Waterkloof Guesthouse, a free range ostrich farm, is situated in the scenic vastness of the Southern Cape, near Swellendam and Heidelberg. A few minutes drive will take you to the holiday town of Witsand with its superb beach and fisherman’s paradise. San Sebastian Bay at Witsand is world famous as the nursery of the Southern Right Whales where they come to breed from May to November. On your way to the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its abundance of wild flowers and animal life, you will cross the Breede River on the famous man-powered Malgas Pont (ferry).
General
Waterkloof is arguably one of the finest commercial farms in the Heidelberg district and has been in the family for seven generations.The Uys-family has its roots in Northern Germany from where they emigrated to South Africa in 1704.
Your hosts, Hannes and Christene, invite you to come and experience their
hospitality and charming homestead.
The guest house is fully accredited by TGCSA and has a five star grading. This longest established guest house in the area is also a member of the Portfolio Luxury Accommodation group.
The house contains various family heirlooms and has four guest bedrooms, all with en suite facilities, tea trays and private entrances. The rooms are serviced daily. The secluded garden which attracts a number of bird species, is ideal for relaxing, especially around the swimmingpool area.
The Uyse are renown for their hospitality and good South African cuisine. Wholesome breakfasts include fresh farm produce and the adventurous can even indulge in ostrich eggs! Dinner is also available on request and guests can
enjoy a typical meal of mutton/lamb and ostrich in the company of their hosts.
Waterkloof is a commercial farm and boasts a wide diversity of agricultural activities commonly found in the area. The farm has an excellent Merino stud of 2 500 animals, but it is the 3 000 free ranging ostriches that take the limelight. The ostriches at Waterkloof are all free-ranging birds in natural surroundings. Guests are invited to accompany Hannes around the farm on a guided tour to experience the mating and breeding of the birds. Further farming activities include 500 hectares of cash crops, mainly comprising barley and wheat. While travelling on the farm you will often see Blue Crane birds, South Africa’s national bird, numerous Springbok, Grysbok, Duikers, Steenbok and Vaal Reebok. Various rare and uncommon birds are also to be observed.
There is an inhouse-shop with ostrich products as excellent gifts for tourists.
Attractions in the surrounding area include:
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Pont at Malgas
Witsand with whale watching, fishing, bird-watching and swimming
An hour trip to the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains
A halfhour trip to the historical town of Swellendam
A halfhour trip to the picturesque town of Heidelberg
Private visits to farms with Bontebok and species of Fynbos (Cape Floral Kingdom)
Four by four vehicle trips
Whalecoast Trails
Facilities
• TV room in main house:DSTV
• Swimming pool
• Barbeque area
• Hiking
• Near sea (17km)
• Near Malagas (15km)
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