Outstanding Uitsig: An Unforgettable Weekend in a Cederberg Cottage

It was with a heavy heart that I said, "I need this."

It came after two deep losses in less than a week. The first was my uncle, Nic Wolpe who died on the 24 August 2024 following a battle with stage 4 brain cancer. The second was on the 30 August when the first horse I ever connected to was put down. I didn't get to say goodbye to either.

Nic's funeral was set for the 5th September. The day before we were meant to leave and so we deliberated, knowing it was the wrong time to go but possibly exactly what we needed - expansive space, uninterrupted solitude, and resounding silence.

Deciding to not push the weekend out to a later date, we packed our bags and headed out just before noon. Stopping only for lunch, we made the 3 hour drive easily and arrived mid afternoon to the sunny mountain-top Cederberg farm where Michael's remote stone cottages were nestled.

Following Michael's directions, we found our cottage, Uitsig, easily despite it not being visible from the road. We parked, unpacked and set about exploring the wild, beautiful area outside our doorstep.

The space

Uitsig Stone Cottage is built into large grey slates of rock that jut out and mask it from sight unless you're essentially on top of it, or directly in front of it. From the neighbouring Middleberg Peak to the far-off Sneeuberg pinnacle, stunning views welcomed us wherever we looked.

Inside, the cottage is furnished with wooden and antique accents, giving it a warm and welcoming feeling. It has everything you need for a simple weekend away - a gas stove to cook on, a fire place to keep warm, and a fridge to keep food fresh. The bathroom is fitted with an overhead shower and covered in stones. An outdoor bath beckons a hot soak on a cool windless evening.

The silence beckons you to sit back, enjoy, observe and reflect. For the two nights that we were there, we saw a couple of people in the distance only and the only sounds we heard were the tunes of birdsongs and the flap of their wings. The crisp mountain air didn't stop our grief but it was a tonic that helped us see the light as we watched sunset and rise over the horizon.

Things to do

With an abundance of nature literally at your doorstep, there's no shortage of things to do. There are many hiking trails and a helpful, simple map to get you going. Hikes range from short, medium three hour routes and longer full day hikes. There's also a rather slippery plunge pool for those brave enough to face its icy water, which we were both mad enough to do throughout our stay. At night, if its a clear sky, the stars shine bright and clear and awe-inspiring.

Above all, the cottage offers plenty of opportunity to relax. From a tot of sherry on the porch with valley views sweeping out before you to cosy mornings in front of a warm, glowing fire. With limited reception and no Wi-Fi, a book and nature-watching are your best friends. During our stay, we spotted a few types of birds, some lizards, a family of dassies, and a couple of cute elephant shrews.