Never leave fires unattended
Cleaning & Housekeeping
Daily servicing is available for R150/day – please book in advance.
At check-out, kindly leave your cottage tidy, with all dishes and utensils packed into the dishwasher or neatly in the basin (Berguisie).
Wildlife & Safety
• Please do not feed or approach the Zebras, Eland, Kudu, or Springbok – they are wild animals and may react unpredictably
• Our gate areas are monitored by security cameras, but cottages are not under surveillance
• No drones permitted
• No hiking or cycling is allowed before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM
• No guest vehicles are permitted on the farm beyond designated parking areas
Exploring the Farm & Reserve
We’ll provide a detailed orientation upon arrival. Hiking and MTB trail maps are available via Strava or can be emailed as GPX files.
The Klein Karoo is known for its peace, wide-open skies, and biodiversity. Please help us preserve this by:
• Staying on marked trails
• Respecting the quiet and privacy of others
• Avoiding loud music or disruptive behaviour (we reserve the right to end a stay if guest behaviour disturbs others)
• Not collecting any rocks, plants, or succulents (this is considered theft and police roadblocks are frequent given succulent poaching in the area.)
Our Western Section includes shared-use MTB and hiking trails (hikers have right of way). Red routes are technical – please take care.
The Eastern Section is a conservation zone with no self-driving access, but MTB routes are available for experienced riders. See our Activity List for more details.
We look forward to hosting you at Aardvark Bioreserve – where conservation, comfort, and the Klein Karoo’s unique charm come together.
Directions:
Google Aardvark Bioreserve and follow directions.
GPS coordinates: -33.82105071907119,21.14734781025018
Your host on the farm is Annetjie Meye.
Let her know when you reach Riversdale (N2), Barrydale on the R62 (from Cape Town) or Ladismith on the R62 (from Oudtshoorn). It will allow us to be on the lookout for you. Please note that Google Maps might direct your to take the Brandriver Road just after Barrydale. Continue strait on the R62 if you want to avoid this gravel road. The distance is the same.
Please use WhatsApp as cell phone reception can be intermittent).
