Ragels Rivier is an unspoilt, private guest farm that is situated next to the familiar Nooitgedacht farm, just outside the small town of Kareedouw (pass of Karee trees).  Perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or a weekend full of adventure, Ragelsrivier Guest Farm provides an authentic and rustic experience for young and old!

Ragelsrivier Guest Farm borders on the fabulous Baviaans Nature Reserve with the hidden gem of the Baviaans Route from Hankey to Willowmore. 

Our 2 farm-style cottages provides the perfect family getaway. The surrounding mountains, valleys and rivers provide the seclusion you need to break away. This is the perfect place to get outside, relax, unplug, and let nature recharge all of your senses.

The Ragelsrivier main homestead is situated near a typical farming community. This area was once home to the Khoisan people. Their drawings can still be seen on some of the walls in rock shelters. Many of the place names in the area are derived from Khoisan names which are still in use today. The old farm house on the Nuege farm has been turned into a guest cottage and is situated where 2 rivers meet (Ragelsriver and the Joubertskraal river) and has nature trails and natural water holes for swimming

Izaak Schryver’s expedition of 1689 was the first European expedition into the area. Hunters, botanists and explorers followed after him. In 1740, the first European settlers appeared. From there, small communities, farms and homesteads sprung up in the area and are in use till this day. The area is surrounded with high red-coloured sandstone mountains, green hills and valleys and was once said to be the home of scores of renegade men who preferred the solitude of the wilderness and wanted nothing to do with government, law, religion or restraints of society.

The Ragelsrivier guest farm is situated on the popular and scenic Route 62 that runs down the Long Kloof and passes through a succession of rural fruit-growing and timber centers.

The winding and interesting route to Ragelsrivier Guest Farm starts just 3km outside of Kareedouw, from the narrow gauge railway centre of Assegaaibosch. It is a gravel road that branches off on the spectacular route to Zuuranys, the lower Kouga Valley and the beautiful area of the Moordenaarskloof. From Assegaaibosch it climbs steeply for 7km to the summit of the Zuuranys, descending into a broad valley leading past several farms before making a sudden steep descent into the ravine of the Kouga River.

The camping grounds are situated right here with clear pools up and downstream of the Kouga River causeway and can be used with permission from Ragelsrivier Guest Farm. The crossing of the Kouga River which is the start of the Ragelsrivier farm has a bush lapa deck and day facilities which is used for picnics, braai’s and a campsite. From the bush lapa we also launch inflatable canoes for the exploration of the Kouga River with its pristine water, secret caves, gorges and white sand beaches. Swimming in summer is an experience never to be forgotten. Do remember to stop here at the magical causeway campsite on the Kouga River.

The road climbs steeply out of the ravine and leads past several more farms before once again descending steeply into the ravine of the Moordenaarskloof (Murderers) River. The road leads through a wild and unspoilt landscape past the reputedly haunted farm, Jammerkraal. This farm is said to be the most haunted place in South Africa. When asked, the legend of this haunted farm will be told to you by the residents of this area –who knows, maybe you will even encounter the ghosts yourself.

Ragelsrivier and the surrounding area has a wealth of historic and cultural heritage that will capture the hearts and imagination of all its visitors.