Winkwater

Frequently asked

Things people want to know.

Can't find your answer? Send us a note.

What is Winkwater?

A family retreat and small private nature reserve about 28 km east of eNtokozweni (Machadodorp), Mpumalanga. The whole property is booked by one party at a time — two houses joined by a shared lapa, plus an outside room, on a game-fenced reserve with a dam and a waterfall.

Who is it for?

Larger family groups, multi-family weekends, work retreats, and milestone get-togethers. Sleeps up to 18, and the rate covers the whole property. It's not a luxury lodge — it's a private retreat. Bring sturdy shoes and a sense of humour.

Is there cell signal and Wi-Fi?

Patchy at best. There is a small signal pocket near the houses for emergencies. Treat it as a digital detox — most guests are grateful by day two.

What about power and water?

Power is grid-connected, with occasional outages typical of rural South Africa. Water comes from the waterfall on the property — mountain fountain water, mostly drinkable. Hot water is electric, so it relies on the grid too. We'll show you everything on arrival.

What should I bring?

Firewood (we don't supply it), groceries (the nearest shop is about 45 minutes away), towels (linen and blankets are included but the towel supply is limited), torches, swimming costumes, warm layers for evenings, and insect repellent.

Can I fish?

Yes — the dam is stocked with rainbow trout. Catch-and-release is complimentary; if you keep your catch, it's charged at R250 per kilogram.

Are children welcome?

Very welcome. It's a wonderful place for kids — but there are dams, perimeter game fences, and free-roaming wildlife on the property. Children are the responsibility of their parents at all times. Children of 10 and over are counted as adults for pricing.

Can I bring my dog?

No — pets are not allowed. The property is game-fenced and home to free-roaming wildlife, including buffalo. A pet violation carries a R2,000 cleaning charge.

Is there a minimum stay?

Yes — two nights minimum. Long weekends must be booked for the full long-weekend period.

How does pricing work?

R3,300 per night covers the entire Winkwater property for up to eight adults. Above that, R275 per extra adult per night (children of 10+ count as adults). The whole property sleeps up to 18.

How do I pay?

Once your enquiry is confirmed, we send banking details for an EFT deposit (50% to secure the booking, balance on arrival). We don't take card payments online.

How do I find Winkwater?

GPS: 25°40'52.27″S 30°31'25.04″E. The last 3 km is dirt road — manageable in a sedan in dry weather, easier in a higher vehicle when wet. Detailed directions go out with your booking confirmation.

House rules

A handful of asks. Mostly common sense.

These are non-negotiable — they keep the farm safe for everyone, including the wildlife, the next guests, and you.

1
Respect the reserve.
Winkwater is a small private nature reserve. Stick to marked tracks and don't disturb the wildlife.
2
Keep all access gates closed.
The property is game-fenced. Open gates mean animals on the road — please close every gate behind you, every time, even if you're popping out for ten minutes.
3
No firearms.
Firearms of any kind are not permitted on the property. There is no hunting at Winkwater.
4
No pets.
The property is game-fenced and home to wildlife. Bringing a pet incurs a R2,000 cleaning fee and you may be asked to leave.
5
No smoking indoors.
Smoke outside, away from thatch and dry grass. Smoking inside any house carries a R1,000 cleaning charge.
6
Fire safety.
Fires only in designated braais and fire pits. Never leave a fire unattended. In dry season we may declare a no-fire day — please respect it.
7
Bring your own firewood.
We don't sell or supply wood. Buy a bag or two on the way in.
8
Children are the responsibility of their parents.
Dams, fences, fire pits, farm equipment — please supervise children at all times.
9
Water and power are precious.
Mountain water from the waterfall, grid power that has its moments. Use lights and water mindfully — turn things off when you leave the room.
10
Leave no trace.
Take your rubbish out with you, or sort it into the bins provided. Recycling matters here.
11
Quiet from 10pm.
Sound carries on the farm. After 10pm please keep music and voices low so wildlife and neighbours can sleep.
12
Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00.
Earlier or later by arrangement. We need the four hours between check-out and check-in to clean and reset the houses — please respect the times.
13
Damage and breakages.
Accidents happen — let us know. Wilful damage and missing items will be charged to the booking contact.

The indemnity form

Each adult guest signs their own indemnity before arrival. For minors, a parent or legal guardian signs on their behalf. All forms must reach reservations@winkwater.co.za before the stay begins. We send a link with your booking confirmation; you can also sign now.

Sign indemnity

Everything you'll wish you'd asked, before you ask it.

Things people want to know.

What is Winkwater?

Who is it for?

Is there cell signal and Wi-Fi?

What about power and water?

What should I bring?

Can I fish?

Are children welcome?

Can I bring my dog?

Is there a minimum stay?

How does pricing work?

How do I pay?

How do I find Winkwater?

A handful of asks. Mostly common sense.

Respect the reserve.

Keep all access gates closed.

No firearms.

No pets.

No smoking indoors.

Fire safety.

Bring your own firewood.

Children are the responsibility of their parents.

Water and power are precious.

Leave no trace.

Quiet from 10pm.

Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00.

Damage and breakages.

The indemnity form

A short list. We can't help with the things that aren't on it.