Located in the heart of Muldersdrift, Random Harvest Nursery offers a one-of-a-kind garden stay, ideal for plant enthusiasts, quiet getaways, or anyone seeking nature accommodation just outside Johannesburg. If you have ever wanted to stay in a nursery with accommodation, this is a great choice.
Arriving at a nursery after dark isn’t exactly on most people’s travel bucket lists. However, for those obsessed with plants and nature, it is the perfect stay. And who doesn’t love unusual stays?
I find myself drawn to places where things grow quietly, intentionally. So when we pulled into Random Harvest Nursery late one evening, I wasn’t fazed by the darkness. I was curious. What does a nursery sound like at night? What is it like staying overnight in a nursery?
It was pitch dark, the kind that swallows detail and demands attention. The security at the gate provided instructions. I focused intently, trying not to get lost after a long day that had included a wedding. It wasn’t really possible to get lost, but I did not know this. I could only see big trees surrounding us.
The 21-hectare Random Harvest, located in Muldersdrift just outside Johannesburg, receives you gently. We were there to stay overnight in one of their self-catering country cottages, just a short drive from the main gate. When we arrived, it felt like the garden had held its breath, waiting just for us. I gently unlocked the door with a kind of reverence, not wanting to disturb whatever had settled long before we arrived.
An indigenous garden stay
The country cottages at Random Harvest offer a simple, cosy space – warm in the way that speaks of care, not clutter. I stepped out again, one last time, before letting the darkness fold around me. Night reshapes the world. You don’t see so much as sense. The garden spoke in textures: the gentle rustle of leaves in the soft breeze, a soft thud as something fell to the ground nearby.
Somewhere in the distance, a night bird whispered to another, and I realised I was listening more closely than I had in weeks. One doesn’t listen like this in the city.
There’s a kind of quiet ceremony to being alone in an indigenous nursery at night. The plants aren’t ornamental here; they belong. Each one is placed with purpose, not only to thrive but to invite: pollinators, frogs, birds… a duet of movement and stillness.
The ecosystem doesn’t need you, but welcomes you anyway. Sleep came quickly once we turned in, like the land was still telling its nighttime story. We had simply joined it midway.
Morning in the garden
Morning at Random Harvest doesn’t arrive all at once; it drifts in. First the birds, then light slowly creeping in through the curtains. Slowly, gently, the day begins.
We brewed coffee and used the fresh farm milk and cream left for us in the fridge – straight from Random Harvest’s dairy cows. It’s a little touch I appreciated so much. You can taste the difference.
We took our mugs out to the veranda, where the garden had shed its night-time mystery and now stood fully revealed: green, breathing, alive. Sitting quietly, we listened to the breeze move through the leaves and birds fluttering between plants and trees.
The birdlife at Random Harvest is remarkable. Even with limited knowledge, it’s impossible not to be enchanted. If you’re looking for birding accommodation in Gauteng, this is a great option. Random Harvest is a birder’s paradise with 160 species recorded here. Even with only a beginner’s knowledge, it’s impossible not to notice how alive everything is with movement: flashes of colour, melodic calls, flutters through the branches. It’s a world in motion, but not in a rush.
Eventually, we made our way to the Random Harvest tea garden. Breakfast was delicious and thoughtfully served, another gentle reminder that this place doesn’t shout. It simply welcomes.
Staying at Random Harvest Nursery: Self-Catering Cottages in Muldersdrift
If you are keen to stay in a nursery, Random Harvest Nursery’s Country Cottages accommodation includes nine charming self-catering cottages designed to offer privacy, comfort, and time in nature. It’s the kind of place where you can disconnect from the city while still being near the city. It is ideal for anyone seeking farm stays near Johannesburg, or visitors looking for nurseries with accommodation in Gauteng.
We stayed in Lavender Tree Cottage, which had everything we needed. Few overnight spots offer both a bath and a shower — this was a lovely surprise. The kitchen comes with a 2-plate stove and microwave to make mealtimes easy.
You will find:
- Fine linens for restful sleep
- Premium towels and a handy essentials box in the bathroom (for moments when you forget the shampoo)
- A spacious work or dining surface with a plug point
- DSTV, WiFi, and cellphone reception
- A private patio and an indigenous garden
- A dedicated braai area, with charcoal provided and fire prep on request
This is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a full nature experience and farm stay in Muldersdrift.
Good to know
We stayed on a Sunday night. Random Harvest is a working farm and indigenous plant nursery offering farm stays in Muldersdrift, so expect morning movement – staff, tools, life beginning. If you’re hoping to sleep in late during the week, know that the farm will already be awake.
Why stay at Random Harvest Nursery
There’s something deeply grounding about a stay at Random Harvest Nursery. Maybe it’s the silence of the night, the sincerity of the land, or the way the garden doesn’t perform for you. It just is. Everything here has a place, a purpose, a rhythm. You’re not the centre of it, but you’re invited in, just for a moment, to witness it. That is what makes it special. If you are looking for a Johannesburg farm stay or nurseries with accommodation in Gauteng surrounded by indigenous greenery, Random Harvest is the answer.
Useful info for planning your stay
Location: Muldersdrift, Gauteng – 30 mins from Johannesburg, 20 mins from Lanseria Airport.
Accommodation: If you are looking for nurseries with accommodation in Gauteng, Random Harvest has nine self-catering cottages, ideal for visitors looking to experience unique farm stays in Johannesburg.
Perfect for: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, gardeners, and eco-conscious travellers.
Amenities: Tea garden, indigenous plant nursery, walking on the property.
Birding events: Random Harvest also hosts birding events, not that I require much of an excuse to return.
Find out more
Find out more about the Random Harvest cottages, or visit the Random Harvest nursery website. Feel free to email Ronald Zulu at marketing(at)rhn.co.za and mention that you saw the write-up here.
Remember to share your Random Harvest stories with us in the comments, or tell us if you have stayed at other nurseries in South Africa.
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