Uitspan is a Guest House situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo on Route 62, 20km away from Ladismith, 40km from the infamous Ronnie’s Sex Shop and a 60km drive from Barrydale.
Welcome to our Home – please find some useful information about Uitspan & the Klein Karoo below.
Water
The house runs on Borehole water – this water is drinkable and makes great tea! If it tastes “brak” to you – there is ‘Spring water’ in the can on top of the fridge.
The large Reservoir behind the house is filled and clean. It is a great place to swim! Yes there are six big Fish that live in the reservoir and NO it is NOT the house water source – so don’t worry!
Swimming
The front (north) Stoep has the Splash pool covered with wooden pallets for safety for small children – please remove pallets if you wish or would like to swim. These Pallets are a cover and not a deck so do not put too much weight on them.
Chickens
We have chickens that ‘free-range’ (they do like laying their eggs in the bathrooms). The do need to be put away at night (predators). The chicken-hok is behind the main house in front of the reservoir. Let Roland know if you would rather he put the chickens away and he will come and do it and let them out in the morning. Feel free to use the eggs, they are delicious!
Pigs
There are five piglets in the Pigsty (between the main house and Barn). Let us know if you are happy to feed them, as with chickens. The white enamel bucket under the kitchen sink is for any organic matter – please put your ‘peelings’ and waste food in there – the pigs will love you!
Activities close By
There is a fantastic big Dam about 3,5 kms along the Buffelsdrift road to your right (facing the entrance gate from the house). Feel free to use the fishing rods and tackle in the study. This is a great walk and/or cycle. There is also a little fibreglass canoe next to the garage if you feel adventurous.
The gravel roads around us are great for cycling or a drive. One can reach “Warmwatersberg Spa” on these back routes, which lead you through “Sanbona Game Reserve” (White Lions), we have seen Jackal, Elephant and White Rhino besides various antelope. The drive is free as well, as these are provincial roads.
Daytrips
Ronnies Sex Shop & Warmwatersberg Spa are great places to visit, about 40kms away on the R62 towards Barrydale. The famous ‘Ronnie’s Sex Shop’ is at the junction with the R62.
Walking
The Walk up behind the house into the Karoo Veld and Koppies is worth doing. You will find 360 degree Mountain views if you follow the fences to the top corner of the property. Walk across the road to the river (dry at the moment) and our new and older olive groves. Look out for small mammals and tortoises and the resident pair of Owls that live in the kloof up there.
The ‘Stone Wall’ is ancient and it is believed was built by the Khoi, pre-dating white settlement in the area. (The ‘Stone Kraal’ near the Barn is apparently the same vintage)
Veggies, Eggs & Wood
Feel free to pick any vegetables that may be growing in the Olive Groves and vegetable garden to the right of the entrance gate. There should be sufficient fire wood for the braai and ‘Fire pot’. If you need more there is a stack in the store at the side (study) door.
Rainy Days
On cold rainy days: There are a few big and small Jigsaw Puzzles in the corner of the lounge under the ’round table’ and a jigsaw board in the laundry. There are also a few games and playing cards in the drawer under the TV (full DSTV). There is a DVD player and a rental shop in Ladismith.
If you have questions or would like more information, please email us lisajmurray@vodamail.co.za
