‘An exhilarating day visit to Vredenheim Wildlife and Winery’
Experiences at Vredenheim
South Africa hosts some of the largest animal sanctuaries in the world.
Spotting the Big Five, the Lion and Leopard being at the top of that list, is a highlight for anyone planning a visit to one of the country’s extraordinary sanctuaries or nature reserves.
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 the couple about to get married or on their honeymoon, to families breaking out of their everyday routine, 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 offers a plethora of indulgence to appease your inner child.
The Big Cats
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 feeding and game drives are part of the fun at Vredenheim
Restaurant, Wine Tasting and Picnic Areas
The in-house restaurant is called Hudson’s, a privately-owned, award-winning restaurant, known for their delicious and mouth-watering hamburgers, positioned in front of the backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains, with a large open picking area surrounded by beautiful gardens and greenery.
Hudson’s offers breakfast, lunch, picnics and afternoon tea daily for a relaxing morning or leisurely afternoon.
A wine tasting room is adjacent to Hudson’s Restaurant. Here you can sample Vredenheim’s range of wines. Their wine experience provide seating and caters to bigger groups, romantic tastings, and tours.
Hamburgers or delicious curry are on the menu at Hudson’s
Fun Activities, Treats and Events
The grounds of the farm are equipped for all ages with an Animal Farm, which includes a play park, bike track, jungle gym and sandpit.
There are a diverse selection of farm animals and some of them can be fed. The animal farm 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, which include, 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 and other exclusive 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.
Vredenheim Wildlife and Winery will not disappoint, so get ready to be dazzled from the moment you enter their door and go explore!
Enjoy a picnic and garden views at Vredenheim
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: The day might catch up with you, so make Vredenheim a day visit, rather than a quick pop-in. They also have a guest house for overnights
Author bio: Anke Ferreira
Instagram: @anks_ferreira / @thethinkingfund
