Gerhard and Deirdré Pieterse grew tired of city life and had a desire to become more self-sufficient. In 2020, they bought a small bushveld farm less than an hour’s drive north of Tshwane and established Wit Hangmat as an exclusive and private bushveld getaway destination.
The newly purchased property required minor renovations, after which they welcomed their first guests in 2021.
In addition to this enterprise, the couple also set out on their journey towards self-sufficiency by establishing a fruit orchard and small vegetable garden that they manage according to the permaculture principle.
The hosts will gladly show guests around the property if they wish to learn more about these farming principles. A flock of indigenous Bapedi sheep provides organic grass-fed meat, solely for the owners’ own consumption.
How to get there
Wit Hangmat may be accessed from Tshwane via two routes: The shortest is the R573 or, alternatively, one could take a slight detour via Cullinan whilst enjoying the scenery and visiting the small mining town. Once guests have left the tar road, they will be given access through the Leeuwkloof Valley security gate, after which a slow drive on an approximately 3km gravel road will take them to their destination.
Nestled in the bush, far away from the noise of civilisation, guests will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of nature whilst the calls of various species of owls and nightjars, along with the sounds of lions, hyenas, and jackals, can be heard at night.
Spacious and comfortable self-catering accommodation
The outstanding aspect of the accommodation at Wit Hangmat is that the owners have thought of every detail to make guests feel at home and relaxed, since the accommodation is equipped with everything one may need. A guest may therefore simply bring clothes as well as food and drink to ensure a fun and relaxed time for the whole family or a group of friends.
The living units, as well as the surrounding areas and garden, are also meticulously clean and very well maintained, something that the owners of Wit Hangmat take pride in.
Wit Hangmat may only be booked as a complete unit and accommodates a maximum of nine guests. Therefore, only one family or group of guests may book Wit Hangmat at a time. Three separate sleeping units are, however, available.
Three comfortable sleeping units
Visvanger accommodates up to five guests. It has an en suite bathroom with a shower and large bathtub. The bedroom has a king-sized bed, one child’s bed, and a double sleeper couch in the living area. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering.
The bedroom and living area lead out to a veranda with a comfortable couch. Farmer’s Weekly enjoyed morning coffees and evening sundowners on this veranda while being entertained by butterflies, lizards, and squirrels that call the beautiful garden home. Air-conditioning is available in this unit. Visvanger also has a small lapa with seating and braai facilities.
Kwikstertjie and Suikerbekkie each have a double bed with a coffee station and share a bathroom with a shower. These units do not have air conditioners but have fans available for warmer days.
A fully equipped, large lapa is also available to guests, with a fridge, freezer, wooden braai, gas braai, hotplate stove, pots, pans, crockery, and utensil – everything needed to prepare a meal. At the same time, the family can gather around a large table or a fire in the boma.
The hosts provide both firewood and ice. The lapa is serviced daily by friendly staff, making the stay even more relaxing and comfortable.
The accommodation is pet-friendly since guests may bring one small pet, but only upon prior arrangement with the owner.
Activities for guests
Guests may enjoy a heated jacuzzi in a private covered area with a relaxing view over the bushveld. A small swimming pool is also available for those warm summer days.
A games room with a pool table, various board games, a small library, and a dartboard is available to keep guests occupied. Guests may also roll a foldable table tennis table out under a large carport for even more fun.
Two bicycles are available to guests to cycle around the property and on the roads in the area. However, guests may also bring their own bicycles for a longer ride through the larger Leeuwkloof Valley area. Joggers and hikers may also use these roads to stretch their legs.
There is a variety of game and other wildlife on the property as well as an abundance of birds, owls, and other smaller animals. Wit Hangmat is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise and, with no Big Five game on the property, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk or a pleasant picnic in the veld.
Pack a backpack and have a lovely lunch or a sundowner at any of the picnic spots on the property, which are all within easy walking distance of the cottages.
Game drives can be organised for groups of six people or more with rest stops and splendid views. Arrange this with Deirdré before arrival.
Nearby attractions
For a meal out, there are restaurants in Cullinan and Dinokeng. We had lunch at Oppistasie, a restaurant at the old railway station in town. Others include Die Hoenner and Harrie’s Pancakes, while options are available at several lodges should you visit Dinokeng. There are a few well-maintained picnic sites in Dinokeng, and we packed a fully stocked picnic basket for meals while taking breaks at these sites.
Cullinan and the surrounding area also have several activities to indulge in. Most need to be pre-booked, so make sure to do so in advance.
On the historical side, surface tours are available at the Cullinan Diamond Mine, where Fred Wells discovered the Cullinan diamond in 1905, and the McHardy House Museum offers an insight into the history of this mining town.
Other attractions are offered for the more active, from abseiling to ziplining, with hiking, horse riding, and quad-biking in between.
Dinokeng, the only Big Five conservation area in Gauteng, is less than an hour away and makes for an affordable Big Five safari from Wit Hangmat.
If you are looking for a true bushveld experience with exclusive, neat, and private accommodation to spend quality time with friends and family (or perhaps relatives visiting from abroad), Wit Hangmat is just the place, and the bonus is that it is less than an hour’s drive from Tshwane.
For more information, visit withangmat.co.za or phone Deirdre at 076 440 0421 to arrange your stay.
