GlenDonald is not your average mountain cottage getaway. We offer visitors a wide range of unique experiences from fly-fishing and hiking to simply lying back, relaxing and soaking up nature at it’s finest.
However, the most unique is our main attraction which we offer in the warmer months: kloofing. Most of the river course runs through gorges and canyons and there is no limit to the experiences you will have.
In essence GlenDonald has something for everyone.
Fly Fishing
We offer some of the finest fly-fishing in South Africa. Below the natural waterfall barrier guests are able to fish for Clanwilliam Yellowfish (Barbus Capensis) and Clanwilliam Sawfin (Barbus Serra) and while above the waterfall are Brown Trout.
Please note: Only barbless hooks may be used and no fish may be taken from the river.
Relaxing
Simply lie back, relax and soak up nature at its finest on the waters of Visgat. Or just sit on the stoep to catch up on that eluding novel and look out at the most spectacular views.
Kloofing
The Olifants River Gorge, which dissects the property, offers enthusiasts some of the best kloofing available in South Africa. Most of the river course runs through spectacular gorges and canyons.
Birding
While the greater Cederberg area is not abundant in bird life there are a number of rare and threatened species, and there are a number of Verreaux’s Eagle which nest on the property. You will also spot swallows making nest in the open bathrooms of Swallow’s Croft.
Hiking
With 4500 hectares of land there are a number of Hiking Trails catering for all levels of fitness and ability. Guests are provided with a map of the area indicating trails and areas of special interest.
Bushman Paintings
Archeologically, the greater Cederberg area is one of the richest area in the world in terms of Rock Art, with paintings that range from 8000 to 300 years old.
The remote Witzenberg Valley the property encompasses 4200 hectares of spectacular and pristine landscapes, dissected by the Olifants River Gorge. The area is predominantly Table Mountain Sandstone, which weathers easily and consequently results in spectacular rock formations. A bio-diversity hotspot, the land is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and is home to a number of rare and endemic floral, avian and freshwater species.
The Olifants river system has the richest collection of endemic fish species in South Africa – 10 indigenous fish species, of which 8 are endemic. The upper reaches are the only mainstream areas remaining in the whole catchment area where natural reproduction takes place.