A magnificent combination of the rough stuff, quaintly arty and romantic!! Was surprised twice on my walk by a scampering hare; and a squirrel peered curiously during my outdoor shower. Breakfast revealed an interesting stand-off between the monkeys and resident PROs Muesli & Lulu (dogs) while Mr Otter poked his head out of the river to see what the fuss was about! During dinner, a strange elongated, ring-tailed animal darted by too quickly (if anyone knows the identity, please enlighten us). Rocks in the bedroom and interesting artwork all around made it a fantastical experience.

Owner response : (2024-11-11)
Hi Evelyn Thank you for sharing your visit in such detail. Look forward to your return. Many thanks.

This have been only one of many visits to Ziggy’s River Cottage. We love it there. It is home away from home.

Owner response : (2024-09-04)
Thank you kindly for your review. We love guest that enjoy what we have created. Come again soonest.

A beautiful cottage, well equiped, with everything you'll need. Even plasters and toothpaste! Sit on the stoep and enjoy the birdlife along the riverbank. See the monkeys pass by. The perfect getaway for two people!

Owner response : (2023-12-11)
Thank you Alewyn for taking the time to review us. Glad you enjoyed what we got to offer. Come again.

We had a wonderful weekend at the River Cottage. Everything we could possibly need was provided, the cottage was clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated. The beautiful view overlooking the river is an excellent spot for birdwatching and we were extremely fortunate to spot an African Finfoot swimming upstream whilst watching a pair of Brown Hooded Kingfishers feeling their chicks. It's a long way from home but I do hope we get the opportunity to come here again.

Owner response : (2023-12-04)
Hi Denise & Mark Thank you for your short visit from afar. You were extremely lucky to see the Finfoot and since then I spotted a pair myself as I kept an eye on the River. Glad you enjoyed the facilities and surroundings. Till next time and hopefully for a longer stay.

Weekend away - hot weather, but the flat was nice and cool. Everything needed, nice, clean and private.

Owner response : (2023-11-13)
Hello Happy to hear that you had a relaxing break. Vielen Dank

Just returned from the most amazing weekend spent at Ziggy's River Cottage. Being in the hospitality industry myself this place did not disappoint. If you are looking for peace and tranquility this is it! I fell in love with the view and the splash pool was heaven sent. I will definitely be back!

Owner response : (2023-10-11)
Thank you for the kind review.see you soon

What a magical place, far from the mading crowd and hussle of the city.
Quiet, peaceful and comfortable.
Everything one may need beside clothes and food, the cottage does not disappoint.
Will defiinstely recommenf and will be back for sure
Ziggy is a fantastic host, there when needex and nowhere to be found the rest of the time.

Owner response : (2023-10-11)
Thank you Johan. Glad you had a restfully time. Welcome back anytime when dates are available.

We loved Den’s View for its generous stoep, a brazier in which to make a warming fire, the birds playing in the reeds right across from the stoep, and the quiet which allowed us to rest and recharge. We appreciated the well equipped kitchenette, making lovely relaxing meals and enjoying them outside. The bed was supremely comfortable, the pillows just right, and the winter sheets just what we needed for the colder nights. The outside shower, although used only once because of the cold snap, is another good thing to have. We enjoyed our stay so much we booked an extra day.

Owner response : (2023-08-30)
Thank you AB for such a detailed review and enjoying all our facilities. Just a bit of nature certainly revitalizes the spirit. We look forward to your return.

We had a fabulous relaxing time on the patio at the cottage . Hearing the sound of the River and watching the monkeys in the reeds. Very comfortable, fitted with winter sheets, electric blanket & hot water bottles.
Explored the beautiful property along the river. Thank you.

Owner response : (2023-08-16)
Thank you so much for staying with us and enjoying the accommodation & property.

Very nice place to stay for a weekend brake away. Clean and very well equipped.

Will definitely visit again.

Owner response : (2023-05-16)
Thank you for reviewing us and looking forward to your next visit.

It was very relaxing. Everything we needed was there. Nice and quiet with the sound of the river and birds providing a wonderful peaceful atmosphere. Ziggy is a great host and was very accommodating to all our needs. The cottage was very clean, comfortable and cosy. We will definitely visit again.

Owner response : (2023-05-16)
Thank you for reviewing us and happy you had a relaxing stay with nature all around you.

The river cottage was an excellent place to relax and rejuvenate. It has everything you may need for a comfortable stay. We loved everything about it and will recommend this little piece of heaven to everyone that might possibly need accommodation in the Magaliesberg area. The fact that the cellphone signal is not great was an added bonus for us to disconnect and just enjoy the silence, fresh air and the subtle sounds of nature.

Owner response : (2023-03-13)
Thank you Hanna for taking the time to review us and enjoying nature. Looking forward to accommodatting your friends.

A lovely and tranquil place to stay, clean, fully equipped, lovely bed, nice views of the Magalies River, no interference from host Ziggy, she is very friendly and helpful. I did however think the indoor and outdoor showers were not great, lots of hot water but no pressure, maybe the shower heads are blocked or need to be replaced. I was a bit disappointed that the 12km walking and mountanbike trail was no longer, you can see it has not been maintained in a long time, however there are plenty of sand roads to cycle, would have been nice to do some walking. Overall a lovely weekend.

Owner response : (2023-03-13)
Hi Brett Thank you for your stay & the review. Will certainly look at the shower heads. Some of our walking & cycling path have been damaged by the resent floods and will be restored in winter.

Thanks again for the wonderful stay! It is truly a magical place situated in the heart of nature. We feel rested and rejuvenated!

Owner response : (2023-02-06)
Thank you Hulda for your repeated stay and reviewing us. Loved having you again.

A beautiful serene peaceful little cottage on the riverside. Beautiful catered for the self catering enthusiasts that wants that nature away from the cities. Enjoy the comforts of this special getaway for yourself or as a couple wanting to be in touch and intuned with each other. Loved every single day being there and enjoying nature at his utmost best. A great thanks to Ziggy and the personalized welcome by her and her staff. Hope to see u guys soon again in 2023

Owner response : (2022-12-30)
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. Oh what a great review. Dear Riyaaz I am very happy when my guests had a wonderful time. See you soon for your next break away from town.

Lovely peaceful cottage.
Perfect for some quality family time.
Very cozy and friendly staff. V
Thank you for your hospitality.
Hope to see you soon.

Owner response : (2022-12-20)
Thank you so much for reviewing us and having a good time. Loved having you.

What a lovely peaceful place , with mountains, river and bush.lovely cottage with everything needed for a comfy stay! Thank you to Ziggy for her friendly attention,will be back.

Owner response : (2022-10-31)
Thank you so much for your longer stay to explore our area. Muzlie misses your company. Be well.

Picture perfect view from the bed in the morning with that awesome mountain backdrop. The accommodation is a home away from home neat and tidy. Thank you Ziggy and Den for your hospitality.

Owner response : (2022-08-11)
Thank you Thomas for your visit. Till next time when you need a break again.

Wat n Wonderlike plek van Ontvlugting! Rustige natuur is presies wat ons nodig gehad het. Geriewe is baie netjies en goed ingerig. Alles wat nodig is is reeds daar. Baie beslis een van ons Gunsteling plekke. Baie dankie Ziggy!

Owner response : (2022-08-11)
Dankie Ilsé. Glad you had a good time.Special memories where created.

Nice and quiet with a peaceful atmosphere. The place was everything we needed to get away from the concrete jungle. Ziggy was a fantastic host and we would recommend the place to anyone looking to have a relaxed time away from the city.

Owner response : (2022-08-02)
Hi Mulalo we enjoyed having you and Ziyanda and your interaction. You are a great couple. Keep going.

Lovely accomodation. Beautiful view. Easy to follow directions to location. Room was very nicely set up on arrival. The walk is good fun.

Owner response : (2022-08-11)
Thank you Maddy. Glad you enjoyed the unit & walk on the property.

Ek het lank terug plek bespreek by Ziggys river cottage in Hartebeesfontein in Hekpoort. Ons wou nie gaan nie want ek is nou al 3 weke siek met long infeksie. Ons het Vrydag in 'n vreeslike reën soontoe gery. Die plek het ons asem weg geslaan. Die plek is so mooi. Ons het in die reën op 'n lang stoep gebraai en dit was so lekker.Maar soos gewoonlik het die paddas Lola tampteer. Daar was een met so bleek gesig wat die heeltyd haar agtervolg het. Die plek is rêrig 'n juweel en alles is so netjies en mooi en daar is nou wragtig voorsiening gemaak vir alles. Daar is pragtige skilderye, meeste deur die eienaar self geskilder. Daar is interresante boeke en bord speletjies. Ons het domino's gespeel en Lola kon nie eenkeer wen nie. Ek het sommer naak in die jacuzzi gesit met 'n drankie in my hand.Vroulief wou my nie "join" nie sy sê die water is te koud. Daarna het ek naak onder die buitestort gestort en die water was heerlik warm. Op 64 kan dit nie 'n goeie aanskouing wees nie want ons is mos nou net 'en', die mooi en jonk ontbreek. Saterdag het ons al teen die rivier afgestap en Lola ruk amper skielik my arm af want ek het amper op 'n massiewe lui slang getrap. Hy en ek het groot geskrik en hy is met 'n spoed die riete in. Sondag het ons weer gaan stap toe loop ek in 'n meneer van 'n likkewaan vas. Maar hy het rêrig groot geskrik en is sommer die rivier in. Daar was baie apies wat vir ons konsert gehou het, ook oulike eekhorinkies en 'n magdom voëls. Dit was so lekker om al die skoenlappers in die blomme te aanskou. Sondag het ons ons spreekwoordelike sjampanje ontbyt met oesters, mossels, olywe en kaas gehou so tussen die bome. So het nog 'n fantastiese naweek te vinnig tot 'n einde gekom.Ek dank my Engel vrou vir al die bystand deur die naweek. Dit is alles deur die Here se genade !!!

Owner response : (2022-08-02)
Hi Paul. What an exciting walk & stay. So special to see all that. We have lived here for 21 years and don’t see as much as you did in a weekend. Well done.

Ek het lank terug plek bespreek by Ziggys river cottage in Hartebeesfontein in Hekpoort. Ons wou nie gaan nie want ek is nou al 3 weke siek met long infeksie. Ons het Vrydag in 'n vreeslike reën soontoe gery. Die plek het ons asem weg geslaan. Die plek is so mooi. Ons het in die reën op 'n lang stoep gebraai en dit was so lekker.Maar soos gewoonlik het die paddas Lola tampteer. Daar was een met so bleek gesig wat die heeltyd haar agtervolg het. Die plek is rêrig 'n juweel en alles is so netjies en mooi en daar is nou wragtig voorsiening gemaak vir alles. Daar is pragtige skilderye, meeste deur die eienaar self geskilder. Daar is interresante boeke en bord speletjies. Ons het domino's gespeel en Lola kon nie eenkeer wen nie. Ek het sommer naak in die jacuzzi gesit met 'n drankie in my hand.Vroulief wou my nie "join" nie sy sê die water is te koud. Daarna het ek naak onder die buitestort gestort en die water was heerlik warm. Op 64 kan dit nie 'n goeie aanskouing wees nie want ons is mos nou net 'en', die mooi en jonk ontbreek. Saterdag het ons al teen die rivier afgestap en Lola ruk amper skielik my arm af want ek het amper op 'n massiewe lui slang getrap. Hy en ek het groot geskrik en hy is met 'n spoed die riete in. Sondag het ons weer gaan stap toe loop ek in 'n meneer van 'n likkewaan vas. Maar hy het rêrig groot geskrik en is sommer die rivier in. Daar was baie apies wat vir ons konsert gehou het, ook oulike eekhorinkies en 'n magdom voëls. Dit was so lekker om al die skoenlappers in die blomme te aanskou. Sondag het ons ons spreekwoordelike sjampanje ontbyt met oesters, mossels, olywe en kaas gehou so tussen die bome. So het nog 'n fantastiese naweek te vinnig tot 'n einde gekom.Ek dank my Engel vrou vir al die bystand deur die naweek. Dit is alles deur die Here se genade !!! ????

Owner response : (2022-03-29)
Hi Paul so sorry I never got to meet you but we communicate well via modern technology. Happy you had a good time and bonded with nature, especially your wife. Danke

Very relaxing, away from the crowds. Everything we needed was there. Nice and quiet, in the evenings the sound of the river and the birds at dusk makes for wonderful peaceful atmosphere. Very comfortable bed and sunchairs on stoep where you can just relax and view a multitude of birds coming to visit the river

Owner response : (2022-02-21)
Hi Hennie is was great to have you both. Happy nature & birding for the future.

To start of with ,Ziggy is a great host and was very accommodating to all of our needs
The river cottage was fully equipped with everything we needed and more which added a lovely personal touch
The cottage was very clean, comfortable and cosy and the place very peaceful and relaxing
Great price too
We enjoyed our stay
Thank you ????

Owner response : (2022-01-11)
I enjoyed meeting & chatting to you. Always good to relax & be ready for the Johannesburg rat race. See you on your next break. Thank you.

Was a wonderful weekend, relaxing and serene. Loved the walking trails and relaxing by the pool. The scenery from the bedroom was beautiful, everything lush and green. Perfect getaway. Will definitely be back

Owner response : (2021-11-09)
Thank you so much Louis. Look forward to your repeat visit.

It’s a wonderful weekend break for us. Enjoy the sun and fresh air, even saw the shooting star 3 times at the first night. Very relaxing under the starlight!

Half day trail is good experience, just following the river with nice bank view. And lots of birds arounds.

Owner is pretty nice, mini kitchen fully serviced. Thanks Ziggy gives the chance to share this wonderland.

Owner response : (2021-10-18)
Thank you Kevin & Helen for the appreciation of nature. Wonderful to hear you enjoyed it all.

Ziggy's River Cottage was breathtaking. Great service offered at the facilities at a reasonable price.
Waking up in the morning to the sounds of birds by the river was a stand out for me.

Truly enjoyed my stay.



Owner response : (2021-10-11)
Hi Pontsho thank you so much for your stay & enjoying the facilities.

Ziggys accommodation is worth all the stars you can wish. Fully kitted and more with excellent personal touch. A must stay.

Owner response : (2021-10-01)
Thank you Johan & Grieta for staying with us. Enjoyed our chat very much.

We had a tranquil and much needed weekend away in Ziggi's picturesque River Cottage. It was quiet, warm, inviting and well kitted out. We were able to braai, rest, read and walk to our hearts content. And able to do so just over an hour away from our Johannesburg home. Would recommend to anyone seeking a calming and inviting space to spend a weekend or longer.

Owner response : (2021-09-15)
Thank you so much Sam& Laura for your visit. Glad you got the well deserved rest & ready for town action again. Come again.

Lovely location and cottage. Ziggy is a great host. Thank you Ziggy. We look forward to coming back for another awesome weekend

Owner response : (2021-09-06)
Hi Sandi it was great having you. Look forward to your next visit.

Having stayed at Den's View before I made another booking for a relaxing get away. I was soo excited to visit my old friend the purple couch in the Den's View room! And I was not disappointed. Friendly hosts, beautifil view and peaceful atmosphere welcomed me back. If you need privacy and relaxation this is the place for you!!

Owner response : (2021-09-06)
Hi Annelie so happy you enjoyed the purple couch again. Your comment makes me smile. Love your repeated stays.

My boyfriend and I needed an escape from the busy city life as well as our work schedule. This was the perfect place. The network coverage was questionable and that’s exactly what we needed. The rooms were nice and spacious, the scenery was gorgeous. Even went out for a picnic and we loved it. The outside shower was amazing . Ziggy had all the utensils and more than What most places offer . I would recommend it for a romantic get away. I will deeply e back again. Thank you so much Ziggy

Owner response : (2021-05-17)
Hi Neo thank you so much. Glad you well rested and ready for town life again.Look forward to your next visit.

Had a wonderful quiet stay at Dens View garden unit. Enjoyed the bird life and surroundings.
The unit was well equipped with all the trimmings.

Owner response : (2021-04-06)
Thank you Loui for sharing some of your walk experience you had. Lucky to have seen the porcupine as he is very shy.

Thank you Ziggy for your warm welcome. River cottage is a clean and safe gem. The info booklet was our favourite feature along with the walking trail. The splash pool was a bonus. Definitely will be seeing you again.

This review was edited by WhereToStay.co.za staff.

Owner response : (2021-03-24)
Hi Yanda happy you enjoyed all the facilities we had to offer. Look forward to your next stay.

We had a very therapeutic stay at Ziggy’s river cottage. It’s very peaceful and we loved the sounds of the wildlife. The place is well equipped for self catering and complaint of the COVID 19 protocols.The booking process was very smooth, thanks to Ziggy.

Owner response : (2021-01-18)
Thank you Lumko for staying with us. ????????

River Cottage is a hidden jewel which is spotless and fully equipped with more than needed. The environment is Tranquil with beautiful gardens and surrounding trails.

Owner response : (2021-01-05)
Thank you Julie we enjoyed having you. See you soon.

We had a wonderful stay at Dens-view. The garden unit is full equipped & and the evening by the fire was just great. Explored the 12 mm cycling/walking trail.We be back.

Owner response : (2021-01-05)
So great you explored the big property. Thank you.

Comfortable accommodation, friendly owners, fireflies, kingfishers and rabbits - all came together for a wonderful, quiet mid week breakaway.

Owner response : (2021-01-05)
Thank you Marissa so glad you enjoyed your days at Den’sView.

Had such a relaxed weekend. Ziggy is a wonderful host and they made us feel welcome. Soul has been restored. Thank you for a peaceful weekend!

Owner response : (2020-11-09)
thank you so much for your stay. we loved having you. Ziggy & Team

Ziggy's riverside cottage was the perfect place for my husband and I to relax and recharge. The property is sooooo beautiful and tranquil with Nature all around. We loved spending time outdoors next to the river, walking, bird watching and at night listening to the frogs sing. This is truly a little piece of heaven. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need. We can't wait to come back

Owner response : (2020-11-07)
Hi Christa & Gavin thank you so much for staying at the ziggysriver cottage. We loved having you as you enjoyed all the nature around you. People like you are so welcome. Look forward to your next visit.

What a beautiful place away from city, so peaceful and quiet. Room are clean and have everything you need. We loved the trail. The outdoor shower was nice but would have loved to be in pool ????.

Owner response : (2020-11-07)
Hi Natasha thank you for staying at Den’sView & exploring the big property. A splash pool is on the cards for the future.

Ziggy's river and den represents safe haven for me, they i places i go to, when i feel overwhelmed and about to give up in a lot of ways... The owner Ziggy, very friendly, has always made sure she does her part in making me feel welconed, i love the yard, the walking trail within is awesome. That place is a gem, i would always go there feeling low, but come out there feelings on top of the world, looking forward to more... Thre rooms are clean, service is always outstanding... I will always come back for more

Owner response : (2020-11-07)
Hi A . You have been coming to us ( River Cottage & Den’sView )now for quiet a few times over the years and it is always nice to see you & have a chat. See you soon.

A true piece of paradise. Quiet and tranquil with stunning river and mountain views. Ziggy is a wonderful host and has great attention to detail in the flat. Will definitely be back again.

The river cottage is a wonderful find! Sitting up on the bank it has a lovely view of the stream from the veranda. The cottage is beautiful and well equipped. A bit chilly in winter, but it has all the heaters, electric blankets and hot water bottles needed to ward off the cold!

This is an ideal place to unwind and is also a bird watcher's paradise.

What an amazing relaxing getaway for a weekend. The Den had everything we needed. Lovely hiking trail and pinic spots along the magalies river. Feel totally relaxed after the weekend. Thank you Ziggy

Great getaway if you need to get out of suburbia (and it’s in Gauteng). Great to sit with a wood-fire under the stars and in the morning the birdlife around the chalet is great. Love the little purpose built “sunbed” in the bedroom where the windows offer a great view while warming in the winter sun.

Awesome walks next to the river and interesting to walk through the cut path through bamboos. If you mountain bike there is a not too difficult route that takes you around the property (around 8 -10 km I believe).

The cottage had a lot more within than we were expecting from utensils to ear buds and toothpicks if you forgot those.

I picked up a Herman Charles Bosman book which gave me some chuckles in the evening (a decent range of books from fiction to non fiction).

I would love to visit in the summer when the river will be flowing more, the greens will be greener and the splash pool on the deck (it looks like a jacuzzi) will be stunning with a cold one in hand!

Very clean and tidy with the largest, warmest bed I encountered in a chalet to date.

Give this place a try, it’ll refresh mind and soul.

Just what we needed. Dry well equipped and overlooking the water. Great braai area for two. Found a nice picnic spot as well.

A charming well equipped Comfortable unit looking onto Nature.
A Weekend getaway with nature walks and mountain bike trails along the river.

Owner response : (2020-11-07)
Hi Margie & John it was so lovely meeting you. Hubby brought his bike to explore our in - house 12 km trail. Perfect. Come again soon.

Beautiful place to stay, clean, cosey, fully equipped. The surrounding is beautiful and green. Perfect place to relax. There is nice walking routes around the cottage. The booking and book in worked without any problems. Just smooth.
The kingsize bed sleeps like a dream.
Would highly recommend this place anytime.
Thanks for the stay we will definitely be back.

Vielen Dank für die Gastfreundschaft, es ist ein wundervoller Ort zum Entspannen. Wir kommen definitiv zurück.

Rachel und Herman

The tranquility of Ziggy’s river cottage is just revitalizing. It is a place away from home where you can just relax and recharge. The place is beautiful and equipped with everything you need. We have been there 3 times and every time we are warmly welcomed.

We really needed to rest. The river cottage in it's beautiful setting allowed us to sleep and we stayed on the easy chairs on the patio with our binoculars most of the time. Beautiful birds, squirrels, bunnies and an iguana kept us entertained. I left a toy dinosaur and Ziggy found and returned him to me two days after we left. Much appreciated. This was our second, but not our last visit.

It was a lovely stay.

If there were more stars I would give more! We have been so many times it feels like home. I don’t want to share it with too many people as I feel like it’s ours! Such a perfect retreat less than an hour from Jhb! So much care and thought has been been put into the cottage and the entire property with thanks to two special people - Dennis and Ziggy. You have created our Utopia and we will be back for more!

Experience is 90% feeling and emotion, my experience at Ziggy's Den was exactly what I needed... Peace, solitude, relaxation. From checking in until I packed my car to leave for home I had a wonderful time. Thank you Ziggy, will see you again, God bless

The River Cottage is a very beautiful, serene and private place, with spectacular views. We had the most amazing weekend there, very relaxing from the daily routine of the city life. The cottage is well equipped with all the necessities, pity it rained all weekend when we there so we never got to experience the trail and having a braai was a mission, but for this reason we will definitely be back for that experience soon. Thank you Ziggy for creating this marvelous home away from home, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Not our first time here and definitely not our last time.
Peaceful and quiet with a great view and close to so many cool places in the Magaliesberg.
Recommended.

What a great little place to spend the weekend. The cottage has everything one could need and a great view of the river. We really enjoyed the walking trail on the property.

What a lovely cottage for a romantic getaway for a couple. Beautiful gardens fantastic bird life, clean and welcoming. Pity the jacuzzi wasn't working, real shame.

Ziggy's River Cottage is a true little gem. My husband and I enjoyed a much needed night away to recharge our batteries. The cottage was extremely comfortable, cosy and welcoming, as well as fully equipped. The peace and tranquility there is hugely underestimated. We will definitely come back and hopefully stay longer the next time.

Wow! This cottage is pure relaxation! Situated on a riverbank, you overlook a 'forest' of trees and bamboos. The covered patio is perfect for reading a book or having a meal. The cottage is lovely decorated with a humongous bedroom. Loved all the storage nooks and crannies.

Kitchen is small but with a microwave and 2-plate stove, who needs more?

Absolutely love the fact that the owners have all genres of books in the bookcase. Although I mostly read on my IPad, I did enjoy one of the books.

The cottage is close enough to Hartbeespoort if you want to drive around. We literally parked our vehicle on Thursday, 24/12/2015 and started it again on Sunday, 27/12/2015.

Only little drawback ... the speed bumps on the gravel road is quite high, so a low car may have a problem.

If peace and tranquility close to Randburg is what you're looking for, choose the River Cottage.

Awesome place ! Will stay there again for sure ! Hostess was excellent. If you wanna get away from it all then this is the place to visit !