RIVER CABIN
SOUTHERN YURTS is situated on the beautiful Diepklowe Nature Reserve, just 90 minutes (100km) from Cape Town. River Cabin is a new addition to our portfolio and offers guests a comfortable and unique experience that will suit a full range of getaway requirements - whether you’re looking for a quick midweek escape (wifi available at the Cabin), a romantic space for two, or a retreat into nature with your small family. There are two Cabin accommodations that can be booked:
River Cabin sleeps 2 (+ 1 adult or 2 small children) in private accommodation and is featured on this page.
Botanica Cabin sleeps 2 (+ 1 adult or 2 small children) in private accommodation and can be viewed here.
*Each Cabin site can be booked individually or they can be booked together as a group booking. There are no communal or shared facilities at Southern Yurts.
RIVER CABIN: A PRIVATE RIVERINE EXPERIENCE
Tucked away in a riverine area in the conservancy, this River Cabin offers guests the opportunity to experience the incredible tranquility of a forest environment. Positioned next to a trickling stream, guests will enjoy the sound of water, the rustle of the forest overhead, and birds song from the privacy of their wood-fired hot tub. The Cabin consists of two A-frame structures - one which is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen with sleeper couch and dining space. A unique covered walkway inspired by Japanese torii leads you to your large en-suite queen bedroom. There is a private outdoor braai area and wood-fired pizza oven next to the hot tub. This accommodation is designed to bring you the joys of being outdoors, without sacrificing comfort and style.
The Cabin sleeps two guests, and is equipped with bedding, towels, spare blankets, an electric blanket (seasonal), hot water bottles for cooler evenings, binoculars, wildlife/tree books, and reading material. Basic supplies such as soaps, dishwashing liquid, firewood, firelighters, salt, pepper, filter coffee, sugar and tea are all provided.
*SMALL CHILDREN (< 2 years) AND PETS ARE WELCOME, WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT - A SMALL ADDITIONAL FEE IS APPLICABLE.
*Note for pet owners: this is a nature reserve and during spring and summer months there are ticks in the veld.
ACTIVITIES
Southern Yurts is located on Diepklowe Nature Reserve, which is also home to Porcupine Hills Guest Farm - a small olive growing operation and nature conservancy. Guests staying at Forest View Yurt are situated in the conservancy and have full access to the farm during their stay. The farm itself has a range of activities, including marked and mapped hiking trails, trail running, bird watching (bird books and binoculars provided), and a small farm dam with a canoe and kayak. Fishing (catch and release) is also available at the farm dam, and fishing rods and gear can be rented by prior arrangement. If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, activities such as wine tasting, zip lining, horse-riding, farmer’s markets, and more, are all within a 30 minute drive.
Whilst Southern Yurts accommodation is self-catering, Sundowner Baskets, Dinner Baskets and Breakfast Baskets can be arranged - please contact us for more information on what the basket contains when you book.
RATES
RIVER CABIN STANDARD RATES: 15th January - 30th November 2024
R 1750 per night, sleeping two
Weekend Rate (Friday and Saturday): R1950 per night, sleeping two
HIGH SEASON RATES (1st December - 13th January 2025): R2000 per night, sleeping two
*PLEASE NOTE THAT A CONSERVATION FEE OF R75 pp PER STAY WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BOOKING TOTAL.
ADDITIONS AT SOUTHERN YURTS
SUNDOWNER BASKET, cheese and meat platter (vegetarian and vegan option available) - R750, for two people
DINNER BASKET, ready to braai (vegetarian and vegan option available) - R650, for two people
BREAKFAST BASKET, continental breakfast (vegetarian and vegan option available) - R750, for two people
GOLDEN BASKET, bubbles, chocolates, flowers and extra special treats! - R1500
FISHING ROD RENTAL, two fishing rods available with equipment - R150 per rod, per stay
FISHING ROD PERMIT, bring your own gear, funds go to the DCT - R50 per person
PET FEE - R100 per dog per stay
EXTRA WOOD, per crate - R90
EXTRA KINDLING, per crate - R150
**Portions are generous and would be enough for a couple and small children.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT SOUTHERN YURTS?
We strive to provide a high quality experience for our guests. Each of our unique accommodations offers a stylish and interesting experience, where guests can connect with the beautiful natural surrounds without compromising on comfort. One can expect to create stories to share, and memories that linger.
At Southern Yurts, we operate with a strong ecological conscience. All of our firewood is harvested from alien eradication efforts in the Botrivier. Accommodations are built from up-cycled materials, alien wood sourced from around the Western-Cape and our Yurt canvas and hemp covers are produced by South African companies that, like us, care about supporting local industry. All accommodation units are equipped with biodegradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners, and water is reused on gardens, or returned to the river systems via natural filtration.
MORE ON THE DIEPKLOWE CONSERVATION TRUST
The Diepklowe Conservation Trust, started in 2022, is a non-profit fund that is devoted to ensuring the management and maintenance of the Diepklowe Nature Reserve - in which Southern Yurts is located. A conservation fee of R75 per person per stay is added to each booking, and goes directly to this fund. Maintenance programs in the reserve are primarily centered around alien clearing in the riverine areas, erosion management, hiking trail access and rewilding of the unique Renosterveld Biome. Programs are generally executed in autumn and winter months when conditions are more safe and conducive to bush work. For more information on the conservation and how you can make a donation or get involved, please email us at info@southernyurts.co.za.
