Dalmore Guest Farm

We arrived late due to a hold up at the Lesotho border but the pre-booked meal was ready when we arrived and we were quickly allocated our accommodation by the very helpful manageress. Meals are eaten in a large communal dining room with an open fire. Next to this is a small bar where drinks are available by serving yourself and listing it in a book. The breakfast was freshly cooked and served quickly once you had ordered and the evening meals were tailored to your taste. The whole farm is very peaceful and accommodation is well spaced which gives a sense of privacy. Both of the lodges were warm, beautifully furnished with very well stocked kitchens and comfortable beds. Self catering would be very easy. There is a swimming pool( too cold at that time of the year!) and a children's playground. and plenty of space to roam freely for the children.

It would be good to have a washing machine in the larger 3 bedroomed lodges although I appreciate that a paid laundry service is offered.

Staff was great especially Delice(Hope i am spelling that right). Responded immediately to any issues. Breakfast was good and dinner very good. It was like having dinner with family. The rental was super clean and spacious, comfy beds We are very much looking to return.

No washcloths , towels not exchanged when rental was cleaned. Far from the main road ( i think about 5-6 km ) when it rained we got stuck twice in the muck would very strongly suggest a 4x4 during winter

So relaxing and peaceful.

Nothing.

• Miss C’s welcome was wonderful, and the rest of the staff we interacted with were very sweet and helpful. • The animals on site were charming: the affectionate cat, the gentle blonde dog, the playful puppies, and the sweetest little brown cow. • The bed was very comfortable, the bathtub was large and luxurious, and the overall cleanliness of the cottage was good. • We loved the wood-burning stove in the bedroom, the wood-fired oven in the kitchen, the braai, all the cosy seating areas, the big dining tables, and the little details such as heated blankets, hot water bottles, and bath trays. • The farm is well located for hiking: about a 2-hour drive to the Sentinel Peak trail (Drakensberg Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls) and about an hour from Cathedral Peak. • There’s a petrol station with an ATM close by.

Since we were arriving at 9pm, outside normal check-in hours, we messaged the property through the Booking.com app. Pippa kindly replied that we could call her 30 minutes ahead. The only number listed was the main property line, which isn’t on WhatsApp. Because it’s difficult for non–South African nationals to obtain a local SIM/eSIM with calling capability, we had relied on WhatsApp throughout the trip. On the drive, we realized we would need a calling app to reach the property. After fumbling with this on the roadside, we finally got through. “Pippa?” I asked. “Yeah?” the voice replied. I spoke as if continuing our earlier conversation before realizing she wasn’t Pippa—she had no idea who we were. She eventually told us to go to the property, and that someone would meet us there. Upon arrival we saw Pippa’s direct (WhatsApp-accessible) number posted on the fence. Once we reached her, she coordinated with the chef, Miss C, who warmly welcomed us. She was absolutely delightful. Communication overall remained poor. There was no reception or orientation, just a placard with bullet points on the bed. The only way to reach staff was to track them down in person, which felt awkward, though when found they were always jovial and helpful. One time we returned to find our locked front door left open after staff had come in to tidy up. Waste bins were emptied and dishes were washed, which was nice but not requested. Despite these visits, towels were never refreshed—every set smelled of mildew—and no kitchen towel was provided, making it impossible to dry hands, counters, or dishes. We travel often and can usually specify whether or when we want cleaning and there’s always a clear contact person even with self check-ins. A simple system—like a housekeeping sign or text messaging—would make a huge difference. The main suggestion is to improve communication.