An enchanting hideaway in the folds of a mountain and river

With its serenity and beautiful scenery, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway in the Western Cape offers a soul-restoring breakaway. You can relax and unwind, or explore the mountains on foot or by bike

- Brian Berkman

Few visitors to Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway would argue the point: this place lives up to its name. Nestling in the Stettynskloof mountain fold near Rawsonville in the Western Cape, it is tucked away, tranquil, and far indeed from city hustle and bustle.

The 5km gravel road on the Dwarsberg property is your first indication of this. While well maintained, it is uncomfortably narrow in parts; Farmer’s Weekly was grateful not to encounter any oncoming traffic while on it. And the final approach to the farm gate reinforces the impression of the road less travelled.

The remoteness extends to connectivity. Neither MTN nor Cell C mobile reception is available, while Vodacom works only in the bistro and at reception. There is free Wi-Fi, but this too is patchy. In short, you’re here to unwind and disconnect!

Dwarsberg offers a wide range of accommodation options: 11 riverside campsites, three mountain-vista campsites (4×4 access only), four cottages, and three recently added pods built higher on the mountain with commanding views over the vineyards, orchards and beyond. Farmer’s Weekly spent two wonderfully relaxing, unplugged days in Tant Sarie, a four-sleeper cottage. With its bambooreed ceilings, low doorways and an indoor braai in what must have been the original hearth, it offers cosiness and quaintness. Just be prepared to hit your head a couple of times while packing wood for the braai or forgetting to stoop (if you’re tall) while walking to the bathroom at night.