Camissa Farm

Camissa Farm, which means “place of sweet water” in Khoi, is located in the Banhoek valley between Stellies and Franschhoek. It is high in the mountains, up in the clouds with a stunning view into the valley itself and across the valley floor to the Simonsberg. Despite feeling as if we are far from anywhere, we are actually only eight minutes from Stellies. At Camissa, we farm on a small scale and you may notice that our orchards are mixed. Olives, almonds, lemons, rosemary, garlic, rose-geranium, avos, walnuts, macadamia, and asparagus live happily together. This is to promote diversity and confuse the pests thereby reducing our need to spray. We have a growing herd of grass fed Dexter cows that mow the oats between the vineyard rows. After buying the farm 4 years ago we cleared it of impenetrable alien forest and have planted thousands of trees, both indigenous and fruiting. The plan is to leave a large portion of the farm to return to natural parkland and there are exciting mountain bike and hiking trails around the farm that link into the Banhoek Conservancy network. As well as a three bedroom cottage overlooking 2 small dams which we rent out, we have our “Bed in the Shed” an upstairs/downstairs bedroom and living area with the best view on the farm. This is available for ones and twos who don’t mind an early start on week days! Weekends are peaceful like everywhere else on the farm. You will find all the usual suspects prowling around after dark; leopard, porcupine, buck, mongoose….I am particularly fond of the agama lizards which are always to be found in couples during the day, sunbathing on the huge rocks that stud the hillsides. There is a nesting pair of jackal buzzards which circle constantly and keep the rodents largely under control and at night you will hear nightjars calling and clicking stream frogs chirruping by the dam. If you are unlucky you may be disturbed by a raucous toad party. When that happens I try to feel grateful that the toads are the most raucous creatures in my neighbourhood

Area Info

Guests can enjoy scenic hikes, wild swimming, mountain biking, and an easy stroll to breakfast or a sunset wine tasting.

Units and Rooms

Avocado Cabin

Guests: 4
Max Adults: 3

These gorgeous cabins rest on the edge of a lake in the heart of the Banhoek Valley. It is a light filled modern cabin, perfect for all seasons with air-conditioning in the bedroom and a fireplace. It sleeps 2 and has a queen-size sleeping pod for kids.

Camissa Cottage

Guests: 6

This modern 3 bedroom Scandinavian style cottage with a rustic wood fired hot tub enjoys panoramic views of the Drakenstein and Simonsig mountains. Surrounded by wild nature, poised on the edge of a lake you will feel as if you are a million miles away.

The Bed in the Shed

Guests: 4

This gorgeous barn loft with a panoramic view down the Banhoek Valley is situated on Camissa Farm, 60 hectares of landscaped orchards and wild fynbos only 10 minutes from the heart of Stellenbosch. It has a private garden and braai facilities.

Rosemary Cabin

Guests: 4
Max Adults: 3

These gorgeous cabins rest on the edge of a lake in the heart of the Banhoek Valley. It is a light filled modern cabin, perfect for all seasons with air conditioning in the bedroom and a fireplace. It sleeps 2 and has a queen-size sleeping pod for kids.

Almond Cabin

Guests: 4
Max Adults: 3

These gorgeous cabins rest on the edge of a lake in the heart of the Banhoek Valley. It is a light filled modern cabin, perfect for all seasons with air conditioning in the bedroom and a fireplace. It sleeps 2 and has a queen-size sleeping pod for kids.

Agama Cabin

Guests: 2

Stylish and romantic 2 person cabin with private hot tub and unparalleled Mountain View’s