Finest Accommodation
along Garden Route

Experience the somewhat different place

 

Have a quiet and culinary
Rietfontein Ostrich Palace Experience

Welcome to Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, a wonderful and quiet place between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp along the Route 62, the longest wine route in the world.

Ideally tugged away between Calitzdorp, the Port Capital of the world and the Ostrich Capital of Oudtshoorn.

Rietfontein Ostrich Palace: Between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp

Calitzdorp is only 18 kilometres away and you’ll reach the busy centre of Oudtshoorn in just 25 Minutes by car (32 kilometres). George-Airport is just over an hour car-drive away.

Rietfontein Ostrich Palace: The Potgieter Family

Meet the descendants of the Potgieter Family, who started the world’s first Ostrich Farm in the Cape Colony back in 1897 and learn all about the biggest bird on earth and how all started with the feather boom era.

Their house with an exceptional architecture built in 1909 by Freeman & Bridgeman was the background for the movie »Einmal so wie ich will« or in English »My way« starring Senta Berger and George Goetz in 2005.

Rietfontein Ostrich Palace: 4 Star Cottages

The comfortable restored 4 Star cottages combine modern comfort with traditional décor. Each room has an en-suite private bathroom with shower and/or bath and is surrounded by a lovely »handmade« garden with various indigenous flowers and plants.

Enjoy completely smoke-free rooms with air-conditioning, some with a fireplace where the owner has spent a lot of attention for the various amenities.

The Book »Hidden Karoo« – a must-have for anyone who loves the Karoo!

»Hidden Karoo« presents a snapshot of the region, offering a glimpse into towns and villages, farms – especially our Rietfontein Ostrich Palace – and churches, public buildings and private homes, all against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes.

»Hidden Karoo« is not only informative, but it really is a beautiful book, filled with stunning photographs, bits of history and architectural detail, and plenty of information to get you planning your next road trip.
This book is a must-have for anyone who loves travel, loves South Africa, and wishes to dig a little deeper into some of the cultural and natural history of a region redolent with contrasts and ancient magic.

The authors have divided the Karoo into a variety of regions, each of which is treated in a chapter, from the Tankwa in the west, the dry interior, and all the way east to the Camdeboo.

This book is a must-have for anyone who loves the Karoo, and wishes to dig a little deeper into some of the cultural and natural history of a region redolent with contrasts and ancient magic!

Watch our video
about Rietfontein Ostrich Palace

Accommodation

4 Units are available in beautifully restored four stars cottages, tastefully furnished, all with en-suite bathrooms.

Guests have their breakfast and dinner served in the finely renovated historical barn.

»Kobus and Elmare Potgieter were the most wonderful hosts and made us feel welcome. The cooking was fine dining at its best and very good value. The rooms were not luxurious but well fitted out with a keen eye on detail and tastefully.«

Dave Allen

»Amazing guesthouse! The owners were so accommodating with our two little kids. Swimming pool such a treat! The dinner was truly amazing. Can’t wait to go back!«

Aryna E

Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal at our restaurant, situated in the old barn.

»Outstanding food, welcoming staff and beautiful grounds and rooms. This is a great place to stay.«

David G

»There was more than enough to eat at breakfast and beautifully prepared. We also had two evenings meals which were of the same quality, excellent.«

Sally

Activities and Attractions

There is plenty to do in the vicinity; it is an easy drive to the famous Cango Caves, also nearby is the Swartberg Pass to the pretty town of Prince Albert, with its breathtaking views. The Garden Route on the Indian Ocean coast is just over the mountains via the spectacular Outeniqua Pass or Robinson Pass.