Travellers Rest
Traveller’s Rest Farm is another favourite accommodation spot for both climbers and fellow travellers alike. The Farm is only a 10-minute drive beyond the majestic Pakhuis Pass and world-famous bouldering sites and no more than 34kms from the nearest town, Clanwilliam.
Long before Traveller’s Rest began to offer self-catering cottage accommodation and their hearty restaurant meals, passing travellers would rest on the banks of the Brandewyn river, replenishing themselves, their horses and oxen before setting out over the mountainous Pakhuis Pass, or on to the dry Karoo in the opposite direction. Many years later, this rich traveller’s history led the Strauss family to the name of Traveller’s Rest. Today, the Traveller’s Rest Farm continues to surround this same Brandewyn river, where Dr. Frikkie Strauss and family offer self-catering accommodation alongside a welcoming restaurant, the Khoisan Kitchen, and the Traveller’s Rest farmstall. The family also farm sheep, cattle, rooibos tea and the uniquely medicinal sutherlandia (or “kankerbos”).
Traveller’s Rest Farm offers a total of 29 cottages of varying capacities, scattered across the farm and each offering widespread views of the surrounding rugged Cederberg landscapes. The cottage accommodation at Traveller’s Rest provides a simple but homely welcome, well-equipped for comfort and a well-earned rest. Unfortunately, Traveller’s Rest accommodation is not pet friendly.
All Traveller’s Rest cottages include:
- Indoor fireplace (essential for Winter)
- Electric fans (essential for Summer)
- Fully equipped kitchen (cutlery, crockery, fridge, two-plate stove, kettle, toaster and microwave)
- Towels and bed linen
- Outside braai area
- Firewood available from Traveller’s Rest farmstall
- Access to shared swimming pool
- Access to restaurant with Wi-Fi
Bouldering:
With the internationally renowned Rocklands bouldering region on its doorstep, Traveller’s Rest is very popular amongst climbers seeking a cosy cottage after long days out in the surrounding sandstone. Traveller’s Rest offer a number of popular climbing areas, including Eland Camp, Eight Day Rain, Sassies and Danger Zone. As per normal Rocklands rules, permits must be obtained before accessing the nearby Rocklands climbing areas.
Sevilla Trail:
Traveller’s Rest Farm is also the home of the 5km long Sevilla Trail. This fascinating San rock art trail takes you passed nine different rock art sites while following the Brandewyn river.
The Sevilla Trail is a relatively easy walk that offers insight into ancient San cultures. Local farm game including Springbok, Eland and Hartebees may be seen along the trail as well as the common “dassie” (or rock rabbit) and local baboon troops. In addition to the intricate indigenous “fynbos” that surrounds the Sevilla Trail, during springtime the wildflowers offer an even further depth of beauty to this historically enriching experience.
Permits for the Sevilla Trail can be obtained from the Traveller’s Rest farmstall, where a free basic description about the nine rock art sites is available, as well as a more detailed, paid booklet by Peter Slingsby.
Traveller’s Rest Restaurant- The Khoisan Kitchen:
The restaurant at Traveller’s Rest is otherwise known as the Khoisan Kitchen after the prevalence of Khoisan rock art in the region. The Khoisan Kitchen specialises in traditional foods offering wholesome meals to the hungry, including waterblommetjie bredie, lamb and mutton.
The Khoisan Kitchen has a nice relaxed atmosphere, decorated beautifully with reproductions of rock art from the area by Sarah Mackie. Whether for a brief rest passing through the area, or for a hearty meal as a guest in the Traveller’s Rest cottages, the Khoisan Kitchen is a timeless restaurant spot.
Please check with the Traveller’s Rest farmstall about further hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 activities in the area or browse through our associated pages.