Our Story
Situated 1km off the R44 on the Klein Helderberpad/Rd, 4,5km from the N2 on GPS S34.01.57.3 and E18.50.01.3.
45km from Cape Town International Airport, 5km from Somerset Mall and 12km from Stellenbosch.
Somerset West, Strand (Melkbaai Beach) and Gordonsbay (Bikini Beach) are all within the 15km range.
Old world charm and an atmosphere seldomly found.
We are deliberately steering clear of the run of the mill commercialism on this farm. Trusting that you will appreciate the fact that we are the fifth generation of Hendrikz / Obermeyer family living and actively farming in the very special Boland Winelands. Wine grapes of the highest quality is produced on this farm with it's exceptional terroire.
As the name implies we are on the very foot of the Helderbergmountain. The interesting fact of the name is that the mountain clearly indicate the expected weather pattern of the oncoming days. Whenever there is a cloud mass gathering around the head of the mountain it indicates rain. Clear skies will evidently result in beautiful sunny days to come.
Chances of experiencing African wildlife on the farm are very good. The Fish Eagle cry is heard on almost a daily basis, Blue Cranes pass overhead on their way to Caledon and the Overberg. Cape clawless Otter leave their very characteristic footprints in the mud and you might spot the track of the Cape Leopard. Regular birdwatching parties have noted over a hundred species of birds on the farm. One of the biggest Klipkershout trees are on the farm and is easily accessible from the Hiking trail.
The very trees that the original owner (Klaas Vechtman-1692) planted still abound on the farm, and you can be assured of having an almost surreal experience with the woodlands on the slope of the mountain. Even the Russians know about the abundance of wild mushroom (beware), and there are regular visitors in season collecting these delicasies.
From the major part of the Hiking trail, you can have an eagleseye view of the Cape Peninsula, with the False Bay on your left when you look at Table Mountain, and even Tablebay on a clear day, you can even see Robben Island (appr. 65km away). The Boland Winelands stretches to your right as far as the eye can see. The total distance of the Helderbergfarm Hiking trail is approx. 20km, and will take you up to 1136m above sea level, with majestic views.
The location of the farm renders it free of most of the prevailing winds of summer and even winter, making this a very sheltered spot to enjoy when the howling Southeasterly wind chases most people off the beaches. That might explain the presence of some Stoneage relics.....
Then it is time for Ruda's chocolate cake and some other goodies from our Kiosk, stocked mainly with produce from the farm. The teagarden and kiddies playground is situated between some well established Willows and Oaktrees, with views of the Mountain. Fresh strawberries, grown on the farm, are served in season. You can pick your own strawberries from October to December.
The Farmyard Nursery (Edwena 082 865 1564) is situated right next to the childrens playground, with a variety of farm animals to experience. The key idea is to shop at your leisure. Special gardening advice and an interesting range of plants is at your disposal. Even the garden maintenance is different to the norm.
Edwena Goff ([email protected]) caters for the to be weds, with weddings to die for. From the typical fairy weddings Bedouin-tent do's, she will take the breath out of you. Arrangements for special functions has to be made well in advance since the venue is very popular. We can accommodate approximately 300 cars, so you don't have to worry about that either. Cape farm weddings are one of the popular services we offer. Our Granny's Forest Amphitheatre is one of the venues on the farm that is used for outdoor weddings and teambuilding.
Come wintertime, we have a very cosy fireplace in the diningroom at the teagarden that will make your visit a very enjoyable one.
Being a childfriendly location, we also cater for kids with a special kiddies menu and kiddies parties they will never forget.
The overnight hut on the hiking trail is situated next to the dam in Granny's Forest and was built in 1840, where descendants from freed slaves lived for many years. Jantjie and Miena used to live there. Old Miena used to voluntarily report on a Monday morning at the homestead to help with the baking of the weeks bread, even in her old age...
Picnic and braai sites are available in Granny's Forest. Groups of up to 300 need to book in advance to avoid dissappointment. We do not allow any loud music on the farm, in order to maintain the farm atmosphere.
Other outdoor facilites that are very popular:
WOW Quadbikes, Combat Games (paintball, Laser and tracking, Mountain Biking 9 km, 4X4 trails (Two Oceans view 4x4 trail 12km), Hiking 1 – 20 km, Birdwatching, Drumming (can be arranged), normally in the Granny's Forest Amphitheatre,
Picnic & Braai (Barbeque).
We are looking forward to meeting you in our very special environment.
