As voted for by
SA-Venues.com guests
The Travelling Tortoise is a highly recommended property for self catering in De Rust for anyone visiting the Karoo region.
The Travelling Tortoise is a new off-the-grid eco resort situated 10km from the quaint town of De Rust. The resort is set in natural Klein Karoo veldt and boasts stunning views of the Middelplaas Valley, the Red Stone Hills and the Swartberg.
Offering self catering accommodation the elevated chalets have been built mostly from renewable materials and although rustic in appearance, comfort has not been compromised. Three of the chalets have a private wood- fired hot tub at an additional charge of R40 per evening.
Solar power provides electricity and hot water. There is a gas oven and hob for cooking, and of course a braai on the deck. There is a solar heated pool in an elevated position close to the main chalets.
Terence The Travelling Tortoise has returned from his travels, and will greet you at the gate. Children can sit on his back and he will take them up the track – albeit slowly.
Come and enjoy Turtle beach – a first in the Karoo, white sand, palm trees and cousins of the tortoise in the pond. Got to be seen to be believed.
The generous sized pool is near the camp site, and is a must in the hot Karoo sun. There is an adventure playground with a zipline.
Pets are welcome by prior arrangement only. Pets are not to be left alone in the chalets. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
A hike meanders up the mountain; ideal to spot the many varieties of tortoise and his arch enemy, the hare. Small, shy game can also be seen. The bush is untouched, and boasts the fascinating and colourful fynbos, cacti and succulents. This is also an attraction for many colourful birds.
What is loadshedding? It refers to the temporary suspension of electricity provided by Eskom, South Africa's electricity provider, to reduce consumption and thereby the load on the national grid. To compensate, South African property owners are turning to solar power, inverters with backup batteries or in some cases generators to keep the power on, wherever feasible.
Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
There are 2 bedrooms, one with a double bed, and its own bathroom, the other furnished with 2 single beds. There is a sleeper couch in the family-sized lounge. The kitchen is very well-equipped, spacious and designed for a long stay. The private woodfired hot tub is close to the chalet (an additional charge of R40 per evening), and the heated pool just a few steps away.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 5 guests (max 5 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
2 bedrooms. One with double bed and ensuite. one with 2 single beds. Sleeper couch in the family sized lounge. Solar power provides electricity and hot water. There is a gas oven and hob for cooking, and of course a braai on the deck. This chalet has a private wood- fired hot tub (additional charge of R40 per evening).
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
A hidden retro cabin surrounded by the most beautiful views. Sleeps 2 guests. It is only 500m from the main chalets. Solar power provides electricity and hot water. There is a gas oven and hob for cooking, and of course a braai on the deck.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 7 guests (max 7 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
It sits higher than the others, commanding outstanding views. This chalet is ideal for the larger family with its spacious lounge. There is a well equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower and a large deck with braai. One bedroom is furnished with a double bed and en-suite, the second room is furnished with a double bed, the third in the loft area, is furnished with 2 single beds. There is a sleeper couch in the lounge. The chalet is easily accessed by a standard car. This chalet has a private wood- fired hot tub (additional charge of R40 per evening).
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 3 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
Providing self catering accommodation for four guests, this earth sheltered burrow is tucked away, private and almost unseen. Fitted out with every comfort you could want, it has a well equipped kitchen, a large living space and a bathroom with shower. The double bed is in a corner of the pine walls and poplar trees which hold up the curved reed roof. There is a sleeper couch, so the burrow can accommodate two young leverets. The burrow is warmed in the winter by its cast-iron fire and cool in the summer as it is well insulated, deep in the cool earth. Braai facilities are provided on the sheltered stoep, which has wonderful views of the valley and Red Stone Hills.
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: not allowed in this room type
The Den has been restored. You enter through the round door into a burrow, with a curved reed ceiling and popular trees supporting the roof. A well equipped kitchen has been built in, as has a bathroom with shower. The double bed rests in the corner. In winter you will be warmed by the cast – iron stove.The Den is very private and isolated from the main chalets.
9 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Our stay was all and more than we had hoped for.
January 2024
Gillian D. (The Island' Great Brak River)
Verified review
Very nice environment for peace and quiet
April 2023
SAMKE D. (Pretoria)
Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.
Closest airport(s)George Airport - 150km
Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 14h00
Check-out by 10h00
Payment methods accepted by the property EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com
Host on SA-Venues.com for 8 years
Find out more about De Rust as a destination
FIND / South Africa Self Catering / Western Cape Self Catering / Karoo Self Catering / De Rust Self Catering
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