101 Amazing Activities
Farm & Robertson Activities
An amazing farm experience!
Horse Foaling Season – September to November
This is the best time of year to see the newborn active foals, on their long legs, frolicking in the paddocks!
Should your party wish to see a horse give birth please give Duncan Barry the mobile number of one person in your party that will be responsible for waking everyone up. Mares tend to foal between midnight and 5am. The ‘maternity’ paddock with the mares that are due and the foaling units are conveniently situated adjacent to Barry House. As with humans we cannot accurately predict exactly when a mare will foal so there is no guarantee that you will be fortunate enough to witness a foaling. We hope you do get to live this experience! It will remain one of your most precious memories.
Instructions
Dress warmly as the foaling is done outside in as natural a manner as possible and to prevent the foal from slipping on cement when it first tries to stand.
Have your shoes, waterproof jacket, etc lined up before you retire for the evening.
Should you receive a call, get to the foaling unit a.s.a.p. as it can happen very quickly!
Please watch from outside the foaling camp so that the mare has space to move around.
Please talk softly so as not to upset the mare.
Walking / Running
Guests are welcome to explore or run around the farm and down to the Breede River. A lap around the farm equates to a 6km run.
For your own safety guests may not go into the horse paddocks. Young children must please be accompanied by an adult as our young thoroughbred horses are unbroken and not tame ponies.
Fresh Water Fishing
The Breede River has mainly bass and carp. So bring your rods, catch and release, unless you are going to enjoy a fish braai!
Winning carp have been caught with a mielies and bingo dip bait in the Breede River that runs through our farm.
Swimming / Kayaking
The river has a lovely sandy beach to build sand castles or relax.
Bring your paddle-skis or kayaks and life-jackets with. Swimming and canoeing are at own risk. Always employ the buddy system when swimming or canoeing in the river.
All farm activities are at own risk.
Birding
So far 160 bird species have been spotted on Riverton farm!
Late summer afternoons the skies are often filled with swallows, swifts and martins. At least 39 migratory species also visit the region during the summer months. One afternoon produced the positive identification of 12 different species that surprisingly included African Palm Swift, a newcomer to the region. A huge flock of migratory European Bee-eaters often use the large trees around the garden as a roost. As soon as they settle in the trees opportunistic, Yellow-billed Kites barge through the branches looking for an easy meal. The familiar screech of the Barn Owls, and calls of the Spotted Eagle-Owls, and Fiery-necked Nightjars often adorn the night sounds around the house.
A short hike down to the river can also be very productive in that the Bar-throated Apalis, Bokmakierie, Karoo Prinia, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow and African Stonechat are common here. A variety of ducks, geese, herons and other waterfowl are often on view along the river or in the lucern lands. Surprisingly Western Ospreys have been recorded during at least three summers. Other birds of prey on record include Common, Forest and Jackal buzzards, Booted and Martial eagles, Lanner and Peregrine falcons, African Fish Eagle and African Marsh Harrier.
At least 68 bird species that are endemic and near-endemic to southern Africa occur in our Central Cape (Langeberg) area with many of these being “Western Cape specials”. This implies that 44% of the endemic and near-endemic species that occur in southern Africa can be found in our relatively small area! At least 39 migratory species also visit our region during the summer months.
Lifer – the Tambourine Dove! Flocks are often spotted in the horse paddocks.
Barry House on Riverton – a Birdlife South Africa recommended Accommodation.
Download our Birding Checklist at the link below:
Scroll down for Farm Activities and Some Great Ideas of things to do locally!
Old fashioned fun!
A delightful Victorian jungle gym graces the Barry House on Riverton garden. Charming butterfly swings, a rock climbing wall, a climbing frame, monkey rings and a slide are sure to provide the little ones with lots of fun as will the sandpit in a huge old farm tractor tire.
Remember the thrill of hunting for tadpoles in the farm dam during November?
The modern day equivalent at Riverton remains the same except that children must not partake without parental supervision and you are advised that there are no life guards or life saving equipment at the river or the farm dam and that neither Barry House on Riverton, the owners or staff accept any liability what so ever. All activities are taken entirely at own risk.
Wine Tasting
No need to designate a driver. Phone Johan Smit Charter Services on 082 666 9884 to book a bus to take your party wine tasting – local wine estates of your choice. His rates are very reasonable, he will come and fetch you from Barry House on Riverton and he will wait whilst you have lunch somewhere.
Best to book this activity for Saturday morning or midweek as many of the wineries are closed on Saturday afternoon and Sundays.
Wine Valley Safari
Fun transport in an open-air safari vehicle. Allowing you to fully breathe in and discover the Robertson Wine Valley in all its glory.
Choose from self-guided hop-on hop-off routes to pre-packaged wine tasting, township, and sunset tours. Tours leave adjacent to the Laverne Wine Shop in Voortrekker Road, Robertson. However, for a big group they have assured us they will fetch you from Barry House on Riverton.
info@winevalleysafari.com or phone +27 (0)81 740 0145
Wellness Treatments @ Barry House on Riverton
Zandra Hattingh, a qualified Somatologist has all the equipment to do various different massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, body scrubs ect. As well as your more advanced treatments like chemical peels.
So relax and enjoy a treatment in the comfort of your room or on the veranda to enjoy the view.
Please book in advance by contacting her directly via
email: zandrahattingh1@gmail.com
or message her on 072 654 9267.
Country Living 101
Living close to nature is a wonderful privilege, but it does require a slight shift in thinking and awareness.
Drink from the jug of water provided in your room, bottled water or filtered rainwater from the spout in the kitchen. The tap water comes from the farm dam and hasn’t undergone any chemical processing as you have in the city.
Stick to the beaten paths through the forest so that you can see where you are walking. Most snakes will sense you coming and hurry away before you see them, except for the lazy, poisonous puff adder that gets extremely annoyed when trodden on.
Use insect repellent in summer and keep the screens over the doors and windows closed. The cooling fans on the veranda also keep the flies away!
Should you venture down to the river in summer or take a marvellous walk around the farm, please check yourself for ticks afterwards. Should you find one it is important to SCRAPE it off so as not to leave the head behind to fester.
Bees are vital for the pollination of our fruit. The bees won’t disturb you, if you don’t disturb their hive.
Please do not flush any non-biodegradable objects down the toilets as this may upset the eco-balance of the septic tanks.
Robertson Activities
Lots to do locally!
Nearby Activities
Besides wine tasting Robertson also offers golf, river cruises, horse riding, the NCCR steam train, sky diving, an exotic birds paradise, cactus garden, antique shops, art galleries, game drives, fine cuisine, fast foods and more. On the desk in the Barry House sitting room you will find a tear off map highlighting the wineries and activities in the area or see http://www.robertsonr62.com/robertson-activities for further details.
Horse Riding
We do not have riding horses on our farm.
However, Robertson Horse Adventures is only four farms away! You can book outrides through the vineyards and along the banks of the Breede River or wine tasting carriage rides with them.
Bookings can be made via their website.
For enquiries email: robertsonhorseadventures@gmail.com
or phone Wilke Strydom +27(0)82 963 8976.
Riding helmets are available should you not have your own.
Activity Ideas – lots of things to do!
Café Maude on Bon Courage
Why not start your day at 9am with a delicious breakfast under the Peppers Trees at Café Maude on neighbouring Bon Courage wine estate?
There is a mini jungle gym and swings to keep the children occupied. The corn fritters with salmon swirls topped with crème fraîche and garnished rocket is delicious!
Try Bon Courage’s international award winning Jacques Bruére MCC or Shiraz – you won’t be disappointed!
Open Mon to Fri from 09:00 – 17:00 I Sat 09:00 – 15:00 The restaurant isn’t always open on a Sunday, so check in advance Tel: +27 (0)23 626 6806
Strictly Coffee
Always open for breakfast, coffee or a light lunch. Has WiFi. In Voortrekker Road, Robertson.
Tea
Wine Tasting at Springfield or Rietvallei Wine Estates
Premier wines! Mon-Sat.
Or
Bubbly Tasting at Silverthorn
MCC tasting including talk on fossils and geology of our area.
Book in advance: +27 (0)72 063 3609
Allow at least one and a half hours before booking lunch.
Lunch
Viljoensdrift River Cruise
Departs daily at 12 noon. Arrive half an hour before hand to select your Deli picnic & wine and lunch on board the 50 minute Viljoensdrift river cruise on the Breede river. About 5km further down our Bonnievale R317 road. The cruise is R90 for adults and includes an informal wine tasting and R20 for children 3 to 12 years old.
Tel: + 27 (0)23 615 1017 or book your cruise online.
Or
Kapokbos at Weltevreden Wine Estate
Fine dining at its best! Mon-Sat. Book online.
Follow lunch with one of their MCC experiences: Create your own Cap Classique (all day) or a Captivated by Chardonnay tasting at 2pm
Or
Christina’s@ Van Loveren
Dine under the trees in a magnificent garden. Gourmet burgers, thin crust pizzas or one of our favourites, Patagonian Calamari.
About 7km further down our Bonnievale R317 road. Book: + 27 (0)076 862 1995
Afternoon Tea
Owls Rest Lavender Farm
Olive and lavender products. Distillation tours at 11:00 & 14:00. Coffee shop.
Try their refreshing Rose Geranium Cordial!
Birds Paradise on the outskirts of Robertson is a must if you have young children to entertain. Over 200 cages of exotic birds, snakes and monkeys, an outdoor mini-zoo (crocodiles, lemurs, porcupines, etc), large jungle gym and swings, curio shop and tea room.
Telephone: +27 (0)23 626 3926
Sundowners & Dinner
Enjoy the tranquil view of the cactus gardens at Mo & Rose at Soekershof, Klaasvoogds.
Dinner
Robertson is blessed with many great places to eat! We have only named a few below.
Ragazzi@Beuld
Italian inspired cuisine with good service. Mon-Tues closed, Wed-Thu 17h00-21h00, Fri-Sat 12h00-21h00, Sun 11h00-13h00. Book: +27 (0)63 262 5558.
Bourbon Street on Voortrekker Rd, Robertson, for good steaks.
Four Cousins on Voortrekker Rd, Robertson as you enter the town. Nicely presented food, Boet beer and a TV to watch a game.
For that special midweek occasion – dinner at Fraai Uitzicht farm, Klaasvoogds or anytime at The Small Hotel can be recommended. Book in advance.
Fast Food
The best Steers in the Boland can be found at the Shell Garage as you enter Robertson. Debonairs Pizza and Rapid River Spur can be found at the Mall, off Voortrekker Road, near KFC. Debonairs Pizza will deliver to Barry House on Riverton.
”New
Enjoy a 3.5 hour steam train trip from the Robertson train station to Nuy return!
The train has 3 local wine serving carriages and a pizza serving carriage. The train does stop for a photo opportunity!
Birding Guide
Weekends Only: Knowledgable Birding Guide, Adrius Rabie, can be booked to guide you to the birds you would like to see on the farm and around Robertson.
His rates are R500 from 7:00 to 13:00 and a R100 per hour thereafter.
Cell: +27 (0)82 302 1027 or Email: adriusrabiek@gmail.com
Hands on Bee Keeping, Bushbraai and Tractor Ride
Walk in the footsteps of Farmer Redbeard, the bee-keeper, and practice the art of smoking the bees, retrieving and spinning out the honey. One’s taste buds get to explore the different types of honey produced in this area, and which can be enjoyed on fresh homemade bread with tea or coffee on his ‘stoep’.
Or join Farmer Redbeard for a tractor ride with an optional bushbraai included.
Marbrin Olive Farm
Tour the Marbrin Olive Farm and learn how olives and olive oils are processed. You’ll also be able to taste their olive oils, try different cultivars of olives and their range of home-made olive tapenades. Marbrin Farm also accommodates group bookings for their tapas menu.
Book a tour, olive tasting or tapas menu on Cell: +27 (0)73 840 8228 | +27 (0)78 916 3606 or Email: marbrinfarm@gmail.com
Owls Rest Olive & Lavender Farm Stall
Experience lavender harvesting – by hand – and the steam distilling process which produces lavender water and essential oil and purchase quality merchandise at the Owls Rest farm stall. Taste their refreshing Rose Geranium Cordial! Located on Route 62 between Robertson and Ashton nestled at the foot of the Langeberge in the Klaasvoogds West area.
Tel: +27 (0)23 626 1284
Saggy Stone Micro-Brewery
On your way back to Cape Town why not take a slight detour off the beaten track and enjoy a craft beer tasting and lunch at Saggy Stone?
Fish Eagle Hiking Trail
A 7.5km hiking trail starting on the Van Loveren Wine Estate, crosses the Breede River and climbs up the Rooikrans with breathtaking views of the valley. Organise in advance should you wish to hike on a Sunday. Also open to MTBs.
Tel: +27 (0)23 615 1505
Golf
The Robertson Golf Club on Silwerstrand Golf & River Estate welcomes visitors.
The 18-hole golf course is a good mix of short and long holes with Danie Obermeyer signature bunkers providing an added challenge.
The superb changing facilities, bar and the spectacular view from the wrap around patio all ensure a great day on course.
Telephone the Pro Shop: +27 (0)23 626 1090 to book.
Art
Braam Coetzee Art Studio, by appointment with the artist who made Nguni cattle paintings famous: +27 (0)82 498 3885
Natasha Barry Art, by appointment on Riverton farm. Oil paintings with artist’s moulding: SMS +27 (0)82 975 2243 or Email: info@rivertonstud.co.za
Rialheim Ceramic Studio & Open Air Galley (Studio Tour available on request) on Clairvaux Estate as you enter Robertson from the Worcester side.
Open: 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 14:00 Saturday and 09:00 – 14:00 Public Holidays (Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day).
Tel: +27 (0)79 898 3120 or Email: clairvaux@rialheim.com
Skydiving
Robertson is home to the Western Province Sport Parachute Club that was established in 1972. Operating as Skydive Robertson, it is a training and recreational Club. In a first for the Western Cape, the South African National Skydiving Championships was held in Robertson in April 2011.
Have a look at their website to find out over which weekends the Club will be jumping:
www.skydive.co.za. Tel: +27 (0)83 462 5666 to book your skydive or tandem jump!
What about a tandem jump as a present for the adventurous type?
INTERESTING FACT
The Lord of War movie starring Nicholas Cage and Ethan Hawkes features the Robertson airstrip!
Natasha Barry Art
Left: A segment of African Science from the I am an African Series by Natasha Barry. Medium: Oil on canvas with artist’s moulding. Size: 760 mm x 1002 mm Price: ZAR 3500.00
Inspiration: Smallpox and the knowledge how to inoculate against it originally came from Asia. Hundreds of years before Edward Jenner developed a successful smallpox vaccine in 1796 certain African societies were already practising inoculation. They carried out a general inoculation by scratching the pus of an active case into their skin with a 95 to 99% success rate. Over a quarter of Europeans who contracted smallpox by breathing it in before Jenner’s vaccine, died.
Viewing: By appointment only. SMS: +27 (0)82 975 2243 or Email: info@rivertonstud.co.za
Commissions: The artist does accept commissions should she feel that she can contribute something unique. You are welcome to forward an idea(s), colour scheme and photos for a quotation. However, should you want a painting that looks exactly like a single favourite photo the artist suggests that you consider having the photo enlarged and possibly printed on canvas as an option.
Book Barry House on Riverton for your group of family or friends
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