South Africa Tourism Awards Logo

South Africa Tourism Awards

Type: Accommodation – Self Catering
Category: Unique Experience

Motivation for award: Kokopelli Farm distinctly merges a bush break with a traditional farm experience, while focusing on sustainable living. The area’s uniqueness was recognised by UNESCO when declaring the Magaliesberg Biosphere an international Biosphere Reserve in 2015. The Bankenveld, where the bushveld and highveld meet is classified as one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. There are very few pristine spaces like Kokopelli left, offering guests the privacy, peace and quiet of their own natural, fully equipped, off-grid setting in which to find rest and recouperation. The venue consists of 71 hectares, offering visitors ample wild space in which to roam freely, while the cap on a total number of nineteen guests keeps it exclusive. The rare variety of vegetation, from bush to veld, giving way to magnificent rocks rich with archeological history, leading into forest, accompanied by the diverse species that inhabit it has a magnetism of its own. The fascinating find of ancient stone circles on our red route, believed by historians to likely originate from the early Iron Age is a marvel. Several visitors have aptly described this hidden gem as the best kept secret around, which they’d want to share, yet preserve it all for themselves.

Region: North West / Buffelsfontein

Kokopelli Farm

Soul Serenity

Kokopelli, a little piece of paradise teeming with life, is an eco farm offering a private, refreshing space to break away in nature. A unique combination between a bush break and a real farm experience, the area with its rich variety of fauna and flora, is nestled in the Magaliesberg Biosphere. This was proclaimed an international UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015 and forms part of the Bankenveld, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

A variety of bird, frog and butterfly species make their home here, and small buck, baboons, porcupines, monkeys and rabbits still roam freely on the farm. Goats, cattle, geese, rabbits and chickens feed off our own sustainable vegetable garden and bees use the goodness in the area to make their miracle nectar. A real bushveld ambience in the evenings around a crackling fire is enhanced by the sound of lions and jackal from surrounding farms, rounded off with a frog chorus and countless stars on a cloudless night.

Located on the farm Buffelsfontein, between Magaliesburg and Rustenburg, our four self-catering units are spaced far enough apart to offer your own little private setting surrounded by bush. Each unit has its own, unique character and view, and is fully equipped for basic needs with solar and gas-powered appliances. Three cottages are completely off the grid, and a rustic farm house supplies Eskom power as a backup. All our units are available for occupation by a single person and we can host a total of nineteen guests. Our reservoir dam with its signature view, outlined by the Magalies mountains is a favourite spot where guests like to take a dip and enjoy sundowners.

Walking trails offer incredible views from the ridge and overhanging rock down onto the gorge, then winding through a small piece of indigenous forest and trailing alongside a refreshing stream below. Our red trail leads to ancient stone circles, which historians believe are likely the remains of some early Iron Age settlements.

Kokopelli is one of South Africa’s handful of pristine spaces left. A favourite spot for artists, writers or anyone seeking escape from the city’s bustle, visitors often remark on their awe at finding such a rare gem. Sharing this refreshing, natural space and its serene, soulful effects with our guests of all ages is pure joy.

Vote and request your R1000 travel voucher

* The system only allows you to vote once for an entry. You may however comment multiple times per entry. We thank your playing your part and contributing to the South Africa Tourism Awards though voting and submitting comments.

* As a thank you we will send you a R1000 travel voucher to enjoy. We  ask you to share these awards with your friends and request them to vote too. By voting they too will receive a R1000 travel voucher. 

Comments

Dean Fourie – 09.05.2022
We love this place as it is Always neat and lovely to stay there as well as the staff that are there are always a pleasure and always there to help

Tshegofatso Nyalungu – 02.05.2022
Request voucher

Helena Bosman – 15.03.2022
Beautiful, serene nature and restoring break-away with walking and cycling paths.

Dan Mogoai – 14.03.2022
I had a wonderful stay in a tranquil and natural environment. The reception was very welcoming. I will always recommend it .

Florence – 14.03.2022
Hospitality 100%

Charnay Potgieter – 11.03.2022
This place is so beautiful and definite must see. Serene and peaceful. The facilities are stunning and tidy. With a quaint cottage feel. Would definitely like to go back in the winter.

Ruth Acton – 10.03.2022
Little piece of paradise

Kwanele Makeleni – 10.03.2022
Just great experience & dream holiday destination..

Hannes Enslin – 09.03.2022
Relaxing home away from home

Gabi Schweickerdt – 09.03.2022
What a lovely place to unwind with beautiful hiking trails. They make sure you’ve got everything you need, excellent hospitality.

Sharon grant – 09.03.2022
Vote for kopeselli farm

Jani Van Den Berg – 08.03.2022
Kokopelli is great. They have these cute wooden chalets on stilts, with gorgeous views and – very importantly out of view and far from your neighbors. There are hiking routes in the bush and a farm pool to relax in after. Lovely braai area with a view! The chalets are all off grid and simple. It’s great for escaping city bustle and getting some quality time with yourself or a partner. Highly recommend

Bathabile Nombela – 07.03.2022
Great experience ,quiet and fresh breeze,great adventures

Meryo – 07.03.2022
One of our new favorite places, it is so peaceful.

Isaac Monama – 07.03.2022
I have been coming to Kokopeli for a few years/visits and it’s become my city break. The hospitality from Allan and the team is amazing. The serenity and being in nature really just refreshes the soul.

Hildegard Halfen – 07.03.2022
A very relaxing breakaway from the hustle and bustle, wonderful experience

Siobhan Vida Ashmole – 06.03.2022
Beautiful area!

Jan Kekana – 06.03.2022
Kokopelli farm…wow what a lovely place to be it’s so quite, beautiful and mind refreshing…I definitely vote for them 100% my vote goes to kokopelli farm

HLONI NDLOVU – 06.03.2022
Nature is calling my name, shall answer very soon

Kyla Bacon – 06.03.2022
We stayed in the red clay brick farmhouse with family a couple of months ago. we could take our dog with which added to a great experience. Allan was extremely helpful and friendly. Would definitely go again! Awesome place for a getaway with friends and family

Paul – 06.03.2022
Would love to visit the farm

Jazzara – 06.03.2022
Exceptionally beautiful self catering. Love!!!

Jan Potgieter – 06.03.2022
Such a lovely place to go and just relax. Can sit and listen to the nature with a great view from the deck. The accommodation provides everything asked for and is kept to great standards.

Lindy Lawlor – 06.03.2022
Unique offering for travellers

Janine Lotz – 06.03.2022
We loved the red clay brick farmhouse, the hiking trails and the overall serenity. we could take our dog which added to the great time we had. Allan was extremely helpful and friendly. Loved it.

Jared Bird – 06.03.2022
reasonably priced.

Jakes Ka3 – 05.03.2022
Awesome, relaxing experience. Private, safe, not too far from Johannesburg.

Hilary Mpofu – 05.03.2022
Most beautiful place to be , rejuvenating, refreshing, animal friendly , awesome hikes n most of all friendly hosts …

Hilary Mpofu – 05.03.2022
Visit Kokopeli you will definitely find everything you looking for.beautiful views, nice places for pictures n lovely hikes …the hosts are all so so friendly. Miss you all guys .

Derrick Greenberg – 05.03.2022
Excellent safe dog friendly hikes

Hermien van Schalkwyk – 05.03.2022
We loved our stay at Kokopelli farm in January 2022! Lovely hikes, dog friendly, tons of epic photography opportunities & friendly hosts!

Hannes Van Der Westhuizen – 05.03.2022
An excellent place to reconnect with yourself.

Hanny van Schalkwyk – 05.03.2022
Best place ever!

Daniëlla Van Heerden – 04.03.2022
We were looking for a place for our wedding anniversary, and our requirements were that it must me: * Pet-friendly * Close to Jozi * Private and peaceful self-catering * Beautiful, mountainous surroundings I discovered Kokopelli online and thought it looks too good to be true, as it ticks all the boxes. And yet, this place does exist! We had a perfect weekend there, highly recommended for folks like us who prefer a remote cottage to a busy hotel.

Anuschka – 04.03.2022
Amazing place to visit, completely secluded and surrounded by nature. Much much better than booking into a hotel because you get so much privacy, peace and quiet.

Christoffel Mynhardt – 03.03.2022
The sort of bushveld escape that a city dweller would want to visit every year. No, three times a year!

Gugu Bopape – 03.03.2022
A home away from home. My kids and I enjoyed the stay. Would recommend it for individuals or families. The host was very warm and welcoming.

Hasmitha – 03.03.2022
We had the most magical stay at Kokopelli. We were able to switch off and take a breather from everything in the city. A definite return visit.

Janinne Modiba – 03.03.2022
Kokopelli-farm was serene and beautiful I have never experienced the debts of nature the way I did when I stayed on the farm for a full week, it’s peaceful and quiet and at night you are braced with the millions of stars and peaceful sound of nature. It truly is a beautiful place and I was priveledged enough to have stayed there for my honey moon and have dreams of going there again one day.

Caron Dos Santos – 03.03.2022
Very reasonably priced and near Johannesburg. Peaceful and wonderful walks.

Inusso JAMAL – 03.03.2022
What’s an amazing place to be. The nature (people) it’s welcoming. We will always go back.

Hilary – 03.03.2022
A beautiful, peaceful place. Have stayed there 3 times, Buffalo Thorn is a lovely chalet. A good place to rejuvenate your soul.

Inge Pearce – 03.03.2022
We had a lovely stay at Kokopelli, a hidden gem and a treasure. Thank you Allan and management!

Jacqueline Greenberg – 03.03.2022
Good opportunity to kickstart tourism again

Jabz Gumede-Baxter – 03.03.2022
Perfect place for a getaway. Had an awesome weekend, can’t wait to go back.

GERT KOEKEMOER – 03.03.2022
Amazing stay!! Incredible setting!!

Christopher – 03.03.2022
Worth voting for.

Elma Human – 03.03.2022
Hidden gem hideaway!

Anica Griesel – 03.03.2022
Kokopelli farm was our first weekend away after a long lockdown and it was one of the best weekends ever. Such a hidden gem. Great location. Beautiful surroundings. Unit was well equipped with everything you need.

Alienor – 02.03.2022
Amazing place! I love it

caroline c n vika – 02.03.2022
Best venue me and the kids have been to

Adriaan Esterhuizen – 02.03.2022
Kokopelli is a gem in the Magalies region! I’ve stayed on the farm numerous times and every time has just been rejuvenating! Great stay, unique nature, fantastic hosts and a calm atmosphere. The Buffalo thorn cottage is our all time favourite! Can’t wait for our next get away there!

Claire Sternberg – 02.03.2022
One of my favorite break away weekend. That place is incredible perfect to switch off all the stress and the city life. It is so relaxing and peaceful. I’m recommended to my friends and family. I’ll always come back again.

Donald – 02.03.2022
Safe place and clean We will come again in numbes

Bevan – 02.03.2022
Went here with my soulmate it was very peaceful

Cheffley Watt – 02.03.2022
I stayed at Kokopelli Farm and celebrated my anniversary there. It’s definitely become our little slice of heaven.

Andrew Maseko – 02.03.2022
I enjoyed staying there with my big family and we were all accommodated. It offered us an opportunity to walk in the bush and saw proteas flowers. I also liked the library

Erica Mukwevho – 02.03.2022
Beautiful peaceful place to stay

Drickus De Klerk – 02.03.2022
Kokopelli farm is the best venue with the best value for money. And pet friendly too! Was great to be able to take our two dog-children with… Highly recommended!!

Apfeswaho Sonto – 02.03.2022
Kokopelli Farm is a very refreshing and peaceful place to visit

Erika Bostock – 02.03.2022
Kokopelli was our dream accommodation: private, quiet, in beautiful surroundings with all the necessary comforts, and environmentally friendly on top of it all, so no guilt about our short stay resulting in pressure on water and electricity resources or rubbish in a landfill. It is an idyllic place to rest and relax and feed one’s soul

Fiona Schaefer – 02.03.2022
I had the best time at the farm and plan to come back for a while now. Happy to hear that a great venue like this gets a chance to get a reward for their hard work!

Ditiro – 02.03.2022
Went with my husband for a quite weekend. It was absolutely serene and we enjoyed it.

Elzette Fritz – 02.03.2022
I loved spending time at Kokopelli as it is a soul replenishing experience, waking up to the sound of nature. The variety of walks provide breathtaking views and the night sky is expansive with stars, as far as the eyes can see.

Dean Fourie – 02.03.2022
One of the best places with such an amazing place to relax as well as the staff always being so accommodating

Erica Mukwevho – 02.03.2022
Unique stay

Cara Brits – 02.03.2022
Komopelli farm was one of the most serene, peaceful and cleanest places I have ever stayed

Aviwe Roro – 02.03.2022
I had a lovely stay at Kokopelli Farm

Storm Olivier – 02.03.2022
What a beautiful accommodation with the most lovely hosts!

Kelvin Matemba – 02.03.2022
Traveling its very important to everyone…..

Otto Langaas – 01.03.2022
What lovely and understated hosts

Ruth Botha – 01.03.2022
A beautiful environment.

Dean Fourie – 24.02.2022
One of the best places we have ever been and always peaceful and Alan is always so accommodating with anything you need and always clean.

Bryan Roestorf – 23.02.2022
A great place to relax and get away from it all.

Maria – 23.02.2022
An absolutely awesome venue. A must to visit.

Louis – 23.02.2022
Plaasverblyf op sy beste! Kan nie wag om terug te gaan nie. Beste gasheer ooit!

Jacques Wollersheim – 23.02.2022
Beautiful memories at Koppelli Farm,due to nature and very hospitallity of owner Allen

Razia Laher – 22.02.2022
Wonderful place to stay. Clean and modern. You can relax and exhale. You have come to the right place for fresh clean air. I will recommend it for sure. They will definitely see me again.

Sue Matthis – 22.02.2022
Such a very lovely getawsy

Antoinette McInnes – 22.02.2022
Incredible place

Justine Neke – 22.02.2022
Kokopelli really is a piece of heaven, nestled away in the magical Magaliesberg. We have now been there twice, and will be back! There is so much that provides food for the soul: a sense of space; a lovely reservoir for swimming while looking out onto the view below; beautiful forested areas; cliff walks and hiking paths that lead to fascinating stone circles (a stone age or early Tsonga settlement); the frogs singing in the evenings; the incredible starry nights. The cottages are wonderfully private and comfortable. I also have to mention the incredible staff – so patient, even when we visited the bunnies, chickens and goats a few times (too many) – at the insistence of my farm-crazy son. Thank you! Such a beautiful spot.

Modester – 22.02.2022
I loved staying at Kokopelli farm

Innocent Macdonald – 22.02.2022
I am lucky to work on such a beautiful farm

Wales Botha – 22.02.2022
I love Kokopelli Farm. Come visit!

Brenda Botha – 22.02.2022
Stunning venue

Geert Lampen – 22.02.2022
Beautiful setting and wonderful staff

Anda Sinclair – 22.02.2022
Lovely spot to enjoy nature, fully deserves this award

Kleu Anne – 22.02.2022
Stunning

Judith Matthis – 22.02.2022
We first visited the farm after a stressful lockdown period and it was just the natural break we needed. Charming accommodation and setting, with fantastic personal service. We have just booked our second visited. Only an hour and a half from Joburg, an easy weekend getaway

Alan – 22.02.2022
Kokopelli farm is wonderful. Myself and my family have stayed a few times and really is a gem only one and a half hours from Johannesburg. Lovely accommodation, well priced and lots to do. Cant way to get back.

Steven Kramer – 21.02.2022
Had a fantastic weekend hiking and relaxing at Kokopelli

Jonathan Diederiks – 21.02.2022
A true gem in the bush, amazing setting and accommodation is modern, neat and well maintained. Awesome birdlife and walking trails. Tranquility in spades and lovely hosts.

ELINA – 20.02.2022
This is a peaceful farm, great for a romantic getaway, somewhere you can go for an escape from the busy city life and reboot

Dorah Hlatshwayo – 20.02.2022
I vote for Kokopelli. Friendly and helpfull staff.

Lerene – 20.02.2022
Wonderful breakaway close to Jhb. Food for the soul.

Gitanjali Pather – 19.02.2022
Kokopelli is a wonderful retreat, well managed, equipped and so tranquil.

Carl van der Merwe – 19.02.2022
An amazingly unforgettable peaceful weekend away. Splendid cottages far removed from one another. Tranquil walks include bushveld and also a forest walk along a stream. A lekker farm dam/reservoir to go cool off after one or more hike. Enjoy beautiful cliffside views but also views of the valley and the magaliesburg mountains in the distance. The offgrid setting is just what you need to give your head and soul rest from the city. Once you’ve been you’ll be back again and again.

Murray Louw – 19.02.2022
Loved staying at Kokopeli!!

Susan – 19.02.2022
Glorious!! ❤️

Margie Jarvis – 19.02.2022
A wonder-ful soul sanctuary!

Tania Van Zyl – 19.02.2022
The Kokopelli farm is the best!

Antony Mintram – 19.02.2022
We had a fantastic time at kokopelli, we were looking for a back to basics type of magalies getaway and we came across this gem. It was so well kept, very clean, has a very well stocked kitchen, great views, the staff are fantastic, walks in the wilderness are spectacular. We would really recommend visiting them for a great weekend getaway.

Shannon Davidson – 19.02.2022
Wonderful place to stay and so scenic. I absolutely loved staying here.

Ferdi Louw – 19.02.2022
Most beautiful place.

Dax – 19.02.2022
A phenomenal place… Really love it out there… what an escape

Marelize Labuschagne – 19.02.2022
What a privilege to stay here. A place where one can rewind and come close to nature in all its richness and glory!

Christine Louw – 19.02.2022
Love this place! Beautiful peaceful and a place to relax and rest!

Neville Cross – 19.02.2022
Great place to re-connect with nature and family.

Cornelius Erasmus – 19.02.2022
Beautiful nature area – perfect for a weekend getaway from the city!

Lianie – 19.02.2022
Perfect!

Michelle McClunan – 19.02.2022
A restorative peaceful gem, away from the madding crowd.

Edwin Cross – 19.02.2022
Perfect location and best host

Adrian Fouche – 19.02.2022
A beautiful soul sanctuary in nature….perfect space to relax and unwind from the mundane chaos that surrounds us.

Jakes Jacobsz – 19.02.2022
Awesome atmosphere, safe, private, clearly marked hiking trails, extremely friendly staff

John Homewood – 19.02.2022
Best!

Merlene Hsnsen – 19.02.2022
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL spot

John Cross – 19.02.2022
Stunning venue for ant city dweller for a get away from the concrete jungle to the natural beauty of creation.

Rita Nel – 19.02.2022
Happy to vote !

Keelan Cross – 19.02.2022
Stunning place! Gorgeous valley views and walks in the mountains. For those nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to break away from the bustling city life.

Cecile Louw – 18.02.2022
Incredible views, nature, accommodation and hosts! Best getaway to refresh

Darryl de Villiers – 18.02.2022
Amazing place with all the biomes you can imagine. 7 different climes in one hike. From the hike to the Circles on top of the mountain (arid & hot) to the source of the Klein Kloof (moist and home to many indigenous mushrooms) there is much to be experienced here.

Yolande Jansen – 18.02.2022
Kokopelli was the perfect break-away away from the city and technology. It was special to experience the farm which is nestled perfectly in the bush with hiking trails which help you to find your soul in nature. I can highly recommend! Elsabé and Allan was splendid in welcoming me to the farm and ensuring I arrive safe! Thank you team Kokopelli for a wonderful stay!

Elsabe van der Merwe – 18.02.2022
Our favourite getaway spot from Jhb’s crazy rat race, hidden away in nature. Wide open skies to enjoy, millions of stars, surrounded by bush, you’re entertained with bird and frog choruses like we hadn’t heard in years, and the most beautiful butterflies and wildflowers on hikes. My absolute favourite part is the small piece of indigenous forest and fresh stream, but the incredible views from the ridge are a close second.

Albertus Louw – 17.02.2022
An absolute gem tucked away in a breathtaking corner of an area that is of incredible historical and biodiversity value for the whole planet.

Allan Cross – 17.02.2022
The best venue in the Magaliesburg area.

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