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Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya

Otters' Haunt

Otters' Haunt

Self Catering in Parys, ParysNorth West

Otters' Haunt

Self Catering in Parys, ParysNorth West
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Capacity 10
Children All ages
Rooms 2
Check in 14:00 to 18:00

-

Check out 10:00
Otters' Haunt is a nature lover's paradise set on the banks of the Vaal River, 2 km from Parys and 120 km from Johannesburg and O.R.Tambo International Airport, a convenient stopover. This off-grid property has solar power to the entire facility and overlooks a quiet channel where you can see otters, monitor lizards, and waterfowl. You can safely explore the island's walking and canoeing trails, making it ideal for solitude and a peaceful getaway.

Accommodation is offered in various rooms each with comfortable beds with ranging sleeping capacities. Each unit has its own bathroom. Linen and towels are provided.

There are numerous activities available such as fly-fishing, bird-watching, rafting and canoeing, mountain biking, Vredefort Dome walks and talks or island hiking trails.
See more
Otters' Haunt is a nature lover's paradise set on the banks of the Vaal River, 2 km from Parys and 120 km from Johannesburg and O.R.Tambo International Airport, a convenient stopover. This off-grid property has solar power to the entire facility and overlooks a quiet channel where you can see otters, monitor lizards, and waterfowl. You can safely explore the island's walking and canoeing trails, making it ideal for solitude and a peaceful getaway.

Accommodation is offered in various rooms each with comfortable beds with ranging sleeping capacities. Each unit has its own bathroom. Linen and towels are provided.

There are numerous activities available such as fly-fishing, bird-watching, rafting and canoeing, mountain biking, Vredefort Dome walks and talks or island hiking trails.
See more

Features

Swimming Pool
Braai Area
See all facilities

Reviews (100)

100 guests' feedback
Cleanliness
7
Location
8.6
Value for money
7
Service
7.6
Safety
8.2
Tanya P
2
"Weak. Untidy."

We stayed in the Otter's Den house - 6 adults and one 3 year old toddler. We hear there was a bad flood 9 weeks ago, but then you don't rent the house in such a condition. The photos must have been taken years ago, because in the meantime decay and neglect have taken over. The pool's water was so cloudy that one could not see the bottom at the deep end. The table outside on the patio is so lame that the coffee spilled if someone just touched it or slightly bumped it. The billiard table's legs are rotting, there was no white ball and the balls are rolling down by themselves. Only one stick can be used, the tip of the other stick is off. The entire patio floor was full of sand that we kept kicking into the house. The kitchen is definitely not big. The stove is not suitable for e.g. keeping 7 people's food warm. It was impossible to eat a breakfast of bacon and eggs together. The toaster's button that must be pressed to make toast does not work. The cutlery is adequate, but most mugs have small 'chips' on the rim. The cupboards are in a terrible state with bees crawling out somewhere at night and crawling all over the floor. Quite a problem because one guest is allergic to bees. The cabinet to the left of the stove looks like it's going to topple over at any moment. Drawers, doors and shelves inside cupboards are crooked, warped and look dirty on the bottoms. The washing up is separate and large, but decay is everywhere to be seen. There is an automatic washing machine which does not have a connection for water. One drying cloth is provided and this for 7 people for 3 days and according to Damian the drying cloth must serve as oven gloves because oven gloves disappear if they provide them. The TV room does not have DStv (yes, it is always under your Otter's Den house facilities). You have to log into your own DSTV and we struggled to get it right. The TV room is also much smaller than in the photos. The ceilings in the TV room, hallway and room with 2 single beds have 'down-lights' but none of their casings exist, so if you look up you see inside the ceiling - ie. cobwebs and electrical wires. It's really shocking and you keep wondering what will fall on you from the ceiling. Especially if you turn off the lights at night and are in bed. The light of the mentioned room's bedside lamp goes on and off all the time, like in a disco. Also, this room's inner door was open, but the lock was "locked", so you couldn't close the door if you wanted to sleep or get dressed. There was no key in it to unlock it again. My husband then took out the lock with a Leatherman and fixed it so the door would just close. This room also only has a small bookshelf that has to share as a 'hanging cupboard'. The mattresses on the single beds were like hostel mattresses and not suitable for adults. Each guest was given one bath towel and in each bathroom there was one towel for drying hands. It had to work for 3 days and 7 guests. If one bathroom has hot water, the other has cold water. The water pressure is pathetic and the shower head in the bathtub for washing hair is basically unusable because it is either scalding hot or freezing cold. The water runs in so slowly that it is cold by the time you want to bathe. The toilet in the separate bathroom is very old, the lid on top of the bowl is broken and the toilet is black in the back where the water lies. It's really creepy. There was also no toilet brush provided - only in the master bedroom's bathroom was one. The first night and next morning there was no hot water in the bathrooms. After one of us inquired, it was discovered that the gas cylinder that powers the gas geysers was empty. Surely this is part of a 'check' list before guests check in? We are bitterly disappointed with what we paid for the house plus R100 per dog extra per night. So an extra R1200 for 4 dogs from 3 families. The floors are mostly white 'subway' tiles which were not very clean. I think the floors were cleaner when we drove than they were when we got there and there wasn't even a mop. The grill had clearly not been cleaned in months and one side had been pulled loose from the frame. He should have been replaced a long time ago. The glass doors in the TV room, master bedroom, as well as the room with bunk beds, are difficult to close and are a security risk. Plusplunte: Damian, the manager/liaison person, was very friendly and helpful. The fridge is new and adequate. There are 2 beautiful new oven trays that can also serve as roasting trays. The Jetmaster in the TV room works well. We had a wonderful time outside on the patio and enjoyed the silence and tranquility. Despite the positives, we would not recommend or visit Otter's Den House again.
May 2023
View all reviews

Map

Koppieskraal Road, Portion 18 of Kopjeskraal, Outside Parys, 2050, North West
Click to view location
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Rooms

 1 Available

Porcupine Room

  • Sleeps 3 people
  • All ages welcome
  • Anex / Bedroom wing
  • Double Bed
From
R1 240
per night (sleeps 3)
 1 Available

Otters Den River House

  • Sleeps 7 people
  • All ages welcome
  • Free Standing Unit
  • Double Bed
From
R2 000
per night, for 2 ppl

More photos

Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya Northern Free State Accommodation at Otters' Haunt | Viya
FREE Cancellation up to 1 week before your stay!
More than 1 week
before check-in
100% deposit refunded
More than 48 hours
before check-in
50% deposit refunded
Less than 48 hours
before check-in
0% deposit refunded
Features
Swimming Pool
Braai Area
Facilities
  • Swimming Pool
  • Braai Area
  • Kitchen Facilities
  • No Smoking Indoors
  • Pets by Arrangement
  • Self Catering
  • Conferencing Facilities
  • WiFi
Activities Onsite
  • Fly Fishing
  • Fishing
  • Bird Watching
  • Cycling
  • Guided Walk
  • Mountain Biking
  • Swimming
Activities Nearby
  • Horse Riding
  • Fly Fishing
  • Bird Watching
  • Cycling
  • Game Drives
  • Game Viewing
  • Guided Walk
  • Mountain Biking
Conferencing Facilities
  • Break Away Rooms
  • Flip Charts
  • Whiteboards
  • Computer Networking
  • Internet
  • Venue Up To 20 Delegates
Parking Facilities
  • Secure Parking
Payments Accepted Onsite
  • Electronic Bank Transfer
Calendar

Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.

Price Includes
Porcupine Room
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Otters Den River House
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
Check-in/check-out details
Check-in: 14:00 to 18:00
Check-out: 10:00
House rules
The solar system is designed to automate power usage and at night the system switches off automatically between 22:00 and 22:30. The system then powers up again before 07:00 every morning.

We request our guests play their part in managing solar energy and recycling. Please bring battery-powered lights for late nights

At certain times of the year, there will be insects so guests must bring insect repellent.
 1 Available

Porcupine Room

  • Sleeps 3 people
  • All ages welcome
  • Anex / Bedroom wing
  • Double Bed
From
R1 240
per night (sleeps 3)
More room/unit pictures
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
See more photos
Description

The Porcupine room is annexed to the Otters Den river house but does not share the facilities of the river house. The single unit consists of a kitchenette on the verandah for self-catering. 1 double 1 single bed with en-suite bathroom. There is a Smart TV with Netflix and free Wi-Fi. Overlooks the lawns and has a river view and braai. The kitchenette on the outdoor veranda is fitted with a 2 plate gas stove, a microwave and tea- and coffee-making facilities. There is a gas heater available at an extra fee for cold nights, please enquire at reception. If booked as a separate unit it is ideal for nature and adventure lovers but does not have access to the pool. Larger groups (7 or more) book the Porcupine Room in addition to the Otters Den and have access to all the facilities.

Room Arrangements
Capacity: 3 Number of rooms: 1 Number of bathrooms: 1
Bedroom 1 Sleeps 3
1 x Single Bed / Three-Quarter Bed
1 x Double Bed
Bathroom 1 En-suite
Bath, Toilet
Rates
About This Room
  • Non smoking
  • Patio
  • Private entrance
Services
  • Wireless internet
Bathroom
  • Bath
  • En suite
Room Facilities
  • Dining area
  • Electric blanket
  • Fan
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchenette
  • Lounge area
Appliances
  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Stove
Extras
  • Tea and coffee tray
Entertainment
  • Books and magazines
  • Tv
Price Includes

Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.

House Rules

The solar system is designed to automate power usage and at night the system switches off automatically between 22:00 and 22:30. The system then powers up again before 07:00 every morning.

We request our guests play their part in managing solar energy and recycling. Please bring battery-powered lights for late nights

At certain times of the year, there will be insects so guests must bring insect repellent.

Cancellation policy
FREE Cancellation up to 1 week before your stay!
More than 1 week
before check-in
100% deposit refunded
More than 48 hours
before check-in
50% deposit refunded
Less than 48 hours
before check-in
0% deposit refunded
Description

The Porcupine room is annexed to the Otters Den river house but does not share the facilities of the river house. The single unit consists of a kitchenette on the verandah for self-catering. 1 double 1 single bed with en-suite bathroom. There is a Smart TV with Netflix and free Wi-Fi. Overlooks the lawns and has a river view and braai. The kitchenette on the outdoor veranda is fitted with a 2 plate gas stove, a microwave and tea- and coffee-making facilities. There is a gas heater available at an extra fee for cold nights, please enquire at reception. If booked as a separate unit it is ideal for nature and adventure lovers but does not have access to the pool. Larger groups (7 or more) book the Porcupine Room in addition to the Otters Den and have access to all the facilities.

 1 Available

Otters Den River House

  • Sleeps 7 people
  • All ages welcome
  • Free Standing Unit
  • Double Bed
From
R2 000
per night, for 2 ppl
More room/unit pictures
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
Northern Free State Accommodation at  | Viya
See more photos
Description

The Otters Den is a basic and rustic house on the banks of the river and comprises 3 rooms, 1 is furnished with a double bed, a single bed and double bunk bed, 1 with a double bed and the other room with 2 single beds. There are 2 bathrooms fitted with a toilet, basin and baths. The large main bedroom boasts a river view. A large open kitchen with all the basics you need for self-catering. There is a sun porch, and private swimming pool. The lounge has a log fireplace and a Smart TV with Netflix. A large patio with a pool table, and outdoor braai overlooking the river completes the ambiance of peace and comfort. This unit is suitable for up to 7 people. For winter nights bring extra blankets and winter woollies. Additional units for larger groups with easy access to the social area. Groups of 8-10 book the additional Porcupine Room attached to the Otters Den River house Groups of 10-12 book the Guinea Fowl cottage. Just a short walk across the lawns.

Room Arrangements
Capacity: 7 Number of rooms: 3 Number of bathrooms: 2
Bedroom 1 Sleeps 3
1 x Single Bed / Three-Quarter Bed
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 2 Sleeps 2
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 3 Sleeps 2
2 x Single Bed / Three-Quarter Bed
Bathroom 1 En-suite
Bath, Toilet
Bathroom 2
Bath, Toilet
Rates
About This Room
  • Non smoking
  • Patio
  • Private entrance
  • Private pool
Services
  • Service on demand
  • Wireless internet
Bathroom
  • Bath
Room Facilities
  • Dining area
  • Electric blanket
  • Fan
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchenette
  • Lounge area
  • Safe
Appliances
  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Stove
Extras
  • Tea and coffee tray
Entertainment
  • Books and magazines
  • Tv
Price Includes

Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.

House Rules

The solar system is designed to automate power usage and at night the system switches off automatically between 22:00 and 22:30. The system then powers up again before 07:00 every morning.

We request our guests play their part in managing solar energy and recycling. Please bring battery-powered lights for late nights

At certain times of the year, there will be insects so guests must bring insect repellent.

Cancellation policy
FREE Cancellation up to 1 week before your stay!
More than 1 week
before check-in
100% deposit refunded
More than 48 hours
before check-in
50% deposit refunded
Less than 48 hours
before check-in
0% deposit refunded
Description

The Otters Den is a basic and rustic house on the banks of the river and comprises 3 rooms, 1 is furnished with a double bed, a single bed and double bunk bed, 1 with a double bed and the other room with 2 single beds. There are 2 bathrooms fitted with a toilet, basin and baths. The large main bedroom boasts a river view. A large open kitchen with all the basics you need for self-catering. There is a sun porch, and private swimming pool. The lounge has a log fireplace and a Smart TV with Netflix. A large patio with a pool table, and outdoor braai overlooking the river completes the ambiance of peace and comfort. This unit is suitable for up to 7 people. For winter nights bring extra blankets and winter woollies. Additional units for larger groups with easy access to the social area. Groups of 8-10 book the additional Porcupine Room attached to the Otters Den River house Groups of 10-12 book the Guinea Fowl cottage. Just a short walk across the lawns.

Otters' Haunt is a nature lover's paradise set on the banks of the Vaal River, 2 km from Parys and 120 km from Johannesburg and O.R.Tambo International Airport, a convenient stopover. This off-grid property has solar power to the entire facility and overlooks a quiet channel where you can see otters, monitor lizards, and waterfowl. You can safely explore the island's walking and canoeing trails, making it ideal for solitude and a peaceful getaway.

Accommodation is offered in various rooms each with comfortable beds with ranging sleeping capacities. Each unit has its own bathroom. Linen and towels are provided.

There are numerous activities available such as fly-fishing, bird-watching, rafting and canoeing, mountain biking, Vredefort Dome walks and talks or island hiking trails.
🔥  This place is trending!
🔥  This place is trending!
https://travelground.imgix.net/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAA130ed52248738e755cfc3f51535ccaf51e8414e2af16e1b4d1907ae15a17d4c79c5608c2a1c5a225f3d4ab474dbe2a6fc4f3?w=1440&h=960&fit=crop&auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80 From R1 240 per night (sleeps 3) 100 5 1 4 Koppieskraal Road Portion 18 of Kopjeskraal 2050 North West 021 344 2440 14:00-18:00 10:00 -26.910150492426 27.428749453506
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