What you can expect are hosts who think globally about sustainability. What you can experience is what they do locally.
The present owners of Ratelgat is the Griekwa Ratelgat Development Trust. Their aim is to have Ratelgat as a sacred place for their own festivals and traditional events and also to let the visitor experience the culture of the Griekwa – the first people in this area - by means of sharing in the stories, traditional dances and songs against the background of the unique natural heritage of the Knersvlakte.
Ratelgat is a 9000 ha farm on the Knersvlakte, home to various indigenous succulent plants in real semi desert, remote , blue sky country. Apart from the entrance buildings at the gate next to the N7, three other places of Griekwa culture exist.
Where the wind mill is, is the place where the paramount chief spent some months. Cement constructed chalets for self catering guests have been built and are fully equipped. Two 2 bedroom units and four 4 bed units are available. Solar hot water system, same toilets as at matjieshuis kraal, gas stove and fridge and solar power for lighting.
Same attractions and traditional entertainment at matjieshuise will also be available to guests accommodated in the chalets, including the Griekwa monument and graves of the fore fathers, and Matjieshuiskraal where 28 matjies houses, twin bedded units, were erected according to the old tradition. Senior members of the Griekwa people acted as mentors while young volunteers learned the trade of building these structures. They are all furnished in simple, traditional style.
Bigger matjies houses serve as communal bathrooms with gas heated hot water and dry, odourless, natural fermentation toilet units. Food is prepared in the lapa - kitchen where breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared on open fire and served by local hosts. A hiking trail starts at the Matjieshuis kraal where endemic succulents can be seen along with San rock art. There is also a small, natural theatre for cultural events and a recreational area around the swimming pool.
Stay in Van Zijl’s Guest houses. Hendrik went to Nieuwoudtville to be close to the plants he love. He bought and start restoring old stone houses and revitalised the industry to the extent that artisans can again live from their local stone cutting masonry work. Explore the deepest natural harbour in the world and the sea food from the nutrition rich cold Benguella current. Learn about the struggle for sustainable harvesting from these waters from ship building and community involved people like Diane and Robert Schaafsma. West Coast flowers viewed on land and a colourful view from the sea.
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