Franshoek Farm and Polo School

There are 6 dams on Franshoek Farm, great for bird viewing and fishing. The dams have a large number of bass, which are great for the braai. Try your luck with one of our rods and bring home the freshest dinner imaginable.

Five zebra have recently been added to the fold of farm animals on Franshoek. Other game that may be seen whilst out walking are Grey Rhebok, Mountain Reedbuck, Fallow deer, Steenbuck, Duiker, Warthogs, Black-backed Jackals and an array of small mammals.

Both Thaba Thabo Nature Reserve (neighboring farm) and Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve offer game drives to view the larger buck species. Many guests take the opportunity to feed the White Rhinos on the farm next door and get a good look up close and personal. Two farms in the area raise lions, cheetah and other cats. Occasionally there is the chance to bottle feed the baby lions or walk with the juveniles.

You can practice your tee shot from the “19th hole” a.k.a. the polo pro’s cottage. There is often a sunset challenge to see who can drive the furthest onto the polo field.

If you are keen to play a round, the Ficksburg Golf Club is closest, with it’s 18 holes just on the border of Lesotho. It boasts beautiful views of the Maluti Mountains.

Clocolan also has a picturesque course with Springbok, Blesbuck, Impala and Ostriches walking the course.

Franshoek Mountain Lodge has a steam hut next to its saltwater swimming pool, which can be rented out for evening steams. This is a good way to relax the sore and tired muscles after polo.

There are several great places on Franshoek to cool off for the afternoon. The WetLove Natural Swimming Pool and Garden is located very near The Stables on the sandstone ridge just above the polo field. This delightful pool was created by damming up a natural fountain on the rock ledge. A series of pools spill into one another until they reach the main swimming area. Plants in the pools naturally filter the spring water. The shady lawn underneath the Zen Willow tree is the perfect place for an afternoon nap.

Franshoek Mountain Lodge has a saltwater swimming pool and steam hut available for use by guests on the farm. The inlet of the cave dam is great for an icy plunge or for those with young children, try the sandstone water slide at the back of the farm. This pool is ideal for young children as it is very shallow with a sand floor.

In Clarens, adventure seekers can sign on for a 2-hour white water rafting trip with grade 3 and 4 rapids. End the outing by visiting the art galleries and curio shops of Clarens and finding a meal at one of the many restaurants.