https://travelground.imgix.net/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhZlUMczZiBCY0edelPWZxwRFHDsPs7vTMC16j658ovOZASxFz2?w=1440&h=960&fit=crop&auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80
From R1 040 per night, for 2 ppl
21
5
1
5
Off the 301
Eerste Tol
7654
Western Cape
021 344 2440
14:00-20:00
10:00
-33.616281348747
19.101139793395
McBains
McBains
McBains
-
Accommodation at McBains comprises 6 individually decorated rooms and 4 free-standing cabins that are dotted around the rugged property. The rooms and cabins can each accommodate between 2 to 11 people. Some of the units have private bathrooms, while others share the use of communal ablution facilities. Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
The communal kitchen is equipped for self-catering, and meals can be booked with prior arrangement. Guests can relax in the lounge which holds a large variety of books and art, or on the deck which overlooks the mountain and river. A wood-fired hot tub is also available for use; wood is provided at R50 per crate, or guests are welcome to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
Additional facilities at McBains include WiFi as well as trampolines, and lots of space for children to play. There is a big village with an open field for children to enjoy the great outdoors, and the river is a mere 100 m from the property. The caveat is that McBains is rough around the edges and children especially are encouraged to wear shoes at all times.
Wellington is the nearest town, which is 13 km away at the bottom of the pass. The small and charming towns of Ceres, Worcester and Tulbagh are all on the other side of the pass.
Accommodation at McBains comprises 6 individually decorated rooms and 4 free-standing cabins that are dotted around the rugged property. The rooms and cabins can each accommodate between 2 to 11 people. Some of the units have private bathrooms, while others share the use of communal ablution facilities. Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
The communal kitchen is equipped for self-catering, and meals can be booked with prior arrangement. Guests can relax in the lounge which holds a large variety of books and art, or on the deck which overlooks the mountain and river. A wood-fired hot tub is also available for use; wood is provided at R50 per crate, or guests are welcome to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
Additional facilities at McBains include WiFi as well as trampolines, and lots of space for children to play. There is a big village with an open field for children to enjoy the great outdoors, and the river is a mere 100 m from the property. The caveat is that McBains is rough around the edges and children especially are encouraged to wear shoes at all times.
Wellington is the nearest town, which is 13 km away at the bottom of the pass. The small and charming towns of Ceres, Worcester and Tulbagh are all on the other side of the pass.
Features
Reviews (21)
21 guests' feedbackIt had been breathtaking, even the view and the hot tub.
It was very adventurous.
It was exactly what we needed and so much more than we expected. I was there as a single mom with my little girls (7 & 9) and we enjoyed every moment.
It was absolutely lovely. A short walk down to amazing rock pools with the most beautiful views. I loved the communal kitchen/chill area, has everything you can think of with a jacuzzi and once again, a beautiful view. Cabins are cute and comfortable.
McBains is the perfect place to switch off from city life and all its trappings. No signal, but you have the option to go on their WiFi. Most beautiful view from your bed. It was the perfect getaway to just recharge our batteries. We will definitely visit them again!
Our stay was brief but very pleasant. We swam in the rock pools, used the communal kitchen for a braai, and enjoyed the hot tub. All very good. Thank you.
Very enjoyable - the location is insane - no need to leave the venue to enjoy the nature. Definitely 'rustic' but clean and well maintained. Will be returning as soon as possible.
We enjoyed our time at McBains and will definitely be back!
See stars.
I thought it was a bit pricey for a night's stay, but the place seemed well-equipped and in a great location. I would suggest providing a mosquito net as there really were loads of mosquitoes buzzing around and I had no way of dealing with them. Perhaps a fan would be useful but with load shedding that might not be the best option.
Service is not very good and is more suitable for people who are backpackers. Bit expensive for what you get and had a lot of trouble getting hold of the people for any help. Very unpleasant experience.
We wouldn't stay there , but it was the only option for the Bainskloof Pass area.
The most unreal scenery, beautiful hikes and very friendly people. Overall, an amazing experience. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Books, the most beautiful etchings and pictures on the walls, hot tub, beautiful mountains and scenery (we were treated to a full moon that evening!). Fireplace, Lego that kept the kids busy for hours, the owners and workers are very helpful. We definitely want to come again and then stay longer! The path down to the river is somewhat unsafe for small children, but we later learned that there is an easier route, but we stayed too short to explore more. Maybe directions or an information sheet in the rooms about the site is a good idea of where to go and not to go. I couldn't quite figure out how to get to the walkways, but we didn't have much time anyway. There are 2 fully equipped kitchens - one outside and one inside. I can only imagine how nice it is to hang out on the deck in the summer. It was delightfully cozy inside the common gathering room, sitting areas everywhere and a fireplace burning after dark. It's the ideal getaway for backpackers with communal kitchens and bathrooms. Just keep in mind that if you book in one of the cabins, you shouldn't be afraid of the dark and bugs and you shouldn't expect spotless bathrooms either - it's in the open air!
Excellent stay in a beautiful environment!
Well located, rustic and make-do environment. Lovely walk to the rock pools below and had a lot of fun. Stunning view of the mountain with lots of trails for those so inclined. Ideal for campers and youngsters who do not mind sharing and kids running around having fun. Rooms were clean and well decorated, very homely with an artistic flair. Big family, this place is for you. Great and spacious lounge area, into art and reading, you will be right at home. However, have OCD or fastidious about clean toilets, bathrooms, kitchens and sculleries, not everyone cleans up behind themselves. Then, avoid at all costs.
We loved our stay. We'd had a tough week with the Corona scare etc, so the break in the valley came at the perfect time. Our cabin was clean and comfortable, the showers were clean and we were very impressed with the kitchen and all the utensils etc. that were provided. We managed to do some astrophotography, which was a lot of fun, and enjoyed our dip in the Jacuzzi! Would love to come back and bring our family along too. Thanks McBains!
No cell phone signal.. Great.
No adherence to any sort of Covid protocol though.
Map
Rooms
Enid Bunk Room
K Sello Room
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Price Includes
Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Enid Bunk Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
Enid is named after children's author Enid Blyton. The room is furnished with 3 triple bunk beds and 1 bunk bed, and is great for children, or a group. The room has its own shower and toilet next door. Enid opens onto a shared courtyard with a pizza oven, and is around the corner from the communal kitchen.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Enid is named after children's author Enid Blyton. The room is furnished with 3 triple bunk beds and 1 bunk bed, and is great for children, or a group. The room has its own shower and toilet next door. Enid opens onto a shared courtyard with a pizza oven, and is around the corner from the communal kitchen.
K Sello Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
K Sello is named after South African author K. Sello Duiker. Ideal for a single traveller, the room is furnished with a single bed, and has its own en-suite bathroom with a shower and a toilet. The room opens onto the courtyard with a pizza oven, as well as the parking area, and overlooks the Klein Sneeuberg mountains. K Sello is on the far left flank of the property.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
K Sello is named after South African author K. Sello Duiker. Ideal for a single traveller, the room is furnished with a single bed, and has its own en-suite bathroom with a shower and a toilet. The room opens onto the courtyard with a pizza oven, as well as the parking area, and overlooks the Klein Sneeuberg mountains. K Sello is on the far left flank of the property.
Jack Cabin
More room/unit pictures
Description
Jack is named after Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac, and is an upcycled pigeon shed, with loads of glass frontage. The room is furnished with 2 single mattresses and contains a writing desk. The cabin is located on the far right, hand side of the property, and is about 50 m from the communal bathroom facilities.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Jack is named after Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac, and is an upcycled pigeon shed, with loads of glass frontage. The room is furnished with 2 single mattresses and contains a writing desk. The cabin is located on the far right, hand side of the property, and is about 50 m from the communal bathroom facilities.
Hunter Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
Hunter is named after the father of Gonzo journalism, Hunter S. Thompson. The sunny, romantic room is furnished with a double bed, and a table. The room opens onto the courtyard that is shared with Enid, and is located around the corner from the shared kitchen and the communal bathroom.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Hunter is named after the father of Gonzo journalism, Hunter S. Thompson. The sunny, romantic room is furnished with a double bed, and a table. The room opens onto the courtyard that is shared with Enid, and is located around the corner from the shared kitchen and the communal bathroom.
Bob Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
Bob is named after singer and songwriter Bob Dylan, and is furnished with 2 single beds. Enjoying a view of the downstairs deck and Klein Sneeuberg mountains, the room contains a writing desk and opens onto the shared kitchen, and is situated around the corner from the communal bathroom.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Bob is named after singer and songwriter Bob Dylan, and is furnished with 2 single beds. Enjoying a view of the downstairs deck and Klein Sneeuberg mountains, the room contains a writing desk and opens onto the shared kitchen, and is situated around the corner from the communal bathroom.
Herman Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
Herman is named after author Herman Charles Bosman and is situated on the left flank of the property. This room is furnished with a double bed and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower-over-bath, a basin, and a toilet. The room also has space for a cot. The room has access to free Wi-Fi, and opens onto a courtyard with a pizza oven and a view of the Klein Sneeuberg mountains. The room is situated close to the parking.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Herman is named after author Herman Charles Bosman and is situated on the left flank of the property. This room is furnished with a double bed and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower-over-bath, a basin, and a toilet. The room also has space for a cot. The room has access to free Wi-Fi, and opens onto a courtyard with a pizza oven and a view of the Klein Sneeuberg mountains. The room is situated close to the parking.
Sylvia Cabin
More room/unit pictures
Description
Sylvia is named after poet and novelist Sylvia Plath. The free-standing cabin situated is furnished with a double bed, and features an outdoor ablution, including a free-standing bath, a shower, and a toilet. The cabin is located at the bottom corner of the property.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Sylvia is named after poet and novelist Sylvia Plath. The free-standing cabin situated is furnished with a double bed, and features an outdoor ablution, including a free-standing bath, a shower, and a toilet. The cabin is located at the bottom corner of the property.
Franklin Cabin
More room/unit pictures
Description
Franklin is named after the ghost-writing author of The Hardy Boys, Franklin W. Dixon. The upcycled tool shed is furnished with a double bed and 2 single beds, and makes use of the communal bathroom facilities. The cabin has a private deck with great views of Klein Sneeuberg mountain, and a courtyard that is enclosed by an art installation by Verna featuring hundreds of green Pongracz bottles. The unit is located across from the communal bathroom facilities.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Franklin is named after the ghost-writing author of The Hardy Boys, Franklin W. Dixon. The upcycled tool shed is furnished with a double bed and 2 single beds, and makes use of the communal bathroom facilities. The cabin has a private deck with great views of Klein Sneeuberg mountain, and a courtyard that is enclosed by an art installation by Verna featuring hundreds of green Pongracz bottles. The unit is located across from the communal bathroom facilities.
Jonathan Cabin
More room/unit pictures
Description
Jonathan is named after American author Jonathan Saffron Foer. Made from poplar wood, the free-standing cabin has lovely views of Klein Sneeuberg mountains. The cabin is furnished with an extra-length queen-size bed, a bunk bed, as well as a single bed, and makes use of a private open-air outdoor ablutions with a bath, shower, basins, and a toilet. The cabin has a private braai area, and is situated 50 m from the communal kitchen.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis, with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
House Rules
Please note, the owner lives on the premises with their pets.
Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
Wood is not provided, and guests please need to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
The pass is currently closed and is only accessible to guests staying at McBains by prior arrangement. Guests must supply their license plate number to McBains once the booking has been confirmed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Jonathan is named after American author Jonathan Saffron Foer. Made from poplar wood, the free-standing cabin has lovely views of Klein Sneeuberg mountains. The cabin is furnished with an extra-length queen-size bed, a bunk bed, as well as a single bed, and makes use of a private open-air outdoor ablutions with a bath, shower, basins, and a toilet. The cabin has a private braai area, and is situated 50 m from the communal kitchen.
Accommodation at McBains comprises 6 individually decorated rooms and 4 free-standing cabins that are dotted around the rugged property. The rooms and cabins can each accommodate between 2 to 11 people. Some of the units have private bathrooms, while others share the use of communal ablution facilities. Guests are required to bring their own towels and torches.
The communal kitchen is equipped for self-catering, and meals can be booked with prior arrangement. Guests can relax in the lounge which holds a large variety of books and art, or on the deck which overlooks the mountain and river. A wood-fired hot tub is also available for use; wood is provided at R50 per crate, or guests are welcome to bring their own for the braai and the hot tub.
Additional facilities at McBains include WiFi as well as trampolines, and lots of space for children to play. There is a big village with an open field for children to enjoy the great outdoors, and the river is a mere 100 m from the property. The caveat is that McBains is rough around the edges and children especially are encouraged to wear shoes at all times.
Wellington is the nearest town, which is 13 km away at the bottom of the pass. The small and charming towns of Ceres, Worcester and Tulbagh are all on the other side of the pass.