Escape to the Extravagant Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace: Oudtshoorn's Hidden Gem!
Escape to the Extravagant Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace: Oudtshoorn's Hidden Gem!
Escape to the Extravagant Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace: Oudtshoorn's Hidden Gem! - A Seriously Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace, and let me tell you, it's a vibe. Forget your glossy travel brochures, this is the real deal – warts and all, which, honestly, just adds to the charm. Picture this: Oudtshoorn, dusty and sun-baked, the world’s ostrich capital (duh!). Then, BAM! You pull up to this… well, palace is the right word. It's grand. It’s a bit much. But in the best way possible. Let's dive in, shall we?
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- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. Discover its accessible features, luxurious amenities, spa experiences, dining options, and overall vibe. Honest opinions and quirky observations included!
The Good, The Bad, and The Ostrich Feather Boa (Figuratively Speaking)
First things first: Accessibility. Now, listen, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to this because it matters. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," so I grilled the staff. They were genuinely helpful and seemed to know their stuff. The elevator was key, and the ramps I saw were pretty decent, though I didn't see any dedicated wheelchair-accessible rooms (that's a slight ding, tbh. More on that later). So, while generally accessible, double-check specifics if you have particular needs. They have to step up a bit here.
Rooms: Fit for a Pretender to the Throne, Maybe (Available in all rooms)
Okay, the rooms are… opulent. Like, imagine Marie Antoinette decided to open a B&B in the Karoo. Air conditioning is a must, and thankfully it's effective, especially after a day of sun-drenched adventures. My room had a balcony with a killer view (though the plastic chairs were a bit…meh). The internet access – wireless was decent, a lifesaver because I needed to work, though occasionally patchy (that's what you get for being in the middle of nowhere, I suppose!). Loved the bathtub for soaking and getting some real R&R. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. And the hair dryer was thankfully, not a hotel-grade one. Free bottled water always kept me hydrated. They do a great job in all the rooms and I felt comfortable to come back to them.
The Spa: My Body is a Temple… Maybe a Slightly Run-Down Temple? (Ways to Relax)
The Spa… oh, the Spa. Let's just say I went in with high expectations, and they were… partially met. The sauna was hot, the steam room steamy. I had a ridiculously relaxing massage – the masseuse, bless her, had magic hands. The pool with a view was stunning, perfect for a pre-treatment dip. I did experience a Body scrub, and it left me feeling like a newborn. The Body wrap, however, was a bit of a letdown, I wasn't really given a proper detox. It felt a little rushed. They could make the spa experience a little more grand, like a whole day of spa-ing, to make this worth the price tag. I need to add here, I really enjoyed the time I spent in the spa and wanted to spend more.
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
The dining situation is… interesting. The main restaurant offers mainly Western cuisine and had some seriously good international cuisine options. They do a great Breakfast [buffet] (like, seriously, the best scrambled eggs I've had in ages). The coffee/tea in restaurant and coffee shop were clutch for my caffeine needs. There's a lovely Poolside bar - perfect for sundowners. The desserts in restaurant were divine – I practically inhaled the malva pudding. Their Asian cuisine in restaurant was very pleasant. The snack bar was pretty casual.
Here’s the hiccup: The a la carte in the restaurant menu and their buffet in restaurant were the same, which was confusing. Room service [24-hour] is a major win. They really care about what's offered here!
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Spray the Place with Lysol? (Daily Disinfection and Such)
Okay, this is where Bakenskraal shines. Given the state of the world, I was paying very close attention. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The staff were masked and well-trained in staff trained in safety protocol. They were doing daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms felt spotless. Felt very safe here, which earns major points.
For the Kids (For the Kids)
I didn’t bring the kids with me (thank goodness!), but they’re definitely family/child friendly. They have kids facilities, and the grounds are spacious. They do offer a Babysitting service.
Getting Around and Other Bits and Bobs (Services and conveniences)
- Airport transfer: Offered, which is a lifesaver, because I flew from Cape Town, and the drive is… long.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yep, ample parking.
- Daily housekeeping: Flawless, honestly. The room was always immaculate.
- Laundry service: Handy for cleaning those ostrich-feather-dusted clothes.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Dry cleaning: Useful for making me appear put-together.
The Quirks and the Quibbles
- The Ostrich Experience: Duh, this is Oudtshoorn! You MUST arrange an ostrich farm tour. It's a riot. Expect to get your clothes (and possibly your face) covered in… well, ostrich-related stuff.
- The "Style": Bakenskraal goes all in on the opulent, almost kitschy vibe. Think heavy drapes, ornate furniture… it’s definitely not minimalist. Embrace it!
- The Wi-Fi: While generally good, it did sporadically drop out. Sigh.
- The Pet Situation: They only list Pets allowed unavailable. So, leave Fido at home.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace is a unique and memorable experience. It's not perfect, but that's part of its charm. The staff are lovely, the spa is heavenly, and the food is generally excellent. Oudtshoorn offers a whole different set of activities to explore, for example, I learnt of proposal spots and can't wait to check it out! If you're looking for a luxurious, quirky, and slightly over-the-top escape, this is your place. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and a healthy dose of humor!
Escape to Paradise: Sokcho's Blue Door Hostel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup! Because we're about to dive headfirst into a Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace adventure, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for a schedule that's less "meticulously planned" and more "winging it with a healthy dose of sheer luck and possibly questionable decisions." Welcome to my travel chaos, South African style!
Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace: Ode to Feathers, Friends, and Frequent Face-Palms
(Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and a Whole Lotta "What Have I Gotten Myself Into?")
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival & The Great Caravan of Luggage: Okay, so the drive from Cape Town was stunning. Seriously, the scenery? Jaw-dropping. But after 300km, I’m officially car-sore. Finally, we arrive at Bakenskraal. First impression? Well, it’s REALLY… ostriches. Like, everywhere. And HUGE. Getting out of the car I started, like a cartoon character, to take in all of the beauty. Except, my suitcase almost escaped down the driveway, a fitting foreshadowing of the organizational skills that would be employed for the rest of the trip!
- 10:30 AM - The Check-In Debacle (and the Lovely Lady at the Reception): Found our lodge! Actually, finding the reception itself was a minor odyssey, involving a couple of wrong turns and a close encounter with a particularly peckish ostrich. The lovely lady at the reception, Bless her heart, She was so sweet and patient, because I managed to completely botch our check-in, forgetting which room was even ours! It was a symphony of flustered apologies and the realization that I REALLY needed that first coffee.
- 11:00 AM - Unpacking and the Fear of the Unknown: Luggage triumphantly (and precariously) deposited in the room. The room is charming, rustic, ostrich-themed (obviously), and slightly… dusty. Okay, maybe more than slightly. I started unpacking, only to realize I’d forgotten my damn… well, let's just say a crucial hygiene product. Cue the panicked scramble for a local shop, praying to the travel gods that I can, you know… freshen up.
- 12:00 PM - First Ostrich Encounter (and a Near-Death Experience): The tour starts! We walked to the enclosure! I got way too close to one of those feathery giants. You know, thinking I was being all “brave and adventurous.” It decided to test its beak on my (thankfully empty) water bottle. I’m pretty sure I yelped like a five-year-old. My heart was pounding! Maybe ostriches aren’t the gentle, fluffy creatures I'd imagined.
- 1:00 PM - The Ostrich Ride (or, "The Day I Almost Died Of Laughter and Possibly Injury"): Yes. I did it. I got on an ostrich. The guide was great at instruction, but honestly? It felt like riding a demented rollercoaster on legs! I giggled, I screamed, and at one point, I think I nearly fell off and face-planted in the dust. It was the single greatest, most terrifying, most hilarious few seconds of my life. I'm still shaking.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch at the Bakenskraal Restaurant: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe): The restaurant has a charming ambiance, all rustic charm and ostrich-themed decor. The food? Well, let's just say the ostrich steak was… an experience. It was, shall we say, a unique flavor profile. I'm not sure I'll ever fully recover from it.
- 3:00 PM - Free Time & Contemplation (or Possibly Napping): Back at the lodge, fighting the urge to just collapse on the bed and sleep for a week. But no! I'm a TRAVELER! I decide to have some quiet time. It was, honestly, a pleasant time, watching the sun set across all of the Oudtshoorn scenery.
- 6:00 PM - Sundowners & Sunset Views: Drinks on the veranda! The sunset over the Swartberg Mountains is truly breathtaking. I met some new friends to share a drink! A very memorable evening.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner & The Great Ostrich Steak Debate, Round Two: Back to the restaurant for dinner. Tried the ostrich burger, thinking I'd give the meat another chance. Still not sure. The conversation shifted to the strangest meals we'd ever eaten and how we'd all forgotten sunscreen. I actually lost track of the time, as the stories were endless.
- 10:00 PM - Bedtime, with a Thousand Ostrich Dreams: Finally, back to the room. Showered and jumped on my bed. I’m exhausted, slightly sunburnt, maybe a little bit traumatized by the ostriches, but utterly happy. Tomorrow? Hopefully, I survive.
(Day 2: Caves, More Ostriches, and a Potential Breakdown)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast…with Feathery Friends: Breakfast at the lodge, featuring eggs cooked by the hotel or something. The coffee's, shall we say, "distinctive," and the ostriches outside my window are already plotting something. They're staring directly at me. I think they're hungry. I may need protection.
- 9:00 AM - The Cango Caves: Underground Wonders (and claustrophobia warnings): We're off to the Cango Caves! The drive is beautiful, weaving through the mountains. The caves themselves are stunning, but I'm not a huge fan of tight spaces, so the tour was a bit of a test of my sanity. The guide was great, though, and the formations were mind-blowing. But I was SO glad to get back into the sunlight.
- 11:00 AM - More Ostrich Fun! (Said with a hint of dread): Another ostrich encounter, this time at a different farm. I'm trying to be brave, but honestly? I'm still a little wary of those beady eyes. We learn about ostrich farming, and I discover that ostrich feathers are used in the automotive industry. Who knew?!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch in Oudtshoorn: A quick lunch in Oudtshoorn, trying to find a restaurant that doesn't serve ostrich. This is harder than it sounds. (Did I mention that this trip is all about the ostriches?)
- 3:00 PM - The Craft Market: I bought a weird, ostrich-themed souvenir that I'll probably regret later. It's a hat shaped like an ostrich egg.
- 4:00 PM - Free Time (and a strong urge to hide): Back at the lodge, I spend some time relaxing. I consider throwing all of my snacks to the nearby ostriches. I am defeated.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset, the Swartberg Mountains, and Reflections (or "Is this all a dream?"): Watched some more sunsets. It's getting to the point where it's almost too much peace…
- 8:00 PM - Dinner at the Lodge (Again) and the Great Ostrich Steak Debate Continues: The menu says 'curry this time'. I'm not getting my hopes up. The ostrich steak debate rages on.
(Day 3: Farewell (and the realization that I'll probably be back):
- 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast - Staring the Ostriches Down: I find myself talking to the ostriches. It's probably the lack of sleep, the amazing wine, and the neverending ostrich presence.
- 9:00 AM - Some last-minute shopping I found a local market. The things I could have bought… I bought a few things.
- 10:00 AM - A goodbye: I stood on the steps of the lodge. It hit me… It's the end. I am leaving.
- 10:15 AM - On the Road Again : Packed all the things. And I left. The end. Maybe
(Additional Ramblings & Observations):
- The Ostriches: They are majestic. They are terrifying. They are everywhere. I think I'll be seeing them in my sleep for weeks.
- The Food: Mostly alright. The coffee, less so. The cocktails? Delicious.
- The People: So friendly, so welcoming. The South African hospitality is legendary.
- The Feeling: A whirlwind of emotions, from laughter to fear to sheer awe. This trip (and this schedule) is proof that sometimes, the most imperfect, unplanned adventures are the ones you remember forever.
- Final thoughts : Come prepared with a great sense of humour and an open mind.
So there you have it. My messy, honest, completely human Bakenskraal adventure. And if, by some miracle, I haven’t completely scared you away, you should totally go. Just… maybe take extra sunscreen. Oh, and be careful around the ostriches. Really careful.
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Escape to the Extravagant Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace: Your Really, Really Messy FAQs!
Alright, alright, settle down, world! So, you're thinking about the Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace, eh? Good choice! (I mean, you could do *worse*... a lot worse.) But before you dive headfirst into ostrich-feather-filled bliss, let me be your utterly un-expert guide. This is more about *my* experience than some polished brochure. Consider yourself warned.
1. So, Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace... is it actually a Palace? Like, royalty-level palace-y? Don't hold back.
Palace... hmm. Okay, listen. Let's be honest for a sec. *No*. Don't go expecting Buckingham. You'll be sorely disappointed. Think more... *charming*, but with a distinctly ostrichy vibe. Remember that old aunt with the slightly-too-loud floral wallpaper and the tendency to hoard knick-knacks? It's got that kinda energy, but in the best way possible. It's got history oozing from every brick. Seriously. It’s like the ostrich equivalent of a stately home. But yeah, calling it a "palace" might be a *tiny* bit generous. But hey, after a few glasses of the local wine… you might just agree it is.
2. Okay, ostrich-related... is it *all* about the ostriches? Do I need to be an ostrich enthusiast? (Because, honestly, I'm not.)
Okay, listen. I went in with a healthy dose of scepticism. Ostriches, right? Big, dumb birds. But the thing is, the whole experience? It's way more than just the ostriches (though, let's be real, they're a *huge* part of it). I saw a family petting them and I thought: "Oh, God, not the ostrich petting". But then... I got kinda into it. Seriously. They’re surprisingly… *intense*. Those eyes. They’re watching you. Judging. The whole place has this vibe. It’s like stepping into a different *era*. You *will* see ostriches EVERYWHERE. Feathers, eggs the size of your head… it’s all there. Plus, the information about the boom and bust of the industry in the early 20th century. It's fascinating, even if, like me, you start out fearing they might try to stab you with their claws.
3. The food! Tell me about the food! Is it... ostrich-heavy? And is it any *good*? (Be honest.)
Oh, the food. Right. Okay. Yes. It's got OSTRICH on the menu. In a BIG way. Ostrich steak, ostrich burgers, ostrich biltong (dried meat – like jerky). Listen, I went into this a little worried that I’d be facing a diet of dry ostrich flesh. BUT. It was AMAZING. Seriously. I had an ostrich burger and it was probably the best burger I've had in… well, I can’t remember when! The steak was delicious, cooked perfectly. It's leaner than beef, so less guilt! Also, the breakfast! Oh, the breakfast. The pancakes with (I suspect) a whole lot of sugar. And the friendly staff? They are beyond lovely. Their enthusiasm for ostrich is infectious, even for a skeptic like me. Just be prepared for a LOT of meat. And maybe pack a digestive biscuit or two. (Just in case). And I forgot to mention, the *wine*. The local wine! Oh, boy. It enhances *everything*.
4. What about the accommodation? I need a decent bed and, like, a clean bathroom. Is that too much to ask?
Honestly, the rooms are… *rustic*. Let's be honest. They're not the Four Seasons. But they're comfortable. Clean. And they have character. Think antique furniture, creaky floorboards, and a view that’ll stop you in your tracks. I wouldn't describe my room as "modern," but the bed was comfy enough that I slept incredibly well! The bathroom was clean and functional – which, after a day of ostrich-related excitement, is all you really need. Plus, the whole place has this… *history*. You feel like you’re stepping back in time. There are no TVs, but you won't even notice. You'll be too busy staring out the window at the endless plains. Don't expect perfection, expect *charm*. And maybe a weird, antique mirror. They're everywhere.
5. Okay, let's talk about *the* ride. The Ostrich Ride. Is it as terrifying as it looks? Should I even *try*? (I'm kinda clumsy.)
Alright. Buckle up, buttercup. This is where things get *real*. The Ostrich Ride? (Deep breath). Do it. Just, do it. Even if you're like me, a human disaster zone. I was *convinced* I'd fall off. I'm not exactly renowned for my grace. The guides are AMAZING. They’ll help you, keep you safe. The ostrich is… well, they're surprisingly powerful. They are the *motorbikes* of the bird world. Hang on tight! It's a blur of feathers, wind, and pure, unadulterated *terror*... followed by a massive burst of laughter when you realize you did it. I rode for a solid minute. I was grinning from ear to ear, my legs were shaking, but it was the most exhilarating thing I’ve done in years. Honestly, it’s an experience. One I *absolutely* recommend.
6. This sounds a little... isolated. Is there anything *else* to do around there? Am I going to get bored?
Isolated? Yes and no. It's definitely in the middle of nowhere. But that's the *point*! You're there to ESCAPE. There are the Cango Caves nearby. (I didn’t make it. I was too busy eating ostrich and enjoying the peace.) Oudtshoorn town itself is a short drive away, but honestly, you might not want to leave the Palace. You can swim. They also have these lovely walks in the surrounding landscape. The peace and quiet are incredible. I went for a walk at dusk and felt… everything. It’s a place to switch off, slow down, and reconnect. Don't expect a bustling nightlife. Expect stars, silence, and the occasional ostrich honk in the distance. And maybe you'll meet some incredible people.
7. Okay, final question: Would you go back? Honestly. Would you *really* go back?
Absolutely. One thousand percent. I’m already planning my return. There's something… *magical* about that place. It’Uncover the Secrets of Rocky Hollow, Pretoria: South Africa's Hidden Gem!
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