When you think of Addo, the first thing that comes to the mind is possibly the iconic Addo Elephant National Park, however did you know that the Greater Addo region actually stretches from the coastline at Colchester and Alexandria, through the Sundays River Valley to Zuurberg Mountains passing the towns of Kirkwood, Sunland, Paterson and Addo? This vast stretch of wilderness is home to world-famous private game farms, and the beautiful orchards and fields of Addo’s working farms. The most hospitable of these have opened their farm gates to delight visitors. A farm stay in the Addo region is the perfect weekend breakaway: not far from home, and filled with the most authentic, open-hearted Eastern Cape folk, offering fun, family farm experiences and easy access to the activities and attractions of the Addo region. Here are ten tranquil farm stays to fulfil your citrus-scented dreams.
Nearest town: Paterson
Sit back and relax in your own private guest house on a working farm in the emerald-green Kromrivier Valley. This is an ideal getaway for active families with hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains and full access to the farm for endless outdoor fun. The self-catering farmhouse has been recently renovated and enables visitors to enjoy their holiday time at their own pace whilst experiencing life on this lovely Eastern Cape farm – home to cattle, sheep, free-range chickens, and geese – bordering the Addo Elephant National Park and close to a number of private game reserves.
Nearest town: Addo
Homestead is far more than a bed & breakfast. With 15 years’ experience hosting travellers, Homestead offers a variety of accommodation options: camping, caravanning, and self-catering on a beautiful citrus farm in the Sundays River Valley complete with a bar area, dam, and deck for sociable travellers. Homestead is located only minutes from private game reserves, activities, and local restaurants, making it a convenient base from which to explore the region.
Nearest town: Addo
Perched on a hill overlooking the Sundays River Valley lies Kududu Guest Farm combining the best that Addo has to offer: a serene private nature reserve and a vibrant citrus farm. The nature reserve is home to a variety of South African wildlife including zebra, waterbuck, duiker and nyala, while the working farm produces a deliciously scented array of lemons, navel and valencia citrus. This tranquil haven offers panoramic views across the valley and farmlands, with comfortable accommodation, and is centrally located for easy access to the national park and other main attractions. BONUS TIP: If you’re looking for something extra special, try Kududu’s Saturnus Glass Unit, a secluded glass-roofed rondavel with a suspended bed for unsurpassed views of the great night sky!
Nearest town: Addo
Bordering the Addo Elephant National Park, Stellenhof Guesthouse is located on a working dairy farm that provides comfortable, child-friendly accommodation in either the elegant Cape Dutch homestead or the distinctive, luxurious Earthbag domes for a memorable stay in Addo. Whether visitors are using Stellenhof as a base for exploring the Addo region’s natural wonders or simply enjoying a slice of peace in the valley, you’ll “arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend”!
5. Rosedale Organic Farm Bed & Breakfast
Nearest town: Addo
Rosedale is a charming organic citrus farm just minutes from the national park. Take a comfortable break away from city life in Rosedale’s thatched cottages, swim in the natural swimming pool, tell tall tales around the firepit at night and wake up to the sounds of the birds – you’ll feel comfortable, happy, and relaxed after time at Rosedale. Your hosts, Keith and Nondumiso, look forward to welcoming you.
Nearest town: Addo
There always seems to be a bit more time at Chicane Bed and Breakfast: time to chat, time to relax, time to spend soaking up the sun or wandering the orchards. Located on a working citrus and vegetable farm in the Sundays River Valley, Chicane is a gracious farmhouse bed & breakfast where country living, fresh air and wide-open spaces meet luxury private accommodations. In true farmhouse style, the rooms are large and airy, well equipped and with a private patio and entrance. BONUS TIP: Look forward to Chicane’s sumptuous farm-style breakfast, served daily and boasting fresh seasonal fruits and homemade breads.
Nearest town: Addo
Citrus is in the air and on your plate at Happy Lands Farm Stay. Visitors can enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice, in season, and host, Nita’s homemade jams, marmalade and preserves year-round. Set amongst the cool, green orchards and abundant gardens, a stay at Happy Lands will refresh and rejuvenate the weariest of travellers and, for those interested in Addo’s rich cultural history, Nita is happy to oblige. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend of high adventure or peaceful restoration, Happy Lands lives up to its name!
Nearest town: Addo
Avoca River Cabins offers far more than its name implies: it’s a wonderful riverside farm stay offering paddling, walking and trail running adventures, it’s a delightfully rustic wedding venue, it’s a family-friendly destination for nature lovers with varied accommodation options, and it’s working citrus farm to boot. Avoca means “the meeting of the waters” and its waterside location is attractive to birders, while everyone will enjoy a locally sourced picnic box in the orchards. This is a family friendly destination for all. BONUS TIP: Avoca River Cabins has a castle! If you’re looking for a truly special romantic getaway, then book The Castle!
Nearest town: Addo
Immerse yourself in nature at De Old Drift Guest Farm and enjoy a warm welcome at one of Addo’s smallest citrus farms. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the orchards, especially fragrant when the trees are in blossom, or a walk to the Sundays River to spy nyala, kudu and rooibok on the mountain ridge – a truly peaceful breakaway – Addo style. Enjoy your stay in a characterful farmhouse, complete with friendly Labrador, Jack Russell and bullmastiff playmates for the kids, and a wholesome farmhouse breakfast before heading off to explore more of our amazing Addo.
10. Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm
Nearest town: Addo
You’ll struggle to find a more unique location for a stay in Addo than the Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm. Located on its own mountaintop overlooking the valleys and hills to the Zuurberg Mountains, Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm is a working citrus farm named for the flightless dung beetle that is endemic to the Addo region. This sprawling site offers luxury chalets, rustic bush cabins and dung-beetle-inspired suites to suit a variety of travel requirements. Settle in and explore the rustic beauty of this Addo farm. PLEASE NOTE: ADDO DUNG BEETLE GUEST FARM HAS CLOSED FROM 1 APRIL – 31 AUGUST 2021. Please contact the establishment directly with any enquiries.
