The Western Cape in South Africa offers superb luxury weekend getaways where time can be spent relaxing, taking in the sounds of nature and feasting a superb world class cuisine. This article chats about my weekend away to Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse.
Living in a country that is jam packed with things to do and see, I once again took advantage of my situation. One early afternoon I headed off towards the Swartland wine area in the Western Cape to visit an exclusive country lodge called Bartholomeus Klip. The Swartland wine area starts at Paardeberg near Wellington and heads north all the way to Piketberg with Malmesbury being the main business centre, an area of rolling wheat fields, blossoming vineyards and olive groves. With some 18 different cellars in the area, exciting award-winning wines have emerged over recent years and the area continues to produce top port-style wines.
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is situated on a private reserve at the base of the Elandskloof Mountains that is some 4000 hectares in size. It offers twice daily nature drives to view their 500 strong head of game including Cape Mountain zebra, black wildebeest, springbok, bontebok, ostrich, eland, more than 160 species of birds and rare renosterveld and fynbos vegetation. It is also a working sheep and wheat farm, which adds a different dynamic to your visit and an opportunity to learn about South African farming. Mountain bikes are available for use as are some boats to enjoy a peaceful row across the large dam from the lovely boathouse.
The Country House is small, with only 5 rooms, but exclusive and as us women say “the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” (man being a relative term here). The meals that are prepared here are exquisite! Every dish is prepared with care and love. They are delicious and even if you came here just to try their farmhouse cooking, it’s worth it! They do of course belong to the Good Cooks and Their Country Houses Association, an association of owner run guesthouses. Each property has been hand-picked for its high standard of personal service, relaxed atmosphere, simple elegance and of course, passion for good food and wine.
With so much to do on the estate and in the area, one could stay for at least 3 nights here. This is a great getaway spot well worth a visit!
Africa Tamed is a successful tour operator, based in Cape Town, South Africa offering unique, value added vacation packages to Southern Africa. Contact them now to design your all inclusive vacations to Southern Africa.
