"Food for your soul!"

Ymansdam is between zero and nothing. There you just lose your heart to the beautiful nature! The evenings with all the stars in the sky are beautiful! Thank you .

"For those who love rustic isolation."

See stars.

"Have fun!"

If you like nature, this is the right place. Clean air and beautiful hiking trails. The beauty around you makes up for the lack of our usual comforts. Very warm welcome.

"Relaxing and refreshing."

A relaxed break from the hustle and bustle of life. No cell reception, no electricity, just you and nature. Beautiful walks, amazing scenery, lots of birds. The hostess also delivered fresh apricots from their garden and topped up our ice supply.

"Very good accommodation in Tankwa Karoo."

Very nice location. Very well equipped. Very helpful hostess. You will experience tranquility and peace here. Be very sure of road directions before you go.

"Breathtakingly beautiful and quiet, but needs some attention in the ablution area."

I know it's a bush camp, but from the toilet and shower you can see the camp and the camp can see you too. You are told to save water, but all the pipes are leaking. The donkey works quite nicely. The bushes surrounding the camp have about 6 voles and we found a cobra about 1 km from the camp. Not a good combination. It is indeed one of the most beautiful and quiet places you can ever find if you can live with nature.

"A wonderful place."

The view is incredible, the stars so bright and it is such a tranquil place.

"Where you can appreciate the beauty of the Karoo and enjoy the silence."

Primitive self-catering accommodation that is comfortable and although it feels remote, the farmhouse is close by. Very friendly reception and clean and tidy accommodation. Would definitely recommend staying here. Think we'll try out the campsite next time.

"Indescribable!"

Nettie welcomed us warmly and was so kind and helpful! Our little house was beautiful, neat and luxurious in true Karoo style. Ymansdam is well located and a central point for exploring the surrounding area (it's just outside the Tankwa Karoo National Park). We spent the night there and soon realized that one has to stay there for a few days. We recommend Ymansdam without a doubt and will be back again soon.

"An absolutely breathtaking location in a well-equipped cottage for two!"

The well-signposted Ymansdam Farm lies just outside the official Tankwa National Park, and access roads require care and patience. Deflate your tyres! Nettie and Arno are welcoming wonderful hosts. The setting of the charming "Oppiekoppie" (meaning "top of the hill") cottage is stunning with views across the Tankwa ("thirst land") all the way to the Cederberg and Ceres Mountains 150km away to the west, and the nearer Roggeveld Mountains a few km from the beautiful front verandah (with its plunge pool, which was cold - end of April 23) but refreshing! There are actually 8 seats to choose from in this two-sleeper, which is ideal for a couple wanting "time together". We had not expected the big gas-powered fridge with an ice compartment, which makes longer stays possible if you bring your own perishable food, and beverages nice and cold. The "donkey" water boiler was fun to use: the novelty for city dwellers! It was unexpectedly "not cold" and we didn't require the indoor gas heater, instead we braaied (barbequed) and sat outside around the fire absorbing the sounds of nature. Obviously, no electricity is available but the gas cooker boiled water for tea and coffee quickly. There is plenty of crockery, glassware etc. The linen and towels are great and plentiful. Lastly, the five-star "secret" of Oppiekoppie has to be the shower with a full-length window overlooking the Tankwa, so, even when in the bathroom, you can still absorb the views. Stargazing for us was tricky due to the bright moon but we got up at 2 am for a quick enjoyment of the billions of stars. We also walked around the farm and saw the two "with ablutions" campsites (five-star rural glamping) and the area for wild campers (fully self-sufficient). The profile photos do not do Ymansdam Oppiekoppie justice. They are pictorially accurate but the atmosphere. Well, you have to be there.

"Everything was just nice on our own in nature."

Everything was just nice on our own in nature, long walks, wood and ice available, friendly and helpful owners.

"Idyllic."

Fantastic location and even better view. We were looking for tranquility and that's exactly what we got. Will definitely recommend.

"Overnight on a road trip."

Some people cater for only accommodation and others cater only for the view (if there is one). At Oppikoppie (the klein huisie) we had the luxury and privilege of both! Well catered for inside and the photos of the view do not do it enough justice. Spectacular! The absolute winner was the tiny reservoir-type "cuddle puddle" which was clean and cool. Huge fridge, comfy beds and double gas cooker. The water is supplied via a tank and gravity fed, so don't expect gushing water, but it is in the middle of nowhere and just magnificent! Stars at night are spectacular and the stillness is something we haven't experienced in a long time! No cellphone signal (yay), take your own wood and or charcoal as you are far from everything. Definitely go again! Thank you Nettie!

"The cottage contains the essentials, in a beautiful setting."

Very close to the national park, a good base to explore the park. Day trip to Sutherland to see the observatory is also possible.

"Beautiful views."

I was not aware that there was no electricity as it wasn't stated, and the fridge never worked due to no gas. Even when I told them, a new gas bottle was installed.

"Superb."

The quaintest little, off-the-beaten-track little getaway. Very basic, rustic but adequate accommodation. We hadn't noticed the donkey for a hot-water shower until late, but the little splash pool was so refreshing in the heat. More comfy and sturdier stoep chairs would be something to consider. Nettie was super helpful and suggested an alternate route upon checkout. Her enthusiasm and pride in her area is great.

"Tranquil scenery."

Switch off nicely. No power as such, donkey stoked for hot water, candles and lamps lit in the evenings and the best was no cell phone reception, so the difference in lifestyle makes you totally relax. Beautiful view from the cottage and many hiking trails.

"Arno and Nettie are 2 wonderful hospitable Karoo people."

We had a great time relaxing and returning home rested for sure. We will certainly stop at the Steenkamps again in the future for accommodation should we drive through the Tankwa. We would also recommend Ymansdam.

"Comfortable overnight stop in the Tankwa Karoo."

Thank you Nettie for the welcome. Very basic but we had a great time. Thank you for the nice hot shower and all the effort and also to be able to walk your farm and appreciate the beautiful field.

"Quiet starry splendor and silence."

We drove Tankwa and enjoyed the tranquility of the unique accommodation.

"Beautiful!"

Nice place. Directions to farm could be better indicated. I didn't like the shower and toilet in the bedroom. Nice environment.

"Very peaceful and quiet."

The owners very helpful and friendly.