Delightfully surprised by Steytlerville

 

 

 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  #Competition #PleasePickMe #HopeIwin #Greatprize