This easy-going, family-run establishment is incredibly affordable, the accommodation comfortable, the food delicious and the stars are a sight to behold.
Where is it?
On the Pakhuis Pass, approximately 34km from Clanwilliam
Why stay here?
This easy-going, family-run establishment is an affordable and comfortable place to stay while exploring Clanwilliam, Wupperthal and the surrounding areas. It’s also perfect for those wanting to go hiking, biking or bouldering.
How much does it cost?
From R300 a night for a self-catering cottage (sleeps two).
Can I take my dogs?
No. Please respect their rules and don’t bring your dogs here. Traveller’s Rest is in a conservation area with wildlife roaming freely.
Can I take the kids?
Yes, children will enjoy the wide open spaces, especially if they bring their bikes. But do keep your eye on them as the wide open spaces are exactly that!
Contact details
Mobile 082 554 9303, email charite@vodamail.co.za, www.travellersrest.co.za.
I first came across Traveller’s Rest many, many years ago when writing a story on Clanwilliam. My friend and I decided to extend our stay to include a farm that had a road that I thought may be a bit tough on my little car. So it was arranged that I could park my car at Traveller’s Rest and we were driven in a 4×4 to our abode for two nights. My friend and I were quite enamoured with this rustic padstal on the Pakhuis Pass, so I was delighted to actually get to spend a night here a month ago.
The name, Traveller’s Rest emanated from passing travellers who used to span out here next to the river to give water to their horses and oxen, as well as to rest, before taking on the steep Pakhuis Pass to the West, or the dry Karoo to the North-East. This was long before the self-catering cottages and restaurant were built on this working farm. The wagons may be gone, but you’ll still find cattle and sheep and of course, rooibos tea! They also have free-ranging game so you may be lucky enough to spot springbok or an eland or two.
Eat at Traveller’s Rest
The stone restaurant and padstal are set in lovely Karoo surroundings alongside the Brandewyn River with a simple garden filled with aloes and succulents.
Restaurant hours are from 08h00 to 18h00 and they have a small menu with really good food. If you are staying there you can order takeaways for dinner if you don’t feel like another braai! I had the venison burger and it was absolutely delicious! It was also a true farmer-sized patty, so I had half for dinner and the other half for breakfast! Menu items include:
- Farm Breakfast with 2 eggs, 3 rashers bacon, 2 sausages, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and baked beans – R80
- Omelette with savoury mince and cheese – R60
- Health Breakfast with muesli, yoghurt and fruit – R60
- French Toast with bacon, cheese and syrup – R35
- Toasted Cheese and Tomato Sandwich – R25 / R45 with chips or salad
- Toasted Chicken and Mayonaise Sandwich – R35 / R55 with chips or salad
- Chicken Burger with salad or chips – R95
- Venison and Blue Cheese Burger (so good!) with salad or chips – R95
- Chicken Schnitzel with salad or chips – R95
- Chicken Curry with rice and vegetables – R95
- Venison Stew with rice and vegetables – R100
- Bacon, Feta and Avo pizza – R95
- Bobotie pizza – R110
- Amarula Cake – R25
- Waffle with ice cream and chocolate sauce – R30
The padstal has locally made jams, arts and crafts, along with a variety of books and souvenirs on sale. There’s plenty of rooibos tea too!
Stay at Traveller’s Rest
We were in Daisy Cottage for the night, which sleeps eight people in total. There were three bedrooms (I got the one with an en-suite bathroom) and two single beds in the lounge – by the fireplace so quite a snug spot to sleep when it’s cold! The cottage had everything one could need, including a kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer and a two-plate stove. The stoep had a fantastic braai area, including a fire pit and the views were absolutely amazing. And the stars … breathtaking! At R1 300 a night for eight people (R160 pppn) it’s a heavenly steal!
Traveller’s Rest offers 29 simple, but homely and well-equipped cottages in total, spread over a huge area so you won’t feel cramped (or catch Covid!) Some cottages are good for groups and others sleep one or two people. Wood for your braai can be bought from the restaurant and takeaways are an option too.
Activities at Traveller’s Rest
Traveller’s Rest is great spot from which to explore the Sevilla Rock Art Trail (the 5km trail winds along the Brandewyn river and visits nine sites of rock art paintings) or for a day trip to the charming mission station of Wupperthal (well worth a visit) as well as for exploring Clanwilliam. There are plenty of hiking options and bikers will have a great time too. Bouldering is very popular here, so don’t be surprised if you meet plenty of mountain climbers over breakfast at the restaurant.
Permits are available from the shop for all trails and hikes and being passionate about the area, they will also be able to give you more information on other cool things to do while you are there.
Traveller’s Rest is incredibly affordable, accommodation is comfortable, the food delicious, the owners are charming and the stars are a sight to behold. Even if you don’t go anywhere further than the swimming pool or your stoep, you are guaranteed to have a great time!
Need to know
There are a lot of mosquitoes here! If they love you as much as they love me, do take along mosquito repellent. There are fans in the cottages, but my cord was quite short and it took some manoevering to get the fan to where I needed it.
Published May 2021 | Own cost