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Categories:
Country-Style Retreat Large, Resort With Varied Accommodation, and Self-Catering Cottages / Chalets / CabinsSpecial Categories:
Family Friendly and Pet Friendly AccommodationContact Details:
Geo Co-ordinates:
Location:
Nearest Airport/s:
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
We are Lonely Planet’s “Pick” of the Northern Free State. Out of hundreds of lodges, hotels and guest houses in this area, we came out tops for adventure and hospitality. The international best-seller says: “Otters’ Haunt, the hub of all things outdoors in Parys… this secluded gateway right on the Vaal River offers a long list of outdoor activities for humans and their pets… Accommodation is reasonably priced and comes in all shapes and sizes.”
Otters’ Den – Guest House
A glorious self-catering old farmhouse set high over the Vaal River. Called “Otters’ Den” the picturesque house overlooks a quiet channel, the playground of otters, leguaans and waterfowl. There is a sun porch, swimming pool and private Jacuzzi (hired in advance). The large main bedroom has a river view.
The lounge has a log fireplace and DSTV, with a snooker table on the porch. A large kitchen and braai area complete the ambience of peace and comfort. Like all our facilities, it is self-catered.
Established more than 50 years ago, nowhere else near Parys can you find such seclusion and charm. With its pool patio, the house suits families, friends or business associates. It is ideal for small groups wanting to meet and perhaps use our conference facilities over a few days. Other facilities can also be used for larger group bookings, and we can cater meals.
Two double bedrooms, one ensuite, with extra bathroom. One room with two beds. Extra beds available. The guest house can also be taken with the adjoining Porcupine Garden Flatlet if available (double bedroom ensuite).
Suitable for 4-8 adults and children.
Bush cabins – Full Moon Bush Camp
Lovely secluded bush camp with lapa and pool, overlooking a field that stretches down to Vaal riverside paths and our shady deck. The thatched A-frames have electricity, fans, heaters and lights. Bedding provided.
The lower cabins consist of 3 units with 3, 3 and 4 beds (more can be added) along with an ablution unit. The social lapa has a fire circle, freezer, fridge, hotplate, kettle, kitchen and braai area. The 3 cabins are rented as a unit and we do not mix groups without agreement. The three thatched A-Frame cabins are Caracal (accommodating 4 adults); Malachite (2 and a child); and Pangolin (2 and a child). These look out over a lawn towards the swimming pool and riverbanks 150 metres below.
The bush camp gets its name from the spectacular moon-rises which are seen from the pool area and koppie. From the bush camp, sally forth to fish the river, raft the rapids or canoe among the islands, mountain bike in the mountains, or visit the coffee bars and art shops of Parys. Or if you prefer, just lounge by the lovely rock pool. The camp is popular with outdoor lovers, from mountain bikers to fly fishermen. It is comfortably appointed with lights and running water.
Porcupine room – Garden Flatlet
The garden flat named after nightly visits by porcupines. The Porcupine room is very popular with couples, single parents, fishermen and mountain bikers. It is a neat, comfy, self-contained annexe to the River House. Overlooking the lush, oak-tree shaded lawns and river view, the room is named after our nocturnal visitors, the porcupines.
The flatlet is suitable for a single person or couple, and an extra bed can be added for a child. It has an attached bathroom, kitchenette on the veranda for self catering and wide entrance.
It may be booked on its own or taken as part of the Otters’ Den for a group.
Cormorant cabin – Full Moon Bush Camp
The Cormorant cabin – like the bird it is named after – perches on a high rock!
The Cormorant Cabin is perched on a koppie with its own social braai area, own bathroom and shower, and porch with a wonderful view of the Vaal environs. Access to swimming pool. Two bedrooms, one with double bed, the other two single beds. The thatched Cormorant “honeymoon suite”, a thatched cabin, has a phenomenal view of the wetland and Vaal valley below. The Cormorant may be booked on its own. The entire bush camp can be taken for one group.
Cormorant is very popular with couples and families. It is also an ideal venue for writers and artists who are seeking a place to think, observe nature, and create. Many media groups come to Otters’ Haunt and some group members choose to stay in Cormorant, which is only 150 metres from the Otters’ Den guest house.
Guinea Fowl Cottage – Chalet
The Guinea Fowl cottage is a delightful self-contained chalet overlooking the lawns down to the river. Has DSTV bouquet. The cottage is about 120 metres from the riverbank, looking across wide lawns and fields and enjoying great birdlife and impressive sunsets. Popular with cyclists, hikers and artists. It is named after the flocks of guinea fowl that frequent the surrounding grassland.
The cottage is self-contained and very comfortable. It comprises a hallway, bedroom-en-suite and a lounge / kitchenette containing an extra sleeper couch. There is a hot plate stove, microwave, fridge and cutlery/crockery for your stay. It has a porch and braai area, as well as a shaded parking spot.
CORE OF CRATER
The Vredefort Dome is named after the small town of Vredefort which is closest to its centre. The Dome itself is the central core or upheaval dome of a much larger impact crater. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in July 2055 and is still in the process of development as a tourism drawcard and natural scientific laboratory. The Dome itself is so large (between 40 and 60km across) that it can only be seen from space.
Those who come looking for it are often frustrated because it cannot be seen at a glance, but there are many ideal view sites from which you can get different perspectives on the area: the central, rolling plains or Core, the surrounding mountains or Bergland, and the distant ridges of the Witwatersrand which are closely related to the Bergland.
The Bergland, or semicircular ring of hills we see now, marks the eroded remains surrounding a huge granite structure like an upturned bowl – the Dome. This was caused by the the rebound of the rock below the impact site after an asteroid thought to be the size of Table Mountain streaked towards the Earth. The rock from outer space turned into a ball of fire that melted the Earth and vaporised some 70 cubic kilometres of rock. The original crater, now very eroded after two billion years, is estimated to have been 300 kilometres across.
INFO AND TOURS
Otters’ Haunt is an information centre. Call before you come. We charge small fees for a video and map briefing and we have maps for sale. We do tours from half day to three days. Our objective is to explain this complex planetary phenomenon and to take you to sites of interest, explaining things as we go. Call us or email to discuss your interests and group needs: we are well aware that some people are fascinated by geology and others find rocks uninteresting! Tell us what you would like to know about and we’ll shape the tour to suit you.
HUMANKIND
Quite apart from its scientific interest, the area is rich in archaeological and historical significance. Just to the north lies another World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, where fossils of the early humans have been discovered in underground limestone caves. The Dome and Bergland, as granite and quartzite landscapes, have no such caves but we can be sure that the same hominids roamed across the plains, hunting the abundant wildlife, drank from the river, and took refuge from enemies in the mountains. Stone Age implements are widely found.
DIRECTIONS
From Johannesburg, take the N1 and pass through the Grasmere tollgate. Continue on over the Vaal River. Turn off from the N1 1km before the KroonVaal tollgate, crossing over the N1 to join the R59 to Parys (20km). Entering Parys, follow the road as it makes a right angled bend around the town, which takes you into Bree Street (the main street full of coffee bars and art shops). Drive to the only traffic lights on Bree. Turn right at the lights to Potchefstroom. Cross the Vaal Bridge, and within 150 metres turn left onto Kopjeskraal Road. (This road is a loop and returns to meet the Potch road later). Drive exactly two km down Kopjeskraal, and Otters’ Haunt, at left, is marked by a big white wall and gate with the name. If you pass Khaya iBhubesi, you have gone too far!Come to Reception at Otters. At our gate, slide the gate open. Come straight down the driveway to Reception. At the top of our drive a sharp turn left takes you to the Bush Cabins where you can park and come to Reception.
Co-ordinates
26°54’35.62″S
27°25’43.06″E
ACCOMMODATION RATES – All rates per person self-catering.
River house R450
Porcupine Room R350
Guinea Fowl cottage R350
Cormorant cabin R400
Full Moon bush cabins R300
EXTRAS
Wood/coal per crate R50
Wood wheelbarrow load R90
Jacuzzi per day (river house only) R380
Dogs (subject to approval, no vicious dogs) R50 p/day
DAY VISITS AND ACTIVITIES
No braai or picnic sites for general public except by arrangement.
Day visitors R90
Fly Fishermen / rod (no rods for hire) R90
Fly Fishing guide – subject to availability. ASK
EQUIPMENT HIRE*
(Lost or damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced.)
Sit-on-top hire 2-person with paddles and lifejackets, no guide. (Replacement cost R5500.) R220
Sit-on-top hire single with paddles and lifejacket, no guide. (Replacement cost R4000.) R180
2 man Croc inflatable with paddles and lifejackets, no guide. (Replacement cost R9000.) R350
Mountain Bike hire R245
* Subject to availability. Enquire and book in advance.
GUIDED TRAILS
Per group up to 4*
Mountain bike or hiking guide:
1/2 day walk or bike, for four persons. (Over four, surcharge of R65pp.) R335
Full day hike or ride to scenic sites. (Over four, surcharge of R65pp.) R650
*Over 4 persons, single supplement: 1/2 day R100. Full day R225.
SELF GUIDED
Mountain biking, hiking and birdwatching
Leeukop, Tweezer rocks, Inlandsee briefing* R40pp
Parking per vehicle R80
* No trail without a briefing. Map briefing per person (applies to at least 2 persons in a group)
* Use own mountain bike. Limited number of bikes for hire. Maps subject to sale price.
RIVER TRIPS
Wilderness canoeing or whitewater rafting with RIVERMAN
2 1/2 hour guided canoe trail per group up to 4. Minimum 2pax: R400*. R225pp
1/2 day whitewater rafting per person.* R335pp
Full day white water rafting per person including delicious picnic lunch* R545pp
* VAT 14% invoice is issued
Ask about group and family discounts.
VREDEFORT DOME
Presentations, guided walks and drives#
1hour to 1.5 hour briefing, video and impact demo, per person R125pp
Half-day Dome highlights tour per person including briefing* Minimum charge R950 for half day guiding. R335
Full day Dome tour using own transport per person*. Minimum charge R1450 for day guiding. R565
* VAT is included. * Bookings minimum 4 persons, maximum 12 unless school tour
#Discounts for groups.
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
Deposit Required:
Deposit:
- Your reservation is only confirmed once we have received 50% of the booking value.
- The Balance of the booking value (50%) to be paid 5 days prior to arrival or by arrangement between the parties.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation Policy:
- The 50% deposit is held for all bookings over the peak holiday season in December and Easter, no refunds are made on these deposits.
- At other times given more than 14 days notice, provided we refill the booking, we can return 75% of deposits.
- At all times cancellations made 0-14 days before arrival: No refundable deposit or 50% of booking value.
- In the event of premature departure we may charge the full original booking.
- Confirmed bookings will not be affected by any changes to our rates after the deposit has been paid.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Facilities for Children
- In-room Facilities
- On-Site Facilities / Services
- Services / Facilities in Area
- Activities in Area
There’s plenty to do at Otters’ Haunt! We are the adventure centre of the area. Ask for a briefing and get a map from us. You can go it alone or be accompanied by a guide (whitewater rafting requires guides).
- WALKS & HIKES: We have a variety of short, easy to moderate walks along the river and in the countryside. There are also longer trails, some with overnight stops.
- RAFTING: No experience is needed for the easy but exciting rapids of the Vaal. Glimpse Fish Eagles, Goliath Herons and otters in the islands. Groups of 4-20.
- FLY FISHING: Otters’ Haunt is one of the top destinations for Yellowfish, largemouth and smallmouth, with a variety of pools, whitewater and narrow channels.
- WILDERNESS CANOEING: The Vaal islands are a product of the geology of the Vredefort Dome. Enter a riverine wilderness using our stable sit-on-top canoes.
- BIRDWATCHING: Hundreds of bird species from waterfowl and bushland types to open grassland and montane species make the Vaal & Dome a priority destination.
- KAYAKING: Learn to kayak on the thrilling but forgiving Vaal rapids. Lessons in Eskimo rolling and basic technique. Join our expeditions to other rivers!
- MOUNTAIN BIKING: From beginner to advanced, try the gravel roads and farm tracks, hills, rolling grassland and river crossings. Train for the Cape Epic!
- ADVENTURE RACING: Hone your team skills and individual fitness, running, swimming, cycling and abseiling in the beautiful Dome Bergland and Vaal valley.
- ART & PHOTOGRAPHY: Bring your club or school to capture the natural beauty of the area. Spend days in nature and return with memorable, uniquely South African images.
- VREDEFORT DOME: Receive a map briefing and demonstration, then join a tour of the world’s oldest and largest asteroid impact crater – a Unesco World Heritage site.