Waterfall Farm Citrusdal

Waterfall farm is a working citrus farm outside, well, Citrusdal. Approaching from Cape Town, it’s amazing how the landscape changes within the first 40 kilometres of the drive. Rolling fields covered in wheat stubble (or waving arms depending on when you travel), and sheep start to dominate the scenery. Citrusdal is 170 kilometres from Cape Town and Waterfall is 15 kilometres beyond this.

The farm has one main house, a smaller cottage and a new little cottage available for rental. This set-up makes it an easy place to share a family holiday or have a weekend with friends. The main house sleeps 10, in three double rooms and one room with four single beds – perfect for the kids – while the cottage sleeps seven in two double rooms and one room with three single beds. And the new addition sleeps 4 with one double room and one room with two singles.

Outside the main house is a large, flat lawn, which is particularly inviting for sunbathing or an impromptu game of cricket. The main attraction, however, is the waterfall. A 10-minute walk through orange orchards, over sandy paths and incredible slabs of rock leads to it. The deep pool at the well of the waterfall is welcome respite from the dry Citrusdal heat. On the banks of the river is a miniature sandy beach complete with Survivor-style shade cover. The still water in this pool and it’s perfect for lilo’s, paddling and the occasional venture onto the rocks underneath the rushing waterfall.

After a morning or day spent at the fall, the amble back to the house seems longer than the walk there. In a stroke of genius, the owners have positioned a plunge pool outside the main house on the path back. Nothing is quite as delicious as cooling off after the hot walk.

Between the main house and cottage is a large lapa area, designed for entertaining. The big brick braai area is an outdoor chef’s dream and leads on to the covered lapa. This is lit by fairy lights and furnished with a long picnic table and benches (enough room to seat at least 12) for outdoor dining and other chairs for general lounging.

One of the downfalls of self-catering destinations is not knowing what you’ll find in the kitchen when you arrive. Waterfall Farm has it covered and you won’t need to take any kitchen utensils with you – there are even four coffee plungers for those who love their morning fix. The kitchen also has a large chest freezer so that you could stock up for a long stay.

And you’ll want to make it a long stay. Therapy for the soul.