Spotting the Big Five: the lion and leopard at the top of that list, is a highlight for anyone planning to visit animal sanctuaries or nature reserves, and South Africa boasts some of the best, including Vredenheim, just 45 minutes away from Cape Town, with food and wine to boot!
Introduction to Vredenheim
A visit to Vredenheim Wine Estate invites visitors for an entire day’s frolicking and is stacked with action-packed activities. It is truly for anyone, from the world-traveller to engaged couples or honeymooners to families looking for a city break to animal lovers of all stripes.
When ticking those ‘must see’ boxes for adventure, fun, food, drink, views, nature, and relaxation, you will not be disappointed as this all-in-one estate where a plethora of activities are at the ready.
Vredenheim Big Cats Farm
Most encounters with wildlife of this magnitude are usually limited to the close ups you capture on your camera or mobile phone by zooming in. But at Vredenheim Big Cats Farm, big cats such as Bengal Tigers, Lions, Black Panthers and African Leopards can be seen up close during their feeding times and on game drives.
The trained staff that present the cat feedings are very informative and provide enough insights into the cats background, routine and story.
There is a large picnic area in the centre of the Big Cat holding, which means these magnificent creatures can be viewed in a relaxed setting, with mountains and trees as the backdrop.
Big Cat spotting and Game Drives are part of the daily fun at Vredenheim Big Cats Farm
Restaurant, Wine Tasting and Picnics—Oh My!
The in-house restaurant is called Hudson’s, a privately-owned, award-winning eatery known for delicious burgers, and a large picnicking area surrounded by gardens and greenery.
Hudson’s offers breakfast, lunch, picnics and afternoon tea daily for a relaxing morning or leisurely afternoon.
Their wine tasting room is adjacent to Hudson’s Restaurant. Here you can sample Vredenheim’s range of wines and they can cater to bigger groups, romantic tastings, tours, and more.
Enjoy food, wine and game drives at Vredenheim. Bring your own picnic or dine in at Hudson’s
Fun Activities, Treats and Events
The grounds of the farm are equipped for all ages with an Animal Farm, play park, bike track, jungle gym and sandpit.
There are a diverse selection of farm activities, and also has food and drinks available, which offers parents the opportunity to relax and mingle while their children play.
Vredenheim’s farm is the residence of a multifariousness of game, including sables, blue wildebeest, golden wildebeest, zebra, springbok, fallow deer and eland. Fervent birdwatchers might see white pelicans, hadadas, blue cranes, spur-winged geese, guinea-fowl and, and, if nature permits, fish eagle, jackal buzzards and yellow-billed kite.
Vredenheim also caters to celebrations such as weddings, birthday parties, and other private events at two indoor venues embellished with crystal chandeliers and fairy lights, with room for between 50 and 250 guests.
Last but definitely not least is the Juniper Spa, a quaint establishment that provides personalized massages, treatments and products exclusively supplied by The house of Le Riche Naturals.
The garden at Vredenheim as plenty of room for little ones to run and roam
Address: R310 Baden Powell Drive
Stellenbosch, Cape Town, 7600
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BeSeeingYou In: Stellenbosch, Cape Town at Vredenheim
Good to Know: There are a multitude of award-winning wine estates in and around Stellenbosch.
Wow! Factor: The Big Cat feeding and game drive.
Tip: They also have a guest house for overnights.
Author bio: Anke Ferreira
Instagram: @anks_ferreira / @thethinkingfund
