The Houthoop Guesthouse and Open-Air Restaurant is nestled on a working Dorper sheep farm, just 15 km from Kleinzee in the heart of Namaqualand. Surrounded by open veld and wide country skies, guests can enjoy simple farm-style comfort in the guesthouse or nearby wooden huts, while experiencing genuine Namaqualand hospitality in a peaceful rural setting.
Situated in the heart of Namaqualand in the Northern Cape, Houthoop offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. The region is bordered in the north by the Orange River and Namibia, while the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west.
Namaqualand is world-famous for its breathtaking wildflower season, when millions of flowers transform the normally dry desert landscape into a vibrant display of colour during late winter and early spring, from July to October.
For most of the year, the area appears dry and barren, but winter rainfall brings the veld to life, creating one of the most remarkable floral displays in the world.
About Houthoop
The name Houthoop originated from a stack of indigenous Redvig wood arranged in the shape of a shelter. Established in 1954, Houthoop has become a well-known open-air restaurant and farm destination, offering visitors authentic Namaqualand hospitality.
Located on the farm Steenvlei, Houthoop is centrally situated, making it an ideal stop during flower season and a convenient base for exploring the West Coast and surrounding attractions.
Its rustic farm-style atmosphere provides a peaceful retreat for visitors who appreciate nature, simplicity, and warm hospitality.
Nature and Activities
Houthoop is ideal for nature lovers who wish to experience Namaqualand in all its splendour ????
During the flower season, from June to October, winter rains transform the veld into a green and colourful wonderland.
Visitors can enjoy:
Informal walking trails
Bird and insect watching
Plant identification
Wildlife sightings, including meerkats (suricates)
The surrounding veld also offers fascinating plant diversity and rich insect life for visitors interested in nature.
Dining Experience
Generous farm-style meals are prepared with care and served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Bookings are essential.
Typical meals include:
Braais (barbecues)
Potjies
Fresh salads
Seafood and game dishes can also be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Meals are served in the guesthouse restaurant, while guests may also choose to dine at The Fishbone (Visbeen).
Accommodation
Enjoy true Namaqualand farm-style accommodation in a rustic and peaceful setting.
Accommodation options include:
4 en-suite self-catering units and 6 en-suite double rooms
16 huts (2 guests per hut) – basic accommodation, with shared facilities.
Campsites with electricity points, and warm showers
Specials
Senior citizens & group rates
Special discounts for senior citizens by prior arrangement - 10%
Group rates available for conferences, team-building, and tour groups ( depending on group size)
From: 2026-04-14
To : 2026-12-31
Area Info:
Houthoop is located in the heart of Namaqualand, close to the small coastal town of Kleinzee. The area offers visitors a peaceful desert landscape, beautiful flower displays during the season, and easy access to nearby attractions.
Nearby towns and attractions include:
Kleinzee – local restaurants, shops, fuel stations, and basic services
Port Nolloth – a coastal town known for fishing, beaches, and fresh seafood
Hondeklip Bay – a small fishing village famous for its shipwreck history and coastline
Namaqua National Park – world-famous for its spectacular spring wildflower displays
Richtersveld National Park – one of the only mountain deserts in South Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The sea is approximately 15–17 km away, offering opportunities for coastal visits, fishing, and enjoying the Atlantic Ocean views.
Local shops, restaurants, farm stalls, and essential services can be found in nearby towns, making it easy for visitors to explore the surrounding Namaqualand region.
Activities:
Enjoy a restaurant buffet (bookings are essential)
Explore 4x4 trails, including the Shipwreck route
Discover the unique fauna and flora of Namaqualand
Conferencing and team-building in a peaceful farm setting
Visit Joha’s Farm Stall
Clothing and Accessories:
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for gravel roads, walking trails, and outdoor activities.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential during warm sunny days.
Warm clothing is advisable for cool mornings and evenings, especially during winter and flower season.
A light jacket is recommended as weather can change quickly.
Visitors travelling during flower season should wear layered clothing for changing temperatures.
Bottled drinking water is recommended, especially for day outings.
Health and Climate:
The water on the farm is brackish and may taste different from regular drinking water.
Visitors who prefer fresh drinking water are encouraged to bring bottled water.
Summers in Namaqualand are hot and dry, while winters are cool with occasional rainfall.
Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for outdoor activities.
Warm clothing is advisable for cool evenings, especially during winter and flower season.
Rooms and Units Available:
Die Houthoop offers a variety of comfortable farm-style accommodation options, including self-catering units, guesthouse rooms, wooden huts, and camping facilities. Guests can choose between private en-suite accommodation or more basic rustic options, all set in a peaceful farm environment in the heart of Namaqualand.
Camping
Die Houthoop offers spacious campsites in a peaceful farm setting, with electricity points, communal ablution facilities, and warm showers. Braai facilities are available, allowing guests to enjoy an authentic outdoor farm experience in the natural Namaqualand landscape.
Amount of similar units: 25
Sleeps 50 Adults
and 20 children
En-suite Rooms
Die Houthoop offers 4 self-catering units, of which 3 are family units, as well as 6 en-suite rooms with double beds. Accommodation is designed to provide comfortable farm-style stays for couples, families, and small groups in a peaceful rural setting.
Amount of similar units: 10
Sleeps 2 Adults
and 2 children
Wooden Huts
Die Houthoop offers rustic huts with options of double beds or two single beds. Six huts have shared bathrooms, with a shower and toilet situated between every two huts, while ten huts make use of communal ablution facilities. Braai facilities are available for guests to enjoy a relaxed farm-style outdoor stay.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Elderly Honeymoon Couples Pets only by Arrangement Laundry Service Ironing Service Special Meals on Request Wedding facilities Team Building
Self-Braai / Barbecue Dining room Curio Shop Fireplace on the Premises Garden Library Internet Access Parking (off-street - open) Wi-Fi Afrikaans
English Communal Television Hiking / Walking Trails Playground Swimming Pool Beaches Nature 4x4 Routes Diving Golfing
Hiking Fishing Birdwatching Arts and Craft Business Travellers Children's Play Area Cleaning Services
Cancellation Policy:
- If cancelled less than 7 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of deposit
Terms and Conditions
Bookings are confirmed once payment arrangements have been made.
A full payment or deposit may be required to secure a reservation.
Restaurant meals must be booked in advance, as bookings are essential.
Check-in and check-out times must be arranged with management.
Guests are requested to respect the peaceful farm environment and fellow visitors at all times.
Children using the playground and swimming pool must always be under adult supervision.
No loud music or excessive noise is permitted, especially during the evening and night.
Guests are responsible for any damage caused to accommodation or property during their stay.
Farm animals, plants, and the surrounding natural environment must not be disturbed.
Cancellation policies and refunds are subject to prior arrangement with management.
Check-in / Check-out Times
Check-in: From 14:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged with management, subject to availability.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome by prior arrangement only.
Owners are responsible for keeping pets under control at all times.
Pets may not disturb other guests or farm animals.
Owners must clean up after their pets.
Flower Season Rules
Visitors are kindly requested not to pick flowers or damage natural vegetation.
Stay on marked tracks and walking paths where possible.
Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
No littering is allowed.
During flower season, advance bookings are strongly recommended due to high visitor demand ????
Directions:
Directions to Die Houthoop
GPS Coordinates: 29°44’59.1"S 17°09’16.1"E
Google Maps: Enter the GPS coordinates for easier navigation 📍
Route 1: Flower Route via Buffelsrivier → Komaggas
(±40 km from Springbok turn-off)
From Springbok, take the R355 via Spektakel Pass.
Just after the pass, turn left at the signposted turn-off to Buffelsrivier.
Continue through Komaggas. At the liquor store where the road divides, keep right.
Continue for approximately 40 km, watch for the Die Houthoop sign, and turn right to the guest farm.
Total distance: ±100 km
Note:
Part gravel road — drive carefully
Signal is patchy — save directions for offline use
Look out for the Die Houthoop sign near the final turn
Route 2: Alternative via Kleinzee
(±105 km from Springbok)
From Springbok, drive to Kleinzee (approximately 105 km).
In Kleinzee:
Head south out of town toward Koiingnaas
At the T-junction, turn left toward Komaggas (gravel road)
After approximately 7 km, turn left into Die Houthoop Guest Farm
Note:
Part gravel road — drive carefully
Signal is patchy — save directions for offline use
Look out for the Die Houthoop sign near the final turn
We recommend arriving before sunset, especially when travelling on gravel roads.
Click to display the map
Guests Rating:
(1)
Accommodation Type: Bed & Breakfast, Caravan park and Guest Farm
