Swartberg · East Griqualand

Getting Here

Ten kilometres of gravel. Two of farm road. Worth every kilometre.

Banchory is in the Swartberg district of East Griqualand, about 67 km from both Underberg and Kokstad. Download your maps and do a proper grocery shop before you turn off the R617.

From Underberg (67 km)

  1. Take the R617 towards Kokstad
  2. After 57 km, turn right onto the D609 gravel road
  3. Follow the D609 for 10 km on well-maintained gravel — suitable for most vehicles with reasonable ground clearance and standard profile tyres
  4. Banchory farm gate on the left
  5. Follow the farm road for 2 km to the cottage

From Kokstad (67 km)

  1. Take the R617 towards Underberg
  2. After approximately 10 km, turn left onto the D609 gravel road
  3. Follow the D609 for 10 km on gravel
  4. Banchory farm gate on the right
  5. Follow the farm road for 2 km to the cottage

GPS coordinates

Use these coordinates for the farm gate: -30.1450, 29.5320

Do not rely on GPS navigation on the farm road — follow the written directions from the gate. Mobile signal can be unreliable on the approach road.

Nearest towns

Fill up with fuel and stock up on groceries in one of these towns before turning off the R617.

  • Underberg — Pick n Pay, Spar, Engen, ATMs
  • Kokstad — Checkers, Spar, Pick n Pay, Shell, BP, all major banks

Signal & Wi-Fi

There is no Wi-Fi at the cottage. Mobile data is limited on the farm and on the approach road. Download your maps before you leave the last town. For emergencies, Margie can be reached on the farm — details are in your booking confirmation.

Before you leave — checklist

  • Full tank of fuel (filled in Underberg or Kokstad)
  • All groceries for your stay
  • Charcoal if you plan to braai (not supplied)
  • Swimming towels (bath towels stay inside)
  • Fishing gear, flies and tippet
  • Binoculars — the bird-life rewards them
  • Warm layers for cold Swartberg evenings
  • Downloaded offline maps and these directions printed

Map