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Moolmanshoek is situated in the Witteberg mountain range, between Ficksburg and Rosendal, Eastern Free State, South Africa. Do you long to escape for a while from the city noise and stress? Are you seeking rest for your soul, a peaceful environment, or that ideal setting for your wedding, for team building or a conference? The reserve was declared a Natural Heritage Site (No 199) in 1994, mainly because of the rare Mountain Bamboo that grows in the valley. Come and share this piece of Paradise with us for a few days. Take a leisurely stroll across the valley floor, go on a relaxing game drive or explore the reserve on horseback or by horse cart. Our SA Boerperd and Endurance Arab horses are born and bred in the valley, where more than 300 horses make Moolmanshoek their home. It is our hope that the uniqueness and splendour of our surroundings will be as inspiring to you as it has always been to us. We believe that Moolmanshoek is:A feast for the eyes, rest for your soul and firewood for the times ahead!It is our privilege to be stewards of more than 3 300 hectares of the breathtaking Moolmanshoek valley. The Witteberg Mountains surround the valley in the shape of a horseshoe (with Visierskerf peaking at 2407m above sea level) feeding several mountain streams in the valley floor below. This basin is home to a variety of game that include Springbuck, Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok and many others that are historically indigenous to the area. More than 230 bird species can be seen in the reserve, while a wide variety of plants grow on the mountain slopes and in the beautiful wooded ravines.Under the skilled hands and vision of the owner, Willie Nel, the once productive farm was transformed and developed into a game reserve and conservation area. It was later declared a private nature reserve.You are invited to visit us and revel in the breathtaking natural beauty and tranquillity; the rich variety of wildlife, flora and birdlife in an unspoiled mountain environment. Explore the reserve on horseback, go walking alongside streams and dams, or enjoy fly-fishing in clear spring water. Follow one of our three hiking trails or various day walks and renew your mind and soul. Challenge yourself with abseiling, a 4X4 drive or climbing one of the peaks.
We enjoyed a great few days at Moolmanshoek. Just a treat to be riding with Wiesman again and to remember our friend Leon Liversage Snr. Great horses on which to observe a wide variety of game and for Wiesman to provide memorable riding experiences. Hospitality first class. Looking forward to returning.
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Date of stay: November 2023
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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.
Moolmanshoek absolutely blew me away. I visited there with my daughter as we both love horse riding. When we arrived the staff were warm and welcoming offering us some delicious cherry juice. We were shown to our room and everything was explained to us clearly, including where the stables were, the swimming pool and walking paths. We took some time to explore the beautiful property before watching Monde Kanyana work with 2 of the young stallions starting getting them backed. He explained what he was doing and we learned so much. The following day we set out riding with Lindy Hill as our guide. Lindy was incredible and matched us to our horses based our our experience perfectly. We found Lindy very kind and took time to brief everyone and always made sure everyone was comfortable before canter or gallop. Her knowledge of the area and animals was vast. It was the best horse riding experience ever! The dinner menu was beautiful… fine dining with an excellent wine list. To be honest my daughter and I didn’t want to leave and are planning our next visit very soon! Thank you! …
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Date of stay: October 2023
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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.
This is a very special place. The rooms were clean and beds comfortable. The food was excellent and the service out of this world. The mountainous background makes this a unique experience and a game drive with oom Willie is a must! Over and over woth the money!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Rather spend more money and book a decent size room!
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 17 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌄🦓 We're delighted to hear that you had a special and memorable experience at Moolmanshoek. Our team takes great pride in providing clean, comfortable rooms, excellent food, and top-notch service. The mountainous backdrop truly adds to the uniqueness of our location, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. We couldn't agree more – a game drive with Oom Willie is indeed a must! 🚙🌿 Your kind words and positive feedback mean the world to us. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Moolmanshoek in the future. 🏞️🌟
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Moolmanshoek is the perfect place for a relaxed breakaway! The farm is beautiful, the hosts welcoming and the food exceptional! If you want to join in the activities, they will keep you busy, and if you just want to enjoy nature they let you be. Definitely a place to recommend!
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Date of stay: August 2023
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 02 Oct 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had a pleasant and relaxing stay at Moolmanshoek. Our aim is to provide a beautiful and welcoming environment for our guests, along with exceptional food. Whether you choose to join in the activities or simply immerse yourself in nature, we're here to accommodate your preferences. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back in the future for another memorable breakaway
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came for the 4 Peaks mountain challenge, one of my favourite trail running races, and stayed in a pre-erected very comfortable tent at the venue. Will book the same 'glamping' option again next time. Beautiful setting.
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Date of stay: September 2023
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 02 Oct 2023
Thank you for choosing Moolmanshoek as your accommodation for the 4 Peaks mountain challenge! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay in our comfortable pre-erected tent and found it to be a great 'glamping' option. Our picturesque setting certainly adds to the experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for the next race, and we hope your future visits are just as enjoyable as this one
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an amazing experience... friendly staff and fantastic owners with a passion for horses and great food. Beautiful views of the mountain landscape surround the main buildings and rooms. Went on a 10km guided horse ride into the mountains which was truly an unforgettable experience.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 02 Oct 2023
We greatly appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you had an unforgettable experience at Moolmanshoek! Our dedicated staff and passionate owners are committed to making your stay exceptional. The stunning mountain landscape views, along with our beautiful main buildings and rooms, provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. It's wonderful to know that your 10km guided horse ride into the mountains left such a lasting impression. We aim to create memories that will stay with our guests, and your feedback is truly rewarding. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in the future
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had the most magical time at Moolmanshoek Game Reserve. The room was comfy, and the food was delicious. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. It felt like home. I saw a huge variety of animals in their game reserve and around. The horses are really well trained and looked after. I also did the Wild Coast Ride which was such an amazing experience. I blindly recommend this place and will be back with friends and family.
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 06 Aug 2023
Thank you for your magical review! 🌟 We're thrilled you had a fantastic time at Moolmanshoek Game Reserve. It warms our hearts to know you felt at home and enjoyed the comfy rooms, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere. 🏡🍽️ The diversity of animals, well-trained horses, and the Wild Coast Ride added to your amazing experience. 🦓🏇 We can't wait to welcome you back with friends and family. See you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Exceptional stay at a jewel in the Eastern Free State,stunning views and great room and restaurant service to make us feel at home and looked after. Food was delicious and well served. I recommend highly and will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: May 2023
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 14 May 2023
Thank you for your high recommendation of Moolmanshoek! We're thrilled to hear that you had an exceptional stay and found our location in the Eastern Free State to be a jewel. The stunning views, great room, and restaurant service truly made you feel at home and well taken care of. We're delighted that you enjoyed the delicious food and attentive service. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we appreciate your recommendation. We can't wait to welcome you back to Moolmanshoek for another memorable experience!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had the best stay at Moolmanshoek with family and friends to celebrate my birthday. Right from the beginning Mafie was so accommodating with my requests and planning for the stay. Once we arrived we just felt at home. The food was one highlight (the vetkoek for lunch after a morning out of hiking was sublime). The mountains, hiking and trail riding kept us all busy. There are many magical places to discover on the farm which is clearly well loved by the Nel family. Honestly one of my favourite getaways. It is a very special place made even better by the lovely owners and staff. I will definitely be going back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 14 May 2023
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience celebrating your birthday at Moolmanshoek! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had the best stay and felt right at home. Mafie and our team always strive to accommodate requests and make every guest feel welcome. We're delighted that the food, including the sublime vetkoek, was a highlight of your stay. Exploring the mountains, hiking, and trail riding sound like incredible adventures. It warms our hearts to know that you discovered many magical places on the farm and felt the love and care put into it by the Nel family. Your kind words about our owners and staff are truly appreciated. We can't wait to welcome you back to Moolmanshoek for another very special getaway. Thank you for choosing us and for your recommendation!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you love horses, nature, mountain biking, hiking, good food and a great atmosphere then Moolmanshoek is the perfect place for you. We have just had the most amazing family holiday where myself and my daughters could horse ride while my husband went out on his mountain bike. After a busy but beautiful day a delicious meal with a fire was so welcome. Mafie, Wiesman and their friendly staff are wonderful and always willing to go the extra mile to make your stay as memorable as possible. I can highly recommend Moelmanshoek and will be back with my family as we have been for a few years now...
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Date of stay: April 2023
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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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Response from Pieter Bezuidenhout, Marketing at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Responded 14 May 2023
Thank you for your enchanting review of Moolmanshoek! We're thrilled to hear that your family had a magical holiday filled with horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding us. It's wonderful to know that everyone had activities tailored to their interests. The delicious meal by the fire sounds like the perfect way to end a fulfilling day. Mafie, Wiesman, and our dedicated staff always strive to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for our guests. We appreciate your continued support and recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Moolmanshoek for many more unforgettable adventures!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.