"The stay was nice and quiet and comfortable."

We had a great stay, and everything was comfortable.

"Wonderful!"

It was excellent! We had a great stay and will definitely go again.

"Delicious. Restful. Silence."

If you ever wondered, don't. Pack your bags and book. Wonderful guest owners.

"Relaxed from arrival to departure, very nice and friendly hostess!"

Really enjoyed the silence and scenery and especially the swimming pool in the heat, beautiful surroundings, accommodation and facilities excellent.

"Heavenly."

Breathtaking surroundings. Everything about Matjiesvlei is fantastic.

"Blissful getaway in nature with silence and breathtaking mountain scenery."

Swartskaap is ideal for an escape from a busy routine with the breathtaking, quiet and safe environment in which you find yourself. The house is clean, tidy and well equipped with all necessities including a dishwasher, washing machine and a very nice covered barbecue area. We enjoyed the walking route to the river, as well as popping into the old post office/little museum. If you want to get away from noise, admire nature and like to be among the mountains, Swartskaap is the holiday spot for you. There is also a lot to do in the area with Calitzdorp with its wineries, drive the Groenfontein road past the Calitzdorp Dam, go wine tasting at Peter Bayly Wines, and see the very interesting "Rooikoppe". A drive to Prince Albert via the Swartberg pass is also an ideal day trip. Matjiesvlei Retreat's managers are also very nice and helpful and answer any questions you may have ahead of time. We will definitely visit there again!

"Winter break."

Once again we were surprised with nature's beauty and the silence and peace that Swartskaap offers. This time it was after the big rain and we experienced Drøe Kloof full of water for the first time. The house and facilities were again spotless and tidy with everything you need. The weather cooperated and we lay on blankets and stargazed until late at night. Absolutely unforgettable!

"Close to nature."

Beautiful location at the top of the Matjiesvlei valley, lovely place to sleep with a fully equipped house with everything and more you need to have a good time — even WiFi to communicate with the outside world if you wanted! Nice big covered barbecue area. Pristine surroundings to walk around. We come again.

"Had a great time, very nice view and comfortable house."

Very nice environment. Beautiful view from the house over mountains. Very comfortable spacious house with good facilities.

"A long weekend breakaway."

The weather didn't co-operate but we enjoyed our stay. A beautiful venue, fully equipped and ver comfortable.

"Rest for the soul."

This feels like a stop before heaven.

"Fantastic setting."

Great spot in the bush, the river down below the farmhouse to cool off on a hot summer day. Great braai area. Really enjoyed the stay.

"Dit was great."

Very impressed and what a gem in the Klein Karoo.

"Breathtakingly beautiful and the accommodation was excellent."

The location and tranquility are exactly what we were looking for. I will definitely use Matjiesvlei Retreat Swartskaap again.

"Had a wonderful time in nature."

The road was an adventure in itself until you reach this oasis on a very hot day. If I may make a recommendation; cooler summer linens and an advance list that guests can bring, soap in bathroom, cooking oil, milk, flash etc. Otherwise it was delicious. Thank you.

"Wonderful overnight stay in the Black Mountains."

Beautiful guest farm deep in Matjiesvlei, but there is only one problem - the location is not as shown on the map! The guest house has everything you need and is beautiful and tidy. It is a beautiful setting with olive groves and a lot of bacon trees.

"Very neat and peaceful accommodation."

Had to cut our stay short due to medical accident.

"Amazing, gorgeous gem."

An unexpected oasis in the little Karoo. Beautiful accommodation that was welcoming and very comfortable. Thank you.

"This is a place where you can clear your head."

Great accommodation hidden in a beautiful valley where the mountains tower over you. Will stay here again.

"A hidden gem!"

Swartskaap is such a hidden gem. We were pleasantly surprised by this wonderful spacious accommodation. We loved waking up to the natural sounds, the birds chirping away in the mornings, and seeing the little frogs jump about on the lawn during evenings and early mornings. The scenery, quietness, and fresh air were just what we needed. The accommodation has a lot to offer, everything is neat and clean with an amazing braai area and enough wood/supplies. Having pre-charged lights for load-shedding was an extra bonus. The only thing missing for us was hand soap in the bathrooms and a fan for the extra rooms. Our preteen loved playing outside and said it's one of his favourite places by far. We also visited the old post office and museum which was such a lovely walk. Regarding families with very small children. The extra bedrooms do not have adjoining access to the main house, so just be aware if you have small children. You have to go outside to walk across to the other two bedrooms. It's not far at all but might not be suitable for very small children. Our baby slept in a camper cot in our bedroom. Also, note it's a dirt road for a few kilometers to the accommodation, some low vehicles might struggle a bit. We drove it fine with a 4x2 bakkie. Our only complaint is we didn't stay long enough. One of our favourite places and will definitely visit it again.

"Blissful peace and quiet."

Although there is WiFi, there is no mobile phone signal and if Eskom cuts the power, then no WiFi either. Not the customer's fault, but just mentioning if someone might need to signal. Still had a good time despite signal and Eskom.

"Piece of heaven on earth."

Very nice location, you are surrounded by nature. House was pretty neat and clean, and has everything you need. Will go again for sure.

"Wonderful scenery, most beautiful hiking trails."

Very well equipped farmhouse with everything you need! Stunning views - had a great Easter weekend there with family. Absolutely incredible.

"Amazing, neat, clean, blissful and very private."

We only stayed two nights, but could easily rest there for ten days. Pool is a huge bonus.

"Was incredibly nice and enjoyed the silence."

To rest so deep in the mountains was wonderful for us and filled the soul with great tranquility and gratitude. Everything was nice and clean and we enjoyed swimming in the pond. Marieta's hospitality was very good.

"It was incredibly fun!"

Safe and quiet with only the senses calling in the morning. Paradise.

"Neat, quiet and beautiful."

Our accommodation was excellent. We could rest and enjoy nature. It is very neat and well equipped. We will definitely go back!

"Spacious modern farmhouse in Matjiesvlei."

This modernn spacious farmhouse, situated deep in the valley in Matjiesvlei area, was a real gem. Three luxurious bedrooms, lovely entertainment area and all the amenities, rounded off a peaceful stay on this olive farm.

"Wonderful."

If you long for silence this is just the place, the house is beautiful and the location fantastic. We really enjoyed it.

"Excellent, peaceful getaway in the Swartberge with a breathtaking view."

The route to the place is just misleading and may bother some visitors if they travel there with a sedan vehicle. Goodnight please indicate this correctly to avoid any confusion. The exit is 7 km tarmac road out onto the R62 in a westerly direction from Calitzdorp. Then you drive on a narrow stony dirt road between the mountains for approximately another 13 km to Droë Kloof where the house is located at the bottom of the Swartberg's foot. The journey can take up to 20 min. Really believe that the advertising of the gem could be done better. Really 4-5 star quality.

"Everything and more than we expected."

Clean and neat. Everything you need was available. We will definitely go back.

"Matjiesvlei gem!"

Calm and blissful! Here one really switches off. The house and facilities are neat and clean. Breathtaking view!