Experience the ultimate cave retreat, nestled in a tranquil environment, where the golden hues of sunset cascade over rolling hills. Listen to the baboons calling from the hilltops, as the air is filled not with the noise of traffic, but with the melodious songs of birds.
Unspoilt fynbos, veld and mountain areas transformed it into a private game reserve the way nature intended, this is what you can expect from Donkieskraal Guest Lodge and Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
A two and a half hour, roughly 220 km drive from Cape Town, heading towards the West Coast, 25 km from Lamberts Bay, 35 km from Elandsbay and 45 km from Clanwilliam, in the Sandveld district, build in the Grootberg mountain, lies the Sandveld gem, Donkieskraal.
Visitors will journey along a tar road to reach Sandberg farm, and from there, it’s a 5 km stretch of gravel road leading to the lodge. It is strongly advised to use an all-terrain vehicle or a 4×4 for this trip.
Small Beginnings
What is today known as Donkieskraal, was born out of an idea fuelled by passion and a vision. An idea that was formed around a campfire and build on family values.
In the year 1996 Pieter Laubscher, one of the pioneering brothers behind JH Laubscher Broers, a prominent name in local potato farming, saw potential in the rugged landscape. His vision was to create a refined, rustic escape on the land he loved so much.
In perfect harmony with the natural surroundings three rock caves and four safari tents brought forward the extraordinary haven, into a place where visitors can reconnect and experience nature in comfort and luxury.
After the sale of the family potato farm in 2019, the agreement was made that Donkieskraal and the game reserve will be excluded from the sale.
Annemi Laubscher, the daughter of Pieter, inherited the lodge and assumed control of the management. Under her unique vision and dream, the property embarked on a transformation aimed at turning this unrefined gem into a tailored destination.
“I wanted to turn it into an into a fully-fledged, family-friendly retreat,” says Annemi. She emphasizes that it was important not to lose the soul of Donkieskraal.
In 2021 Annemi brought on board a business partner, Madeleine Marais. With fresh energy, a new eye, but a shared passion, the two women rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The result? Together the two owners created a refined, expanded and elevated guest experience.
Madeleine quotes Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Indeed together, the duo shaped Donkieskraal into a sanctuary where rustic charm meets thoughtful luxury.
The growth has been noticeable. A fourth chalet has been introduced, enhancing the accommodation options. In 2024, two of the original rock caves were beautifully renovated, adding a touch of elegance while remaining true to local traditions and themes. The renovations brought forth two Carbo III Donkey hot tubs.
Madeleine’s passion stretches from developing the hiking trials and rock caves to, “making things pretty”, says Annemi.
Accommodation
You are spoilt for choice when making your accommodation choice. From tents to camping spots and chalets, Donkieskraal will have a place for you to kick off your shoes and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. Besides the communal braai area and firewood pizza oven, you will also have your own braai facility.
Luxury Chalets: Four spacious luxury chalets with double beds and en-suite bathrooms blend in with the surrounding sandstone formations of the mountain. These are all equipped with shower, bath & toilet. All linen and towels are provided. Three of the four chalets have their own kitchen and the fourth makes use of the communal kitchen but does come equipped with a fridge and coffee making facilities. These units sleep two persons each and a mattress can be arranged for children under the age of three.
A warm welcome is the two Donkey Hot Tubs (Carbo III), an open-aired wood-fired bath. Soaking in one of these tubs you will experience the beauty of nature with the indulgent comfort of warm, mineral-rich water. Easy to manoeuvre and promises an experience under the starlight African sky.
Two of the chalets comes equipped with these hot tubs.
Safari Tents: Each of the four Safari Tents features its own en-suite bathroom, equipped with a shower and toilet. Each unit accommodates up to four guests and is equipped with one queen and two single beds. All necessary linen and towels are provided. While coffee and tea-making facilities are available in the tents, all guests utilize the central kitchen for refrigeration needs.
Camping: The campsite offers space for 15 caravans on semi-grassy spots, each equipped with its own braai area, power point, and tap. Campers can access anyone of the two well-maintained ablution facilities, which include a designated room for mothers with babies and for individuals with disabilities. Guests are placed on the campsites according to their needs.
Activities
Donkieskraal caters for both the adventurous and wary spirits, providing a variety of activities to try.
Bird watching is or a two-and-a-half-hour game drive are both activities that promises to bring nature closer. A well-marked 5.5 km hike offers breathtaking views and a deep connection to the past of the land. Known as the Perde Voetpad, it loops over and around the mountain. This historic trail was once used after the Boer War to transport goods by foot and horses from the Sandveld to the nearby towns of Leipoldtville and Lamberts Bay. A 20km trial will soon be added to the hiking trials.
Newly opened is the 1.6 km Postbox Sprint or Stroll, which can be described as a playful, poetic addition that takes guests across rocks and sand in a short but symbolic journey. The terrain is scattered with obstacles and mimics life itself. It appears sometimes rocky, sometimes soft, but always moving forward. Whether you’re 6 or 76, this is a trail for the individual and ideal for those who want to sprint with purpose or stroll with reflection.
A 4×4 route is also available and the development of more difficult levels are in the planning phases.
You can opt to visit the rock art of South Africa’s first human footprint, the GuriQua San people in the 3000-year-old caves or choose to hang around the beautiful rock pool or on-site private pub. A game drive or guided game drive can be arranged as well.
Amenities
The lodge is self-catering with a well-equipped communal kitchen. A breakfast option can be arranged.
Donkieskraal has a fully licensed bar and can cater for big or small groups, from weekenders, weddings, corporate functions to team building activities.
As the lodge continues to evolve, sustainability remains a key focus. The installation of solar power is a milestone for Donkieskraal. Not only lightens it the environmental footprint, but it also ensures guests enjoy uninterrupted comfort, even in the most remote corner of the Sandveld.
The Guriqua San Bushmen of Donkieskraal
The bloodline of the GuriQua San in the Western Cape is very evident and even more so in the caves discovered on Donkieskraal. They are among the earliest inhabitants of Southern Africa, and their history is etched into the rock faces of the Grootberg Mountains at Donkieskraal.
Annemi explains, “They left behind a legacy of wisdom, survival, and deep spiritual connection. Their ancient art tells vivid stories of daily life, hunters in motion, families gathered in unity, and the miracle of birth.”
The drawings also portray animals of which the eland, known as Kaggen, their higher God, is painted the most and hold the greatest spiritual significance. To the San, the eland was much more than a source of sustenance; it was a divine presence and a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. One remarkable painting even captures a tender moment between a mother and baby elephant, a rare and touching tribute to the sacredness of life.
As a fifth-generation Laubscher owner, Annemie would like to cherish their history on the land.
Madeleine and Annemi continues to crawl beneath the ancient overhangs and through hidden crevices to forge new hiking and running trails, making new discoveries as they go along.
“We are discovering new cave drawings on a regular basis as we are developing the farm,” says Madeleine. “… and with every discovery their voices grow louder, and their stories come to life.”
She adds that, “it is important for us to keep these findings treasured and safe. So much of their history has already been lost.”
Various master’s degree students and universities are busy with studies around these heritage sites and these drawings are gaining a voice as people dive deeper into gaining more knowledge.
Donkieskraal nature’s gem offers an ideal setting for families, friends, or solo explorers seeking tranquillity under wide Sandveld skies. You might come for the caves, the trails, the hot tubs, or the simple joy of silence, but know that you will leave with your heart in love with the land. Visit the beauty of the West Coast and let Donkieskraal’s story of family and legacy stir your soul. Visit Donkieskraal, where the fire still burns and the caves still bare witness of a forgotten culture.
