Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kingfisher Cottages located?

Kingfisher Cottages is located on Two Dam Sustainable, a working trout and pecan nut farm in the Langeberg Mountains near Montagu, in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape, South Africa. The farm sits on the Route 62 corridor, approximately two hours' drive from Cape Town. It includes a 20 minute dirt road to get to the farm which is well-graded and easy to get to in even small cars. This ensures a truly peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle while still being well located to explore surrounding areas. 

Is Kingfisher Cottages off-grid?

Yes. All four cottages are fully off-grid, powered by solar energy, with spring water supply. There is no reliance on municipal electricity or water. That means no load shedding, and is part of our general ethos and commitment to sustainability and self reliance. 

Is there Wi-Fi at the cottages?

Yes, all cottages are Wi-Fi equipped despite being off-grid. We are not impacted by load-shedding and have multi-function plugs to charge any device, making our cottages ideal for a workcation. 

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What cottages are available?

There are four cottages in total:

• Pied Kingfisher - naturally built, sleeps up to 4, with hot tube

• Brown-hooded Kingfisher - naturally built, sleeps up to 4 (no hot tub)

• Giant Kingfisher - naturally built, wheelchair accessible, sleeps up to 4, with hot tub

• Malachite Kingfisher - a restored 150+ year old stone cottage, sleeps 2 adults and 2 children, pet-friendly, with hot tub

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Which cottages have hot tubs?

Three of the four cottages have hot tubs. The Giant Kingfisher, Malachite and Pied Kingfisher cottages have hot tubs while Brown-hooded does not. 

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Are any cottages wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Giant Kingfisher cottage is wheelchair accessible.

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Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but only the Malachite Kingfisher cottage (the stone cottage) is dog-friendly.

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Is Kingfisher Cottages suitable for families?

Yes. The Malachite Kingfisher cottage sleeps 2 adults and 2 children and is well suited to young families, while the three naturally built cottages (sleeping up to 4 each) work well for families and groups. Our farm activities are also well suited to people of diverse ages. 

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Is Kingfisher Cottages suitable for groups?

Yes. The three naturally built Kingfisher cottages (Pied, Brown-hooded, Giant) are clustered together about 1km from the main farmhouse, offering privacy with easy access to a shared boma and eco-pool. This is ideal for group bookings, family gatherings, or small retreats.

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What facilities does each cottage include?

Each of the three naturally built cottages includes a fully equipped kitchen, braai, indoor fireplace, free Wi-Fi, fresh spring water, and (where noted) a hot tub. Guests also have access to a shared boma and eco-pool.

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How do I book?

Bookings can be made directly via the farm's Nightsbridge booking system. 

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What makes the cottages and farm sustainable?

Everything we do is with sustainability and conservation in mind. The farm received Net Zero Carbon certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa in 2017, one of the first four pilot projects in South Africa. It runs on solar power and a micro-hydro turbine, uses a low-water recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for its trout that recycles 95%+ of its water daily, and the cottages have composting toilets and are built from locally sourced mudbrick and stone. The farm has also won several industry awards for energy efficiency and innovation. You can read more detail about this on our sustainability page. 

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What is the Pietersfontein Conservancy?

The Pietersfontein Conservancy is a 10,395-hectare protected conservation area spanning 34 farms and 18 landowners in the Klein Karoo, dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating indigenous fauna and flora. Two Dam Sustainable is a founding member.

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Who owns and runs Two Dam Sustainable?

The farm is family-run by Vivian and Marco Harms, who live on-site with their two children, three farm employees, and their German Short-Haired Pointer, Annie. The farm has operated since 2014.

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What can guests do on the farm?

Activities include trout fishing (with fishing lessons available), birding, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, stargazing, and swimming in the eco-pool or natural rock pools. There are dedicated trails and picnic spots across the farm.

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Is there a working trout farm on-site?

Yes. Two Dam Sustainable operates an on-site trout and pecan nut farm, producing artisanal, preservative-free trout products using traditional curing and smoking methods.

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Can I buy farm produce during my stay?

Yes. The on-site deli sells fresh trout products, including smoked trout and pâté. These products are also stocked in select restaurants, hotels, and stores in Montagu, Robertson, and Cape Town.

Can guests go fishing?

Yes, trout fishing is available to guests on the farm's dams, with fishing lessons offered for beginners.

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What do guests say about Kingfisher Cottages?

Kingfisher Cottages holds a 9.9 guest rating on Booking.com, among the highest in the Montagu area, along with a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award (2023)