Farm 215, is located in the rural Uilkraal Valley, 20 minutes from the town of Gansbaai and is part of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and Protected Environment. Before you decide to book, there are a few things that are good for you to know. All of these are all very much an integral part of what Farm 215 is about and what we cannot and do not want to change. Please take note of the following : 1. The water from the tap is sourced directly from the reserve, has no added chemicals and is fresh and pure and safe to drink yet amber-colored (some call it yellow, chardonnay colored, or even brown). This is due to the presence of tannins, which are natural organic compounds released from the fynbos vegetation. If you dislike it, please bring your own "white" water to drink. 2. The last stretch of the 3km gravel-road up the mountain can be rough due to "storm-water-bumps". And during rainy season (winter) the road can be somewhat slippery in places. Do not come up in a low-lying sedan or a sports car. All normal cars with normal elevation can however always safely make it, but it can make people nervous. Gravel roads are more in the minds than in the car we have learnt. In such case we recommend cars with high elevation. 3. Farm 215 is a nature reserve and all accommodation is in the middle of pristine nature. As a result there are insects (including spiders) and other creatures around. Snakes as well, but you must be lucky to spot one. On our 800 hectare Private Nature Reserve, expect naturally beautiful accommodation for up to 20 people in total in three Fynbos suites, one two bedroom house and one four bedroom house. All have a fully equipped kitchen. The fynbos suites and the two bedroom house have private wood fired hot tubs. Farm 215 is a rare sanctuary for birds and wildlife, including the elusive Cape Leopard and home to a multitude of endangered plant species.

For the last 20 years, we’ve welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the beauty of the Overberg, the marvels of nature, and an overpowering sense of space. Farm215 is our home and we hope to create the same feeling for nature lovers and people looking for peace and quiet and stunning views. Farm 215 is clearly off the beaten track and isolated in a very natural area. Nature rules supreme. Farm 215 is a place where people can retire in rural and natural surroundings. Loud music and parties are not allowed and driving with motorised vehicles is only allowed up to the accommodation. In the reserve itself only hiking, horse riding and mountain biking is allowed. Guests can check themselves in. At the time of reservation, detailed information will be shared about the unit and how to get there. We strongly recommend arriving before sunset. The roads can be tricky to navigate when it is dark, especially when it is your first visit to Farm 215. The 800 hectare Private Nature Reserve of Farm 215 has an extensive infrastructure of hiking-trails winding through the indigenous vegetation and up to mountains with stunning viewpoints. A detailed electronic map will be available. PROTECTED STATUS The primary purpose of farm 215 is the conservation of a unique piece of the Cape Floral Kingdom on the basis of a small-scale sustainable tourism operation. Farm 215 is under Stewardship of Cape Nature, a member of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and part of a larger 6000 ha “Protected Environment” which all together has the same protection status as a Private Nature Reserve but shared by multiple properties. Furthermore, fifty percent of the reserve is under a conservation servitude in favour of Fauna and Flora International, the oldest conservation body in the world. This corridor includes the reforestation site of the South African Reforestation Trust and the “refugium” for the ultra-endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos, managed by the Grootbos Foundation.

Farm 215 is private nature reserve. Baardskeerdersbos is the village bordering the reserve (10km via the road) but the closest real town, Gansbaai, is 25 km away. Lomond Vineyards are are our neighbours and open for wine tasting most days of the week. There are quite a few other very good vineyards in this Agulhas Wine Region and close to the Victorian town of Stanford. Apart from the hiking trail in the reserve, you can hike in Platbos Forest Reserve on the other side of the valley or along the beautiful shorelines of De Kelders and between Pearly Beach and the Franskraal Estuary. You can book marine trips to spot some of the majestic sea wildlife of the area including whales, seals and penguins. Boats leave from nearby Kleinbaai on the Danger Point Peninsula. Cape Agulhas, South Africa's Southernmost point is an hour's drive away.