welcome

A retreat from the city, a retreat into nature.

Self-catering cabins and lodge-style living at the summit of Bainskloof Pass, just 90 minutes from Cape Town.

accommodation

Discover your perfect retreat.

With a variety of cabins and rooms available to suit your specific holiday needs, a river with healing powers just 100m away, and a hiking trail into a valley so happy it’s called Happy Valley, McBains is the perfect getaway for you and your lover, your friends and your family.

the area

Your gateway to nature at Bainskloof Pass with exclusive river and mountain access.

Enjoy clean rooms, linens, facilities, and easy access to river and mountain trails. Explore cozy nooks and nature, then unwind in our communal space with a fire or hot tub.

reviews

What our guests have to say

Catherine Kendrick

I have been to Mcbains twice so far, once with my partner & a second time two years later on a remote work trip to get out the city for a bit.

As a woman traveling and staying alone, I couldn't have felt more safe and comfortable at Mcbains Retreat. They even remembered me from my first visit and I felt like part of the furniture pretty quickly (in a good way!). Lucky was especially attentive, helpful and considerate.

I was super cozy in the Sylvia Cabin, I even enjoyed an outdoor bath in midwinter and enjoyed roaring fires every evening in the communal space. The Wi-Fi was reliable and I was very satisfied with my choice to work here for a whole week.

Thanks guys!

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George Kastrinos

Amazing breakaway with no cell phone
Beautiful setting
Rustic but comfortable
Hosts are great

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Laura Selena Levey

Eclectic cozy spot reminds me of a trendy backpackers. If you love nature, walks and the outdoors and don’t mind being in and around other guests at times this is for you. The natural water pools for swimming are gorgeous clear and 5 minutes from the bedrooms;). The is also a wood fired hot tub.

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NanetteVenture

This place has amazing view.. If you stay in the cabin - only bed inside, toilet, sink and shower are outside which is not good especially when its raining!

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Jeanette S

We spent 3 nights based at McBains and explored the magnificent scenery. The lodge owners, Justin and Ma'ayan, were gracious and hospitable and took us out on 2 of our days there. The first was a long hike to the most incredible series of waterfalls - absolute heaven on earth; and the 2nd was an easier rock hop to beautiful pools where the children jumped off rocks into deep, icy cold pools.||The lodge is clean and comfortable and has all the necessary items to make for a comfortable and relaxed stay.

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Gerda Pretorius

Justin and Ma-ayan managed to create the perfect getaway for relaxing, healing and letting your hair down. They are the most caring hosts. We will definitely be back soon.

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Mariamne Wulfn (Shamanessence)

Loved the river to swim in. There's a short but slightly steep trek down (not for disabled Seniors). Fresh clean sweet drinking water. Very cool cabins, trampolines, trees, Bush, rocks. Friendly owners.

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Abdurahman Solomon

Amazing location , service and hospitality was great 👍.

We needed a heater for first night but didn't need it second night as we were now settled into the place.

Extremely kid friendly, we stayed over a long weekend and were able to give them a good experience from hotub to marshmallows on fire place and warm reception with fireplace to relax , lots of board games and Legos for young ones .

Easy walk down to river stream and we didn't lack great scenery, we woke up in awe of the mountain view and sounds of birds and river stream.

Perfect place to get away from city life , everything as advertised .

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Jaun Mac Lean

Such a beautiful space !Thank you luck for being an absolute legend you made our stay so comfortable.
Definitely retiring in Summer

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Alyce Firmani

We had the best time at McBains! The cabin was beautiful and we had everything we needed. The location is perfect with two beautiful long hikes on our doorstep and lovely rock pools close by for swims. The staff were very welcoming and helpful! Thank you!

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sasha fabian

What a magical stay at Mcbains. Perfect for a winter, cosy getaway. Fully equipped kitchen, a lovely communal area full of books, games and instruments, the friendliest animals and most beautiful scenery. A special mention to Lucky and Calvin, the best hosts that went over and above to make sure we were happy and comfortable. Thank you!!

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Jenah McKenzie

Love McBains! Beautiful location and a calming space to breathe. A river at the bottom of the property, easy access to hikes, wood-fired hot tubs on the property, cozy fireplaces, and the friendliest people.

Thanks so much Ma'ayan, Justin, Lucky, and Kelvin - you guys have made this such a wonderful space. We'll be back soon!

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Motivate Tino Ngwenya

Professional and friendly staff

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Constance Kodisang

Wonderful experience will do it again soon

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sipho mkhumbeni

Fresh air and if you like adventure,come visit this place

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Pumlani Skweyiya

I like the fact that there are hiking trails great for outdoors

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Leré Saunderson

Excellent facilities! And the nature surrounding it is breathtakingly beautiful!

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Nobuhle Nyathi

Beautiful place and beautiful views,lovely place and great ideal for getaways

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Yenzabusha Pty Ltd

For those looking to explore further afield, McBains serves as an ideal base for outdoor adventures

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Jacqui Webster

Loved this place! It’s a quirky mountain retreat with unique beautifully appointed rooms decked out with shelves of interesting books and pictures. The host was extremely friendly and helpful providing tips on the local areas. The walk to the river was stunning. Just wish we could have stayed longer!

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Coenraad Loubser

Enough books to fill a few lifetimes of reading in the shade next to the rock pools!

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Thaya

If you’re a naturist, then McBains should be a fixture on your Cape Town bucket list. I was pleasantly surprised by the offering; I stayed in the most charming cabin, close enough to other people to feel safe as a solo traveller, yet with a remote feel. There are communal spaces, such as the braai area complete with a wood-fired hot tub, which leads off the kitchen. Lucky was a delightful host, offering me tips about which trails to hike. I set off on an easy hike on the Happy Valley trail, leading me to those gorgeously deep mountain pools that have made Bainskloof legendary for many Capetonians. I could’ve stayed for weeks and will definitely return.

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Paul Q

What an awesome experience I had whilst staying at Mcbains where I got to hike a few rivers and surrounding mountains with hosts Justin and Lucky. Thanks gents that was awesome. I’m looking forward to my next visit

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Alexis Zenios

Lovely place. Owner has sage advice on all the hikes in the vicinity.

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Steven Burnett

SPECIAL PLACE! is it a hotel, a lodge, an airBNB or a mountain castle? Go decide for yourself, hosts Justin and May'aan are mountain healers of the highest order and their home is shared by travellers, friends, family alike. The rooms are all very unique and celebrate authors, books adorn most walls. It's the opposite of corporate tickbox hotel fare, so don't expect that. The peak attraction is of course the mountain hiking trails and the Witte river that is a roll down a path and then has pools to visit. We have been as a family on multiple occasions, every visit is different but equally memorable - and will be back too.

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Curtis Dunn

Very relaxed and friendly. Decor is very unique! The owners have gone to enormous lengths to decorate the entire establishment with very interesting things and an amazing library.. The accommodation was very comfortable. Our host and hostess (Justin and Ma'ayan) were very accommodating as were the staff. All of this is within a stone's throw from the spectacular river. I will definitely be back.

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Craig P

McBains is situated at the top of Bains Kloof and is the ideal low-key getaway from Cape Town. It has communal cooking spaces, fridges and braais and is perfect for a bring and braai self catering experience. It’s proximity to the river and many hikes puts your right in touch with nature.

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Paul Q

Recently I had the privilege of staying over at McBain’s and had an awesome time. This is a magic little place ontop of Bain’s Kloof pass with phenomenal access to the surrounding rivers and mountains. What’s a cracking view. Thanks Justin and Mayàna I can’t wait to join you for a visits soon.

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Jake

Such a wonderful group. The humans who guide and share this space are truly some of the most decent and wonderful in the world.

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Ocean W

Let me starr by saying that if you're after luxury, private accomodation, mcbains isnt for you!||||Its a very community and family oriented experience.||||The accommodations are simple but always comfortable and always an interesting experience with a great collection of books in every room.||||Mcbains is an absolutely incredible access point for the amazing mountains, rivers, and trails all around it.||And after a long day out hiking, swimming in the river and waterfalls, there's few things better than coming back to the wood fired hot tub or some of the outdoor baths with mountain views, that some of the rooms have. Actually, coming back to a home made pizza that you can preorder, is pretty good too. ||||At just over an hour out of Cape Town, and up the extremely beautiful Bainskloof pass, it's a regularly visited sanctuary for me and countless other Capetonians in the know.. Being in tourism, i regularly recommended it to adventurous clients. ||||The owners, Justin and Maayan offer truly meaningful guided hikes and TRE (trauma release exercise) sessions. ||||Another plus is that its dog friendly on request.||||If you're after an easy, refreshing, break from cape Town, just go

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Sithembile Hlatshwayo

One of the best places to be at Baainskloof, @mcbains3000 Best Mountains Views with easy Hikes, Comfy and homely Cabins with all the comforts. There's a river close by and you can hear it flows. There's river swimming pools and ponds and falls. It's an amazing place, the drive on the pass is calming and relaxing. I enjoyed my experience of Bainskloof best @McBains. Family, fun, easy afternoons. Great place to relax and unwind.

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Fiona Fisher

Went to McBains for Therapy Thursday and wishing now I’d stayed for the weekend. We had a beautiful guided hike with Justin. Trauma Release therapy with Ma’ ayan. Very comfortable bed. Hot Tub! Stunning surrounds. Delicious nutritious wholesome food. Perfect hosts. Thank you

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Belinda Landman (B)

Lovely stay with our friends and family. Great for kids even toddlers. Hosts exceptional. Truly unique experience in the midst of the mountains. Even our dogs had a great time. Delicious pizza. Absolutely recommended.

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Ric Halley-Stott

I keep coming back. LOVE McBains.

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Francois Mercer

Amazing to have experienced Mcbains after experiencing Bains Kloof Pass. Host was friendly, welcoming & shared the hidden gems of things to do although we only stayed the night to rest before continuing on, I would highly recommend trying their pizza - unique recipe. Thank you! Will be back soon.

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Hilda Kadzura

It was awesome and I really enjoyed myself.

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donnell mandimutsira

Love everything about the place, everyone is friendly.I highly recommend going their.

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Matthew Dowling

Epic spot for hikers and nature lovers, magnificent river with pools and waterfalls nearby. Great eclectic accommodation options, good value. Definitely worth visiting this gem. Only 2 hours from Cape Town city center.

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Gabriel Lipschitz

McBains is the most beautiful, fantastic place. Going there is medicine for your soul.

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Corlette Heyns

Tranquil and relaxed vibe. Great hosts: 10/10. Good cleaning standards: 9/10. Comfy beds + good quality linen & towels. An incredible selection of artwork and books. We loved the hot tub and of course the views are unbeatable. Affordable rates too.

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Shalena Naidoo

Great mix of tranquility and fun

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Vhuthu Frans Muthavhine

Great camping site. The sunsets are very beautiful. And road is fun to drive.

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Erika Swart

Nature and amenities at its best! Will be back!

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Beans B

So some places are just plain magic. McBains is one of those. Everything a single or a group could want. On arrival we were greeted by welcoming and friendly staff. We had a semi large group, 7 adults and 2 young children and Mcbains was awesome for all. For the people seeking adventure or for the individual seeking a quiet retreat nestled amongst the mountains with an amazing collection of books and incredible views, McBains is for you. The wood fired hot tub at night was the cherry on the mountain top. With the river just a short walk down the hill and some amazing hikes alll round, there's plenty for those keen on a bit of adventure and walks. Also the owners are an amazing couple who made all feel so welcome! You can tell that McBains is way more than just a simple lodge or accommodation venue... The place has a personality of its own and what a pleasure to have met it. Really looking forward to future trips again and taking in all that it has to offer. Once again thank you to Justin and Maayan for making us feel so welcome. All in all if I could give a 100 star rating I would. From the Beans Bus family lots of love and respect.

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Peter Hodkinson

great accomodation
love the art - the whole place is actually and art exhibition.
well fed

thanks

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Paul Lipschitz

Perfect rough getaway close to Cape Town and one of the best bases for hiking in the Western Cape

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Michelle Waburoko

They have created a beautiful gem♥️
Love the clear sparkling river
Very nice owners
Would love to go there again...SOON!
#Trailfit SA

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Kate Munro

What a great place to escape from the everyday stress. Amazing rock pools to swim in, killer views and of course the hosts are amazing as they welcome you to a little piece of heaven.

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Gabriel Dowling

A gorgeous, affordable, dog friendly and welcoming spot that is surrounded by beauty with easily accessible hiking routes and breath taking pools and waterfalls.

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Intensification

Great place definatly reccomend

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Jason Kane Gilbertson

Awesome weekend getaway and very accomodating hosts.

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Dawn Jones

A wonderful place to be with friends. Beautiful views, mountain river and pools, comfortable beds, paths to hike and roads to cycle. Large, comfortable communal area, self catering kitchen and different zones to relax both inside and out. Great service from booking to departure.

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Justin Maxwell

They have created an amazing place; both the venue and the warm feeling of being welcome. Thanks!

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Sebastian Steyn

The most amazing place! 12/10 definitely will be coming back soon!

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Instagram

Friends of McBains. Scrolling through the archives as a reminder of all the good times we’ve had here. It’s a privilege to share these conversations and secret nooks and crannies with thrill seekers and kuier tjommies… #bainskloof #mcbains #westerncapeholiday #summer24 #bainskloofriver #capetownhikes #exploresa #mountaincabins

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“If you love me as you say you do," she whispered, "Make it so that I am at peace.” ― Leo Tolstoy

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“If you love me as you say you do," she whispered, "Make it so that I am at peace.” ― Leo Tolstoy ...

Summer is here again and we’re ready to welcome you at McBains for some river action and nature thrills and lodge living comforts. Round up some mates, tag em here, and lock in a weekend soon. We’d love to see you! info@mcbains.co.za for more… #bainskloof #mcbains #westerncapeholiday #summer24 #bainskloofriver #capetownhikes #exploresa #mountaincabins

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Summer is back in Bainskloof. It’s been a peaceful few days (no wind) and it’s been great to rock hop again and explore the river’s new shapes after a long, wet winter. There’s life to be embraced, sunny spots to find where you can soak it all in, and warm beds and hot tubs to round it all off. If you’re looking for an excuse to explore, you know where to find us. #mcbains #bainskloof #rockhopper #bobbejaansrivier #capetowntrails #eerstetol #rusticcabins #bainskloofhike #hikesouthafrica #wellington

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