Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve – Leisure Accommodation and Camping South Africa

Rest Rejuvenate Replenish Relax Unwind Breathe Calmness

Welcome to Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve, our sanctuary nestled in the picturesque Elands Valley, just a 2.5-hour drive (268 km) from Johannesburg. Our reserve offers a unique escape into nature, where you can choose between our charming self-catering cottages or our scenic camping sites.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, Rocky Drift provides everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.

Experience the tranquillity we offer. Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve is a haven where the beauty of nature, diverse wildlife, and serene outdoors
come together. It’s a place to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with the wonders of the natural world,
whether you’re in search of adventure, relaxation, or a chance to commune with the rich flora and fauna.

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve invites you to experience the magic of South Africa’s untamed beauty.

We look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise!

Cottages

Our charming self-catering cottages offer you a cozy retreat in the heart of nature. Each cottage is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials, including cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, as well as linen and towels. Whether you’re a family seeking a home away from home or a couple looking for a romantic escape, our cottages provide the perfect setting for a comfortable and memorable stay.

Glamping

If you’re seeking a touch of luxury combined with the thrill of camping, our glamping tent is the ideal choice. Experience the best of both worlds as you stay in a comfortable and stylish tent that offers a taste of the wild with all the amenities you need for a cozy stay. Enjoy the wonderful sounds and smells of nature and fresh air, without compromising on comfort.

Camping

For those who cherish the adventure of camping, we offer 13 unique and carefully curated campsites. Set amidst the natural beauty of the valley, our campsites allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while still enjoying the convenience of our facilities. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or camper, our campsites provide a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures on the river or along the hillside.

REVIEWS

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

4.7

Based on 161 reviews

review us on

mariska zietsman

18:50 13 Apr 25

Such a beautiful place! Camping facilities is so beautiful with green grass and clean bathrooms! Restaurant has most delicious food! And my dogs enjoyed it so much! My son played the whole time, such a nice play area and swimming pool! Definitely be going back!!

Melzee R

12:23 20 Feb 25

Our stay at Rocky Drift was one for the books!What a beautiful place. The hosts were welcoming and friendly.Supper was delicious!Accommodation was clean and super comfortable.And the hiking was phenomenal!Thank you Rocky Drift team for a wonderful weekend. Your team is awesome!

Samantha Jenkins

08:19 18 Feb 25

SO many bugs and birds! The sheer diversity of butterflies, dragonflies, birds and vegetation completely made it worth the trip! River walkways, hidden hikes and peace and quiet, a perfect getaway. Wood and Ice are available to purchase upon arrival.There is a small restaurant with standard common food choices though we self catered.The units are cute, clean, private and includes:- Private Braai area- all utensils needed- a fan- microwave, gas kettle, fridge with freezer- indoor fireplace- soaps, shampoos and toilet paper- a hairdryer was NOT available so bring one however the kind owner gave me hers for our stay- a patio- private bathroom with shower

Janri Haarhoff

08:17 17 Feb 25

Such a gem! Great service and upkeep of amenities!

Duduzile Mchunu

17:56 16 Feb 25

bruno therrien

19:52 07 Dec 24

Alicia Greyling

08:13 18 Nov 24

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve. 1h away from Middelburg. Travelling to the reserve was easy as directions were made clear to us the night before. We got there and was greeted by Cheryl that lead us to our cottage and where we sufficiently signed in. We were right beside the river and that apart from anything else was the most beautiful view. We got situated and just started to relax into nature itself. We went hiking and were greeted by boards showing where to and which trail we were currently on. It was the most beautiful scenery. We got to see the waterfall leading into the river and it was a one time opportunity. We arrived back easily to our cottage and where we made most of the time out of our private hot tub. It was the best experience I could've asked for. We are so glad we got to spend time at Rocky Drift Private Nature. It was a sight for sore eyes and we generally enjoyed the stay. Thanks so much to Cheryl and Hans for the stay and I will definitely recommend. Family weekend outing, with a dog park, beautiful scenery and price sufficient what more could you ask for You guys will definitely be seeing me again.

Richard Jochum

08:15 02 Nov 24

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve is an absolute gem! The natural beauty is breathtaking, with lush landscapes, well-maintained hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife to spot. The accommodations are cozy and comfortable, making it a perfect escape from the city. I loved the peaceful atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The added bonus of being pet-friendly made it even better. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in nature with all the comforts you need, Rocky Drift is the place to be! Highly recommend!

Megan

07:35 18 Oct 24

Rocky Drift is a hidden gem nestled in a stunning natural setting. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect getaway for nature lovers. The trails are well-maintained, offering incredible views of the landscape. The accommodations are cozy and comfortable, making the stay even more enjoyable. The staff is friendly and always ready to assist, ensuring a wonderful experience. Highly recommended for a peaceful retreat!

Fatima Mahamed

11:15 26 Sep 24

Absolutely gorgeous hiking spot. Worth every step. Winding through forests and streams.

Soon & Theo Botes

13:03 15 Aug 24

What an awesome little Paradise in Waterval OnderHosts Hans & Cheryl very Friendly & Helpfull#Quite #Peacfull #Great View#Vhild Friendly #Pet Friendly#Clean #Walking Trails #Pool # Camping

Harold Myburgh

11:43 29 Jun 24

Hidden gem and will definitely go back in future

Explore à perte de vue

08:12 31 May 24

A wonderful place surrounded by nature and with all the necessary comfort. The lodges are located near the climbing cliffs and we can explore beautiful hiking trails in the reserve. We were very well received by Warren who developed this haven of peace. 🌿

Mike Bell

18:38 05 Feb 24

Had three days here with Warren and Sam who were wonderful hosts. Peaceful with optional walks up to 10km or more in the surrounding gorge (though you will need to paddle). Big meals. Oh, and Sadie the lovely Ridgeback.

Tessa Hendrickx

11:06 22 May 23

We had a wonderful time here at Rocky Drift. It is great that you can take a couple of hiking trails on the private terrain. You can also do some horseback riding nearby, but this should be booked in advance, especially on weekends. We had the little house with hot-tub. The firewood hot-tub takes a while to warm up, but will stay warm for a long time. Inside the little house it wasn’t too warm, but there are plenty of blankets and a fireplace. The kitchen was equipped with pretty new stuff. The food we had at the restaurant, stuffed pumpkin (as prepared by the owners), was super tasty, as was the home made malva pudding. Now they also have a wide selection of gin, for the gin tonic lovers. Even non alcoholic once that are pretty tasty for someone that doesn’t like gin or tonic. We had a wonderful stay.

Cottages

Glamping

Camping

REVIEWS

AMENITIES

Wifi

Swimming Pool

Restaurant

Mountain Biking

Wild Life

Hiking