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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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stopped in while driving past and was insulted by the owner of this establishment for wearing a covid mask on his premises. According to him none of his other guests wished to see anyone wearing a mask either.
'Seeing people like you wearing masks bums me out'
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Date of stay: December 2020
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mc Bains, Owner at McBains
Responded May 5, 2021
You rocked up uninvited and were so entitled in your assumption that you could disturb the peace by poking your nose around and disturbing paying guests. Your anger was because I wouldn't let you in to look around - it had nothing to do with facemasks. We protect the privacy and well-being of our guests. Your entitlement wasn't welcome then, now, never.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Self catering, rustic and tranquil
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really the worst experience evvveeeerrr. I am a touroperator organising hiking trips with clients. Arrived at the place to check out the accommodation- being greeted by a sweet staff member- we said that I just want to have a sneak peak without interfering with the guests there… he showed me some of the open cottages/rooms - with NO guests in sight. Nobody was there! I asked for a coffee/tee (off course for payment) no problem… we shall help ourselves. Minutes later the very aggressive unhappy and grumpy owner arrived - asking who we are. Telling him that I spoke to him before on IG he said I lied as he told me they don’t allow ppl to look at his place… after quiet some aggressiveness and unbelievable insults he kicked me off his property.
I will never ever in my entire life put a foot into that place. I paid the lovely staff for the coffee and excused me that I am sorry that he has to deal with such an a…hole of “boss” everyday.
I can only recommend to NOT ever check in at Mcbains!!!!!
Wishing the owner lots of healing and all the best… as he really needs it.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mc Bains, Owner at McBains
Responded Jul 14, 2022
It's a pity that you need to troll us online like this, as clearly you are still embarrassed at being caught in a lie. You lied to our manager about having confirmed an appointment with us, when clearly our chat history on Instagram advised you that you CANNOT SIMPLY ARRIVE UNINVITED. We do not allow walk-ins, and will do continue to do our utmost to protect the privacy of our guests and the sanctity of our space. Our paying guests don't want someone "checking out the space for a yoga retreat" - sorry! You felt entitled that just because you'd driven "all the way from Cape Town" that somehow that gave you the right to lie and bully your way into our property. So save your diluted yoga-esque 'thoughts and prayers' for your own white entitlement that saw fit to confuse our manager by saying we'd "spoken" on Instagram - when clearly all we had said from our side was NO, do not just arrive. TripAdvisor guests will be able to ascertain that the 2 poor reviews we have are from people who haven't even been allowed onto our property - so that speaks volumes. For anyone else interested in paying us a visit, please book online or contact us via e-mail to set up an appointment - walk-ins are not allowed. Once you're on the inside, you'll love it at McBains - that's a promise!
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PRICE RANGE
C$52 - C$64 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeWitzenberg MunicipalityWolseleyBreede River
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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