A Kamberg Gem

We discovered Glengarry Holiday Farm in 2015 thanks to friends who’d been going there since they were children in the 80s. “Best family holidays, best memories,” they’d say. I recall one of them adding, “It’s old but it’s gold”. True story.

The place is the crown jewel of the Kamberg. No matter what season you holiday there, you can’t go wrong. This is all the stuff that unforgettable family holidays are made of. In summer it's greener than green and you’ll enjoy hours tubing down the river or splashing about in the pool, surrounded by mountains and such scenic gardens. Think afternoon forest walks, making boerie rolls or roasting marshmallows on the braai – all while everyone’s exhaling and taking in the view from their rustic chalet as the sun sets (epically) on the Giant’s Castle mountain range. Then autumn is a treat: fishing by the dam, taking in the changing landscape as shades of green fold into orange and yellow. A very relaxed game of golf or bowls, mountain biking on their beautiful trails or enjoying a sundowner in the pub while the kids romp about the place like it’s still the 80s and no one’s worried about where anyone else is or what they are getting up to. Then there’s the colder months. We’ve had many beautiful, chilly getaways at Glengarry. Snuggled up in winter woollies, roast in the oven and story time by the fire, or games of Bananagrams and Monopoly. Then it's spring and everything is blossoming. Literally. It’s an explosion of life and colour that is so good for the soul. You’ll sleep comfortably and peacefully at night, nothing but cool, mountain breezes blowing through your windows. The gardens have been tended to with absolute excellence and enduring love and patience thanks to original owner (and resident) Rose Sivright - affectionately referred to as “Annie Rose” by her grandchildren (also living there). Rose’s son, Gareth and his lovely wife Kelly Sivright now run the place.

Passed down from one generation to another, you’ll feel the love at every turn. Whether it's Grandpa Rev’s delicious rolls in your belly (named after Rose’s hubby - the wonderful Revall Sivright who passed away a few years ago), or the freshly cut wildflowers on your chalet table, to the hearty frozen meals in the reception freezer, or the thoughtfully marked out trails for the least to the greatest mountain biker in the family. The Sivright’s dogs are two chubby old labs that come running to “Sammy” and “Dugger” or better still to a piece of steak off the braai. Then there is “Bruce” the trusty, old Australian Shepherd Dog, and the latest addition – a delightful, black Labrador puppy “George”. They are all there for every guest to enjoy as if they were your own.

A few holidays in and our kids had the place mapped. They knew where to get an ice-cream, how to feed the animals in the animal farm (and what time to get on the tractor to do so), which boulders to avoid in the river when tubing, and my personal favourite: how to actually relax, get filthy and play (for hours) with no TV or WIFI required.

If you haven’t stayed at Glengarry, book in soon as they get packed in advance with guests in chalets or in their campsites. Visit their teagarden for delicious scones with jam and cream, or yummy burgers and milkshakes. Day visitors are welcome.

Glengarry is a family affair in every sense of the word. They’ve thought about your family in detail and made sure it’s a no fuss getaway from start to finish. You will have exactly what you need there (simple stuff that is) to do exactly what families can do best in such a space: connect, relax, play, rest, repeat.

Words & Pictures by Antoinette McDonald

Rockingchair Photography