Ripon Country Cottages

Accommodation Description

Ripon Country Cottages is an off-the-grid farm stay that offers three spacious self-catering cottages set on a working farm in the Southern Drakensberg. Each cottage is uniquely positioned to maximise privacy, mountain views and comfort, while sharing the same fully solar-powered, eco-conscious infrastructure. Ripon Country Cottage is ideal for larger families or groups, sleeping up to 11 guests across four bedrooms (three en-suite) and a full communal bathroom. A large open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area opens to a patio with a built-in braai and mountain views. Granny Smith Cottage has two bedrooms (one en-suite), a full kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, and an open-plan lounge with wood-burning stove. Nguni Cottage offers two en-suite bedrooms and a living area warmed by a wood stove, perfect for couples or small families. All cottages include quality linen, towels, indoor fireplaces, large patios with braais, and stunning views of the Sani Pass and Giants Cup.

Setting Description

Nestled on a sunny slope of a 187-hectare working farm just 10 km from Himeville, Ripon Country Cottages offers gorgeous views of the Drakensberg Mountains within the uKhahlamba Maloti Drakensberg Park. Guests can explore the farm on foot, walk among Nguni cattle, or relax beside stocked bass dams. The nearby Giants Cup trail, iconic Sani Pass, and Sani Spoors mountain bike network are perfect for adventure and trail exploration.

Birdwatching enthusiasts can book guided tours with an expert birder, while Sani Pass excursions and cultural visits to the Himeville Museum provide immersive local experiences. During the warmer months, Underberg offers seasonal rafting and tubing, while paddling on the uMzimkhulu River remains a highlight. Quiet gravel roads make for ideal training routes for cyclists and runners. Whether enjoying a slow morning on the patio, a ride through the valley, or a fireside evening, Ripon’s setting brings nature, activity and stillness into balance.

What We Love

-Three standalone solar-powered cottages, each with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces

-Authentic farm setting with Nguni cattle, fishing dams, and views of Giants Cup and Sani Pass

-Wood-burning stoves and built-in braais, creating a warm, sociable space year-round

-Access to Sani Spoors MTB trails, trout dams and birding tours on-site