Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
This warm and inviting restored farmhouse nestles at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain on the world’s first established ostrich farm in the Cape Colony, Rietfontein, which dates from the nineteenth century. (Ostrich farming was commenced in 1879). Also situated between the “Ostrich Capital” (Oudtshoorn) and “Port Capital” (Calitzdorp). At Rietfontein you will find all the comforts of home, with relax surroundings to make your stay a perfect pleasure. We have restored various outbuildings on the farm, which today house the different accommodation units and restaurant , reception and gift shop. The accommodation comprises of 4 separate units, in total 7 ensuite rooms.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
On Route R62 Between Oudtshoorn & Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Entering through the second gate you first see a couple of big trees and also some houses - in the old Cape Dutch style, just great. There are two cottages for the guests, a big house with the dining room and a lounge. There you are served breakfast and dinner and then you can sip a glass of nice red wine in the lounge. Elmaré and Colbus are very concerned about their guests. We could not only choose what kind of eggs we wanted for breakfast, that's nothing special, but we could also choose what we wanted for dinner. So we had ostrich (after all it used to be an ostrich farm), steak and ostrich again. It was well done and the setting, old style, was just beautiful. The cottage we stayed in was furnished in the old, authentic way - just feel like an Ostrich Baron. Naturally the bathroom was modernised. Rietfontein lies between Oudtshorn and Calitzdorp. And that's exactly what you can do - take a trip through a pretty valley to Calitzdorp and enjoy a port wine tasting and go to Oudtshorn and de Rust. That is if you want to enjoy excursions without any hurry or stress. Right next to the main houses there are two cottages, 2 or 3 others are in a little distance. Staying there is different from most places but you will enjoy the reminders of glorious days.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is situated between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn in the Karoo. If you like semi-desert this is your ideal spot with the Red Mountains just behind the Rietfontein. The hosts, Kobus and Elmare could not do enough for us - they were so warm and hospitable. My wife has food issues and Elmare had no problem amending her menu. She is a wonderful cook. The early morning and evening views are fantastic. The room we stayed in was "Kurt se |Kerkie", filled with memorabilia.This is the second time we stayed there, and the only regret is that we did not stay longer. I suggest you book direct with the place. The online hotel booking agencies hit these small places with at least a 15% commission, quite outrageous.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a delightful overnight stay at Rietfontein. Our room and facilities were superb, and our hosts, Kobus and Elmaré most welcoming and hospitable. Elmaré is a domestic goddess and gave us an exquisite dinner, followed by a first class breakfast the following morning. We can highly recommend the Ostrich Palace!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The food was delicious especially the ostrich which we had with different sauce each night, the room large very comfortable and clean - everything had been thought of and the view, especially from the swimming pool exceptional. Kobe’s went out of his was to set up the tv with the rugby on it during load shedding - so kind. The charm of this place is that it is remote - don’t go if you are expecting night clubs and parties!!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The farm is close enough to both Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn and situated in stunning surroundings. The camera enthusiasts were spoilt for choice in the beautiful Red Rock hills and we were fortunate to witness a Klipspringer cross the road and gracefully scale an almost vertical slope. We stayed in the cottages near the farmhouse where the accommodation is spacious and very comfortable. The meals were outstanding and Elmare is an accomplished cook. The four course dinner featured ostrich steaks and homemade breads and preserves accompanied all meals. Elmare and Cobus are great hosts and we will certainly go back - next time in the autumn to capture the leaves turning.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is the fourth time we have stayed here. Why? Because Kobus and Elmare are wonderful hosts, and Elmare is a wonderful cook. The breakfast are tasty, and the dinner, if you order it, is a four course divine experience. Her ostrich fillet is far, far better than the Hussar Grill chain, and theirs is not bad at all, so Elmare's meets and beats the challenge. My wife has food issues and this was no problem for Elmare. The Karoo scenery is beautiful, and nearby Red Mountains magnificent. Oudtshoorn is under a half hour drive, so go to the C P Nel museum. Also Calitzdorp.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We stayed in the ou kerkie. Great atmosphere, but I guess any room will be fine.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had 2 phantastic days in the old ostrich palace. Our hosts Elmaré and Kobus are the best hosts we have experienced in 3 weeks, absolutely welcoming and super friendly. We couldn't have expected more. Rietfontein has been recommended to me by friends, and I can tell it was a great recommendation!
I can only repeat what other guests have already correctly said: The delicious meals Elmaré prepares, the beautiful rooms, the warmth of the hosts are the reasons we so much enjoyed our stay. The attention to each lovely detail in the rooms make you feel really taken care of. Not to forget the yummy breakfast, a great start into a wonderful day. Thank you very much Elmaré and Kobus
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We normally do not go back to places we have been before, but Elmare & Kobus’ place is our one exception. The delicious meals Elmare prepares is one reason, the beautiful rooms, the cool pool, the warmth of the hosts are some of the others. The attention to each lovely detail in the rooms make you feel really taken care of. Straight from your room you can go on walks through beautiful mountains and when you come back there is this little paradise welcoming you with whatever you wish: a drink at the pool or in the cosy lounge, a super and fresh breakfast, a dinner deserving a Michelin star, a chat with your hosts.... We wish we there again.. :-) Thank you Elmare & Kobus!! Love from Barendrecht, NL
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An amazing overnight stay , in old world charm and relaxed , excellent hospitality. We felt pampered and spoilt by the stunning decor, in a room which was comfortable, accessible and with attention to detail. The welcome by the dogs Emma & Russel was equaled by that of Cobus & Elmarie. One felt as if one was part of history in the beautifully restored buildings. Gourmet Food. A real treat.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful cottages furnished with antiques. Very comfortable and peaceful. The whole property is just exuding old world charm and history. We've visited for the second time and this time around we also had dinner there, which was simply spectecular (as was breakfast the next morning)!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Oudtshoorn area.
PRICE RANGE
R 1,470 - R 2,559 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOudtshoorn
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
