Donkieskraal Guest Lodge, Leipoldtville

Guest Lodge & Private Game Reserve

Donkieskraal is located on the family farm Sandberg. Jan and Pieter Laubscher are the owners of the farm – currently the third generation in the Laubscher family to whom the farm belonged since 1869. The brothers Jan & Pieter, initially potato seed producers, turned their attention on conserving their land and put aside approximately 2000 hectares of unspoilt fynbos, veld and mountain areas and transformed it into a private game reserve.

The very secluded Donkieskraal situated in the middle of the game reserve served as a hideaway for donkeys and horses during the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902). English troops constantly moved through the area and confiscated the horses and donkeys of farmers in the area. Because of the unique location – off the beaten track and surrounded by rocks, the area served as a “kraal” where these animals could be hidden from the English regiments. Later, in 1933 “Horse-sickness” broke out in the wetlands/vlei area that runs through the surrounding farms. A mere four kilometres away, at Donkieskraal, the animals were kept in isolation and escaped a certain death.

In the early 1990’s the Laubscher family started entertaining family and friends at this incomparable spot. Only recently the public has been introduced and invited to share in the splendour of the farm.

The abundance of bird life, including a breeding pair of Black Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and the occasional cry of a Fish Eagle is every bird lover’s dream come true.

The Mountaintop gives you a bird’s eye view of the Cedarberg Mountains, the sea and the surrounding farmland. Accessing the game reserve and mountaintop is possible in the luxury of you own 4×4 vehicle or on a guided game viewing trip.

Sandberg is one of the largest farms in the Sandveld and specializes in growing quality low generation potato seed. During a visit to the main farm, expect to see the in vitro laboratory and glass houses, the actual harvesting of potatoes on the land and the processing and packaging shed.

Chalets

The three 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. The Honeymoon suite has a jet/bubble bath. Coffee- and Tea making facilities, as well as a small bar fridge come standard in the chalets. All linen and towels are provided. These units sleep two persons each and a mattress can be arranged for children under the age of three.

Safari Tents

Each of the four Safari Tents has its own en-suite bathroom complete with shower and toilet. These units sleep up to four persons each on four three-quarter beds. We provide all the linen and towels. Coffee- and Tea making facilities are available in the tents, but guests in tents all make use of the central kitchen for refrigeration facilities.

Camping

There are 5 semi-shaded campsites on grass, each with its own braai area, power point and tap. Ablution facilities with a special room for mothers and babies and disabled persons are available for campers. A maximum of four people are allowed per campsite.