Activities
HOLIDAYS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OF THE WESTERN CAPE
You can just relax at Doornbosch Estate & Guesthouses
This rural part of the southernmost area in the Western Cape is a well-kept nature reserve at the start of the Garden Route. The whole area of Doornbosch Estate & Guesthouses is over 5000 ha in size and consists mainly of pastures, forests, natural Fynbos, proteas and mountains. Here you can walk, run, hike and go mountain biking on kilometers of natural trails and grassland.
The pastures are used for grazing for cattle, sheep and horses. Ostriches, Fallow deer, zebras, springbok, eland and other game roam freely on the farm. Enjoy an early morning ride and get close to the animals in absolute peace and harmony. Or go on a game drive in the wonderful light of a late afternoon and see the sun set over the ocean at Pearly Beach.
If you are more of the adventurous kind or feel like exploring, we have a few suggestions for you.
HORSE RIDING
• All rides take place in open country on the 5000 ha farm.
• 9 horses are available for beginners, intermediate and accomplished riders.
• We have English and Western saddles. FEI safety helmets are available.
• All rides take place at your own risk.
• Maximum weight 100 kg.
• Groups of riders with own horses are welcome. All visiting horses must have valid passports. Ground levy applies. R 200 per horse.
• Riding holidays and lessons upon request.
• 1 hour game and fynbos ride R 800 per person.
NATURE & HONEY
• Gardens, indigenous Fynbos, and unspoilt nature surround all our houses and villas.
• Natural spring water on the farm. 100 % safe for drinking and cooking. No chlorine.
• Vegetable garden with organic veggies and herbs. Availability for purchase depends on the season and water situation.
• Fresh organic farm eggs available for purchase.
• R 60 per dozen
• 250 beehives on the premises.
• Raw organic honey cultivation on-premises.
• The only EU-certified organic honey in the Western Cape of South Africa.
• Glasses of 500 g sell for R 120
HIKING & BIKING
• Safe walking, jogging and hiking on kilometers of trails on the farm.
• 2 standard bikes for rent. R 100 per bike and day.
• Bring your own mountain or cross bike.
• All activities on the premises at your own risk.
• Checking cattle
ANIMALS & GARDEN
• We farm cattle, sheep, horses, chickens and geese.
• Many springbok, antelope, zebra and lots of small game.
• Many indigenous and seasonal birds.
• Garden with lawn and flowers around the houses.
• Vegetable garden with organic produce.
• Produce availability dependent on season and water situation.
• Helping with Farm Work
• Collecting Eggs
• Feeding Animals
• Grooming and feeding horses
• Checking cattle
BEACHES & EXCURSIONS
• Elim – a small Moravian mission village with a beautiful church (10 minutes).
• Pearly Beach – swimming and whale watching in season (15 minutes).
• Gansbaai – whale watching tours and shark cage diving tours (30 minutes).
• Stanford – village with galleries and antique stores (35 minutes).
• Struisbaai – manta rays close to the beach (45 minutes).
• Cape Agulhas – the southernmost tip of Africa with a lighthouse (50 minutes).
• Arniston – fisherman's village and restaurant for wild oysters (50 minutes).
• Hermanus – shopping and restaurants (50 minutes).
• De Hoop Nature Reserve – large dunes and whales in season (90 minutes).
GOLF & WINE
• Bredasdorp – 9 holes (35 minutes).
• Gansbaai – 9 holes links course (30 minutes).
• Hermanus – 18 holes (50 minutes).
• Arabella Country Estate – 18 holes signature course (75 minutes).
• Lomond Wine Estate (20 minutes).
• Black Oyster Catcher Wine Estate and Restaurant (20 minutes).
• Strandveld Vineyards (25 minutes).
• Zoetendal Wine Farm and Deli (30 minutes).
• Raka Wineries (70 minutes).
WHALES & SHARKS & MANTA RAYS
• Pearly Beach – whale watching in season (15 minutes).
• Gansbaai – whale watching tours and shark cage diving tours (30 minutes).
• Struisbaai – manta rays close to the beach (45 minutes).
• De Hoop Nature Reserve – whales in season (90 minutes).
Whale watching season is from June to November (peak July/August) along the Cape south coast.
FARM DRIVES
• Farm drives through the bush to see springbok, zebra, eland, fellow deer, ostrich, and various small game.
• If you are lucky, you may encounter a porcupine, lynx or genet.
• For the birdwatcher we have an abundance of endemic birds like secretary birds, blue cranes, eagles, buzzards, hawks, owls, Guinea fowl and seasonal storks and swallows.
• All farm drives will be guided and operated by our managers in a 4 x 4.
