Bergendam Eco Lodge | Self-catering farm lodges at the Gariep Dam, Venterstad

A family farm, now shared.

Bergendam lies in the heart of the Grass Karoo, on a farm passed down through generations since 1903. Open plains, rocky ridges and endless sky: once known only to farmers and the odd traveller, the land now welcomes guests to the same peace it has given our family for more than a century.

What began as a family refuge has become a place we are proud to share. Each lodge was designed with soft, natural finishes and a deep connection to Karoo living, and placed so the view does the talking.

“You do the braai; we bring the view.”

Where you'll stay

Three lodges, each with its own character.

All self-catering, all with Gariep Dam and mountain views, a private braai, Wi-Fi and a smart TV with streaming. Rates vary by season; these are the lowest nightly rates on our direct booking page.

1-Bedroom Luxury Cottage

Olienhout

For couples. Slow mornings, cosy evenings.

2 guests
1 king bed
1 en-suite

Our romantic hideaway for two: an open-plan cottage with a fireplace, a king bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with a separate bath and shower. Step outside to your own wood-fired hot tub and braai.

Private wood-fired hot tub
Separate bath & shower, bathrobes
Fireplace in the living area
Kitchenette with stove & bar fridge
Private braai & outdoor dining
Smart TV, streaming & Wi-Fi

From R2 210 / night

Book Olienhout

2-Bedroom Family Home

Kiepersol

For sunset people. The best seat on the farm.

4 guests
1 king + 2 singles
2 en-suites

Kiepersol has, in our opinion, the finest view of the sun setting over the Gariep Dam. Its boma-style braai sits at the front of the house with nothing between you and the horizon. The only lodge without a hot tub, made for those who come for the view.

Front-facing boma braai, open views
King room + twin room
Two shower-only en-suite bathrooms
Fireplace in the open-plan living area
Kitchenette, fridge & stove
Patio dining, smart TV & Wi-Fi

From R3 570 / night

Book Kiepersol

2-Bedroom Deluxe Home

Wildebeest

For friends & families who want the hot tub too.

4 guests
1 king + 2 singles
2 en-suites

The same easy layout as Kiepersol with an added touch of luxury outdoors: a private wood-fired hot tub on the terrace and a boma-style braai looking out over the Gariep Dam.

Private wood-fired hot tub
Boma braai with dam views
King room + twin room
Two shower-only en-suite bathrooms
Fireplace & sitting area
Kitchenette, terrace, smart TV & Wi-Fi

From R3 995 / night

Book Wildebeest

	Olienhout	Kiepersol	Wildebeest
Sleeps	2	4	4
Bedrooms	1 (king)	2 (king + twin)	2 (king + twin)
Bathrooms	1, bath & shower	2, shower	2, shower
Wood-fired hot tub	✓	–	✓
Fireplace	✓	✓	✓
Braai	Private braai	Front boma, sunset view	Boma, dam view
From / night	R2 210	R3 570	R3 995

Days that stretch, nights full of stars.

Boma nights under the stars

Gather around the fire, share stories and listen to the Karoo go quiet. The night sky here is clear, endless and full of stars.

Wood-fired hot tubs

Sink into your own hot tub under the morning sun or a sky full of stars, and let time slow down.

Hiking & exploring

Wander the farm's open trails through rolling veld and up the koppies.

Wildlife & open space

Wake up to grazing antelope and birdsong in every direction.

Game drives & hunting, on request

Experiences rooted in respect for the land and its wildlife. Ask us when you book.

Karoo lamb, waiting when you arrive.

Taste the real Karoo during your stay. Order premium lamb from our farm before you travel and it will be ready for you when you check in.

Leg of lambWhole, deboned or chops

ShoulderWhole or chops

RibWhole or cut in strips

ShanksWhole or cut

Lamb prices change with the season. We'll confirm the current price per kilogram with you.

Big skies, heritage & Karoo calm.

Bergendam sits on the R58 near Venterstad: a peaceful midway stop on a long road trip, or a getaway in its own right. Close by:

Gariep DamSouth Africa's largest dam: fishing, boating and water sports, and the towering dam wall.

Oviston Nature ReserveSpringbok, open veld and sweeping birdlife on the shore of the dam.

Orange-Fish TunnelAn engineering wonder carrying water deep beneath the Karoo.

VenterstadA 19th-century town with historic churches and an unhurried pace.

Your pause starts with a hello.

Planning a stay, ordering lamb, or just curious about life on the farm? Get in touch and we'll come back to you quickly.

Call or WhatsApp

079 999 2440

wms.marli@gmail.com

Address

Bergendam, R58, Venterstad
Eastern Cape, 9798

Check-in / out

In 14:00 – 19:00 · Out by 10:00

Guest words

“An absolute gem.”

9.4Booking.com · 12 reviews
Location 9.8 · Staff 9.8

5.0LekkeSlaap · 8 reviews
Cleanliness 5.0 · Service 5.0

5.0Airbnb · Olienhout
5 reviews

What an absolute gem! We so enjoyed the stay on our journey that on the way back we booked another night. The cosy fireplace, the thoughtful little touches and the heated blankets were so enjoyed on this chilly winter stay.
Terri · LekkeSlaap

The view was stunning. The staff were even more wonderful, so kind and helpful. I would recommend this stay not only for us locals but also if you have overseas visitors.
Katja · LekkeSlaap

Such attention to detail, beautiful location and views, very quiet and private.
Craig · Booking.com

As jy hou van uitsig, natuur, netheid, privaatheid, modern en baie praktiese verblyf, is die plek vir jou. Die hot tub met 'n uitsig is 'n groot bonus.
Gas · LekkeSlaap

House is beautifully decorated and has everything you need. Our hosts were helpful and friendly. A hidden gem!
Pamela · Booking.com

There are only 3 units and it's not overcrowded. Olienhout was well appointed with everything you need.
Adine · Booking.com

Ons het die mooiste uitsig gehad en ons gasheer se diens was besonders. 'n Pragtige plek!
Rene · LekkeSlaap

Outstanding chalet in a beautiful and quiet location. We will be back!
Vivienne · LekkeSlaap

Your pause
in the Karoo.

A family farm, now shared.