Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Grass Karoo, Bergendam Eco Lodge is a solar-powered, tranquil farm lodge offering magnificent views of the Gariep Dam area tucked into the mountainside. Situated on a historic family farm passed down since 1903, it is a sanctuary defined by the grandeur of the Karoo with its open plains, rocky ridges, and vast skies. This authentic agricultural retreat invites guests to slow down and find space to breathe and unwind.
The accommodation at Bergendam Eco Lodge is designed to cater to various guest needs, ensuring comfort and privacy within its unique landscape. With stunning views of both the surrounding mountain and the Gariep Dam, each unit offers a perfect retreat for couples, families, or groups, with options including a 1-Bedroom Luxury Cottage and two spacious 2-Bedroom Holiday Homes. Each unit provides comfort and convenience with a king-sized bed (plus two single beds in the 2-Bedroom options), an eco-friendly kitchenette, a cosy sitting area with a smart TV for entertainment, and private braai facilities (the 2-bedroom units have a boma-style braai). Guests can enjoy the relaxing outdoors with a patio and outdoor dining area, with the 1-bedroom Luxury Cottage and 2-bedroom Deluxe Holiday Home featuring a luxurious wood-fired hot tub, while both the 2-Bedroom units include a charming fireplace for cooler evenings.
Bergendam Eco Lodge is a welcoming home away from home, offering guests a deeply immersive farm stay experience where the true spirit of the Karoo comes to life, including a natural pool to indulge in. While encouraging connection with its historic, tranquil setting and natural beauty, the lodge ensures essential comfort, serving as a restful pause for all who visit.
In Room Facilities: * Ceiling fan * Cleaning service * Dining table * Hypoallergenic pillow * Landmark view (select units) * Mountain view * Non-smoking * Sitting area * Streaming service(s) * TV * Wi-Fi * Bathroom amenities * Bathrobe * Hairdryer * Separate tub and shower (select units) * Shower-only (select units) * Towels * Bar fridge * Coffee/tea facilities * Kitchen supplies * Eco-friendly Kitchenette * Stove * Braai / Barbeque facilities * Wood-fired Hot tub (select units) * Fireplace (select units) * Outdoor dining area * Outdoor furniture * Patio * Solar-powered
Establishment Facilities: * Free, secured parking * Outdoor Pool * BBQ / Picnic area * Wi-Fi
Area Info:
Venterstad offers travellers a quintessential escape into the tranquil heart of the Eastern Cape Highlands. Situated near the immense Gariep Dam wall, this historic town, established in 1875, is the complete opposite of hurried city life. Visitors are immediately struck by the vast “big sky country” with its endless plains stretching to distant hills, providing a sense of space and quietude. The town holds a gentle charm, with streets lined by historical buildings that speak to its 19th-century origins. Travellers can admire architectural landmarks, including the Reformed Church, which is a national monument, Saint Paul’s, and the Dutch Reformed Church. While Venterstad is a small, peaceful settlement, local shops and an ATM meet basic needs. Its deep sense of calm is what truly appeals to those seeking an authentic break. Venterstad?s major draw is its proximity to the region’s premier outdoor attractions. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Gariep Dam area. Nearby, the Oviston Nature Reserve invites nature lovers to discover a wide variety of fauna, including Springbuck, and nearly 150 bird species. The Gariep Dam is a popular hub for water sports and offers excellent fishing. For those interested in engineering, the Orange-Fish River Tunnel, one of the world’s longest, is a monumental achievement. Venterstad is a destination for travellers who value heritage, wide-open spaces, and a peaceful retreat into the South African countryside.
Attractions:
* Gariep Dam
* Oviston Nature Reserve
* Orange–Fish River Tunnel
* Gariep Dam Wall Tours
* Boat Cruises on Lake Gariep
* Water Sports (sailing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing)
* Fishing and Angling
* 4x4 Trails
* Mountain Biking
* Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve
* Historic Churches in Venterstad (Reformed Church, Saint Paul's, Dutch Reformed Church)
* Bethulie Concentration Camp Graveyard
* South Africa's longest bridge at Bethulie
* Gariep Nature Reserve Game Drives
* Scenic Tractor Rides
Rooms and Units Available:
1-Bedroom Luxury Cottage
This tranquil retreat for two offers romance and privacy with its king bed, full bathroom, mountain views and wood-fired hot tub. Guests can enjoy an eco-friendly kitchenette, braai facilities, a dining space and a sitting area with a smart TV.
Sleeps 2 Adults
2-Bedroom Deluxe Holiday Home
Ideal for groups or families, this spacious two-bedroom unit includes a king bed, two single beds, 2 shower-only bathrooms, a wood-fired hot tub, an eco-friendly kitchenette, a boma-style braai, a sitting area with a fireplace and a patio.
Sleeps 4 Adults
2-Bedroom Family Home
This two-bedroom unit with mountain views offers the perfect escape for families. It has a king bed and two single beds, 2 shower-only bathrooms, a fireplace, an eco-friendly kitchenette, a boma-style braai, and an outdoor dining area on the patio.
Sleeps 4 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Children under 12 Pets only by Arrangement
Self-Braai / Barbecue Wi-Fi
Swimming Pool Nature
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.
Terms and Conditions
Pets are only allowed under special circumstances at an additional charge to be confirmed via direct communication.
Directions:
From Bram Fischer International Airport:
1. Head southeast onto Bram Fischer Airport Road. You'll go about 350 m.
2. Continue straight on Bram Fischer Airport Road for another 600 m.
3. At the traffic circle (roundabout), take the second exit and keep on Bram Fischer Airport Road. This is a stretch of about 600 m.
4. The road then becomes Bloemfontein Airport. Drive for 270 m.
5. Turn right to join the N8 highway, heading towards Bloemfontein. This merging section is about 500 m.
6. Keep right to stay on the N8 for 2.1 km.
7. Take the exit onto the M10. Drive for 750 m.
8. Merge onto the M10 and drive for the next 8.9 km.
9. Turn left onto Oliver Tambo Road / M30. This road will take you 2.3 km.
10. Turn right (you're almost out of the city!) and drive for 400 m.
11. Turn left and continue for 2.0 km.
12. Turn right onto Bloemfontein Ring Road / M30 / N6. Drive for 450 m.
13. Turn left to merge onto the N1 highway. Get ready for a long drive here—it's about 168 km!
14. Take the exit towards the R701. Drive for about 800 m on the off-ramp.
15. Turn left onto the R701 (this stretch is 350 m).
16. Continue straight on the R701 for 5.0 km.
17. Turn right to stay on the R701 for another 5.4 km.
18. Turn left onto the R58. You will drive a significant distance on this road: 35.0 km.
19. Turn right onto a road with restricted usage. Drive for 800 m.
20. Finally, turn left, and you should be there!
