As the sun rises a lone meerkat emerges from its burrow, followed shortly by the rest of the mob. They yawn…stretch and then turn to the rising sun to warm their little tummies, all the while scanning the horizon as they balance, perfectly poised on their hind legs and tails. The fur on meerkats’ tummies is darker than on the rest of their bodies and actually serve as mini-solar panels absorbing the sun’s warming rays, giving them a much needed boost for a day spent foraging for insects. These are 100% wild meerkats – they have never been fed, handled or otherwise engaged with humans; but they are accustomed to people, particularly the ones gawking at them – and it bothers them not a jot!
Seven kms outside Oudtshoorn, surrounded by the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, the popular 4 star De Zeekoe Guest Farm – known for its peaceful, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, its spectacular views, abundant birdlife (more than a 160 species), the ‘Shy Five’ (aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, porcupine and meerkat) and its daily Meerkat Tours – is where you can meet up with a meerkat ‘mob’ (the cute collective noun for meerkats).
A working lucerne farm, De Zeekoe Guest Farm, a member of Cape Country Routes, started when the owner converted two rooms into guest accommodation. Now it’s a highly recommended guest house with 21 hotel-style, ensuite rooms – luxury and deluxe with interleading rooms and superior rooms with extra beds for kids at the main property, and three self-catering cottages.
There’s also a restaurant, The Windpomp, with views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Tranquillity Spa that lives up to its name, creating a tranquil and holistic ‘escape’.
Activities are aplenty for young and old and in-betweens – there’s a dedicated kiddies play area and swimming, hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing on the Olifant’s river. Further afield there’s a variety of other activities from the Cango Caves, Route 62, the longest wine route in the world museums, waterfalls to wildlife ranches and ostrich farms and De Zeekoe’s world unique ‘Five Shy Meerkats’ tour.
info@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
info@dezeekoe.co.za | www.dezeekoe.co.za