A cozy getaway, secluded in the woods but driving distance to the beach! Everything you need and more! Perfect location where family and friends build memories around the fire! Board games and building puzzles together when it rains, or that romantic getaway, with a lovely double bed in front of the indoor barbecue, and the open air bath! We even rode the bikes to the tennis court, and enjoyed a game of tennis! The owls that greet you early in the morning are the highlight!

"If you can enjoy the simple things in life, life will always keep you fascinated”. I have been curious about Pondokkie for some time. Friends from long ago talked a lot about this. This was their regular getaway. So it became our 'obvious choice' when my husband and I looked for a place close to Mossel Bay at short notice (short time and petrol) with silence. And that's what we got. Away from people, private (1 small house nearby, but there were no people here). With a sun bag you hear nothing but the hiss of your fire and the roar of the sea. Birds keep you company from morning to night. And you remain aware of the sea's proximity, even if you can't easily walk to it, you can see it well. It's nice to watch the birds through the kitchen window while you're cooking - there's a very cleverly set up bathtub for them. So none of the views from the windows or outside toilet disappoint. You just sit with the door open and admire the Melkhoutboom forest. It's a really nice place if your idea of a holiday is barbecuing, stargazing, outdoor bathing with hot water, reading/writing, cooking, fishing, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, walking on the beach, sitting in the sun and quality time with your favorite people . There is a very well equipped braai area inside and outside with even a black pot for potjie food. There are interesting books on the shelf, as well as board games. Also candles and lamps and extra gas. Wood, blitz, coffee (plunger quite) tea, sugar and milk are provided. The owner is experienced in the history of the area and passionate about conservation. The Oyster Catcher walking trail that passes here is his brainchild. Coffee and biscuits in a clean, cozy bed with the birds singing and the sea bubbling, to take a hot bath outside, look at the stars, laugh and play together, and have time to try recipes, the heat of the feeling fire was one of our highlights. Oh yes, and coffee at Hansie and Grietjie paddock on the way to fishing in the area's many 'spots'. Bring your favorite person, recipes you've always wanted to try, a book you've always wanted to read or write - or allow yourself the freedom to just be. This is an old, rustic cottage that could do with some improvements, but the focus here is on things of much greater value than what you see.

See further below. Had a great time with my wife and 2 sons. The place was definitely not cleaned decently ahead of time, some examples: 1) The outdoor bathroom still had tampons in the trash 2) Toilet paper was moldy 3) Lots of cobwebs in the bathroom 4) The floors in the 2 bedrooms incredibly dirty. 5) The glasses and kitchen plates and cups not washed at all. 6) Cobwebs on bookshelves. The cleanliness of the place was shocking. Was very happy about the environment and beach. Will not recommend Pondokkie to my friends. R900 a night is also too much, R750 per night is a more reasonable price.

A bit disappointing. Further away from beach than expected. House without real fridge or freezer for week's stay did not work so well. The house itself was dirty or at least full of cobwebs and spiders and small cockroaches. We sprayed many cans of doom and removed cobwebs. The benches were moved and cleaned a long time ago. About 7 large rain spiders removed from house and bathroom. Toilet is not in the house and the toilet itself is almost on the ground. When you shower in the bathroom, the entire floor gets wet and everything smells like urine for some reason. Outside shower is okay but people can see through the slats. So not recommended if someone stays in another house because they then drive past the shower or if they go for a walk. With children, all the cobwebs and spiders in the house were not such a pleasant experience. Children were too scared to go to sleep. So my wife started removing all cobwebs in the house herself. The bedding and towels were clean. I suggest they remove the table cloth and wipe under it as well and under the couch but watch out for what's going to crawl out. The bathroom definitely needs something done. Children enjoyed catching and releasing tadpoles at small pond. Saw turtles, kid, rabbits, birds, cat, snake and frogs. Although R1 000 per night was not bad, it could have been cleaner inside and at least all the cobwebs had been removed. Tell the people that the bathroom is outside and that the light in the bathroom is not working. And show or say that the toilet is very low. Not going to work for old people or people who won't be able to bend that low. The photos look nice because they are well photographed and make everything look bigger and it looks very clean. There is no bed in the lounge area. Unfortunately, we will not want to stay at Pandokkie again. Every person is different and at least according to reviews the other people did enjoy it so that's good.