Camissa Farm  Verified Listing

Camissa Farm, which means “place of sweet water” in Khoi, is located in the Banhoek valley between Stellies and Franschhoek. It is high in the mountains, up in the clouds with a stunning view into the valley itself and across the valley floor to the Simonsberg.

Despite feeling as if we are far from anywhere, we are actually only eight minutes from Stellies.

At Camissa, we farm on a small scale and you may notice that our orchards are mixed. Olives, almonds, lemons, rosemary, garlic, rose-geranium, avos, walnuts, macadamia, and asparagus live happily together. This is to promote diversity and confuse the pests thereby reducing our need to spray. We have a growing herd of grass fed Dexter cows that mow the oats between the vineyard rows.

After buying the farm 4 years ago we cleared it of impenetrable alien forest and have planted thousands of trees, both indigenous and fruiting. The plan is to leave a large portion of the farm to return to natural parkland and there are exciting mountain bike and hiking trails around the farm that link into the Banhoek Conservancy network.

As well as a three bedroom cottage overlooking 2 small dams which we rent out, we have our “Bed in the Shed” an upstairs/downstairs bedroom and living area with the best view on the farm. This is available for ones and twos who don’t mind an early start on week days! Weekends are peaceful like everywhere else on the farm.

You will find all the usual suspects prowling around after dark; leopard, porcupine, buck, mongoose….I am particularly fond of the agama lizards which are always to be found in couples during the day, sunbathing on the huge rocks that stud the hillsides. There is a nesting pair of jackal buzzards which circle constantly and keep the rodents largely under control and at night you will hear nightjars calling and clicking stream frogs chirruping by the dam. If you are unlucky you may be disturbed by a raucous toad party. When that happens I try to feel grateful that the toads are the most raucous creatures in my neighbourhood

Camissa cottage:
Camissa cottage is a modern Scandinavian style cabin, enjoying panoramic views of the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains. There are three bedrooms served by two bathrooms, one en-suite, all furnished with superbly comfortable beds and high quality linen. The kitchen is fully equipped and the dining area will comfortably accommodate you and your guests.

Camissa Cabins:
Our three new cottages, Avocado, Almond and Rosemary, are named for the crops that surround them. They are newly built and ready to welcome guests this winter. Perched on the edge of two small lakes, the cottages have lovely views both of the water and the farmland and mountains beyond. Each cabin enjoys a fireplace to keep you cosy while you snuggle up with a book on the sofa and additional heating in the bedroom.

The Bed in the Shed:
This gorgeous barn loft with a panoramic view down the Banhoek Valley is situated on Camissa Farm, 60 hectares of landscaped orchards and wild fynbos only 10 minutes from the heart of Stellenbosch. It has a private garden and braai facilities.

Guests can enjoy scenic hikes, wild swimming, mountain biking, and an easy stroll to breakfast or a sunset wine tasting.

The cabin has a wide deck with wooden armchairs and hanging reading chairs for you to relax in. There is a beautifully landscaped dry stone walled braai area and a wood-fired hot tub for you to soak in while you enjoy the majestic natural surroundings.

Dine Locally:
Some of South Africa’s finest restaurants are found in Stellenbosch, a few minutes drive from the farm. Closer to home, Cafe Pave, is an easy 1.5 km stroll along the contour path for breakfast or lunch.

Drink locally:
Sample award-winning local wines at Bartinney, Camberley and Oldenberg wine estates, each only short walk through the beautiful Banhoek valley.

Ride with Us:
We ’d be happy to point you toward some of our favorite trails on the farm and can recommend bike rentals and guides.

Reconnect with Nature:
Enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful valleys in South Africa. Float in one of our pristine dams and fill your water bottles from a crystal clear stream. Strike a pose on our yoga platform with a view or enjoy a hot tub in the sunset.

Read a Good Book:
Catch up on the latest great reads while swinging in a hanging chair or borrow a cook book from our enormous collection and enjoy a gourmet weekend with your loved ones.