Waterkloof-Guest-House-Swellendam

Waterkloof Guest House is located approximately 32kms from the small town of Swellendam, near to the N2’s Garden Route. It offers the chance to experience life on a working ostrich farm. If you’re lucky, as I was, owner and farmer Hannes will show you how he farms ostrich. You can help collect eggs and see chicks hatch, which is a must, especially for children. We watched around 10 chicks punch through their hard egg-shells before being assisted, by Hannes, to see the outside world for the first time.

The farm has been in the family for seven generations and provides very comfortable country style 4 star accommodation, literally in the middle of nowhere. Four rooms offer different styles all with en-suite, tea trays and private entrances.

No bright lights invade the night sky, allowing a stunning display of stars and with the help of the free Wi-Fi, I was able to use my Ipad for pinpointing various stars and planets from the garden.

The daytime view is also spectacular, especially in springtime, with vast fields of flowers providing a picture perfect setting. Ostrich can be seen moving through the fields and then silhouetted against the setting sun, which is a perfect opportunity for budding photographers.

On those hot summer days the pool allows you to cool off and Hanne’s wife Christine cooks the most amazing home cooked cuisine, which is served by the pool on hot summer days. We had, you guessed it, ostrich and merino lamb for main, stunning!

On cooler days both breakfast and dinner is served in the main house, which contains various family heirlooms. You can relax here, with a glass of wine and meet other guests in the communal lounge.

Ostrich leather goods such as bags, purses and wallets are available for purchase on the farm, in various styles 

and colours.

See Waterkloof Guest House, Swellendam on Found’s website.  

A link is provided to their own website for bookings and to Tripadvisor for comments.


by Paul Paley - Found Travel

Olive-Garden-Country-Lodge–Robertson

Cold Play live from Rio bellowed from the car as I made my way onto the N1 from Cape Town. The sunroof was open and I was feeling good to be heading out of the city bound for Robertson. As I entered the Klein Karoo, as if timed to perfection, Cold Play finished and Buddha Bar came on, perfect for the remainder of the drive, as I took in the scenery. 

Olive Garden is 9km from Robertson and boasts 5 luxury cottages, two suites, a pool and a welcome like no other. Not only are you greeted by a warm reception from the owners but a welcome of pure beauty as your eyes pan around the rolling hills. Once I was shown to my suite, I immediately sat on the patio, in the evening sun, to soak up the sounds of the countryside. No music, just the sounds of a variety of birds and a gentle breeze. 

They time it well at Olive Garden, as the sun disappeared behind a mountain, I came back into the suite to a knock at the door. A welcome drink, snacks and of course, you guessed it, olives. So while munching on the olives I decided to start this article, I couldn’t feel more relaxed. Olive garden grows amazing olives and sells olive oil in beautifully designed packaging.

My suite was very well designed with a bamboo ceiling, a large double bed, sofa, patio area with comfortable seating, flat screen TV (although I won’t be using it) and as if that wasn’t enough to be getting on with, a stunning shower and Jacuzzi bath! I also had my eye on the fireplace, which was already set, all I had to do was light it, which I planned to do after dinner. 

Dinner is a must at the on-site restaurant and it’s in walking distance from all the cottages. Chef and sommelier, Fernand Van Wassenhove, prepares dinner, which can be washed down with a variety of red and white wines. He only uses freshly picked herbs, vegetables and fruit, which are organically grown and will certainly get your taste buds going. 

After the perfect dinner and great night sleep, I woke up, showered and had a full breakfast offered by the owner Gina. The birds were out in force and the setting was truly magical. 

Olive Garden not only has great accommodation and good food, but also provides walking trails from the site. You can do a great many things in the area including horse riding, river rafting and taste the famous Robertson wines at local vineyards. 

Contact Olive Garden through Found Travel and book early!