Outdoor Activities

Things to do at Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse, Heron House, Wild Olive House, and Elandsberg Nature Reserve in the Cape Winelands

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse | Heron House | Wild Olive House

Many guests celebrate the peace and quiet they find at Bartholomeus Klip by retreating into a quiet corner – in our gardens, at the dam, around the pool or even in the nature reserve. However, if you want to do something more strenuous, we provide mountain bikes for cycling through the reserve or along the farm roads through the wheatfields, and there are plenty of wonderful routes to choose for walks. We also now offer archery, which is proving very popular. Down at the dam guests can take to the water in canoes and kayaks, or go windsurfing, freshwater fishing or bird watching. Even the most relaxed guest will want to join our rangers on the morning and evening nature drives through the reserve, where there is always something different to discover. And of course we are well situated for visits to the attractions of Riebeek Kasteel and Tulbagh, as well as the up and coming wineries of the Swartland or, farther afield, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Click the markers on the map below to see details

Geometric Tortoise Project

In January of 2012, a natural wildfire at Elandsberg Nature Reserve burnt through about 2000 ha of the nature reserve. Elandsberg, with the help of Cape Nature and volunteers, pooled resources after the fire to search and rescue tortoises in the reserve as most of their habitat had burnt Read more

Salt Water Pool

We have renovated our old farm reservoir into a 2M deep salt water swimming pool.

Herb Garden

Take a walk through chef Louise’s herb garden to see some of the seasonal produce she is growing and using in the farm kitchen. The wall surrounding the garden is the original wall built in early 1900.

Meet the Silo Residents

Take a walk to the Silos and look up to see the resident Barn Owls. This pair have been nesting in the silos for more than 4 years.

Lambs and sheep

Explore the farmyard to see the sheepdogs at work with our Merino sheep. When the first rains arrive around April, newborn lambs can be found freely ranging the 2000 hectares’ grazing fields and pretty much taking up the centre of attention at Bartholomeus Klip. Home to about 2000 ewes and a couple of rams, of which Andrew is our most famous, Bartholomeus Klip produces about 2000 wool Merino lambs every year.

The Deck House overlooking the dam

Make your way down to the deckhouse and enjoy the panoramic view of the Elandskloof Mountain and take a swim in the dam. The lounge is there for you to relax, we do our bit to not waste electricity so feel free to turn on the air-conditioner and lights as you prefer. There is water in the fridge and the coffee machine for refreshments. The canoes and Kayaks are ready in the small boathouse to take out on the dam. In the dryer months they are placed on the beach and if you need assistance at any time just let the guides know to assist.

Fresh water

Our gardens are watered from Spring water flowing from the mountains and a borehole. We have also tried to establish a water friendly garden as much as possible with many flower plants such as Salvia, Agapanthus and the breathtaking orange blooms of Clivias in the winter months.

Mountain Bike Trails

Explore the Reserve and farmlands by bike. We have some trails set out depending on your fitness level and ability .We have bikes available to use at the back of the house and please let us know if you would like a route planned and to pack a bottle of cold mountain water to take along.

The Elandsberg Nature Reserve

Explore the 4000ha fynbos nature reserve on the nature drives, by bike or on foot. With over 700 head of game ,850 plant species and more than 120 bird species there is lots to see. The reserve has no dangerous game so you can explore on your own or even better enjoy this with our knowledgeable guides who are able to tell you more details on the interesting plants and animals on the reserve.

Wild Olive House

Wild Olive House is very popular with groups of friends and families. Children of all ages are welcomed, and the house has its own garden, swimming pool, large shady verandah and outdoor facilities for braaing. Brunch and dinner can be ordered to be delivered, or adults are welcome to join us at the restaurant. Meals and Activities need to be booked in advance.

Heron House

Heron House is our latest addition to the Bartholomeus Klip portfolio, and perfect for groups of friends and families. Children of all ages are welcomed, and the house has its own garden, swimming pool, large shady verandah and outdoor facilities for braaiing. Brunch and dinner can be ordered to be delivered, or adults are welcome to join us at the restaurant. Meals and Activities need to be booked in advance.

The Main Farm House

The house was built in 1906 and is Victorian in style. Originally the farm managers house, it was renovated in 1996 and opened as a hotel in 1997. With 4 rooms in the house and 1 outside suite, there are only 10 guest staying at any time. We do also have the Wild Olive House which is able to take up to 6 guests and who often join meals an activities at the main house. The decor and finishing are in keeping with the Victorian theme and the view from the stoep overlooks the 3500ha working wheat and sheep farm which is always a hive of activity depending on the time of year.

The Quagga Project

Enjoy an up close encounter with the quaggas – this breeding programme has been on our farm for more than 30 years and you are able to see the families of zebra in the Reserve on the nature drives, by bike or on foot.

Water activities on the dam

We have some fresh water species to fish such as Barbel and Carp. There are 3 tackle boxes with equipment in the small boathouse with instruction aswell as the rods. Do give us a shout if you need a hand, the guides are always available to assist.

Operational farm

Our mixed grain farming operation is set on 1600ha of arable land with crops like barley and oat hay planted for feed, canola or rape seed as rotational crop and then our steadfast ears of wheat that cover the landscape in green and gold over the spring months as the biggest crop yearly. Enjoy seeing this all up close and meeting the teams in the planting season April and May and then in harvest time from October-November.




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