The Imhoff Farm - South Africa Travel (original) (raw)
If you’re on the way to visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve – or hey, even if you’re not – be sure make a stop at the Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie. You’ll find yourself whiling away a more than pleasant afternoon at this historical farmstead, whether enjoying a leisurely lunch, browsing around the shops and boutiques, or participating in one of the many activities on offer. Open seven days a week and with something for everyone, the Imhoff Farm is a definite must-visit. And it’s kid-friendly too.
The Blue Water Café offers relaxed alfresco dining with beautiful beach views, combined with an impressive menu of hearty options, from salmon tartines to ostrich fillet to mouth-watering pizza (but save room for dessert – try the Cape sticky toffee pudding). All food is prepared with farm-fresh ingredients, and complemented by South African wines …
Foodies will also love the Free Range Farm Shop, crammed full of organic and free-range produce. With homemade cheeses and jams, freshly baked bread, a variety of olives, organically grown fruit and veggies, and old favourites like homemade lemonade, you’ll never want to hit a generic supermarket again. Pop into the Free Range Coffee Shop for a light meal, and look out for the cooking and baking classes that are starting here soon.
Shopaholics will be pleased to know their Imhoff retail therapy doesn’t end there. You can visit Imhoff Cheese for a tasting, pop into the well-stocked Old Cape Wine Shop, peruse a variety of art, crafts and décor stores, take the kids browsing at Peek-a-Boo Children’s Boutique or get earthy at the Imhoff Plants Nursery. Of course, my personal favourite and first stop is the Chocolate Silo, a former wheat silo now housing a selection of creative and drool-icious Belgian chocolate delights by Artichoc Africa. Yum!
But you’re far from finished at Imhoff. Kids will simply adore the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard, an educational petting zoo where they can get up close and personal with furry and feathered farmyard friends while learning fun facts about these and other animals.
Adult animal lovers should head to the Imhoff Equestrian Centre to book a two-hour guided beach ride. The centre caters to anyone over 12, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. There’s something magical about cantering down the breathtaking expanse of Noordhoek beach, complete with possible bird, whale and dolphin sightings, and a look at the famous Kakapo shipwreck.
Horses a little too passé? Imhoff is the proud home of three of Vered’s camels. These ships of the desert are available for rides – if you can stomach tottering along at two metres above the ground. For even more exotic creatures, visit the residents of the Imhoff Snake Park and Reptile Sanctuary, including a 3.5 metre yellow anaconda and a Burmese python.
All very energetic for one day, but if you return (and you’ll want to), make sure it’s to book a game of paintball for an afternoon of paint-splattered adrenalin-pumping action. Of course, you might want to visit the yoga centre or massage studio afterwards to soothe aching muscles and ease all that special-ops tension.
And then why not start all over again back at The Blue Water Café?
Where?
Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie, Cape Town
Telephone: +27 (0)21 783-4545
Useful Links:
Save
Save
Save