Thaba Manzi Ranch
Location: MB9, Marikana Road, Maanhaarrand, Magaliesburg, za
Star Rating: 7.4 Stars
Property Type: Apartments
About this Property
Secluded Ranch Experience
Rustic Charm: Thaba Manzi Ranch offers cozy units with patios and kitchenettes, perfect for a relaxing getaway in nature.
Adventure Nearby: Explore Kallie's Quarry 4WD playground just 22 km away or visit Magalies Gliding Club for a thrilling experience.
Convenient Location: Situated near Lanseria International Airport, this hidden gem provides easy access to nearby attractions. Book your stay at Thaba Manzi Ranch for a memorable retreat.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Swimming pool
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- BBQ facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Ironing service
- Car hire
- Private check-in/check-out
- Grocery deliveries
- Wheelchair accessible
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Shallow end
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Cashless payment available
- First aid kit available
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Key access
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Free wired internet
- Playground on site
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Private picnics
- Exercise/lap pool
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
- Swimming nearby
- Charcoal grill
Rooms Available
-
Classic Cottage
Guests will have a special experience as the bungalow provides a pool with a view. Featuring a private entrance, this bungalow consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the well-fitted kitchenette. The bungalow also offers a barbecue. Among the room amenities are a seating area, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as a patio and pool views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Semi-detached
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Shallow end
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
-
Standard Queen Room
The double room's kitchenette, which features a refrigerator, is available for cooking and storing food. The double room has a seating area, a patio and mountain views.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Semi-detached
-
Standard Cottage
This bungalow's standout feature is the pool with a view. Featuring a private entrance, this bungalow also is consisted of of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the fully equipped kitchenette. The bungalow also has a barbecue. Among the room amenities are a dining area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as a patio and mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Semi-detached
- Toilet paper
- Shallow end
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
Guest Reviews
- Anton Smit (10/5): -
- Tshfhiwa (10/5): perfect. - the location was perfect, enjoyed my stay the only thing is the road unfortunately its not the fault of the owner but Definity i going to visit as it gets warmer.
- Visser (7/5): - Peace quite.
Fair value at price paid No bathroom soap, shampoo supplied. Supposed it could be expected. Maybe not, but is it clear in booking.
Road in a little messy, but manageable. Will be difficult for small cars.
- Herridge (9/5): Nice place to have a short brake and be around nature and the farm animals - No Breakfast was included. This one fly that kept coming back into the cottge.
- Anneline (7/5): Nice and quiet escape from city life …. - Nice and quite…. The road
- Rasalanabo (10/5): They need to update their location, the address registered took us 5km away from the actual location - Everything about the place They need to update their location, the address registered took us 5km away from the actual location.
- Debbes (1/5): Stay away - Location. Farm setup. Would have been peaceful. It is pet friendly. Kitchen was neat and clean. Never stayed. Book for 7 nights and paid. No refunds not even 10% back. The smell in the bedroom was bad. The duvet was dirty and smell off old sweat and probably 10 years old. No electricity but understand it's SA,but no water, no toilet paper,not good enough.
In the pictures it shows a mobile braai in front but had to walk to the braai place. You need almost a 4x4 to get there. No safe parking and took forever to see the host but was friendly, once she showed up.
I'm from USA Kansas and live on a farm, bring your own linen and water and it could be fine.
- Kleynhans (7/5): -
- Justine (7/5): - Gorgeous view
- Lenoy (8/5): It was peaceful and beautiful sunset. The hostess was amazing. - The pillows were too soft.
- Van der Gryp (6/5): -
- Charlie (10/5): - The scenery was amazing...everything about this speaks tranquility.. Luv it
Special thanks Anti Esther that have taken care of us...luv u lots...
- Eloff (5/5): Positive side to a Negative situation. - The farm experience was great,we came prepared for minor hicups With power outages-no power-no or little water-no hot water-no cellphone signal and no wifi signal.The owner can plan for other ways to heat water-solar backup lighting and solar power to keep borehole pump working and don't tell people on website free wifi it's with power nonexistent and even game animals maybe on photos.The website needs a total revamp.I think the negative issues wasn't too rough on the owner.Him or his foreman wasn't even on the premises.He asked a friend to help but she was also thrown into the deep-end because of escom powerfailures.Thankyou to Alida the friend that tried her best to be of assistance to us in the same situation thankyou.Pieter & Melinda Eloff.
- JACKIE (2/5): Overall - Unhappy!!! - The views and the walks were very nice. We were able to take some really nice photos of the storm clouds. The lady cleaning (Ester) tries very hard to keep the customers happy. Infrastructure - No Electricity, No water. Due to the storms the electricity would go out (on one occasion 1 1/2 days), but if there is not electricity the water cannot pump, so no provisions are made for the basics. Toilet paper not supplied until requested. (If I had know that they were not suppling toilet paper for the 12 days I would have made provision). The standard units are not private, Shower in Living area. Unit was not clean, being a farm, the owner only provides basic cleaning. Unfortunately, on two occasions phoning the owner with our concerns he was not very helpful. This property has a lot of potential but needs to be run better.
- Paballo (1/5): -
- Albertina (9/5): It was lovely - It was clean and what we expected The entrance is a gravel road and we have a small car so it was uncomfortable
- Brendan (7/5): Very nice staff, property is hard to access during harsh weather. - The person who assisted us over was incredibly friendly and reassuring despite the circumstances that made the property inaccessible to us. The accommodation does look splendid and peaceful; however, the roads leading to the accommodation are all dirt roads which, as you can imagine, make the location inaccessible during heavy rain if you are driving anything other than a 4x4.
I was unable to reach and had to book alternative accommodation last minute.
- cenenda (5/5): -
- Mabusela (7/5): - Water ran out & alternative not given promptly
- Koena (8/5): Enjoyed my stay very much, staff very humble and friendly - The pressure to arrive at the place before a specific time when late arrival fee is being charged, especially that the weather was not favorable
- Victor (3/5): You could have done So much better if you Valued Us as Humans and as Guests - - The views the scenery and nature top notch I told the host Hans via whatsapp that it was my "wifes birthday and our Wedding anniversary" and i stated in on the site as well but nothing special was done upon our arrival or departure. No special touches or effort to retain business. This was Very Very Very Dissapointing.
The roof was very noisey thus disturbing our sleep and quite scary in the beginning as it felt like someone was on the roof.
The place was NOT clean so WE had to clean as we arrived to the point where we had to take out the all the rugs and shake them out thoroughly and wash the floors. Esther even provided us with pine gel, a mop and bucket. The bedding and pillows were STINKING TERRIBLY as if never washed or Aired and we had to ask Esther to change them, to which she later admitted that she was lazy to change them as she had received new bedding the week prior. (So why was it not put on the bed for the new guests (sic) she brought the bedding but also in drips and drabs as if they were doing us a favour... Esther said she does not want any complaints and that she was there for us. However, there was No proactive action taken to make our stay pleasant. Why was there need for complaints if all was dine in order.. We got the sense that if the client doesnt mention or notice it they wont do what their supposed to do anyways, basically getting away with whatever they can get away with. This is disrespectful and dishonest behaviour towards PAYING CLIENTS. Cups were cracked we had to ask for new cups. WE had to wash the floors as they were terribly stained. Cushions on the chairs inside and outside need changing They're worn out. We could have just as well sat on the wooden benches only. The shower needs a Thorough Proper Cleaning and we had to shower with our flip flops on as whatever is on the floor looks like it could cause fungal infection so best keep your feet protected. Rather safe then sorry.
- Joubert (10/5): -
- Shonelle (8/5): -
- sara (8/5): Pleasant and relaxing - Nice setting in the countryside, farm animals come and visit you. Definitely a place for animal lovers. You get to explore the surrounding countryside with the mountains in the distance it’s the perfect gateway to relaxation! Walls are thin and sound travels through ceiling. Enjoyed more the days when there were no neighbours next to us.
Overall cleaning needs an improvement. Glad we brought our own detergents for 7 nights. Cutlery is not sharp but got to make some food anyway
- Koos (7/5): -
- Thabethe (10/5): -
- Mallissa (8/5): Very Tranquil - The View was definitely the icing on the cake.
The animals and the hiking trail
- adrian (8/5): I will definitely visit here again. - I loved the peaceful and scenic setting — it really felt like an escape into nature. The views of the mountains and open space were beautiful, and the rustic charm of the ranch gave it a unique character. It was also a great spot for a quiet and relaxing break away from the city. The hiking spots were amazing and very safe. It could have better heating facilities in winter.
- Meintjes (9/5): - Alles was lekker Niks
- Suzan (7/5): -
- Madelain (1/5): Dishonest Owner - Not much! The kids enjoyed the 3 goats running around. That was about it. It was a pathetic, rude, and obnoxious owner. Think he really needs the money to maintain his poorly looked after dilapidated buildings, if only he will use it for that purpose. We had an attempted break-in, but the owner will make any excuse to make it as if we spinned a story. Sounds very familiar in being in on a lot of things as I read other reviews. We arrived after 14:00 as arranged prior to book in. Owner even lied about that on my husband's review. This owner can not be trusted. Stay away, you will lose money and will not have good and beautiful memories. Rather save your money for a better get away. I do not recommend Thaba Manzi at all. It is a disgrace. We had no water or electricity in the middle of winter with 2 small girls and owner did not even make an effort to come and talk to us. Send his lady, Ester to do his dirty work. She gave her number if anything had to happen, but clearly the excuse was: no power, no phone..
- Katherin-anne (6/5): Cheap and cheerful - Beautiful setting and views, well equipped kitchen, very friendly and helpful staff, good value for money. Unit definitely needs better heating (with 2 degree Winter mornings). The bed and linen, though clean, needs an update. Issues with electricity in the units (plugs not working or tripping) need to be addressed as well. Paths or trails for walking could be marked. Dirt road drive to the ranch should be advised ahead of time (could be a problem for low cars).
- Sanette (7/5): Good - Loved the open spaces and views, really peaceful. Did a lot of walking, farm like atmosphere. The place grows on you
- Caz89 (8/5): Very good - I liked that it was mostly quiet. It would've been nice if there was a gas heater.. Nights were freezing. The wall heaters really didn't make much difference.
- Johan (5/5): Passable -
- Venter (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sumarie (10/5): Exceptional -
- Tshepo (3/5): Poor Accommodation - Only the mountain view and the helper Esther Everything,worse the road to the place.Got stuck by the mud when leaving no help from the Accomodation.Neighbours and people passing by helped us, got a rude answer from the owner when we asked for assistance.You must wait by the gate for someone to walk to the gate and open for you,in the middle of bushes.
- Doron (8/5): Very good would highly recommend it - The sinery Didnt see animals
- Nkambule (5/5): Passable -
- Natasja (9/5): Completely awesome - The location was perfect as it was peaceful and close to nature. Not applicable
- Charles (10/5): Exceptional -
- Koos (7/5): Good -
- Tint (10/5): Exceptional - Space in the bungalow
Peacefulness
Environment
- Askew (7/5): Lovely break away from home - The Mountain View was incredible as well as the farm setting The bathroom inside the cottage could use some TLC as well as the kitchen and utensils
- Thandeka (9/5): Superb - The staff was friendly and welcoming, made us feel at home. Not much here except the fact that we had issues with the lights, but that was resolved early in the morning
- Charlean (8/5): Very good - Beautiful location and peaceful.
- Mtshali (9/5): Superb - The atmosphere was spectacular, the staff very friendly, thanks to mama Ester ❤️ for being welcoming and very friendly. The hiking trail was not too visible, but everything else was exceptional
- Nomvuyo (8/5): Very good -
- Maria (3/5): Poor - Ester the house keeper was fantastic! The quiet space and the morning view of the sun rise over the mountain Privacy is not really given.. Rooms only comes with 1 fan. No bath soap or any toiletries was available! Flies are extremely out of control and rooms don't have any doom or fly traps..
- Steven (10/5): Esther was an excellent host. Polite very friendly and helpful. -
- Grace (4/5): Disappointing - Nothing Everything...the place is falling apart. Needs a huge renovations
- Manny (8/5): Very good -
- Clement (8/5): Very good -
- Manyaapelo (6/5): Pleasant - Road leading to the ranch
- Clark (8/5): Very good - Booked for a family member, they had a good stay.
- Christabel (9/5): A wonderful, serene environment perfect for recharging. - We totally loved the Peace and serenity of the farm. The bathrooms need a bit of TLC
- Jade (8/5): Very good -
- Servaas (10/5): Excellent - The vibes and the clean fresh air. The bugs
- Anonymous (8/5): A peaceful getaway - The property is located on a farm with an amazing view of the mountains and nature. It's peaceful and calm. My friends and I definitely had the best time there in our stay. It's also very clean - definitely worth every penny! Also, big shout out to Mama Esther for taking care of us and being so sweet and lovely! The property is located quite far from affordable activities.
- Makgale (5/5): They need to install TV's in the bangalow as there is no much entertainment in the area. - It is a self catering and made my own breakfast.Really enjoyed the food. No TV in the facilities and no air-corn as the bungalow was very hot.Also wifi was very slow and weak nonetheless the lady Esther was very helpful and friendly however some other things are beyond her control.
- Kerry (6/5): Was a pleasant stay , rooms can be updated , otherwise beautiful location and wonderful staff. Esther was a great host a - The location was beautiful and peaceful. The cottage is outdated , the cutlery was minimum and the bed and pillows very uncomfortable.
- Sureshbabu (5/5): Passable -
- Croitenn (1/5): Bad -
- Mudodzwa (6/5): Pleasant -
- Gordon12 (10/5): Exceptional -
- Nieuwenhuizen (9/5): Nice gravel road to the place clean rooms all you need is available just take your food and drinks - Beautiful place clean nothing really to complain about Nothing
- Michelle (8/5): We love the farm effect and peace and quiet. Enjoyed it very much. - The peacefulness and sounds of the animals Wifi problems.
No braai tongs, fortunately my husband always takes one with.
- Coventry (9/5): Will visit again - The fridge was not working and only 1 of the 2 plates was working
- Lee (8/5): Very good -
- Bruggemann (8/5): Good value. Relaxing Farm stay. Just what we expected. Thank you to Esther for her hospitality. - Lovely, peaceful farm setting. So relaxing and enjoyable. Wifi would switch off unexpectedly but not for more than an hour. Because of animals, flies could be annoying in the summer time.
- Tatane (10/5): Exceptional -
- Gareth (6/5): Pleasant - We recently spent the long weekend at Thaba Manzi Ranch and the views and farm life were a wonderful experience. Esther was also a bonus! Friendly and accommodating.
Unfortunately the shower shocked us everytime we used it, the sleeper couches really need an upgrade they are filthy and have stains all over them.. very off putting. (I see in previous reviews a few people comment on these 2 subjects)
Units could do with a bit of TLC.
Even though it's Winter it would've been nice to know the pool is out of action and being maintained.
But views wise and animal life it was wonderful.
- Lelanie (5/5): Not bad - N/A Cleanliness
- Kay (10/5): Exceptional -
- Moses (7/5): Good - There was no direct way of knowing where to go to get the keys to the unit
- Pegion (10/5): Exceptional - It, was quiet, relaxing and the staff was wonderful
- Elias (1/5): A horrible experience - Nothing The owner was rude on the phone. We were at the gate for 30 min and no body pitched up we had to leave in a hired vehicle. The road is terrible. We asked for a refund and the oner said he does not deal with no show guests yet we had phoned him that we were at the gate. We suggest that the owner goes for a refresher course in handling the front office. Please read the reviews on this facility you will know what am talking about. Booking. Com should remove this facility from your listing.
- Van (1/5): Dissappointed - It was very quite and relaxing The microwave didnt work, there was only a small two plate oven that made an electrical short and we couldn't use it. The electricity kept tripping. We struggled to prepare food the whole weekend due to this. The shower has a huge shower head, but very little water pressure. Overall I'm very dissapointed.
- Sibanda (1/5): Bad -
- Geraldine (10/5): Exceptional - Setting
The staff
The cows. Toilet paper. Please use 1 or 2 ply.
- Gaines (7/5): Good - The view and the peaceful stay Facilities need some TLC. Units need a upgrade and maintenance.
- Waynno (6/5): Pleasant - The view was awesome, and it's so peaceful. All you can hear is the animals.
Stunning sunsets.
Ester was so friendly and welcoming, making you feel like you were at home The so-called farm foreman was extremely rude on arrival.
Water was always on and off. Instead of being told that it was on a timed water pump.
Internet was on for 2 days, then off for the rest of our t8me there.
- Marius (8/5): Very good -
- Marlise (3/5): Not the most comfortable - There were no preparations made for power outages. No gas lamps or flashlights were available. No Power, no water.
- Willem (5/5): Passable -
- Eddie (7/5): Good - Its very quite. The farmworkers makes noise at night. The terrible 11km gravel road from the main road to the venue was kept a secret from me. There is no security lights in the parking area. No undercover parking for vehicles, only trees. The owner knew the sliding door at the chalet behind us was broken and did not fix it, that Friday night they were robbed of laptops, cellphones, wallets & clothing - this is unacceptable. When we arrived we were informed about the leaking kitchen sink pipe that caused a terrible smell exactly where u must prepare your food, it was clear on the rotten wood that it is an old leak. I will not recommend this farm house at all. The bathroomdoos cant close. There is no burglar bars in front of the windows. The ceiling fan is 3m above the bed and makes a terrible sound when turned on. The chain at the main entrance is too short for comfort, it takes u 15 min to get out or in.
- Montagu (4/5): We won’t return - The sunsets There was no WiFi (as advertised)
No backup during loadshedding. Not even a torch
It was NOT pet friendly (as advertised)
Stove didn’t work
Pool was leaking so we couldn’t swim
The horses are malnourished and not fit to ride
The water pump noise was droning 24/7
The only thing we loved was the lady Esther. She made us feel welcome and was the reason we didn’t leave on Day 1
- Cole (9/5): An ideal space for a quiet, peaceful respite from city life in a beautiful valley. Felt serene. - Enjoyed the hospitality and the quaintness of the farm experience. It felt authentically local, without the bells and whistles that make most resorts amorphous. Loved the atmosphere and Esther was wonderful. The WiFi had errors while I was there. It wasn't ideal, but I preferred that it forced me to stay off my phone and focus on the environment and opportunity to log-off. Owner was great at trying to restore connectivity though.
- Nosipho (9/5): Superb - I love the peace and quiet, mama Esther is a wonderful host and the place is very clean. Please provide tea and coffee condiments, we didn't bring our own and there are no shops nearby... Also can we please have Tv in the cottages.
- Cronje (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing view of the mountain range with the serenity of peace and quiet, making you appreciate nature when you need to get away from the hustle from the city. I liked everything, I would just like to bring under Thaba Manzi Ranch staff, that the shower head in the Loerie unit was not working correctly.
I will definitely be visiting again
- Wendy (8/5): Good place - It's a beautiful place and it's peaceful
Great get away from the city
- Daniel (10/5): Exceptional - The tranquility of the place and the scenery. The staff were super friendly more especially Esther, she made us to be at home. The loadshedding of both water and electricity simultaneously.
- Gavin (5/5): Place needs a clean - The location was beautiful with a nice view of the mountains. Pool was clean and lovely. Nice to be on a farm out of the city. The number of cockroaches in the unit were excessive and the place needs to be professionally fogged. The farm has got loads of junk lying around and the single remaining horse looks like it needs to be put out of its misery. There was a decided disconnect between the website and reality which claimed there were horse trails on offer..
- Lethukuthula (10/5): Exceptional -
- Miranda (1/5): Complete mess up - The helping lady was nice. No water or electricity. Only a bed and sleeper couch not two bedrooms like advertised.
Owner did not contact me b4 the booking time to say no water or electricity. Or help us how to get water and survive through the night in the dark on the farm. Very old spring bed and old sleeper couch.
- Henning (8/5): Enjoyed, need some work - The beauty and quietness of the farm. The animals. Pet friendly. It was dirty, we spent over an hour cleaning before being able to enjoy our break.
- Gisela (8/5): Very good - The cottage. The mountain view. Friendly staff. The flies lol.
Too few utensils
Swimming pool pump on at night.
- Mapule (10/5): Mama Esther is the best, from the time we got there until we left, she is amzng - The location is far but reachable nothing really, we enjoyed our stay
- Lee (8/5): Very good -
Photos