Nestled at the foot of the Skurweberg Mountains and about 12 km from Ceres, Petervale Guest Farm is a forest playground for families, friends and those wanting quality time together in nature. We spent a weekend camping, hiking and hot-tubbing under the tall pine trees at one of Petervale’s off-grid campsites…
Farm life meets forest-living (and hot tubs)
If you’re the kind of family that needs regular retreats into nature in order to survive the pace of city life, Petervale Guest Farm is the perfect treatment plan. It offers self-catering accommodation and generously spaced campsites for you to set up camp and make yourself at home.
Overlooking the dam from one of Petervale’s campsites.
Camping options include private hot tub rentals, and in summer you can opt for a tipi (for up to six people) if you would like to add a touch of glamping to your getaway.
Looking onto one of Petervale’s campsites from across the dam.
Rent a hot tub for your forest-based campsite, Petervale.
Petervale pre-trip planning, made easier
Whether you’re choosing to stay in one of the cottages or at a campsite, the friendly, professional and well-organised level of service and hospitality – right from the start of the booking process to the end of your stay – comes highly rated by previous guests. Ahead of our trip, there was little information that hadn’t already been provided by management: updated directions ensured that we didn’t miss the entrance to the farm gate. A clear rundown of what the campsite’s communal kitchen provided included power points and a wash-up area, (a fridge/freezer was a bonus).
Petervale campsite ablutions.
The “young children might struggle” under its hiking trail information prompted us to pack decent hiking shoes. Firewood that can be bought at reception is something we always forget to enquire about, so it’s a relief to our packing space when discovering this ahead of time. The same is true for the availability of drinking water – and even better, fresh mountain water!
Go Camp forest camping at Petervale Guest Farm
Activities
Off-Roading
4×4 Track:
While guests do not require a 4×4 vehicle to access the farm, Petervale does have its own on-site 4×4 route if you’re up for some off-road adventure with your vehicle.
Entrance to Petervale’s hiking & 4×4 trails.
Mountain biking:
Petervale’s farm provides ideal terrain for mountain biking and guests are invited to bring their own bicycles to explore its trails.
Swimming
While guests are allowed to swim in the farm’s dams, being mid-winter we were quite happy to rather soak in the warmth of our hot tub and gaze at its scenic beauty instead, (we did notice one or two brave guests dive in for some blood vessel shock therapy). We’ve heard that in summer, these dams can reach 30ºC, a perfect temperature for night swimming.
Fishing & Kayaking
Black bass is found in the dam and guests are allowed to cast their line, as long as a catch and release policy is adhered to. There are also kayaks for guests to make use of when the water levels are high enough.
Hiking (with the option for some scrambling)
God’s Bathtub, a beautiful waterfall cascading down into a deep mountain crystal pool below, is located in the mountain range just behind the campsite and can be reached within a short and scenic hike. It’s worth a bit of climbing with a camera if gorgeous views, plantlife and birdlife inspire you. Listen out for the call of the eagles – we were sorry not to have had a bigger lens to photograph them circling a koppie in the distance.
Lookout point, Petervale Farm.
Scrambled Legs: (the hike that was not suggested by management)
God’s Bathtub evoked our sense of adventure so much that we (over) eagerly decided to follow an old route that we’d found online to try and find a look-out-point dubbed ‘Petervale’s Arch’. About two hours in and too late to try to turn back we’d managed to stray off the overgrown path. After a fair amount of scrambling and bundu bashing, we reached Petervale’s Arch. It was worth every scratch and bruise (although we wouldn’t recommend that anyone go alone or attempt this if you’re not familiar with exposed hiking trails).
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Petervale’s Arch.
Farmyard Activities
A highlight for parents and kids looking for activities to enjoy together at Petervale is the feeding of the farm animals. The owners have extended their passion for organic farming and their love of animal life to all those who visit. Guests are invited to join the daily milking of the cow and feeding of the animals – an experience that is both educational and endearing.
“View our cow getting milked or give it a try yourself and feed our variety of farm animals daily. Guests are also welcome to visit, pet and feed our farm animals when ever they like.”
Petervale guests are invited to join in the daily milking of the cows.
Guests are also welcome to visit, pet and feed the farm animals when ever they like.
Location
Click here for directions to Petervale Guest Farm.
What you need to know:
Petervale is located 12km from Ceres where there is a well-stocked Pick n Pay and Spar.
There is no electricity at the campsites. Power points are provided in the washing-up/kitchen area only.
Petervale is not pet-friendly.
No day visitors are allowed.
The playing of music is not allowed at the campsite and those wanting to party during their stay may be asked to leave.
Minimum 3 nights booking policy on long weekends.
Rooftop tent view of a campsite hot tub, Petervale.
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More info:
Pricing
Regular Camping:
Adult (12 years and older): From R150 per adult per night
Child (2 to 11 years): From R90 per child
Optional Extra Tipi:
From R350 per Tipi per night (mattress included)
[Please note that the tipi rate is in addition to camping rates and is not available in winter.]
Wood-fired Hot Tub:
R500 per night (minimum 2 nights, minimum 3 nights on long weekends).
Click here for more details and bookings.
Contact
Phone: +27 (0) 76 774 6432
Email: petervalefarm@gmail.com
Visit www.petervale.net for more information
[Disclaimer: We do our best to ensure that the information we feature on Go Camp is correct at the time of publication. However, these details provided to us are subject to change over time. Please verify any pricing or locations ahead of a trip with the relevant establishments.]