EXPERIENCES
If you have indulged in enough #slowliving, we have a few unique activities to keep you busy, in the most laid back sense of the word...
PICNICS
Spend some quality time with a loved one with our brand-new 'South African' themed picnic experience. Enjoy a scenic setup and a delicious selection of traditional treats - everything you need for the perfect outing.
The picnic includes:
A scenic setup, still waters, iced teas, savoury delights like venison pâté, bobotie éclairs, roosterkoek and biltong, plus sweet treats including koeksisters and more.
Cost: R650 per couple
Please email info@therosendal.co.za to book.
THE HOT TUB
Our retreat is home to a communal wood-fired hot tub, which has been ideally situated with the best view in the whole of Rosendal. Heating up time for the hot-tub is approximately 3 hours, and time slots may be allocated over busy weekends.
As wood is a valuable commodity in our area, we kindly ask you to respect its use. To help us manage this resource effectively, there is a cost of R200 per session for the Hot Tub. Scheduling your session in advance is important to ensure availability and to allow us to prepare everything for your comfort. Time slots are available after 2pm unless special arrangements are made.
HOLKRANS SUNSET EXPERIENCE
Holkrans is a stunning viewpoint located on a farm, about 20 minutes from Rosendal.
It's the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset after a day of exploration. The site is accessible via
a short but technical 500-meter hike. The experience is available as a guided tour only.
Transport to the farm can be provided as a 4x4 is necessary.
Cost: R400 per person
HIKING
THE SCHüRWEKOP HIKE -
Located practically in the backyard of The Rosendal Country Retreat. Please enquire with our staff for directions to avoid cutting across neighbouring farms.
MOSAMANE HIKING TRAIL -
HORSERIDING
Moolmanshoek is a historic farm located 15km from Rosendal.
It operates as a rural resort, equestrian center and game farm.
The equestrian centre provides horseback riding and trail rides to visitors.
Booking is essential.
Contact: +27 51 933 2220 or
Email: info@moolmanshoek.co.za
BIKING
There are many mountain bike routes in the area, some easy, some strenuous.
You are welcome to venture out on your own or join the club.
The Rosendal Cycle Club is an amateur cycle club that welcomes all skill and fitness levels. The routes cover regional and farm roads and range between 20-70km.
Contact Debbie: 083 294 5260 for more details.
THE ROSENDAL TENNIS CLUB
Entrance can be arranged by contacting Peter: 082 828 461
or join the club on Saturdays from 2pm.
Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times.
New balls are also available on Saturdays.
Raquets are available free of charge.
Once-off fees: Adults: R50, Under 16’s: R30, Family Price: R350
(Your first tennis day is free).
For more information contact: Wessel 082 850 3426 or Peter on 082 818 2461.
Raquets and balls are also available at The Rosendal Country Retreat.
AROUND TOWN
Rosendal is a small self-contained village with limited resources. There are three small shops that cater to basic needs - including a bakery and a bottle store.
There is no ATM in town, so Senekal or Ficksburg would be the last point for cash withdrawals. Please note that petrol and diesel are not available on Sundays.
In case of emergency, the closest chemist or doctor is 40km away, in either Senekal or Ficksburg.
Restaurants
There are no restaurants open on Monday - Tuesday evenings.
THE SERVICE STATION WINE BAR
Housed in a restored former petrol station, this wine bar serves slow food made from local ingredients, complemented by an extensive selection of South African wines and artisanal spirits. It's also available as an events venue.
Hours
Friday: 14h00 – 21h00
Saturday: 12h00 – 21h00
Sunday: 12h00 – 18h00
393 Van Der Merwe St, Rosendal
Contact: 082 493 7711 / 072 824 9151
YOLLA'S PUB & RESTAURANT
A cozy bar and restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music performances. Enjoy drinks, pizzas, and meals in the heart of the town. Pizza nights are on Friday and Saturday.
Live sport events screened. Pizza night is on Friday and Saturday nights – a wonderful social evening where all the locals get together for a drink and a pizza.
Hours
Wednesday to Friday: 10h00 – 20h00 Saturday: 08h00 – 20h00 Sunday: 08h00 – 12h00 (Breakfast menu only) Monday & Tuesday: closed
Opening hours may extend past 20:00 when busy; otherwise, the kitchen closes at 20:00.
Corner Hertzog & Van der Merwe Streets, Rosendal
Contact: Yolanda 082 660 5443
HANDELHUIS & RESTAURANT
The Rosendal Handelshuis is a place where a variety of delightful treasures await. Visit this quirky store for your gifts, coffee needs and the answers to all your questions about the town! The venue also serves as a weekend eatery.
Hours
Saturday: 09h00-15h00
Sunday: 09h00-13h00
Monday-Friday: closed
Corner Hertzog and Church Streets, Rosendal
Contact: 064 813 4933 info@rosendalhandelshuis.co.za
KASI PIZZA
Award-winning chef Makatleho Maseko is a child of Rosendal, and has worked at a number of local restaurants. She, together with her husband Maseko, is now the proud owner of the Kasi range, which includes pizza, traditional and fast food
House no. 124, Mautse
Orders: 079 411 7009 or 079 227 7453 (Take-away • By order only • Deliveries)
SONNEBLOMHOEKIE
Pre-order the take-away meal of the day from Sonneblomhoekie. Cooked meals to be ordered before 10h00, but take-aways, such as toasted sandwiches and chips, can be ordered at any time. Friday is vetkoek day!
Hours
Summer Monday – Friday: 07h00 – 15h00 Winter Monday – Friday: 08h00 – 15h00 Saturday & Sunday: closed
38 Neethling Street, Corner Church Street, Rosendal
Orders: 083 296 0121 (Take-away • By order only)
POTLUCK PIES
Delicious freshly baked pies, other prepared meals and snacks, made to order.
Pies are just the beginning of our culinary journey; we offer a delectable array of prepared meals, all made to order to satisfy every craving. From savoury quiches to delicious desserts, our changing menu boasts a variety that caters to every palate.
Orders: 082 416 6453 (Take-away • By order only)
Activities
ARK CONTEMPORARY
Established in 2021 ark. contemporary showcases the collective endeavours of a group of accomplished Rosendal-based artists. Hailing from diverse artistic backgrounds, these individuals converge at ark. contemporary to foster collaboration and showcase their unique visual perspectives. The gallery provides a dedicated exhibition space separate from their personal studios, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with their work and immerse themselves in creative expression.
Gallery hours:
Thursday 10 – 4
Friday 10 – 5
Saturday 9 – 5
Sunday 9 – 2
Monday by appointment only
342 Kriek Street (Corner van der Merwe Street) Rosendal
Heather Grundy, Gallery Manager
079 587 6282
THE FREESTATE
DESIGN COMPANY
The Free State Design Co. creates beautiful hand-crafted furniture and objects based on simple comfortable designs. Our gift shop, in Rosendal's Service Station Wine Bar, also sells a full range of local crafts, branded items and homeware ceramics.
Hours
Opening Hours:
Friday to Sunday 12h00-18h00
Or by appointment
393 Van der Merwe Street, Rosendal
Contact: 082 493 7711 / 072 8249151
KABOEDEL
Kaboedel Craft is the studio shop of multi-media artist Zaria de Villliers Martens and her husband glass artist Dewald Martens. From amazing handmade glasswork to hand painted merino wool yarn, you will find something super special and handmade here. If you are lucky, your visit may lead to a tour of the mosaic house and studios of the couple.
Hours
Monday-Saturday: 09h00-16h00
Sunday: 09h00-14h00
190 Botha Street, Rosendal
Contact: 083 725 2080
Groceries
IRMA'S BOTTLESTORE AND BAKERY
Old world supermarket, with bakery and bottle store. If they do not have it in store, they will try to source it for you.
Hours
Monday-Friday: 07h30-17h00
Saturday: 07h30-13h00
Sunday: 07h30-11h00
Bottlestore only: 10h00-11h00
511/8 General Fick Street, Rosendal
Contact: 076 588 3170
MONATE CASH STORE (SPAZA SHOP)
Spaza shop with all the basics and a few surprises – from fresh fruit to electronics.
Hours
Monday-Sunday: 07h00-17h30
511/5 General Fick Street, Rosendal
Contact: 071 957 5861
Other
OVK FUEL
OVK is an Agricultural company offering hardware supplies and fuel. Both petrol and diesel pumps are available.
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08h00-17h00
Saturday: 08h00-12h00
General Fick Street, Rosendal
Contact: 058 211 0740
