Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to go on a game drive, need not be a tedious long drive to somewhere far away, there are closer options offered less than an hour’s drive away, one of the farms offering this exciting outdoor adventure is the Rooshoek Farm in Wellington.
With a drive of less than two hours back and forth, this family-friendly activity is ideal for a Saturday morning getaway to shake off some of the city stress and pressures.
An early morning game drive by Bolander on Tuesday March 28, on the Rooshoek Farm in Wellington was an all-in-one, more than what one would expect, full house experience.
With views of vineyards, olive groves, sightings of a variety species of game, fresh air, indigenous flora, bird sightings, and seeing nature in all its glory after recent rains with gushing rivers and flowing streams; the drive was a refreshing experience.
The game drive vehicle winds comfortably with ease through the different and far stretching terrain, whilst providing a bird’s-eye view over the valley under the Groenberg and surrounding mountains.
Rooshoek’s General manager, Gideon Ebner, who doubles up as the game driver and tour guide on these rides shared his knowledge about the farm in an interesting and entertaining manner and with each sighting slowed down to allow for ample photographs to be taken of the game, some of whom one gets to see at an extraordinary close range.
Game drive passengers can expect to see various species including buffaloes, sable antelopes, eland, oryx, springbok, kudu, bontebok, steenbok, zebras, and other species.
The drive takes you through the vineyards (some of which are being replanted) and the 4 hectares of olive groves from which the farm when harvesting every second year, produces freshly pressed Rooshoek extra virgin olive oil. Mr Ebner interestingly adds how the bottom of the olive trees are naturally trimmed by the eland and kudu species.
An interesting fact about Rooshoek farm is that the farm is located at the foot of Groenberg mountain, which according to information on the farm’s website is an extinct volcano. The belief is that the decomposed granite makes the soil in the valley more fertile. Making this ideal for the vineyards, olive trees and all the animal life grazing the fields.
In addition to game drives, the farm offers other activities including picnic spots in the mountains, or next to the rivers under shady trees, all family friendly spots. For couples a romantic sunset sundowner can be the perfect date out in the outdoors.
The farm recommends the game drives to be booked early morning or afternoons. The upside of the drive (which can be between 2 to 3 hours) long is that it’s not too quick or too drawn out, but just enough chance for one to catch some good views of the game and enjoy a serene and scenic drive through the natural surroundings. Visitors can bring along snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the drive.
Upon disembarking from the safari vehicle, with no sign or symptom of city-induced stress, one can’t help to feel so much closer to, and in tune with, nature and her majestic inhabitants.
To book a game drive, contact the farm on 021 300 1014 or visit www.rooshoek.co.za for more information.
