Activities
Meet our Animals
Did You Know?
Alpaca manure is an extremely sought after fertilizer, referred to as 'black gold' as it is one of the richest organic manures available. It is almost odorless and can be mixed straight into the soil or placed directly around the plants. If you're an avid gardener, enquire about getting some 'paca poo and watch your plants flourish!
Good Reads
Sometimes the wildest adventures take place between pages. We have a mini open library / book swap situated in the Communal Kitchen. Make a fair trade: take a recommended book and leave a recommended book of your own, or simply borrow one during your stay.
Bird Watching
We do what we can to encourage an abundance of birdlife to keep returning. So far the following have been spotted & identified in and around the Balgowan and Nottingham area:
​
​
Take some selfies with our three handsome alpacas: Anubis, Ares and Atlas. Their fleece is softer than cashmere and they often make soft humming sounds. But if you plan on rubbing them up the wrong way, please call us first so we can get a great video of you as they spit! Our ducks and geese love splashing around in their pond too, and you'll hear Goostavo honk his greeting as you drive in or out.
Southern Boubou
Grey Crowned Crane
European Swallow
Southern Black Tit
Ashy Flycatcher
Square-tailed Drongo
Fork-tailed Drongo
Pied Crow
Natal Robin
Black Flycatcher
Cape Wagtail
Long-tailed Shrike
Glossy Starling
House Sparrow
Lesser Masked Weaver
Paradise Whydah
Common Waxbill
Lesser Double-collared Sunbird
Purple-banded Sunbird
African Black (Amethyst) Sunbird
Black-headed Oriole
Cape Robin-chat
Paradise Flycatcher
Long-tailed Widowbird
African Fish Eagle
African Olive Pigeon
Forest Canary
Malachite Sunbird
Helmeted Guinea Fowl
African Spotted Eagle Owl
Barn Swallow
African Stone Chat
Reed Cormorant
African Goshawk
Ostrich
African Fire Finch
Checkpoint 103
Go-karting, zorbing, and all round wild fun!
Swissland Cheese
Watch the goats climb and play as you snack on a yummy range of cheeses.
Piggly Wiggly
Shops galore, a restaurant and a playground for the kids complete with it's own little train ride.
Karkloof Canopy Tours
Feel the wind in your hair while ziplining through the treetops for a fun fresh view of the forest.
Mandela Capture Site & Apartheid Museum
Go to see the masterful metal structure that transforms into Madiba as you approach.
Country Markets
Check out the Earth Route Market, the Rosetta Country Market or the Peter's Gate Market for some wholesome produce and homemade goods.
Nearby Attractions
The Midlands Kitchen
Choose from a variety of lunch options in one big Food Court.
The Junction
Chocolate dipping, archery, a toyshop and more.
Miche Bakery
The most delightful freshly baked goods you can get!
Midlands Garden Centre
If you've got greenfingers and you're keen to check out a lovely nursery, this is for you.
Long-crested Eagle
Red-chested Cuckoo (Piet-My-Vrou)
Pin-tailed Whydah
Jackal Buzzard
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
Hoopoe
Hadeda Ibis
Masked Weaver
Lesser-striped Swallow
Yellow-billed Kite
Grey Heron
Cattle Egret
White Stork
Sacred Ibis
Egyptian Goose
Gymnogene
Natal Francolin
Blacksmith Plover
European Swift
Speckled Mousebird
Cardinal Woodpecker
Black Kite
Yellow-billed Egret
Brown Snake Eagle
Cape Crow
Fan-tailed Widowbird
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Photographer: Trevor Coventry
Gowrie Golf Estate
Fancy a round of the gentleman's game? Take in the peace and serenity of the lush surroundings as you tee off.
Edi's Sausages
The most delicious German sausages with crispy potato slices and curry-wurst sauce.
Explore the Gardens
Play nature's version of Where's Waldo and see if you can spot the local chameleons, or simply enjoy the smells and sights of the diverse flowers and plants from Jasmine to Lemon Verbena, and from Dahlias to Bougainvillea.
Dine n Drive
Be sure to check out this retro-themed diner-style takeaway owned and run by a chef!
Play an Escape Game
Sign up for an hour of finding clues and solving puzzles in one of our themed escape room adventures. Check out pricing and availability at the CryptIQ Escape Games website: www.cryptIQescape.net
