Southern Yurts

Southern Yurts is owned and managed by partners, Tobin Davenport and Kate Brink. The business-core, including Yurt accommodation and manufacturing, operates from Diepklowe Nature Reserve - a beautiful valley that also conserves 200 hectares of indigenous Renosterveld.

Over the past eight years we have established three private glamping sites, two private Cabins, and a larger accommodation for groups, retreats and events. Each accommodation is equipped for self-catering, with private kitchens, bathroom facilities, and wood-fired hot tubs from which to enjoy the location’s exquisite views. For bookings and availability please see HERE, or email us at info@southernyurts.co.za. You can also WhatsApp us on 0760607424.

Southern Yurts prioritises the balance between an outdoor experience and comfort. Great care is taken with each step of the manufacturing and design process at each accommodation to ensure that our Yurts and Cabins are of quality, and authenticity. When you book a Southern Yurt getaway, we believe it is this attention to detail that lies at the core of your experience.

the HISTORY OF THE YURT

The Story of the Yurt: 2,500 Years of Nomadic Luxury. The yurt is more than just a structure; it is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Originally known in Mongolia as the ger (meaning ‘home’), this iconic dwelling has remained virtually unchanged for over 2,500 years. Born in the rugged landscapes of Central Asia and Siberia, the yurt was perfected by nomadic tribes who required a home that was as resilient as it was portable.

From Conquerors to Connoisseurs. The yurt’s history is legendary. Between the 4th and 6th centuries, it housed the formidable Hun warriors, and later, in the 12th century, it became the mobile palace of Genghis Khan. Legend has it that Khan’s personal yurt was so grand it required 40 oxen to transport. Today, the yurt’s influence is so profound that its design—specifically the circular roof wheel—is immortalized on the national flag of Kyrgyzstan and serves as a symbol of peace and spiritual connection.

Ancient Form meets Modern Comfort. While the traditional ger was designed for the nomadic life of the steppes, we have evolved the design for the tranquility of the Overberg. By incorporating contemporary features like expansive windows and eco-conscious insulation, we’ve transformed the ‘yurta’ into a luxury retreat.

What remains the same, however, is the magic of the form. The circular design offers a unique sense of spaciousness and security that you simply won't find in a standard room. When you stay in a yurt, you aren't just glamping—you are stepping into a living history of comfort, engineered by the wind and the stars.