accommodation

Ganora Guest Farm & Excursions

Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa

About Ganora Guest Farm & Excursions

Ganora Guest Farm is a sheep farm situated just outside Nieu Bethesda in the foothills of the majestic Sneeuberg Range sixty kilometres north of Graaff Reinet in the Karoo Heartland. The farmstead and guest cottages nestle deep in the slopes of a depression carved into the bedrock by ancient rivers in pre-historic times. The surrounding rock formations and rich fossil beds on the farm bear testimony to the events that contributed to the formation of this vast and beautiful land. The original farmstead and outbuildings, dating back to the mid 1700's, have been converted into guest accommodation. The stone packed "kraal" wall that once surrounded the farmyard, today form part of some of the guest cottage interiors, allowing visitors the rare pleasure of interacting with the past. The farm also boasts various sites with well-preserved rock paintings and engravings. This is Hester’s area of expertise. Her enthusiasm for the subject is affectionate and visitors can look forward to an entertaining and informative talk on the subject, bringing to life 10 000 years of Bushman folklore. Even the Anglo-Boer War features in Ganoras past. Meal times at Ganora are of special importance. This is down time and visitors can look forward to traditional Karroo cooking, good company, much laughter and stories about the day's events. Regular fare on offer includes Karroo lamb, kudu and other game dishes, bobotie with spiced rice, organically grown vegetable dishes, koeksisters and melktert (milk tart). Read about a Portfolio blogger's experience at Ganora Guest Farm
Bar
Barbeque Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities
Communal Dining
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Mobile Connectivity
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Meal on Request
On Site
Bird Watching
Cycling
Natural History Tours
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Off Site
Bird Watching
Child Friendly Activities
Cultural Tours
Cycling
General Sightseeing
Hiking
Historical Tours
Museums
Natural History Tours
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)

Guest Impressions

Our stay

"We spent two nights at Ganora Guest Farm. We were fortunate to visit the farm while there were several lambs and calf who were being bottle-fed 3 times a day. Our children enjoyed interacting with these animals, as well as the two Jack Russels and a Border Collie which trailed us everywhere. The farm is clearly well run and all the staff we interacted with, including farm workers, were friendly. The farm is also located in beautiful surroundings. We enjoyed two short walks. We walked up the gravel road we had descended the previous afternoon, climbed over a fence and had a little picknick with the children overlooking the gorge. We also walked parallel to the river through the small forest during the afternoon. Unfortunately, we couldn''t find the actual starting points of the official hiking routes. Our accomodation was also very well appointed for a 3-star. The Khoisan Cottage is charming and provided all we needed for two comfortable, peaceful and above all quiet nights! We''d love to go back again!"

- Rocco Naudé
Verified Historical Feedback • Portfolio Collection

Accommodation Options

3 Star: Ou Kraal - Queen or Twin Rooms

3 Star: Ou Kraal Queen or Twin en-suite rooms. Priced on Room only or B&B basis. More rooms are available for groups if discussed on the phone. All meals are available to order.Guests in these rooms are invited to take part in the guided tours or do things on their own like hiking trails etc. Or just relax at the large pool.

4 Star:Shed Rooms - King/ Twin bed rooms

4 Star: Shed rooms with King or twin en-suite bedrooms that are very comfortable in the old engine, coal and shed rooms. Overlooking lands that at times have sheep grazing. All meals available to order. Sleeper couch or bunk bed in some.

Bush Caravan Camp Site

Bush Caravan Campsite at Ganora. There are 10 sites at this stage with electricity and water points. Some sites without. Well appointed ablution block with kitchen facilities.

Khoi-San Cottage

Very comfortable cottage with it's uneven walls that use to be sheep kraals until 1930. After renovating and adding on it consists of 1 double (Queen bed) en-suite bathroom, 1 twin room & 1 room attached to main room with a bunkbed. Second bathroom, lounge with fireplace and kitchen that is fully equipped. Patio & braai facilities available. All meals available to order if guests do prefer not to self cater. Sitting on the patio you overlook the farm yard watching all the activities below. Various guided tours are available. For the energetic guests there are hiking and biking routes. A birding list is available too.

Standard Room Amenities
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Ensuite
Fan
Heater
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Portfolio Expert Review
"I found this the most fascinating farm stay! I could have spent ages in the town of Nieu Bethesda - this little town (no tarred roads) has so much to see. The hospitality at Ganora is overwhelming, and there is loads to do, and the history of our country right on the farm makes the books we read about come alive."
— Wendy, Consultant. Mom. Musician. Cat-slave
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented Ganora Guest Farm & Excursions since 2013. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
COUNTRY HOUSE - NIEU BETHESDA
"Stay in comfortable accommodation in renovated farm outbuildings on this working sheep farm. Enjoy guided excursions to Bushman paintings, Anglo War engravings, a private fossil collection, take the medicinal plant walk and see the sheep and wool shed. Other activities include stargazing, birding, hiking and lots more. 3-Star Country House. Pool | Wi-Fi | Meerkat rehabilitation when possible."
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition

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