• MATJIESFONTEIN BLOG
    MATJIESFONTEIN BLOG

PAY NOW, STAY LATER: KICK THOSE TRAVEL BLUES

Posted on Wed June 10, 2020.

Picture this: clean Karoo air, wide open spaces, vivid sunsets at dusk and the best starlit skies hands down (even NASA thinks so)… this is the sound of nature calling.

Pay now, travel later – Matjies is the perfect destination for local travel, only 2 hours 45 mins outside of Cape Town. Escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature and come enjoy the solace of the Karoo, the ideal place to satisfy the travel bug and continue practising social distancing – hello room service!

We hope you miss us as much as we miss you, which is why we’ve got not one, but TWO special offers to kick those travel blues this lockdown. Plan your next adventure with family or that special someone by booking one of the following:

Two in the Karoo: Book on our normal bed & breakfast rates and receive a R400 dinner voucher per night, on us;
Family Affair: Kids stay free if sharing a room with parents OR pay 50% for the second room, breakfast included.

Terms & conditions:

  • Minimum 2 nights' stay applies to both offers
  • Book now on 2020 rates and stay any time until 31 July 2021
  • Full prepayment must be made to secure the offer for a future stay
  • Offers only available for purchase until lockdown ends

Email bookings@lordmilnerhotel.co.za for more information.

Matjiesfontein has implemented additional responsible hygiene measures to ensure the safety of our guests and staff at all times.

Start planning your next stay! Enjoy an array of activities you may have missed during lockdown period, and make the most of your getaway – there’s something for everyone:

For the Thirsty:

For those suffering from Cenosillicaphobia (the fear of an empty glass)… whether it’s a ‘cold one’, ‘brewski’, ‘dop’ or ‘Vitamin B(eer)’ you’re looking for, Matjiesfontein should help quench that thirst by introducing its very own craft brew. The Laird’s Arms Pub is calling…

For the Hungry:

The Matjiesfontein Coffee House offers a variety of freshly baked goods to tantalise your taste buds. Complement your sweet tooth cravings with a delicious cup of Truth Coffee (because life’s too short for bad coffee) or if you’re feeling more hungry, choose from lovely selection of the coffee shop’s lunch items. For something more real Karoo-style, try out our delectable menu at The Laird’s Arms for a pub lunch.

Photo: The Coffee House’s signature Lemon Meringue

For the Night Owl:

If ever there were a place to stop and stargaze, Matjiesfontein will not disappoint. The Karoo is made for star-gazing, where light pollution is minimal, allowing the sweeping night sky to take centre stage and show off its astronomical wonders. Come take a front row seat to one of the clearest skies in the Southern hemisphere for some nigh-time magic.

Photo credit: Stephen Coetsee

For the Go-Slow:

Relax and unwind. Go ahead, put your feet up – we could all do with a little rejuvenation. Enjoy a good book in the beautiful Yellow Room or soak up some sunshine and fresh air on our sprawling lawns, soaking in the sounds of nature. 

For the Adventure Seeker:

Bring your bike and ride along the sweeping untouched landscape of the Great Karoo on our 20km mountain biking track, where you will be treated to beautiful views of the Witteberg Mountains (bicycles also available at reception). For those who miss their sports, tennis with a view is another favourite activity at Matjies.

For the History Buff:

Take a stroll through our Transport Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of vintage cars that date back from the 1930s through to the 1960s. Be sure to also visit the Marie Rawdon Museum, which showcases the largest private artefacts and memorabilia collection from the Anglo-Boer War, in the world.

If you’re keen to delve deep into the Matjiesfontein village history, take a self-guided Voice Maps tour of the town

Photo: Marie Rawdon Museum

For the Instagrammer:

Let’s face it – everyone loves a good photo opportunity. We’ve identified the best and most quirky Instagrammable spots in Matjiesfontein that will keep you on trend in our magical town of yesteryear. Read our “Insta-worthy spots in Matjiesfontein” blog for the scoop on where to find these spots for the ‘Gram.

For the Family:

Enjoy a veld walk with the whole family and reconnect with nature. See whether you’re able to spot a member of the little five – the leopard tortoise – and other native Karoo creatures that have come out to play. Order a pub lunch and enjoy a family picnic on our vast manicured lawns and swim in our residents’-only pool (dubbed the coldest pool in Africa). A not-to-miss occasion is the famous Red Bus Tour hosted by beloved town entertainer, Johnny! It’s a much loved activity for the whole family. Be sure not to miss the singalong in the Laird’s Arms Pub thereafter – “Vat hom Fluffy”!

For the Love Birds:

Part of the town’s uniqueness is its quirky and eccentric characteristics, making it perfect for couples to enjoy on a romantic getaway.

The Swimming Pool Suite is a great option if you’re looking to be whisked away to complete privacy – it opens onto a private courtyard patio with access to a generously sized private swimming pool.

If you’re looking for something a bit quirkier, one of our Luxury Rooms boasts an old-school ‘double’ bath. A perfect spot to enjoy some down time, after the day’s activities, and bubbles in the tub (pun intended). 

Reconnect (and stare into each other’s eyes) over mouth-watering traditional Karoo fare and some of SA’s top wines, complimented by the warm, intimate ambiance.  


Watch our latest video as we reminisce on all the fun things we will be able to do again soon... Until we meeting again, stay safe!

View your guide to Matjiesfontein:

With love from,

The Matjiesfontein team