Skeiding Guest Farm is a fantastic destination if you’re looking for family vacation ideas that combine adventure, relaxation, and a touch of farm life. Nestled on 1200 hectares of pristine land, this working farm is home to ostriches, Merino sheep, and Nguni cattle, all while offering a serene escape for families looking to experience something a bit different. Whether you’re soaking in the sights of free-range ostriches or relaxing by the pool after a long day of exploring, Skeiding provides the perfect blend of farm life and tranquillity for all ages.
A Family Farm Experience Like No Other
If you’re seeking family vacation ideas that let you immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying modern comforts, Skeiding Guest Farm is the answer. This farm isn’t just about raising animals; it’s about creating memories. Neels and Anné-Lize Uys, the heart and soul behind the farm, welcome guests into their family home, making your stay feel like a personal retreat. The farm is a unique space where kids and adults alike can experience the rhythms of farm life—whether that’s feeding ostriches, watching the dogs herd sheep, or learning about sustainable farming practices.
One of the best ways to experience the farm is through a guided tour with Neels. Tours begin bright and early and provide a hands-on experience with ostriches, sheep, and the farm’s working dogs, Flink and Fiela. These tours are a hit with families who want to understand how the farm operates while engaging with its lively inhabitants.
Perfect Accommodation for Families
When considering family vacation ideas, finding the right accommodation is key. Skeiding Guest Farm offers a variety of rooms and cottages designed to accommodate both couples and families. Each room is fitted with modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, electric blankets for chilly nights, and even an honesty bar. Families will enjoy waking up to the sight of grazing cattle or ostriches right outside their windows.
For an added touch of luxury, the eco-friendly facilities include a beautiful saltwater pool where both children and adults can cool off during hot summer days. And as the sun sets, families can gather on the ‘stoep’ (veranda) to watch the breathtaking colours paint the sky.
A Feast for the Senses
One of the standout elements of Skeiding is the dining experience. For families who value delicious, homemade meals, this is one of the best family vacation ideas you’ll come across. Anné-Lize is known for her culinary magic, offering hearty breakfasts and mouth-watering dinners that the whole family will love. Start your day with freshly baked bread, ostrich bacon, and farm-fresh eggs. Dinner is a communal affair, with Neels serving up perfectly cooked meats on the open fire, paired with local wines and Anné-Lize’s signature desserts.
Meals at Skeiding are more than just food—they’re experiences in themselves, offering a taste of South Africa’s rich culinary traditions.
Activities for the Whole Family
If you’re planning family vacation ideas that involve more than just relaxing by the pool, Skeiding has plenty to offer. Take a stroll through the labyrinth, try your hand at bass fishing, or simply laze around in a hammock. For families with younger children, there’s a jungle gym and plenty of wide-open spaces to explore.
Want something a bit more competitive? Join the Skeiding Olympiad, where you can test your balance by standing on an ostrich egg—currently, the record stands at an impressive 3 minutes and 47 seconds! This quirky activity is just one example of the farm’s family-friendly fun.
Beyond the farm, Skeiding is conveniently located near several historic towns and natural tourist attractions. This makes it easy to plan day trips for hiking, birdwatching, or simply exploring the surrounding countryside.
A Farm Tour for the Curious
For those interested in sustainable farming and eco-tourism, the farm tour at Skeiding is a must. Early risers will be rewarded with a tour that goes beyond mere observation—you’ll get to experience the farm’s day-to-day operations. From feeding the ostriches to learning how the sheepdogs manage the flocks, this tour is an interactive and educational experience suitable for all ages.
These types of unique, hands-on activities are what make Skeiding Guest Farm stand out when considering family vacation ideas. Not only do you get to relax and enjoy the beauty of South Africa’s landscape, but you also leave with a better understanding of farming and the animals that call Skeiding home.
Conclusion
Skeiding Guest Farm offers the perfect mix of farm adventure, relaxation, and family bonding. Whether you’re helping out on the farm or relaxing by the pool, every member of the family is guaranteed to have a memorable stay. For those looking for family vacation ideas that are a little out of the ordinary, this is a place that truly ticks all the boxes. With its warm hospitality, exciting activities, and delicious farm-to-table meals, Skeiding is a holiday experience your family won’t soon forget.
Rooms
Rooms
Each room at Skeiding Guest Farm is warm and tastefully decorated, designed to make guests feel at home. The rooms are infused with a charming farm atmosphere, offering comfort without compromise.
- Ossie the Ostrich Room: Wheelchair-friendly with a private entrance opening onto a stoep, panoramic mountain views, air-conditioning, and a double bed. It can connect with the Blue Crane room for a family suite.
- Blue Crane: Wheelchair-accessible with air-conditioning, it offers two single beds or a king-size option, suitable for two adults and one child. It can connect with the Ossie Room.
- Porcupine Studio: This studio room features mountain views, an outdoor stoep with a braai, an indoor fireplace, a kitchenette, and air-conditioning, perfect for two guests.
- Red Bishop: Equipped with a small kitchenette, it offers a lounge, mountain views, air-conditioning, and a wood-burning stove. Ideal for two adults and one child, it’s located by the swimming pool.
- Guinea Fowl: With a similar setup to Red Bishop, this room also features stunning views and is ideal for families.
Cottages
Skeiding’s cottages are fully equipped for a comfortable stay, with patios offering breathtaking farm views and fireplaces to keep guests cosy.
- Aloe and Olien: Both feature two bedrooms, a bathroom with a shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large stoep with an outdoor fireplace. They sleep four guests and are located 300m from the main homestead with a playground for children.
- Denham Bustard: This cottage offers three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a large stoep with an outdoor fireplace. It accommodates up to six guests and is ideal for families.
Luxury Room
- Nguni: A luxurious room with a heated spa bath, separate shower, lounge area with fireplace, and a private veranda overlooking the countryside. It’s located 300m from the homestead and sleeps two guests.
Campsite
Skeiding’s exclusive campsite, set along the Langeberg Mountains, is the perfect spot to escape city life. The campsite is booked for one group at a time, offering complete privacy.
- Facilities: 5 camping spots, a lapa with views, a fireplace, gas stove, solar lighting, eco-friendly toilet, shower, and dishwashing facilities. Wood and ice are available for sale at reception.
South Africa
Skeiding Guest Farm is a fantastic destination if you’re looking for family vacation ideas that …