This is an absolutely absurdly good value for the right type of traveler. If you come here, you will be staying in a. fabulously appointed cottage that is really a full house with garden at the farthest edge of Suurbraak Village. It has a brand new full kitchen, comfortable living room-dining room on the open plan, with a wood stove right in the center of the space. It is situated on the edge of a field with a steep wooded hill rising behind the garden. I came to South Africa to watch birds and chose this property because it was only a twenty minute drive or so to the famous Grootvaderbosch Forest, but I saw many of the special birds I had come to see right in the garden. Just after I arrived, when the sun had gone down, Fiery Necked Nightjar started singing mere feet from the house. Based on the other accommodations I have seen in the Western Cape I would expect this property to rent for at least five times what I paid (a mere $17 a night). There is only one reason I can think of why it is made available as such a good value--there is no question that it is a bit of a rugged ride to get here. The house is accessed from Suurbraak Village via a low concrete causeway bridge, followed by a few hundred meters of quite bumpy and potholed farm road. (You don't need a four wheel drive to reach the house by any stretch, but you need to be careful and take your time for the last bit--the slight difficulty of access is precisely why you find you are in a pristine natural setting once you arrive!). Peter, the host, with whom I had only excellent communications via Whatsapp, had warned me that very occasionally (I think he said 'about once a year') there can be so much rain that the causeway bridge over the stream becomes impassable. This was not a problem during my stay, but I can imagine that this chance, however slight, impacts his thinking on pricing. (I have a lot more positive things to say, but I seem to have exhausted the words allowed!)

Stayed in August 2025

Has a video security system of 4 cameras around the house and they all work during the day. However at night when you really need it only one works. I have to say that if I did not have the dog with me I am not sure if I could have slept peacefully but I also must note that almost 60% of the persons living on that street/road/lane are single persons with dogs

As a solo traveller with a dog the location and house were amazing. The living area encompasses the kitchen and lounge and has a glass wall including glass doors that can be opened completely allowing you to flow from inside to outside. No one can see in as the glass side looks onto a small hill that the house is located at the bottom of. My absolute favourite was that there were 3 places to make fire and the fireplace heated up the entire kitchen and lounge due to its location in the middle of the area. Wood is cheap and plentiful @ R25 a bag and you can make a fire all day if you want to... so I truly had a magnificent experience.. The many different walks you could take. The silence. the natural beauty of the place. the cottage was well stocked and very well thought out meeting 98% of what I thought I needed when away. I will definitely be back maybe even later in the year

Stayed in August 2025

The water. Maybe at least have a 5 litre water for guests.

The location and the coziness.

Stayed in June 2025

It’s a little cold in winter as it doesn’t get much sunshine.

There is a massive kitchen and fireplace inside and a lovely bbq/fire place outside. Loved how cosy it was.

Stayed in June 2025

We had a lovely stay at this rental! It’s amazing value for money—clean, cozy, and perfect for a cute weekend getaway. The fireplace and braai were such a treat during a chilly/raining winter weekend. Highly recommended for a relaxing escape!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing! It really is a joy to stay there.

Beautiful cottage on the outskirts of Suurbraak. I would highly recommend this accommodation for a party of 4. Peaceful surroundings. Beautiful garden. The owner was very attentive to our needs. Well equipped. The fireplace was a joy.

Stayed in May 2025

There was nothing that I didn't like.

This was absolutely the best place I have stayed at using Booking.com. The property itself is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. Having a hiking trail literally just out the front door was so amazing. The property is enclosed, so it is really pet friendly, and I will definitely be bringing my fur babies with me next time. I love that it was a private check-in and check out. The local goats, horses, and cows came right up to the property gates, which just added to the magic of this little gem. Thank you, Peter and Bibi, for sharing this little piece of heaven. It is true to it's name, and was an absolute JOY to vacation at.

Stayed in April 2025

A very pleasant stay - we even took a walk up a mountain path

Stayed in April 2025

Road to the place did not enjoy that.

Liked everything about the place.

Stayed in November 2024

There is absolutely nothing to complain about

It was the most amazing place I have been, the freshness, tranquility, close to nature, heaven on earth, I cannot describe it in words. We had a wonderful stay and can hardly wait to return.

Stayed in October 2024

The running water is from a river nearby so it is yellow, but there is a filtered water faucet so make sure you only drink and cook from the filtered faucet. We didn't know at first. Also maybe the check in information can be delivered one day before, as not everyone has WIFI or cell phone to check messages, in order to get into the house, you must receive the message. There is no one there ti check you in. We phoned Peter through a neighbour phone to know what to do.

It is a house situated in the remote village. It is big and clean, with everything you need for a comfortable rest. But if you are not used to rural living like camping, this may not be suitable for you. If you're up for some exciting survival skills, like lighting a camp fire oven, driving through some tough road, this can be a new experience. We bad a wonderful time.

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing

Nice and quiet as you are one of the last properties in the town Pet friendly Nice walking/hiking trails at your doorstep Great fireplace Roads are fine for any car

Stayed in May 2024

Our second visit, and was as good as the first. Quiet spot at end of the road, plantation at the back of the garden with many walks straight from the house up the mountain. Perfect for our active dogs, they loved it. Had everything we needed, Peter also very helpful with our queries.

Stayed in April 2024

bedding was comfortable, but basic

integration into the landscape, beautiful scenery, birds. children loved interacting with various farm animals around the property

Stayed in March 2024

I liked everything about this place! There could be better lighting in the room.

Everything!!! Not a single fault! Location is isolated and stunning natural surrounds with loads of trees and birds. The place is vibrant in energy and yet very tranquil. This place is very clean and comfortable, kitchen is functional and bathrooms intimate!

Stayed in March 2024

This was our second visit to Bibi's Joy and we were not disappointed. It is comfortable, spacious and off the grid - no worries about loadshedding. Peter, as always, is a great communicator and will respond within minutes to any questions one might have. This year he added two rechargable fans for the bedrooms - this was great as our weather was a bit on the warm side. Bibi's Joy is very quiet, private and in a very natural environments. Great place to relax and unwind and yet be relatively close to Swellendam.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

Everything about the house and its location is perfect. I loved it and I am visiting again, next time with my family.

Stayed in December 2023

Everything was good .. should maybe get a fan for summer 🙈

Serenity.. cosy.. clean!

Stayed in November 2023

The house was just like the pictures show, Perfect..🤩🤩

Stayed in November 2023

Water was cold and was struggling with the stove

Everything was so nice and cosy we had such a blessed time. Communication was tops

Stayed in September 2023

Just take your own drinking water as the tap water is brown- but didnt bother us. No Tv, if that is something you need.

Nice little hidden gem. Spacious and private (if you are not sharing with other guests) It was equipped with everything we needed. Big living area and kitchen. Solar and wifi. We had a great stay.

Stayed in September 2023

There could be more lighting in the kitchen area especially around the sink but otherwise nothing to dislike

The beds were so deliciously comfortable, we were sad we were only there for 1 night. The cottage is cold (well it was winter) but the fireplace heats everything up quickly. Very clean but a bit dark. Lovely garden. All solar or gas, so no load shedding issues

Stayed in July 2023

Hidden in nature, secluded

Stayed in April 2023

Nothing

Enjoy the quiteness and close to nature. Everythjng was perfect

Stayed in March 2023