The Travelling Tortoise - Off-the-grid Eco Retreat offering Self Catering cabins & Camping near De Rust in the Klein Karoo, Route 62, Western Cape, South Africa

Welcome to the Travelling Tortoise! We are a new off - the - grid eco retreat situated only 10km from the pretty town of De Rust in the Klein Karoo, Western Cape. The resort is set in natural Klein Karoo veldt with stunning views from the decks of our mountain chalets.

The pastoral, green Middelplaas valley is in front, the Red Stone Hills to the right and the inspiring Swartberg behind. So weary traveller, visit us and wind down.

Guaranteed no Power Outages!!

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The Travelling Tortoise Accommodation

CHALETS

The Angulate

This very comfortable and well-equipped chalet has 2 bedrooms, one with a double bed and ensuite, the other with 2 single beds. The kitchen is designed for a long stay with a stove with hob and oven, and a large fridge freezer. There is a second bathroom with shower, a family sized lounge and a big deck with braai. The comfortable sleeper couch means that a large family can be accommodated. There is a private wood-fired hot tub close to the chalet – perfect for a glass of wine and star gazing. Sleeps 5 people.

The Geometric

This is a cosy one bedroom chalet in a quite private position. The kitchen is well equipped with bar fridge and stove with hob and oven. There is bathroom with shower, solar powered but with a gas back up for winter, lounge and big deck with braai overlooking the pool. There is also a sleeper couch in the lounge. Sleeps 3 people.

The Hinge-Back

This Chalet opened in August 2017. Being higher up the hill it has outstanding views. It is aimed at the larger family with space a main feature. The chalet has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There are two downstairs bedrooms, each with a double bed, and one upstairs – accessed by a unique spiral staircase – has two single beds. The large lounge has a double sleeper couch. It also has a well equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, and a deck with braai. Sleeps 5 people.

The Torthouse

Ever wanted to spend a few nights in a giant tortoise? Well’s now your chance. The Torthouse is on our campsite, you would soon know that, you can’t miss it. There’s comfort – a double bed, and a small kitchen with a fridge. It’s minimalistic, but huge on character. The outside cooking area is complete with braai and a gas cooker. Bring your own bedding  and camping equipment and enjoy this unique experience.

The Hare's Lair​

This earth-sheltered burrow, tucked away, private, and almost unseen is fitted out with every comfort you could want. It is fully self-catering, open plan with a large living space. The double bed is nestled 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 will also sleep 2 young leverets. You will be warmed in the winter with its cast-iron fire and cooled in the hot Karoo summer, well insulated by the cool earth. The braai is on the sheltered stoep, which has wonderful views of the valley and Red Stone hills. Sleeps 3 people.

The Jackal's Den

The familiar Hobbit style round door leads you onto a wooden floor and a curved reed ceiling giving the home a soft and warm feel. The Den is very well equipped, the kitchen has all you need including a large fridge/ freezer, and a stove with oven. The double bed rests in the corner next to the poplar trees that hold up the roof. The bathroom is spacious and has a shower. It needs a pretty good vehicle to get to it, if you haven't got one I will take you up.

The Padloper

The Padloper is named after the smallest Tortoise in South Africa. This cabin may be smaller than the others, but it is large in character. It sleeps 2 people.​

Set high over the hill it is the perfect private getaway. It is almost hidden by bush and surrounded by the most beautiful views. Newly refurbished and retro in style, it has all the features and feel of living in a cabin built 60 years ago. It does have a few modern additions, like hot water on tap, lights and a fridge powered by the abundance of the Little Karoo sunshine. It’s only about 500m from the bottom of the hill but a 4x4 is essential for the climb.

CAMPING

The bush camp site is on level ground at the foot of the mountain. It has grassy pitches and an excellent ablution block.

Chalet Rates

• JAN - NOV: From R275 per person/per night
• DEC:  From R350 per person/per night
• CHILDREN 4 - 10yrs: From R100 / 11 - 16 yrs: From R150

Camping Rates

• JAN - NOV: From R85 per person/per night
• DEC:  From R95 per person/per night​

Activities / Amenities

• Eco-friendly hot tubs. They are in the bush and very private to The Angulate and The Hinge-back chalets. Perfect for a cold winters night while stargazing with a glass of wine. Also don’t light the fire and you’ve got a cool splash pool for the hot summers.​
• The generous sized pool is near the camp site, and is a must in the hot Karoo sun.
• A new addition is the adventure playground. The Silver Hare speeds down the zip line.
• A short family hike meanders up the mountain. Apart from many varieties of tortoise there are frequent sightings of his arch rival, 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.  

Directions to The Travelling Tortoise

From De Rust: Take the first right past the town (R341) to Willowmore. After 2km turn right to Middleplaas. After 3km follow the signs to The Travelling Tortoise.  
GPS Co-ordinates: 33°31'03.0"S 22°32'02.0"E

Please contact your host Jeff at the Travelling Tortoise directly for bookings & enquiries.

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