Suggested Itinerary - Day Six
A walk with Meerkats
Now comes arguably the most interesting and certainly unusual visit of your holiday – Meerkat Magic.
Grant McIlrath, the conservationist who has been studying a particular Meerkat colony for 11 years now, makes these clever and shy little animals accessible in a unique fashion. He is recognised as one of the clan, so the Meerkats now accept his presence as one of their own.
The guests he introduces become part of the landscape and are able to get within two to three meters of the little creatures to observe at close hand the interaction of the alpha female with those lower down the hierarchy, the search for food and all the myriad daily tasks and play which visitors find so fascinating and memorable.
Grant is an accomplished raconteur and has a wealth of anecdotes and scientific lore to impart.
This is totally unlike your previous experiences of Nature and Game Reserves, where the animals are often very aware of the intruders and modify their behaviour accordingly.
Highly recommended.
The visit lasts an informative, educational and above all, entertaining three hours, after which you are free to depart for the Big Smoke of home, full of the joy of this unique experience.
If it’s Johannesburg you’re heading for, we recommend you take the Uniondale/Willowmore (R341) to the right after De Rust. This fine and quiet road avoids dull Beaufort West and the heavy truck traffic on the N1.
R341 traverses a fertile valley for 70 kms of attractive countryside, then turn left at the T-junction, on to stunning old Graaff-Reinet, Colesberg, Bloemfontein and home.
At Graaff-Reinet, do stop over at the JH Pierneef art exhibition – it’s on display at the recently restored Old Missionary Church on Middle Street and well worth the 30-minute break.
If you decide to sleep over, try Abbotsbury Guest House, 27 kms north of the town and four hours out of Calitzdorp. This ungraded, yet delightful little guesthouse is a well-kept secret. Rates are moderate, yet the setting is outstanding. It is hidden in a narrow valley set into a beautiful mountain backdrop, secluded and quiet, with friendly and helpful hosts.
Call Sue or Gordon Scott at 049 840 0201 for directions. And mention Calitzdorp Country House.
Then on towards home, but beware the regular speed traps at Colesberg!
Another stopping place is De Oude Kraal (the old corral), two thirds of the way to Johannesburg and just 35 kms south of Bloemfontein, 051 564 0636.It’s five or six kms off the highway, but still a good one-nighter. Just so they know what important guests you are, tell them we sent you.
The next day, just three and-a-half hours will see you home.
If you’re going back to Cape Town, stay on Route 62 to Worcester, the N1 south and home – four easy hours driving. There is minimum traffic, fine scenery and much to do along the way. Stop over for lunch just 11 kms from the centre of Barrydale on the Cape Town side at Joubert-Tradauw Cellars, where the food at the Deli is quite superb (closed on Sunday). Visit some of the fine wine cellars in the Robertson district, or stop over in charming Montagu. There, stay the night at Mimosa Lodge. The owner, Bernhard Hess, is an outstanding chef and a good friend of ours, 023 614 2351. Another fine stopover is Les Hauts de Montagu, an amazing view-site on the left three kilometres before you reach the town proper, where Eric and Myriam will do you proud, 023 614 2514.
Once you reach Cape Town, consider the attractions of five star Colona Castle in Lakeside, with unmatched views of False Bay. It is one of the few establishments we know that matches Calitzdorp Country House for décor, furnishings, ambience and service. And our cousin, Nicole Brand, telephone 021 788 8235, runs it with style, efficiency and French panache.
Have a safe trip and we hope to see you again soon.
Lyn and Allan Fabig
Calitzdorp Country House
