Waterhoek Guest Farm

Waterhoek Guest Farm

Riverside cabins, quiet Midlands views.

Home of the Amana Method, near Mooi River in the KZN Midlands - self-catering cabins, a thatched cottage, private campsites, walking trails, fishing dams, and rescued animals. Come for the accommodation. Stay for the peace.

Near Mooi River & Nottingham RoadSelf-catering cabins & cottagePrivate campsitesPet-friendly by prior arrangementFishing dams & river accessHome of the Amana Method

Plan your stay

Check availability at Waterhoek

Choose your dates and number of guests to see the stays available for your visit.

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Guest reviews

Already loved by guests.

From pet-friendly cabin stays to family camping weekends, guests describe Waterhoek as peaceful, beautiful, clean, excellent value, and hosted with care.

Airbnb

Guest Favorite

One of the most loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests.

Airbnb

5.0rating

Based on 6 guest reviews on Airbnb.

Booking.com

9.3review score

Based on 15 reviews on Booking.com.

Booking.com category highlights

Location9.0
Facilities9.3
Staff9.2

Guest Favorite status applies to the relevant Airbnb listing and may change over time according to Airbnb's criteria. Review scores, badges, and platform labels may change over time and are updated manually.

Combined ratings shown from Airbnb and Booking.com.
Airbnb
“We stumbled upon this gem and it's been a life-changer!”

Avela

Durban, South Africa · Stayed a few nights

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Peaceful escapeRiver soundsNatureExtended stayAmazing host
Airbnb
“We really just wanted to switch off and relax for a few days. Donna's place gave us exactly that.”

Lizelle

Stayed with a pet

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Pet-friendlyCabin 6ViewsBalconyRiver walks
Airbnb
“Waterhoek Guest House is a magical place.”

Beatrice

Horw, Switzerland · Stayed one night

View on Airbnb
Magical placeValue for moneyBuilt with loveUnwindInternational guest

If you are travelling as a group, bringing pets, or unsure which option is best for you, contact us and we will gladly help you choose the right stay.

Choose your stay

3 ways to stay at Waterhoek

Three core ways to stay across riverside cabins, private campsites and the Heron fisherman's cottage. Explore each individual listing further down the page.

Riverside Cabins

R700 / R1200 per night

Eight self-catering 1- and 2-bedroom riverside cabins (some pet-friendly) set on the Mooi River with valley views, decks and quiet farm surrounds.

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Riverside Camping

R150 per person, per night

Eight private campsites, most riverside, with stone fire pits, shared ablutions, kitchen room and a hillside double outdoor shower. Selected sites have pet enclosures.

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Heron Cottage

From R1500 per night

An 8-sleeper rustic thatched 4-bedroom pet-friendly fisherman's cottage above the dam, perfect for families, fishermen and groups.

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In detail

A closer look at each stay

Each cabin, the cottage, and every campsite has its own character. Browse the individual listings below.

Pet-friendly

1-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Riverside Cabin 2: Selah

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 bedroom
  • Double Bed

A private 1-bedroom riverside cabin with farm views and a convenient fenced area for guests with pets. Unplug, stargaze and reconnect with nature in total quiet. Perfect for couples or solo retreats. Pets allowed by prior approval at R100 per pet per night.

From R550 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R700 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R550 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R700 per night, every night
RiversideFenced areaPet-friendlyCouples

1-Bedroom Riverside Cabin 3: Ahava

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 bedroom
  • Queen Bed

A private 1-bedroom riverside cabin with beautiful riverside and valley views. Wake to birdsong, unwind on the deck, and reconnect with nature in total quiet.

From R550 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R700 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R550 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R700 per night, every night
RiversideValley viewsCouples

1-Bedroom Riverside Cabin 4: Shalom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 bedroom
  • Queen Bed

A peaceful 1-bedroom riverside cabin perfect for couples seeking a quiet escape. Wake to birdsong, unwind on the deck, and reconnect with nature.

From R550 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R700 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R550 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R700 per night, every night
RiversideValley viewsCouples

1-Bedroom Riverside Cabin 5: Menucha

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 bedroom
  • Queen Bed

A private 1-bedroom riverside cabin with beautiful valley views, ideal for couples. Slow down, enjoy the deck, and reconnect with nature.

From R550 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R700 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R550 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R700 per night, every night
RiversideValley viewsCouples
Pet-friendly

1-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Riverside Cabin 6: Ruach

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 bedroom
  • Queen Bed

A private 1-bedroom riverside cabin with a convenient fenced area for guests with pets. Perfect for couples travelling with a furry friend. Pets allowed by prior approval at R100 per pet per night.

From R550 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R700 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R550 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R700 per night, every night
RiversideFenced areaPet-friendlyCouples

2-Bedroom Riverside Cabin 7: Shekinah

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Queen Bed + 2x Single Beds

A 2-bedroom riverside cabin with a queen bed and two single beds, ideal for families or small groups. The Mooi River flows through the property, offering views, walking trails and fishing dams.

From R1000 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R1200 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R1000 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R1200 per night, every night
Family-friendlyRiverside
Pet-friendly

2-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Riverside Cabin 8: Yadah

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Queen Bed + 2x Single Beds

Yadah is a pet-friendly 2-bedroom riverside cabin with a queen bed and two single beds, perfect for families travelling with pets. Pets allowed by prior approval at R100 per pet per night.

From R1000 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R1200 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R1000 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R1200 per night, every night
Pet-friendlyFenced areaFamily-friendly

2-Bedroom Riverside Cabin 9: Ravah

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Queen Bed + 2x 3/4 Beds

Ravah is a spacious 2-bedroom riverside cabin with a queen bed and two 3/4 beds, ideal for families or groups. Set on 365 hectares of river, forest and fields.

From R1000 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R1200 per night
  • · Mon–Thurs: R1000 per night
  • · Peak / holiday season: R1200 per night, every night
SpaciousFamily / groupRiverside
Pet-friendly

4-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Fisherman's Cottage: Heron

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 4 bedrooms

An 8-sleeper rustic thatched riverside cottage for families, fishermen and groups seeking space and quiet. Gather around the fire, watch the sunset over the valley, and slow down together. Pets allowed by prior approval at R100 per pet per night.

From R1000 per night

  • · Fri–Sun: R1400 for 1 night, R1200 per night for 2+ nights
  • · Mon–Thurs: R1000 per night (2-night minimum)
  • · Peak / holiday season: R1400 per night, every night
Pet-friendlyThatchedFishermenGroups

Camp 1 • Ember Circle

Riverside Campsite | River Views | Fishing | Sleeps 4

  • Sleeps 4
  • Max 2 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents

Tucked beside the river at the entrance to the campsite area, Ember Circle is an intimate campsite perfect for couples, young families or a small group of friends looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Wake to birdsong, enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the river, and spend the afternoon fishing, exploring the walking trails or watching children enjoy the nearby swings and trampoline area. As evening falls, gather around your private stone fire pit beneath a sky full of stars and fall asleep to the sound of the river drifting through the camp.

Ember Circle is one of our most accessible campsites while still feeling wonderfully connected to nature.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
RiversideStone fire pitCouples & small families

Camp 2 • Whispering Spirit

Secluded Forest Campsite | Streamside | Nature Lovers' Favourite

  • Sleeps 4
  • Max 2 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents

Hidden beneath a canopy of indigenous trees, Whispering Spirit offers one of the most peaceful and private camping experiences on the farm.

A gentle stream flows alongside the campsite, filling the evenings with the soothing sound of moving water, while multiple tenting areas allow larger groups to spread out without losing their sense of privacy.

Although beautifully secluded, the campsite remains conveniently close to the children's play area, making it equally suited to families and nature-loving groups.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
ForestStreamsideRiversidePrivate

Camp 3 • Dancing Wind

Spacious Family Camp | Campervans & Caravans Welcome | Forest & Open Meadow

  • Sleeps 8
  • Max 4 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents · Campervans · Caravans

Dancing Wind combines the best of two worlds — a large open camping area with room for caravans and campervans, together with a beautiful shaded forest tucked behind the campsite.

The spacious fire pit creates a natural gathering place for family and friends, while the woodland beyond offers quieter corners where smaller tents can enjoy additional privacy beneath the trees.

Located directly opposite the children's play area and trampoline, this campsite is particularly well suited to families, while its generous space also makes it ideal for groups travelling together.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
Family-friendlyCampervan / caravan friendlyForest & meadow

Camp 4 • Open Sky

Stargazing Campsite | Campervans Welcome | Large Groups

  • Sleeps 10
  • Max 6 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents · Campervans · Caravans

If you love wide open spaces and spectacular night skies, Open Sky lives up to its name.

Designed with larger groups in mind, this expansive campsite comfortably accommodates several campervans, caravans or tents while still leaving plenty of room to relax.

During the day you're just a short walk from the river, while at night the rushing water provides the perfect soundtrack beneath an endless canopy of stars. Open Sky is conveniently located nearby the campsite shared toilets, showers, and a kitchen with two double sinks and a few plug points — without compromising the campsite's peaceful atmosphere.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
Larger groupStargazingCampervan / caravan friendly
Pet-friendly

Camp 5 • Silent Forest

Woodland Sanctuary | Pet Friendly | Private Dog Enclosure

  • Sleeps 8
  • Max 4 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents

Encircled by mature trees, Silent Forest feels like your own hidden woodland retreat.

The level circular campsite is centred around a private stone fire pit, with the sound of a nearby stream creating a constant backdrop of flowing water. This campsite is especially popular with guests travelling with dogs thanks to its fully enclosed 6m × 6m pet enclosure, where your four-legged companions can safely relax, off lead.

Note that for guests bringing their animals, a R50 per night fee applies, and dogs must remain on leads when outside the pet enclosure at all times.

If you're looking for shade, privacy and peaceful evenings around the fire, Silent Forest is difficult to beat.

  • Private 6m × 6m fenced pet enclosure

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
ForestPet enclosureStreamside

Camp 6 • Living Water

Riverfront Camping | Swimming | Campervans Welcome

  • Sleeps 6
  • Max 3 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents · Campervans · Caravans

Living Water sits beside one of Waterhoek's most loved stretches of the Mooi River.

This campsite enjoys uninterrupted river views and easy access to the water, making it a favourite for swimming, relaxing along the banks or simply listening to the flowing river from your campsite.

Located close to the communal gathering area, it combines convenience with beautiful natural surroundings and works equally well for tents, caravans and campervans.

Maximum 2 campervans. Additional guests may be accommodated on request, subject to approval.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
RiversideSwimmingCampervan / caravan friendly

Camp 7 • Wattle Grove

Private Riverside Campsite | Campervans & Caravans Welcome

  • Sleeps 6
  • Max 3 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents · Campervans · Caravans

Wattle Grove offers generous space and exceptional privacy alongside the river.

Nestled among mature trees, this campsite provides plenty of room for campervans, caravans or multiple tents while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for slowing down and enjoying nature.

Fall asleep to the sound of the Mooi River flowing and wake surrounded by birdsong in one of the farm's most tranquil settings.

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
RiversidePrivateCampervan / caravan friendly
Pet-friendly

Camp 8 • Breath of Heaven

Premium Riverside Campsite | Pet Friendly | Campervans Welcome

  • Sleeps 8
  • Max 4 vehicles
  • Bring your own tent

Suitable for: Tents · Campervans · Caravans

Breath of Heaven is one of our largest and most peaceful campsites, offering generous space, beautiful river access and outstanding privacy.

Perfect for extended family gatherings or groups of friends, the campsite comfortably accommodates tents, caravans and campervans while remaining immersed in nature.

Guests travelling with dogs will appreciate the 6m × 6m pet enclosure, allowing pets to enjoy the outdoors off their leads, safely alongside the family.

Note that for guests bringing their animals, a R50 per night fee applies, and dogs must remain on leads when outside the pet enclosure at all times.

This is the campsite for those wanting space, serenity and some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on the farm.

  • Private 6m × 6m fenced pet enclosure

R150 per person, per night

  • · Adults: R150 per person, per night
  • · Children under 10: R100 per child, per night
  • · Babies under 24 months: free
RiversidePet enclosureCampervan / caravan friendlySpacious

Facilities

Shared campsite facilities

The campsites all share centrally located toilets, showers and kitchen areas.

Toilets and showers

6 separate toilet-and-shower units with hot water.

Indoor washing-up area

A shared kitchen room with two deep double-basin sinks. The kitchen has electric points for cell phone chargers, kettles, etc.

Outdoor kitchen

An outdoor washing-up area with a double basin.

Hillside double shower

A beautiful double outdoor shower built into the side of the hill, with a natural stone wall.

Fire pits

Each campsite has a stone fire pit and firewood is available for sale.

No electricity at individual sites

Campsites are designed for simple, peaceful outdoor stays. Individual sites do not have electricity.

Farm life

More than a place to sleep

Waterhoek is a living farm. The farm is home to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, and other animals who live as part of the daily rhythm of the land.

  • Forest walks
  • Hiking routes
  • Catch-and-release fishing
  • River access
  • Fishing dams
  • Birdlife
  • Open fields
  • Fire pits
  • Night skies with little light pollution
  • Farm animal encounters
  • Optional horse connection experiences

Pet-friendly stays

Selected units are pet-friendly by prior arrangement.

Pet stays are subject to approval based on the pet details, the unit booked, and the suitability of the stay. A pet fee of R100 per pet per night applies.

Pet-friendly accommodation

  • 1-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Riverside Cabins (Selah, Ruach)
  • 2-Bedroom Pet-Friendly Riverside Cabin - Yadah
  • Heron Fisherman's Cottage
  • Selected campsites with pet enclosures (Silent Forest, Breath of Heaven)
Enquire About Pet-Friendly Stays

Horse Connection Experience

Add a horse connection experience to your stay

Guests can book a gentle horse connection experience with Donna. This is not traditional horse riding - it is a slower, more holistic introduction to the Amana way of working with horses.

May include

  • Meeting the horses
  • Groundwork
  • Body awareness
  • Connection exercises
  • Learning how horses communicate
  • A peaceful walk on horseback where appropriate

The focus is relationship, trust, and calm connection.

Duration1–3 hoursRateR500 per hour
Enquire About Horse Experience

Group stays

Planning a group stay, retreat or gathering?

Waterhoek can support larger group stays across cabins, cottage and campsites, depending on availability and the type of gathering.

Campsites

up to 52

guests

Cabins & Heron Cottage

up to 30

guests

Overall capacity

up to 82

guests

This makes Waterhoek suitable for family gatherings, retreats, leadership camps, school groups, rustic private celebrations, and selected events by enquiry.

Compliance note

Larger events, public events, weddings, amplified music, alcohol-serving functions, festivals, and high-capacity gatherings may require additional planning, permissions, suppliers, insurance, and compliance checks.

Enquire About a Group Stay

Location

Near Nottingham Road and the Midlands Meander

Waterhoek is close enough to explore the charm of Nottingham Road and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, while still feeling peaceful, private, and far from the rush.

Nearby

  • Midlands Meander routes
  • Farm stalls
  • Restaurants and coffee shops
  • Wedding venues
  • Fishing and outdoor activities
  • Local markets
  • Scenic countryside drives

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Selected units and campsites are pet-friendly by prior arrangement only. Please contact us with your pet details before booking. A pet fee applies.

Accommodation Enquiry

Help us help you find the right stay

Use this form if you need help choosing accommodation, booking multiple units, bringing pets, or planning a group stay.

Prefer a quick chat?

WhatsApp or call +27 82 878 8131

Email hello@waterhoek.example

Ready to visit

Ready to visit Waterhoek?

Check availability, choose your stay, and come experience farm life, river air, animals, firelight, and the peace of the Midlands.