Photo: Rooms at De Zeekoe Guesthouse Oudtshoorn
Can you believe we are entering March 2008, and I have not so much as managed a blog entry !! Where is this year going ? January and February seemed to have passed by at an alarming rate and I’m heading towards my 20 th school reunion which is somewhat disconcerting considering I only turned 21 the other day.
I have so many places on my list of travels for 2008, which is being hampered by an awful lot of maternity leave that is currently underway in the Rhino Africa offices. High on my list for 2008 was to visit the Meerkats in the Klein Karoo, and hence my first trip for 2008 took me up the famous Garden Route, to Kichaka a new safari lodge on the Lalibela reserve about 30 km before Grahamstown and just 4 km off the N2 Highway. On route, we stopped at De Zeekoe guesthouse on Route 62, a few kilometers outside Oudtshoorn. This charming little guesthouse offers excellent value for money, situated on a traditional Klein Karoo Ostrich Farm. Paula and her wonderful team will take excellent care of you, and the guesthouse provides a wonderful relaxing base from which to explore the area.
The food at De Zeekoie is wonderful, and dinners on the porch or breakfast in the gardens are the perfect way in which to enjoy African hospitality and cuisine. Of course the main purpose of our visit was to partake in the Meerkat experience with Grant the Meerkat man. Grant knows everything about these fascinating little animals and if you don’t mind a 04h45 wake-up and walk through the bush in the early morning, this is an activity well worth partaking in.
To be honest, as a keen photographer, given the cost I was somewhat disappointed by the fact that no photographic equipment was permitted on the walk, and that the tour organization is somewhat rough around the edges. (I think a better meeting point, payment facility and morning coffe should be accommodated) That said, it is a unique eco-experience and something I would highly recommend for everyone travelling through this area.
Once the Meerkats are up, out and about, it really is quite fascinating to watch these little creatures get on with their daily chores and the social interactions between the group. Grant is a wealth of knowledge and having worked with these wonderful creatures for many years, he will tell you all and more than you will ever need to know about the Meerkats and the flora of the area.
After a 2 and half to three hour trip with the Meerkats, it was back to De Zeekoe for a well earned breakfast, before moving on up the Garden Route.
For those interested in the Meerkat Magic Experience, you can book your tour with your Rhino Africa consultant. Pack a good pair of walking shoes, a warm top, and if like me you really can’t do early mornings without a bite to eat, make sure you pack yourself a light snack for the walk.