Photo: Saamrus
A farm stay is one of my favourite getaways. From rustic, historic farmhouses with red stoeps, clawfoot bathtubs and coal stoves, to luxurious options featuring Jacuzzis and mountain vistas, these immersive country escapes provide the ideal antidote to city life.
For those among us who are pet owners, this adventure, shared with our four-legged friends, is even better.
Set in a woodland valley at the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains, Saamrus Guest Farm is the perfect pet-friendly setting. Spanning 500 pristine hectares, it’s a place where guests and their pooches can enjoy open spaces and bush walks, tackle an 8km hike, or discover Tswana kraals dating back to the 1800s.
There are various self-catering cottages at the foot and the top of the hill, and each has its own appeal. At ground level, Hoephoep Cottage, where we stayed, is surrounded by indigenous trees while a signature sunken tub by a large window takes forest bathing to a whole new level.
My dogs delighted in the river walk near our cottage. The secluded hilltop cottages in turn take advantage of the panoramic view of the mountain range.
Resident wildlife includes antelope like blesbok, rooibok, kudu, and duiker. There are also warthogs, porcupines, jackals, dassies and mongooses, as well as many bird species.
For owners Annatjie and Chris Geldenhuys, buying Saamrus in 2005 was the culmination of a dream to settle on a farm.
In the years since, they have expanded and upgraded Saamrus, making it a sought-after destination for nature and pet lovers from Johannesburg, Pretoria, and further afield.
Here, Annatjie answers my questions about her family’s journey in developing and sustaining a successful pet-friendly farm stay.
Q: Describe the early days of Saamrus.
A: There weren’t many pet-friendly places around at the time we bought the property. We simply listened to what our guests wanted, such as keeping their dogs safe and contained.
We put up fencing, made improvements, added six self-catering cottages between 2007 and 2011, and generally figured things out as we went along.
Q: Describe your typical guest.
A: They are mainly locals from Johannesburg and Pretoria; people who want to get away for weekends and spend time in nature. And then, of course, there are the pet lovers.
Q: What would you say was your greatest challenge in establishing Saamrus?
A: Everything! We didn’t have the money to expand the business, so we had to secure finance. We took a huge chance, and slowly, over the years, expanded the property and managed to grow the business. It was a matter of sink or swim for us!
Q: What have been the positive aspects?
A: Running Saamrus takes a lot less effort now. The business basically runs itself and we have many repeat guests. Our loyal, friendly and hard-working staff are also the secret to our success. They have been with us for many years and know exactly what needs to be done.
We are also grateful to live in the countryside, and have a wonderful lifestyle and a steady income.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to convert their farm into a pet-friendly farm stay?
A: You need to research what the market wants and then make sure the market knows about you. Marketing your business is critical. And, of course, you must love animals. Ideally, you should be a relaxed person, accept that pets will be climbing on your furniture, because that’s what they do at home, and then just clean up afterwards.
Phone Annatjie Geldenhuys on 072 487 1733, email [email protected], or visit saamrus.co.za.
