1. Host Contact Numbers
Nella Coller 063 926 3402, Hester Miggels 072 431 4039, Jonathan Gersh 083 453 2994
2. Check-in (From 2pm) And Check-out (10.am)
Early check-in and / or late check-out can be accommodated with the consent from the host prior to arrival; and, in the absence of same day turnarounds. Guests are asked to please respect these times to give staff adequate time to clean and prepare the property – Thanks!
3. Please Bring
Beach towels, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, matches, spices, and any other items you would expect to fall outside the self-catering deal. If you forget something, please ask our staff – they have access to emergency supplies.
4. It Is Not Necessary To Bring
Braai grids, potjie pots, cutlery, crockery, bedding and bathing towels. The property has a very basic medical kit, also. The kit may not carry pain relief medication.
5. Optional Extras (Seriously, No Pressure To Purchase!)
Firewood
Rooikrans Braaiwood, cut from the farm and neighbouring farms. There are approx.16 pieces per bag, of which some has been split. The bag size is similar to the product sold at a garage or supermarket. The rooikrans provides superior, long-lasting coals compared to most other types of firewood.
Mobile Phone and WIFI
There is negligible reception in the area – good news for guests wishing to tune out properly. For guests that need to be online the property offers an LTE WIFI service at a subsidised rate. The service performs at between 10 and 15 mbps (download) and data is limited to 10GB per transaction. Password information will be provided if purchased before arrival.
Rental of Watersport Equipment
The watersport gear is free for bookings of 3 nights and longer. The minimal revenue from the short stay bookings goes to cover the repairs and maintenance of the craft.
The selection includes double kayaks; triple and double canoes; and paddle boards (windsurfer boards); single and double oars; children’s life jackets, ropes and anchors. The kayaks have fishing rod holders and storage compartments.
Cleaning Service
½ Day and Full day Service (includes guest personal laundry and cleaning materials).
6. Pet Policy
Pets may not enter the property without consent of the Host. Guests wishing to bring their dog (s) should communicate their intentions at the time of booking or on receipt of this document. The property cannot receive more than two dogs per group. There is a moderate additional charge – this fee goes towards additional cleaning.
Dogs that have an aggressive nature / have the potential to be hostile towards our staff; have tendencies to roam; dogs that may harass livestock in the area … cannot be accommodated.
Guests bringing a dog (s) are requested to bring their bedding / baskets and ensure they do not use the furniture and the beds at any time during their stay. There is a poop scoop provided in the garden. Guests are asked to please remove turds to help reduce flies and to keep the wild garden as they found it.
Thanks …we love dogs by the way …. It’s just more complicated than that!
7. House Rules And Local Regulations (Duiwenhoks Conservancy)
Only registered guests (as per booking communication) may sleep at the property.
The property may not host events / large social functions. No loud music.
Children are to be always supervised. Special attention should be given to their safety in the river and the plunge pools. The property cannot be held responsible for their safety.
Drones may not be flown in the area.
The lower Duivenhoks is classified as a sensitive ecological area and governed by a conservancy in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality. There is a speed limit of 10 km/h. Water skiing, and jet skis are prohibited. Guests are asked to respect the values and regulations as outlined in the conservancy publication and local angling laws. See below.
duiwenhoksconservancy.co.za/2010/11/15/boating-regulations-for-the-duiwenhoks-river/
THANKS
8. Facilities, And Services
Boiler System (your hot water)
Once daily, a member of staff will make the boiler respecting guest privacy during the process. Guests may not operate the boiler under any circumstances.
Coffee Makers
The kitchen has an array of stove top coffee makers (Baletti) and plungers. Electrical coffee makers cannot be used (renewable energy system limitations).
Cooking facilities
A fully stocked kitchen is provided. There are braai facilities on the open deck and in the porch area; a small gas oven, gas stove and a cooking hearth located in the kitchen. The cooking hearth is a great facility ….so go traditional!
Fridges and Freezers
There is a 300L+ fridge freezer and a bar fridge in the porch / stoep area.
Power System (off grid)
The property is powered by a solar system located at the store. It can power low energy appliances, phones, portable computers, tablets, small, and portable sound systems. Guest wishing to power their own portable fridges should please inform the staff as these items may require a specific plug point (circuit breaker). Unfortunately, hair dryers, electric kettles, electric heaters …or anything with a heating element; cannot be utilised. A washing machine is powered by a larger system at the store – see “optional daily cleaning service”.
Water
The kitchen is supplied by filtered rainwater. There is also a dedicated tap (green marker) at the sink involving an extra degree of filtration. Guests wishing to drink bottled water can purchase top ups in Stilbaai, Riversdal and Heidelberg.
Water for washing and general purpose is supplied from a nearby spring. It is not advisable to drink this water.
River Activities and Jetty
The river is safe for swimming. The jetty (floating dock) is surrounded by shallow mud. Pls. refrain from diving head-first. Thorn & Feather does not accept liability for injury or accidents.
The lower Duivenhoks is managed by a conservancy. Speeding, water skiing, towing of watercraft for sport; jet skies are not permitted. The trolling of rapalas is illegal.
Guests are welcome to fish of off the floating dock. The areas on either side of the river path are private property (neighbouring farms). Guests may not enter this area. Guests with boats may use two public slipways in the area. For details, please contact your host. Guests are asked please not to approach the neighbouring properties for access to their slipways.