De Pakhuys
The de Pakhuys Farm is found at the heart of the Rocklands bouldering region, in the Cederberg mountains. The farm is located in the beautiful Agter Pakhuis Valley with the entrance soon after the Pakhuis Pass, no more than 25kms passed Clanwilliam and only 250kms outside of Cape Town.
Following a visit to the area in 2003, the Kruger family were moved to buy a piece of land in the Valley. Thereafter they renovated some cottages and began sharing the surrounding Rocklands wonders with guests. Today, Thys and Karin Kruger together with Mark and Marinda Botha continue to offer accommodation and activities to guests of all ages from both near and far.
De Pakhuys offers a wide variety of self-catering accommodation options, including seven cottages, two luxury cabins, three “glamping”-styled cabins, five wood cabins, a camper caravan and lots of tented camping spots. From tented campsites to private luxury cabins, de Pakhuys welcomes both outdoor climbing trips and romantic getaways alike.
De Pakhuys is particularly busy during the bouldering and climbing season between approximately June till September so its highly recommend that you book long in advance to save yourself disappointment!
De Pakhuys’ many accommodation options are outlined below under Cottages, Safari Cabins and Campsite Camping options.
Cottages:
De Pakhuys offers seven different cottages including:
- Two five/six-sleepers: Blockhuys and Olienhuys
- Two four/five-sleepers: Riethuys and Bergvlei
- Two four-sleepers: Klein School Cottages
- One two/three-sleeper: Waboomhuys
The various de Pakhuys cottages offer:
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Private shared bathroom facilities
- Towels and bed linen
- Outside braai area
- Firewood available at the farm
- Close proximity to Pakhuis Pass climbing area
- Air-conditioning (all expect Klein School cottages)
- Swimming pool access (all except Bergvlei cottage)
- Indoor fireplace (only Blokhuys and Olienhuys)
- TV (only Olienhuys, Riethuys and Waboomhuys)
Safari Cabins:
De Pakhuys’ safari-styled cabins include:
- Two three-sleeper Luxury Safari Cabins
- One three-sleeper Luxury “Glamping” Safari Tent
- Two three-sleeper Bedouin Safari Cabins.
All de Pakhuys’ safari and Bedouin cabins offer:
- Free Wi-Fi access
- King size bed and 1 single (or 3 singles)
- En-suite bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and bed linen
- Outside braai area
- Firewood available at the farm
- Access to farm dam
- Electric charging points
Campsite Camping:
De Pakhuys’ campsite camping area includes:
- Four two-sleeper Campsite Cabins
- One three-sleeper Campsite Cabin
- One two-sleeper Campsite Caravan
- General Campsite Camping
The de Pakhuys campsite area offers:
- Ablution facilities with hot shower
- Central kitchen area with fridge and electricity
- Braai facilities
- Fresh borehole drinking water
- Access to farm dam
- Firewood available at farm
- Free Wi-Fi access available at the bar
Campsite Cabins and Caravan also offer:
- Porch with 2 plate gas stove
- Fridge
- Electricity with plugs and lights
Bouldering:
In addition to offering access to the world-renowned Rocklands climbing area nearby, de Pakhuys started developing their own climbing area within walking distance from accommodation sites from as early as 2005. This localised climbing area has since offered a wide variety of popular bouldering sites with over 600 problems, including Minky (7B), Witness The Sickness (8A), Black Velvet (8A), Gliding Through The Wave (8A+) and Ray Of Light (8B).
Hiking, swimming and more:
While bouldering and sport climbing are some of the greatest attractions at de Pakhuys, the farm also offers access to an exquisite waterfall hike with rock pools, as well as a scenic walk to Die Plaat area of the farm. Die Plaat walk offers elevated views of the valley and surrounding Cederberg mountains and is particularly beautiful during the spring wildflower season.
Both the waterfall rock pools and the clean farm dam offer refreshing swims to guests.
Olives:
Upon entering de Pakhuys farm, you will drive past some of their olive fields, which they have been harvesting since 2008. De Pakhuys now bottle and label their own unique olives and olive oil, so check in with reception about how you can try out and purchase these delicious goods.
Notes to climbers:
- Crash pads available for rent- book in advance
- Climbing permit available for Cape Nature from reception
- Over 600 problems within walking distance from campsite
- Guidebooks available at reception