Welcome

In die Hoëveld, waar dit oop is
En die hemel wyd daarbo
Waar kuddes waaigras huppel oor die veld
Waar 'n mens nog vry kan asemhaal
En aan 'n God kan glo..."
                                 Toon van den Heever

Waaigras

Waaigras Conference Centre and Cottage in Hills and Dales, north-west of Johannesburg, overlooks the rolling grasslands of the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy straddles the Jukskei, Crocodile and Hennops Rivers south of the Schurveberg range. About 30 kms from northern Johannesburg and Pretoria, the conference room is ideally located. This is a place for connecting with yourself, space, the veld and silence - not recommended if you crave entertainment and activity! A good place for "chilling out".

 

facilities

Rambling walks or hikes (up to nine kilometres) can be taken through the Bankenveld grasslands and the views stretching in every direction are a balm to the soul. During the day the korhaan's raspy call echoes over the veld and in the evenings the night birds, frogs and jackals take over. The cloudscapes are beautiful and the sunsets are breathtaking. A bird list is available – 300+ bird species have been spotted in the Conservancy.

Waaigras is within reach of the Sterkfontein Caves (the Cradle of Mankind World Heritage Site), game reserves, art and craft galleries, and other attractions.

The conference room is spacious and can accommodate 30 people in cinema style seating. The room faces the west to take full advantage of sunset views. On request for workshops: flipchart and pens (R50).


The cottage has six beds in all, with an option of king-size beds or singles. It has one en-suite bedroom plus a two-bedroom family unit, also en-suite. The two units are separated by a sitting-cum-dining room and kitchen. Waaigras is never let to separate groups at the same time - your privacy is respected. (There are extra beds in the main house for workshops and retreats.)

The sitting-cum-dining room leads onto two shady patios. Braai equipment is available. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering. Tea, coffee, salt and sugar are provided. Fresh herbs can be picked in the gardens. There is extra freezer space if needed. Dishcloths, detergent, gloves and potholders are there for your use.

Bed linen, towels and soap are supplied. For your individual comfort you have a menu of pillows and blankets to choose from: feather, hollow fibre or Saratoga (buckwheat) pillows; summer or winter duvets, mohair, medium or summer weight blankets. Free extras: tissues, hand cream, bath foam, shampoo. Also: nail brushes, make-up mirror, full-length mirrors and hotwater bottles for chilly winter nights. (Or cuddle up in a mohair blanket.)

The cottage is equipped with ceiling fans, heaters and mosquito repellers and radio alarm clocks. Computer services are available as well as e-mail. Cleaning services are arranged according to your needs. Additional help and laundry services will be charged separately.

For those who prefer to snuggle in bed with a good book, we have hundreds to choose from. And gardeners are welcome to take slips, seed and cuttings or just wander through the Wild Garden. There is no TV (voted out by guests!).

Note : There are no shops in the vicinity, so bring all you need. If you forget something crucial, we'll help you out.

Languages : English, Afrikaans and very basic German.

Pets: By special arrangement only. We have some nice ones that can be adopted temporarily.

Children: Most welcome if they like the outdoors and the veld and can find their own entertainment in nature. A cot is available on request.

Smoking: Visitors are requested not to smoke in the cottage or the conference room.

Hours: The Conference day is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you require the facility for extended hours, please let us know in advance.