DescriptionA special place for that fairytale wedding or break-away you have been promising the family. A private nature reserve of over 3 500 hectares, Moolmanshoek was developed from a conservation area into a natural heritage site. It is situated in the district of Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State at the foot of the Witteberge. Enjoy the rich wild- and birdlife or experience the hiking trails on and around the farm. Fishing in the clear spring water or experiencing breathtaking views from horseback are but few of the activities available on the farm. For the adventure lovers there is the Visierskerf 4 x 4 Eco-Route and a variety of hiking trails. Steeped in rich history dating from before the Great Trek, the farm is skillfully managed by its friendly staff. It is our privilege to be stewards of more than 3 000 hectares of the breathtaking Moolmanshoek valley. This valley lies in a horseshoe formed by the Witteberg mountains (2 410 m above sea level) that feeds several mountain streams in the valley floor below. The water decends to a grassy valley of underbrush that accomodates over 230 bird species. The basin itself is home to a variety of Plains Game that include Springbuck, Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Zebra, Ostrich and many other that are historically indigenous to the area. Use one of our "kieries" for a leisurely stroll across the valley floor or go on a relaxing ride by horse cart or on horseback. Our SA Boerperd and Endurance Arab horses are born and bred in the valley and more than 200 make Moolmanshoek their home. The reserve was declared a National Heritage Site (#199) in 1994, mainly because of the rare African Bamboo that grows in the valley. It is our hope the the uniqueness and character of our surroundings will be as inspring to you as it has always been to us. Do you long to escape for a while from city noise and stress. Are you seeking that unique environment, ideal for team building, a work session or conference? Or do you want a fairy tale wedding? Visit our guest farm in the mountains and revel in the breathtaking natural beauty and the unspoiled rich variety of bird - and wild-life. Follow one of the four hiking trails on the wild-life farm, and become physically tired but mentally refreshed. Enjoy fly-fishing in the clear spring water, or experience nature on horseback, viewing the 3 500 ha private nature reserve. Under the skilled hands of the current owner, Willie Nel, the farm was developed from a conservation area into a natural heritage site NR 199. The Department of Environmental Affairs of the Free Sate, declared Moolmanshoek a Nature Reserve. The name Moolmanshoek originated from the first owner of the Moolmanshoek valley. His name was Mr Petrus Lafras Moolman. The Moolman surname is derived from the Meuleman last name. In 1743 Pieter Meuleman arrived in South Africa on the Zaamslag, a soldier in the service of the Oost Indishce Compagne. He later bcame a burger of Stellenbosch, marrying a local girl by the name of Catharine Elisabeth Swart on 17 November, 1748.The Moolman’s from Graaf Reinett came to live at Moolmanshoek in 1829. The Moolman’s had discovered the valley on hunting trips made earlier from their temporary home in the South Eastern Free State. Because of the severe drought in the colony. The original Moolman farm covered almost the whole valley, approximately 8000 morgue. The farm was later divided between the four sons. In June 1869 the first maps of the farm were drawn by KJ de Kok. The owners at that time were:
The sons who later inherited the top part of the valley, known today as Moolmanshoek, put it up for sale when their father past away in 1904. A certain Thomas Mitchell, well known businessman and farmer of the area, bought Moolmanshoek for his 17 year old son Ernst on 11 June 1905. Ernst later on married Dora Musgrave. The two of them built the main sandstone house from 1928-1933 at the cost of £8000. At the time of the sale the owners were
Ernst died in 1956. For the next five years Moolmanshoek was leased to a Mr Muller before it was auctioned of before the bank in Ficksburg. Mr Hendrik Erasmus (married to Hester du Plessis) from Hofmeyer was the highest bidder. Since the offer was to low, an agreement was made where by Mr Erasmus could rent the farm (for a maximum of ten years) with the option to buy the land. After renting the farm for seven years, he bought Moolmanshoek in 1968. Hendrik and Hester had only one child, a daughter named Miemie. She married Willie Nel from Smithfield in March 1972. The couple moved to Moolmanshoek in 1973. In 1980, Willie bought Moolmanshoek from his father in law, in doing so becoming the fourth owner of Moolmanshoek. It was under Willie and Miemie’s stewardship that Moolmanshoek was transformed to the natural beauty that it is today. They have three children, Hester, Isabel and Wiesman. Accommodation A well designed Sandstone Lodge with 15 en-suite bedrooms. Most suites have fireplaces or Queen Ann stoves. There are also a pool room, honesty bar, library and a sun room available for the guests in the Lodge.
DirectionsFrom Gauteng (Johannesburg) Take the N1 to Kroonstad. Look for the R76 towards Senekal, following the Steynsrus / Bethlehem signs. At Steynsrus turn right towards Senekal. Drive through Senekal on the N5 towards Bethlehem. +/- 5 km after Senekal turn right on the R70 to Ficksburg / Rosendal. Exactly 10 km past Rosendal turn left on a gravel road. Continue for 7.5 km till you see the Moolmanshoek gate on the left. From Durban 1. At Harrismith turn off on the N5 to Bethlehem, in Bethlehem you turn left at Commissionerstreet to Fouriesburg / Ficksburg on the R26. 2. 20Km past Fouriesburg is a brown signboard on the left side,that shows Waterkloof/Nebo/Franschoek turn right there on the S385, continue for 20km on the gravel road (just keep going straight don’t turn anywhere it will become the S384). NOTE: This is a beautiful road over the mountain with lovely views, but if it is raining a lot, there can be some bad places, unless you’re driving a 4x4 vehicle, we suggest you take the 3) option; 3. OR go straight on the tar towards Ficksburg from Fouriesburg for 40 km, just before Ficksburg you turn right on the R70 to Rosendal, continue straight for exactly 29km, turn right just after the Rosendal 10km sign, on the S384, continue for 7,5 km. Scenic road via Clarens 1. Turn left on the R712 a few km outside Harrismith, the Phuthaditjhaba road, that goes longside the Sterkfontein Dam to Golden 2. Gate, Clarens, Fouriesburg, turn left when you come to the N5, towards Ficksburg, 3. 20Km past Fouriesburg is a brown signboard on the left side,that shows Waterkloof/Nebo/Franschoek turn right there on the S385, continue for 20km on the gravel road (just keep going straight don’t turn anywhere it will become the S384). NOTE: This is a beautiful road over the mountain with lovely views, but if it is raining a lot, there can be some bad places, unless you’re driving a 4x4 vehicle, we suggest you take the 3) option; 4. OR go straight on the tar towards Ficksburg from Fouriesburg for 40 km, just before Ficksburg you turn right on the R70 to Rosendal, continue straight for exactly 29km, turn right just after the Rosendal 10km sign, on the S384, continue for 7,5 km. From Bloemfontein Take the N1 to Winburg. Take the N5 of ramp towards Senekal. Drive through Senekal on the N5 towarsds Bethlehem, turn right on the R70 to Ficksburg/Rosendal. 10 km past Rosendal turn left on a gravel road for 7.5 km till you see the Moolmanshoek PGR gate on the left. From Ficksburg On the Ficksburg / Fouriesburg road, turn left on the R70 towards Rosendal for 29km, turn right on the S384 for 8 km. To Langesnek Leadership Centre Use the same route to Moolmanshoek PGR. |
Moolmanshoek
051 933 2220
051 933 2444
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