Chantelle The Tour Guide - www.facebook.com/ChantelleTheTOURGUIDE
On a wintery morning we set out to see the treasures of
Steytlerville, a little Karoo town at the foot of the Baviaanskloof Mountains
in the Eastern Cape. Not really knowing
what to expected, we told ourselves – Local is lekker and well, we loved the
weekend.
The first night we spoiled ourselves with a grand theatrical
experience at Grimaldi’s Theatre, Karroo Hotel.
The theatre is named after the mascot of the Hotel, a little fluffy
dog. But imagine our delight, all
dressed in drag, to be treated to the best Cabaret performance in the Eastern
Cape – I must admit, I haven’t seen better in all my years visiting the
Grahamstown Festival. The pianist - Fredy
Ferrari stole our hearts. Trust me - seeing
the Steyterville Follies is a must!
The famous potter Martin Haines (with bow-tie) from Nieu-Bethesda & a friend - http://www.nieubethesda.biz/martin.html
The Karroo Hotel offers en-suite accommodation & is
within walking distance of town (prohibition many moons ago dictated that a
venue serving alcohol should be situated 3km from the Dutch Reformed Church)
hence the current location of the hotel.
Strolling along the main street of Steytlerville, lined with
family coats of arms, bright & cheerful in the cold wintery breeze, we
headed to Pegasus
Early Motoring Museum – having been told by a friend that visiting this vintage
car museum is something out of this world.
We first enjoyed beautifully decorated chocolate cake (a piece of
heaven actually) served by Michele Prinsloo , wife of Jurie
Prinsloo, who meticulously restores each car & who proudly boasts with one
of the only two Ford Model C’s to be found in South Africa.
Rugby fever drove us to the Royal Hotel to watch the
Springbucks play. In the cozy pub we
encountered the locals – jovial & cheerful encouraging their team &
here I learnt for the first time that a few kilometres from town a very unique
excursion is on offer – One can experience the delight, fear and exhilaration
of seeing cheetahs hunt, whilst walking alongside them in the veld.
A few weeks later I returned, having organized the cheetah encounter. Steytlerville was colder & the sun was barely up when we stepped onto the stoep of the farmhouse – eager to see cheetahs hunt.
Our guide drove along a bumpy road, stopping before two
large cheetah enclosures. We stood near
the vehicle as the two cheetahs – brothers both about 5 years old – were let
out of their camp. Holding our breaths, these majestic animals walked right
passed us, tame and ready to hunt. We followed them in single file – heart-racing,
a little fearful and jittery with anticipation.
They stop. We stop. I saw them stalk a heard of Impala – way too
early they mock charge and the herd dispersed.
The cheetah sat and watch as the Impala disappeared over the horizon and
then finally they laid down to catch their breath. We followed them as they attempted hunting a
Kudu, a Zebra & then finally (6 hours in) they killed a Mountain
Rheedbuck.
The kill happened very fast.
We saw the one cheetah heading up the hill, the other cheetah charged
down the hill, splitting the herd of Moutain Rheedbuck. The one cheetah caught up with a Rheedbuck
ewe at the bottom of the hill and with one decisive bite put her down and
starting gorging at the hindquarters.
This is not for the fainted hearted!
But the best is yet to come, the guide & other
participants took the Rheedbuck’s legs & started dragging the buck back to
the cheetah living quarters – They are only allowed to feed in their
enclosure. It is quite a sight seeing
two cheetahs follow two men dragging their food. No wonder the Robert Mills (from
Graaff-Reinet) kept looking over his shoulder to see if these beasts will not
devour him in order to get to their food.
But tame as anything they followed them home & ate once there. Steytlerville was a delightful surprise –
offering experience that are unique, exhilarating & fun. If you’re looking for a fun weekend – head up
the R75 towards Wolwefontein & turn left towards Steytlerville – you’ll be
discussing the town at dinner parties for weeks to come!
For more information on the cheetah experience & for those
interested in participating contact Buks Marais – 082 579 1789 or
send enquries to info@camdeboocottages.co.za
Visit their website www.camdeboocottages.co.za/index.php/walk-with-cheetah – They also offer Baviaanskloof 4x4 adventures
– My next weekend away!!!
Written by Chantelle The Tour Guide - www.facebook.com/ChantelleTheTOURGUIDE
My entry for the Travelstart Blogger Experience Contest page - http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/blogger-experience-contest
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