The Travelling Tortoise
R341, De Rust 1000 South Africa
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About
#1 of 3 lodges in De Rust
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We are a new off-the-grid eco resort situated only 10km from the pretty town of De Rust in the Western Cape, South Africa. The resort boasts stunning views from the decks of our mountain chalets, and includes a swimming pool and hiking trails.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Room features
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
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HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
22Reviews0Q+A3Room tips
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We (two couples) stayed at the accommodation for two nights. Jeff sent us detailed directions shortly before we arrived as the accommodation is off the beaten track. The chalets are situated on a slope with a marvellous view over the valley. The facilities in the chalets leave nothing to be desired. Everything is tidy and clean. Pools are available on the grounds. What could be nicer than spending a hot day in the pool with a cool drink and enjoying the view? As the chalets are located in the middle of nature, you have to accept that the occasional mouse might scurry through the chalet. If you can live with that and are looking for peace and nature, this is the place for you.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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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.
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We had the pleasure of staying at The Traveling Tortoise recently. It was fantastic, the accommodation was spotless and tastefully decorated. We wanted for nothing and enjoyed everything. Compliments to the host Jeff , we will be back!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip 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.
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The place is very peaceful, lovely host# Jeff, we really enjoyed our time at this establishment, completely off grid, meaning I could escape my reality for a few days, no stable internet connection which is great for me.. Really loved the hot tubs 🔥😁... Amazing views and scenic surroundings.. I will highly recommend this to someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy nature for a bit.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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Service
Room Tip: Be sure to visit the water fall, not far from this place,,, ask Jeff for directions. Enjoy
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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.
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The owner, Jeff, was previously from George, where he built private golf courses on the Garden Route and now does large cement installations like his green tortoise gracing the entrance to the farm! There are more scattered on the property. A delight to come across. I could just imagine how much children would enjoy the travelling tortoise. It appears that he single-handedly built his campsite and lodges. Quite an impressive feat too. Jeff is very affable and accommodating and went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable. We had access to solar-powered electricity during the day but had to rely on our source at night. This made watching the rugby a tad tricky but not impossible! Fortunately, we do have our wifi for streaming. A windless morning enabled us to go for two long cycles; getting our limbs out on the road was pure bliss. We traversed the dirt roads between farms and labourers’ cottages, going up hills with the assurance that every hill must eventually go down again. Butch did a solo ride while I hiked the mountain behind our truck. The veld was a fresh green after good rains, and the profusion of orange cacti blooms opened to welcome Sunbirds greedy to feast on nectar. We spent two evenings beside a cement tortoise enjoying magnificent sunsets, long walks and restful days. I had reasonable showers; a lousy shower is my pet peeve. On my scale, I’d give a score of 2.5/5.…
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Date of stay: July 2022
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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.
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I made the mistake of not understanding the true meaning of öff the grid" and ask Jeff the right questions before booking and paying a deposit. This accommodation needs a 4 x 4 vehicle to get to on dirt road. Not suitable for physically impaired people as accommodation access steep and rugged. Need to wear good grip closed shoes. Would not suggest visiting in summer as no air conditioner and only fan blows hot air around, so no relief from intense heat in log cabins. No cell phone signal. Log cabins have a swimming pool nearby, but is heated in summer (would be ideal in winter). Hot tub is filled, but due to intense summer heat, gave no relief as water was luke warm. Due to our discomfort, we unfortunately had to leave this accommodation before staying first night (had booked for 3 nights).…
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Date of stay: January 2022
Location
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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.
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Jeff is an amazing host. Very friendly and funny! The accommodation is well thought out and delightful. Being off grid means that it is a bit rustic but none the less the facilities are on par with normal establishments. Well worth the visit!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip 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.
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What a treat! A real off the grid but extremely comfortable find. We stayed in the Hares Lair. Had everything we needed. It was a well equipped kitchen, spotlessly clean and even though it was hot summer time, we were cooled by a strong fan and lots of air. There are 3 pools and the heated one was within easy walking distance. Great views and absolute peace and quite. Something so quaint and different. Jeff is a great host . He was attentive regularly to make sure we were fine. We were with friends who camped and they also loved the place and were comfortable. We will be back. Looking forward to all the new ideas! Thank you and all the very best!
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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
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.
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I admit I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a rustic cabin with the bare minimum. It was more like living in someone’s comfy home. Beautiful antique furniture, loads of reading material and even a friendly cat that visited us. Forget about technology. Just chill out and let the healing quiet restore the equilibrium that the past year has shaken. There are three swimming spots: the ‘beach’ pool, the cold pool and the heated pool(my favorite). We also had a jacuzzi all to ourselves. We walked around and saw some interesting accommodation, such as the hobbit. Magical for the young and old. Jeff was fantastic and went out of his way to make sure that we had a really great time. I just wonder how he managed to keep the mosquitoes away. My daughter who never sleeps slept her afternoons away. The son who never eats was ravenous. Like I said....just what the doctor ordered. …
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
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One of my favorite spots ever. Off the grid Quiet Super dark when you turn off the lights And attention to detail. Jeff the host put so much effort into the Hare Lair. Fully equipped with everything thing you need. I can highly recommend this spot to anyone.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Helpful
We stayed in the hares lair, our Hobbit house. Well equipped kitchen,spotlessly clean and really cosy. Swimming pool within easy walk. Great views and absolute peace and quite. Jeff is a great host and once you check in he leaves you to enjoy the place. We will be back.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
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LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeDe Rust
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Travelling Tortoise
What are some of the property amenities at The Travelling Tortoise?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Travelling Tortoise?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Travelling Tortoise?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Travelling Tortoise?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.