Aasvogelkrans Farm Cottages & Camping

About the Accommodation

Our restored cottages, Hoopoe and Guineafowl, sleep 2 and 4 people respectively. The cottages have spectacular views of the imposing Aasvogelkrans or "Vulture cliffs" that gave the farm its name. Self-catering, the cottages feature an open plan living room/dining area/kitchen space with double-glazed sliding doors opening onto a wide wraparound stoep. Kitchens have a gas/electric stove, oven, fridge, microwave, kettle, and toaster. World-class Charnwood stoves provide warmth and ambience in the living rooms. The bedrooms feature queen-sized or convertible single/king beds, a dressing table, a closet, and a hair dryer. Superior 95% goose down summer and winter duvets provide both extravagance and comfort. Bathrooms include walk-in showers and deep vintage cast iron baths in which to relax and indulge yourself. On the verandah, you'll find the built-in braai and another table for eating al fresco. Hot and cold air conditioning, a bathroom space heater, electric blankets, a wood-burning fire, and an outside built-in braai add to your comfort.

Birding

Our regenerative farm, comprising 2500 hectares of Karoo bush, riverine thornscrub, cliffs, river, and dams, provides a wide range of options for birding. Several walks or drives allow birders to explore. The regenerative program is increasing biodiversity and allowing native species to return. We have curated our bird list and can recommend where to go to see different species. We have been vetted by the Karoo Vulture Safe Zone East and are members of the Camdeboo Mountain Zebra Protected Environment (https://www.mzcpe.co.za/).

Birdlife includes Verreaux's Eagles and other raptors on the cliffs; larks and pipits in the grasslands, four different species of kingfishers, egrets, herons, ducks and coots on the dams, a pair of resident Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawks at the farmhouse, and a resident Spotted Eagle Owl. Owner/manager Kristin Davis, who has birded since 1995 and seen over 450 birds in South Africa, is developing the farm bird list and works with iNaturalist to report birds and other species.

Aasvogelkrans also has other typical wildlife of the Karoo: Kudu, rock hyrax (dassies), Vaal Rheebok, Steenbok, aardvark, porcupine, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal (lynx or rooikat), jackal, tortoises, and many more. We have reintroduced springbok and blesbok. While many animals are shy, you might get lucky, and it is always fun to look for tracks and signs (spoor).

Contact details:

Aasvogelkrans Farm Cottages & Camping
Nieu Bethsda, Eastern Cape
Cell: +27 082 253 4995/

E-mail: info@aasvogelkans.co.za

Web: http://aasvogelkrans.co.za/