Reviews

Great place for someone who is engulfed by city life

I was looking for a short getaway that is not too far from Joburg and came across this amazing place while searching in the Dullstroom area. We had a wonderful experience while staying in the Wilderness Cabin within the estate. We were warmly received by Suzette as the strong cold front hit us. The cabin has a beautiful view with plenty of outdoor amenities - bonfire by the stream, refreshing morning trail, tranquil afternoon walks by the dams and occasional wildlife encounters. This sure is a great place for someone who is engulfed by city life that is looking for some peace and quiet. I would recommend anyone to go with a big SUV or cars with high clearance as this will speed up your journey and keep your spirits up so that you can get that much needed rest and enjoy your time in nature.

Robert Tsai, September 2024

Johannesburg

Best stay in dullstrom region by far

Management was great. Make you feel at home. The mill accommodation was spectacular. Fishing was great. Patience and time and you will definitely catch.

Deenan Pillay, May 2024

Gauteng

Catching our 1st Browns in a Dam in the 25 odd years we have been Flyfishing for trout.

Catching our 1st Browns in a Dam in the 25 odd years we have been Flyfishing for trout. My grandsons on his 1st flyfishing trip has landed 3 brown.

Keep it as it is it's a magic place. It's not all about the fish you are in a beautiful piece of landscape.

Gert and Suzette met us at the reception and welcomed as to Valley of the Rainbow. Our check in was quick and easy supper service from both. Gert shared with us the spots where the fishing is good.

If I can make one suggestion, it's to build jetties into the water on the sides where the trees are hampering one's casting. By doing so you will create much more fishing spaces around the dams.

 

Thys Bezuidenhout, May 2024

Siels verfrissend, rustig, met 'n 180 grade asemrowende natuurskoon.

Die 3 dae se verblyf by Valley of the Rainbow het behoorlik my en my man se siele verkwik. Die stilte, privaatheid en asemrowende natuurskoon het absoluut nuwe lewe in ons stadslywe geblaas.

Marinda Strauss, April 2024

I love Valley of the rainbow and will be back for a third time, as soon as I can

24 April 2024

I love Valley of the rainbow and will be back for a third time, as soon as I can. Excellent trout fishing - I didn't even bother with the bass (although dams 3/4 are a bit too overgrown with weed to flyfish from the banks). Honeymoon suite great (solo this time), last time a bigger tent, also great. Only "thing" is that the bulbs in the tents are rather dim, but not a big thing. Would suggest a lockable bin of sorts so that the vervets don't empty the bin out on the deck every time you leave to fish.Gert and Suzette were fantastic hosts- went out of their way to help me out with drinks, snacks, charcoal etc despite my very last minute booking.No complaints, I love it there and will be back as soon as work allows!

Adam Harris, April 2024

Gauteng

What a unique place

17 January 2024

Valley of the Rainbow - Country Estate & Nature Reserve... The Mill unit.. Between Dullstroom and Stoffberg..
What a unique place. Taking you back in time where you can almost hear the watermill, driving the milling machines and grinding the maize.. A 120 year old mill, a place rich with history.
Lovely grounds with trout dams, walking trails..where your soul can find some piece

momentousexperiences, December 2023

Gauteng

It was such a pleasant surprise...

11 January 2024

It was such a pleasant surprise to experience nature, tranquillity, a piece of history as well as kind, hostable and caring management! It's a beautiful farm with hiking trails, dams and a river as well as comfortable lodging - a resting place for spirit, mind and body. Thank you!

TPieters, January 2024

Gauteng

Everything was amazing

01 January 2024

Everything was amazing. Staff was helpful and friendly. Facilities are fantastic. Most beautiful and rejuvenating.

Alicia, January 2024

Gauteng

One of the highlights for me was the exceptional fly fishing experience

01 January 2024

The estate offers a serene ambiance, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. One of the highlights for me was the exceptional fly fishing experience. The ponds were well stocked, and I managed to catch quite a few fish, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to my stay. The staff at Valley of the Rainbow were a true asset to the experience. They were not only friendly and engaging but also incredibly helpful, ensuring that every aspect of our stay was enjoyable. The availability of the staff was notable, and their daily visits to clean the glamping tent and wash the dishes showcased their commitment to maintaining a high level of cleanliness. The inclusion of WiFi at the reception was a thoughtful touch for those who needed to stay connected. The estate boasts three well-marked hiking trails, allowing guests to explore the surroundings at their own pace.

Lize-Mari, December 2023

Gauteng

It was exactly what my wife and I were looking for

30 December 2023

It was exactly what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. I really enjoyed the time on the water chasing rainbow trout. Look forward to booking again in the near future.

Brett, December 2023

Gauteng

What an absolute pleasant getaway.

24 December 2023

What an absolute pleasant getaway. Well maintained dam's. Neat tidy facilities. Friendly staff, always accommodating. Well stocked dam`s. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Jeanette Venske, December 2023

Gauteng

Most beautiful place

22 December 2023

Most beautiful place, management is excellent, cabin is clean and everything is available. History behind the place is great. Hope it will be available for generations to come. Hope current owners will keep it as long as possible for people to experience.

Maryke Bloem, December 2023

Gauteng

Absolutely beautiful

22/12/23

Absolutely beautiful. Exceptionally well maintained, comfortable & tranquil. For anyone who really needs to get away from it all and get back to nature, we highly recommend The Valley of the Rainbow .

mkinne, December 2023

Gauteng

Everything was excellent!!!

04 December 2023

Everything was excellent!!! It was one of the best stays- peace & tranquility at it’s absolute best! Very friendly & professional staff going out of their way to make us feel ‘at home’. Definitely going back and recommending to everyone that desires a peaceful weekend away.

Karina Botha, December 2023

Gauteng

Valley of the Rainbow Estate blew us away.

2 September 2023

Valley of the Rainbow Estate blew us away. The service from arrival to check out was outstanding, friendly, welcoming and attentive. The offering is amazing with historical hikes, breath taking views, romantic picnic sites and wild horse interactions. We didn't have enough time to enjoy some fishing but the beaty of the estate and our luxury log cabin nestled by the river and mountain compensated for that. Thank you for a wonderful time, we will definitely be back soon.

Chrystal P

Gauteng

Breathtakingly beautiful property

17 August 2023

Breathtakingly beautiful property. The birds chirping woke us up in the mornings

Sasha

Gauteng

Perfect blend of tranquility and excitement.

16 August 2023

Escape to Valley of the Rainbow for a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement. This hidden gem offers both relaxing flyfishing and thrilling bass fishing experiences, all set against the backdrop of a peaceful river that flows past the accommodations. The cozy cottages and cabins seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, providing a rustic yet comfortable stay. Whether you're an angler or simply seeking a serene getaway, Valley of the Rainbow's harmonious fusion of nature and adventure is bound to leave you rejuvenated and captivated.

Ruan

Anna-Mart was superb with our reception, very friendly and helpful

14 August 2023

It was a fantastic two days spent at the farm, we will most certainly book again asap. Anna-Mart was superb with our reception, very friendly and helpful. We will recommend the farm to our family and everybody we know.

Hannes Combrinck

Gauteng

A stunning place, well located to go and reconnect with yourself and recharge.

31 July 2023

Good
Francois and his wife and children made us feel so welcome from the second we arrived to when we left. A stunning place, well located to go and reconnect with yourself and recharge. The food, too, was pure homemade bliss. Cannot wait to go and visit again as it was home from home. We loved it and kudos to Francois and his family for making it so much more special. Oh and the little wood burning stove in the unit was absolutely the best for the cold nights

Bad
The fact that we only booked for 2 nights.

Malcolm

Gauteng

It feels as if you’re in a different world

23 May 2023

It feels as if you’re in a different world, nature is plush and happy, birds, monkeys, baboons and the cute little Dormouse. It says alot about a place. My stay was magnificent and would recommend to anyone wanting to get in touch with nature and themselves!

Thank you for a fantastic stay and the chance to recharge my batteries!

Anika

Gauteng

Perfect!

22 May 2022

Scenic views, clean and well prepared accom, pristine trout dams and a few great trails/hikes.

The staff were welcoming and helpful.

Honestly one of the best places myself and wife have been for a weekend break ever.

Pierre Morel

Gauteng

...the attention to detail and the relaxing nature of the estate is something quite special!!

Ryan

05 May 2023

The Nature cabins are by far one the most tranquil, cute and relaxing accommodation spots I've stayed in. Being +/- 80km away from Dullstroom, the extra drive from the tourist town is totally worth it. But is also completely accessible to visit for the day before heading back home. The cabins are located on a massive estate that is both breathtakingly beautiful and exceptionally well-maintained. There is considerable amount of heritage and history scattered around the area too. Morning cups of patio coffee, the sound of the river running in earshot, a picturesque hike through some natural falls and curled up fireside in the chilly evenings is mostly how the weekend was spent! You feel utterly tucked away into the valley and isolated from the rest of the world which is ideal for those wanting to break away from the busy city! Thank you for hosting us and will definitely be back for another weekend getaway which leaves you rested and recharged.

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay - the attention to detail and the relaxing nature of the estate is something quite special!!

Ryan

Gauteng

Our favorite place to stay!

28 April 2023

A peaceful getaway. This is officially our favorite place to stay! Peaceful, tranquil and beautiful. Our Suzuki Swift managed the roads with the clear directions from the host. The hosts were amazing, friendly and helpful. We felt right at home. The host took us on a night walk, where we had the opportunity to see the wildlife. We enjoyed the hike with the stunning views of the mountain and the waterfall. The cabin was cosy and kitted out with everything we could need, and was serviced daily. The finishings in the cabin were beautiful. We also ordered a braai pack, which was delivered to our door. The hosts really go the extra mile. It really felt like we were in a treehouse, as we could hear the animals and river from our bedroom. What a special place! We will definitely be coming back.

Elisma

Gauteng

The place was amazing and so peaceful

7 April 2023

The place was amazing and so peaceful, Such a gem to get away from everything. and hosts were so welcoming!!

Saipati

Fantastic Holiday venue and amazing hosts

7 April 2023

This was such a fantastic holiday venue and amazing hosts. We travel a lot and this has definitely been one of the best hidden gems found! Our accommodation was perfect and spotless with daily cleaning also. The scenery and dams were of the highest quality, we will be visiting very soon again!

Carien

The cabins that we stayed in were fabulous. In such a beautiful setting.

17 February 2023

The cabins that we stayed in were fabulous. In such a beautiful setting. One thing that would have topped it off is perhaps a simple wooden ladder to be able to climb down to a simple wooden platform to sit on and dangle your feet in the water while taking in the beautiful surroundings. That with the sound of the running river and all of the animals will be magical.

The whole family were just wonderful! So welcoming, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. They made sure were knew how to work everything and made sure we were completely comfortable. The breakfast boxes were put together so beautifully and were absolutely delicious. We loved the care and attention to detail.

Being right in the middle of nature with the most wonderful accommodation and such fabulous hosts

We spoke with the hosts about plans for the future and I think they will absolutely nail it! Plans in the pipeline sound amazing

Lola McKay

United Kingdom

This place is absolutely amazing ! 06/02/23

This place is absolutely amazing ! Tho hosts were so amazing and went the extra mile . The rooms were amazing clean romantic and comfortable . I would highly recommend going for a few days . I will definitely be back . Great value for money . Very secluded . Perfect getaway to get away from people.and to a beautiful location.

Cameron

Beautiful, tranquil and superb food and such lovely managers! 18/11/2022

It was our first stay back in South Africa after a couple of years and we aren’t familiar with the area but we had a wedding nearby and thought we would arrive a couple days prior to that and unwind. Well it was perfect, husband fished at any opportunity, we had the most beautiful rain and thunderstorm and we were disconnected from the world for a bit. It was lovely and the food was SO delicious, thank you to the managers, for such wholesome and wonderful hospitality! Hidden gem!

Claire Arkell

Hampshire, United Kingdom

Top Class!

20 June 2022

Top Class! Nestled in the Valley of Rainbows, this is the best breakaway whether you want to play card games in front of the crackling fire, fly fish on one of the pristine dams, bird watch or take in some Boer War history away from the madding crowd. Hosts make you feel extremely welcome from the get go. The food is 5 star, accommodation is clean and extremely comfortable. The stunningly renovated Mill House reveals the original brickwork and mechanisms of the old mill and every whim is taken into account. 80k’s from Dullstroom and perfect for adventure bikers or avid Fly Fishermen or families wanting to reconnect. Plenty wildlife for the family to see. Truly a place that you go to as a guest and leave as a friend. Will definitely be back with the rest of the family! Thank you management for a wonderful experience!

Nicola

Our trip was amazing!

01 June 2022

Our trip was amazing!

We celebrated our 4th anniversary and my sister-in-law's birthday. So we had a double celebration on Saturday next to the dam with champagne and a beautiful sunset!

The view is amazing and the staff so friendly! Management made us feel at home and made sure we were all settled and happy.

The cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway! They are situated on the far end and they are very well equipped.

I would recommend Valley of the Rainbow to anyone, who is looking for a breakaway from the rat race. The no signal was awesome as you can really switch off without being bothered.

We made an adventure out of the weekend and took advantage to visit Tonteldoos and Dullstroom both accessible via dirt roads, but an amazing scenery.

The trout dams are amazing and we will definitely be back for another romantic breakaway!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful peace of heaven on earth with us!

See you soon🌻

Our trip was amazing!

Wow, words are difficult to find to justify this amazing venue

26/04/2022

Wow, words are difficult to find to justify this amazing venue and the people running it. Management are phenomenal hosts who make you feel comfortable from the second you arrive. The special care they take to make your stay is inspiring and you feel relaxed as you enter the venue. The surroundings are breathtaking and so serene - fish eagle, Trout, Cape otters, various amount of bird species, buck and monkeys/baboons. They offer catch-and-release trout fishing, many hiking trails and endless laughter at the well stocked bar. The mouthwatering food is expertly prepared with careful attention to detail. Definitely worth the drive there.

Frans Germishuizen

Gauteng

Can highly recommend it

Had a wonderful time at Valley of the Rainbow. Beautiful setting and serene environment. Had a wonderful time with the hosts - the best hosts! Will definitely make the trip again! Can highly recommend it.

jlQ1883IC

Beautiful and tranquil and the food was great

27 March 2022

Beautiful & tranquil! Great hosts that add a personalized touch to make your stay even more special. The food was great! The property is beautiful with lots of activities available

renitaliz

Destress from city life

26 March 2022

A great opportunity to destress from city life

Beverley Baker

Loved our Stay

22 March 2022

We really loved our stay, very quiet and relaxing. Food was amazing. Management and the family are wonderful, kind and attentive hosts

Andreia Pereira

Absolutely love this venue for both accommodation and fishing

12 March 2022

We absolutely love this venue for both accommodation and fishing -17 odd years of happy experiences. Sorry to see Dam 2 empty and being cleaned but totally understand -Best of luck with the weed control -major challenge! We'll be back -We were treated like royality...so apologies for the delayed response..Both Mandy and Gary really gave it their all on a fairly busy weekend...Kudos! Sunday nights Dinner was spectacular-A real heartfelt treat-Bless you Guys. I wish you tons of feet -Its a really special venue ...and if the dams are in good order and stocked-for me there's no better venue (We fish hard:-)!

Grant Symmonds

Johannesburg

The Valley of the Rainbow Fly Fishing Estate for a perfect tranquil weekend away

05 March 2022

The place is breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil. The food was delicious and well prepared. The accommodation was tops. Everything about this place worth it. Hosts are truly amazing, the humanity, customer experience and service levels are beyond and above any standards.They made it all possible for us to have a memorable weekend, very friendly, flexible, great cooks, ooh the food was delicious and the presentation was 101.The two of them will feed you and by the time you check out, your waist line is gone.This is a must see paradise, #shot left to "The Valley of the Rainbow Fly Fishing Estate for a perfect tranquil weekend away.Gary and Mandy you Rock.. we are definitely coming back for a second round, we can't get enough of the amazing experience.

Magdeline Ledwaba

Johannesburg

One of the best weekends away

Review from 25 January 2022
One of the best weekends away that we have had in a long time. Our hosts went out of their way to make sure that everything was perfect. The setting is breath taking and the food is absolutely delicious. Thank you for 2 days of rest and relaxation. We will certainly recommend Valley of the Rainbow to all our friends and will definitely be back!!

Cindy McCabe

Wonderful experience!!

Review from 02 Aug 2021

Wonderful estate, the rooms and property is very neat and clean, the dinner was absolutely amazing and not to mention the beautiful scenery! We would definitely recommend Valley of the Rainbow Estate for anyone wanting to get away from busy life and just relax.

vannchene

Best stay on Valley of the Rainbow

Review from 22 Jun 2021
After an unfortunate incident that caused a collapsed lung my daughter and I started looking for a farm with clean fresh air for her to recuperate! Speaking to the owner we were directed to the trout farm and coming from Johannesburg we booked into the Old Witpoort Millroom/ lodge at The Valley of the Rainbow Farm. The ‘room’ was an architecturally brilliant design around the Old Mill that was used during the Ango Boer War. Rather a big area with coffee, tea , fridge, kettle etc to cover your basic needs. The air is fresh; accommodation is clean and white fluffy towels, heated blanket and good quality bed and linen supplied. A huge modern bath and shower with plenty hot water. The combustion fire was the ultimate as it warmed the whole area as well as the sleeping area on the mezzanine floor. Plenty wood and firelighters available. Never a chilling moment! We sat on the comfy leather couch reading in front of the fire till late every night!
The hosts Hugo and Kate Prinsloo treated us like royalty. Not a single request was denied and everything happened immediately as Hugo was on duty it seems 24 hours per day. We enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast each morning with fresh fruits, cereals and good quality coffee.
There is a enchanting river flowing strongly and a hiking route following the banks of the river. Several wooden tables and benches to sit and enjoy the clean air. The bird hide invited a long list of water and other birds (fish eagles) and we were woken by a Narina Trogon early one morning. Birds all over. We saw Warthog, Nyala, Steenbok and other wildlife. The sound of water from all the waterfalls creates peaceful ambience night and day. Chef cooks like a real Master Chef and we were served delicious fresh food every night. Fillet cooked to perfection, veggies crisp. Trout, lamb, chicken -all could have come from a Michelin restaurant! Extremely tasty and well presented - starters, mains ánd delicious desserts!!

Our stay was one of the best I have experienced in many years. It is about 25 km from Dullstroom which is a not too far to drive to if you need a day out. The farm is very special and I will recommend it to keen fly fishers or just people like us that need to get in touch with Mother Nature again. Surrounded by all the water and well manicured lawns it is like a piece of heaven on earth! Well worth visiting!

Andrienette

Hermanus, South Africa

Incredible stay!! Highly recommended!

Review from 22 Aug 2021

Absolutely incredible stay at the Valley of the Rainbow. Not only were the grounds beautiful, but the accomodation was super comfortable, private and spotless clean. Hosts were lovely and accommodating. Breakfast was amazing and the fishing was superb. We had such a wonderful weekend! Thank you Valley of the Rainbow. You outdid yourselves! Looking forward to many more weekends at this gem of a place! For family's, friends and couples, highly recommended!
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Lau_andRob

Amazing weekend away

Review from 29 Aug 2021

Great weekend fishing and hiking! Well stocked dams in a pristine setting. Accommodation was spotless, Breakfast delicious with fresh hot homemade baked treats. Picture perfect views and grounds. Hugo and Kate were very accommodating.. We could not fault anything. We will be back. Thank you!

nbowde972650

Excellent time!

We love trout fishing and would have loved to have more fishing in dam 2 and better conditions in dam 3... we do understand that you are busy renovating/reclaiming dam 3 but otherwise we had an excellent time!

Caitlin Vosloo

Gauteng

Wonderful stay and fabulous food

Wonderful stay and fabulous food. Hope to see you next year again.

Graeme and Peta McKechnie

Centurion

Wonderful stay, delicious food and great ambience

Thank you for a wonderful stay, delicious food and great ambience.

Lize

Sandton

Great customer service and lovely food

Exeptional attention to detail. Great customer service and lovely food. All the staff were very friendly. Thank you.

James and Lizette Webster

North Riding, Johannesburg

Beeldskoon.

Dit was 'n wonderlike naweek. Die gasvryheid, kos, diens, alles uit die boonste rakke. Weereens vir 'n pragtige naweek. Beeldskoon.

Dawid

Cape Town