Things to do on the farm
Interact with our animals
Let your children meet and touch a wide variety of farm animals like chickens, cows, ponies, bottle-fed lambs, miniature pigs, rabbits, alpacas and geese. We sometimes have wild animal rescues too, like our meerkat, springbok and baby wildebeest. All our animals love visitors and are used to being hand-fed.
Game viewing
Species of wild animals on the farm include grey rheebuck, steenbok, duiker, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, rock rabbit, hare, porcupine, lynx, wild cat, erdvark, tortoise, meerkat, skunk, mongoose, fox and a variety of birds.
Sundowners... on the escarpment
Guests can settle at the farmstead for sundowners, or drive to the edge of the farm to enjoy the sunset over the nearby escarpment overlooking the Tankwa Karoo. The track requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle, but if you only have a 2-wheel drive car, our farm bakkie is available for hire.
Pop up coffee shopDuring school holidays and long weekends we run a coffee shop with one of the farm boys serving and making cakes.
Get warm with alpaca productsTo support our alpaca programme, we have opened a small alpaca shop where we have a selection of the warmest alpaca socks, scarves, beanies, ponchos, cardigans and insoles for sale. We also sell needle felted alpaca souvenirs and laser cut alpaca fridge magnets.
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Starwatching
We have our own private amateur observatory with two telescopes (15cm and a 20cm refractor) where Nicol takes our guests at night for stargazing. He is the only stargazing guide on the farm, which means that in the unlikely event of him not being here or being sick, you will not be able to watch stars. (This usually does not happen!) Therefore we do not take bookings for stargazing and, unlike the other amateur observatory in Sutherland, Nicol does not charge any fees for stargazing. However, everything needs maintenance and a small donation is much appreciated if you have enjoyed the night’s viewing
Mountain-biking
Explore the farm either on- or off-road.
Botany
Blesfontein hosts the fragile star tree of the Karoo. You'll find the only specimen for 100km on a remote area of the farm - preserved for future generations.
Horseriding
We have a mixed herd of beautiful and hardy Nooitgedacht and Appaloosas on the farm.
Children can enjoy pony rides, while adults can head out for game viewing on horseback. The outrides are suitable for all levels of experience as we only permit walking due to uneven ground. Note: Please phone to book in advance. There is a weight limit of 80kg for riders. Swimming
Cool off in the reservoir on warm days...
BirdwatchingBird enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of a number of birds endemic to the Karoo.
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Make the most of our snow days!
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Activities off the farm
Visit Sutherland Planetarium
Sutherland Planetarium is the only privately owned digital planetarium in South Africa. Located in the centre of town, the 31 seater planetarium is open 7 days a week showcasing a wide range of full-dome films for the whole family to enjoy.
www.sutherlandplanetarium.co.za |
Visit SALT
The South African Large Telescope is situated just 15 minutes outside Sutherland, and is a must for any budding or serious astronomer.
This collaborative project delivers accurate photographs of the deep space visible from the southern hemisphere. The observatory hosts a number of telescopes: tours include a visit to SALT, the museum, and observations of the night skies through powerful telescopes. Make sure you call the Observatory to book a personal tour and to confirm tour times on the day that you want to go through. |
Tour Sutherland
Sutherland offers some great local restaurants, a step-back in time to simpler days, and of course, the best Karoo meat for miles: visit the local butcher for the best South African lamb chops, droe wors, biltong and braai wors.
You can also stop at the local Dutch Reformed Church in Sutherland - one can still see graffiti from British Soldiers during the Anglo Boer War - or pay the small but interesting Louw Museum a visit.
Local definitely is lekker, so we also recommend a stop at the Sheep Cheese Farm and Factory - do call before you drive through.
You can also stop at the local Dutch Reformed Church in Sutherland - one can still see graffiti from British Soldiers during the Anglo Boer War - or pay the small but interesting Louw Museum a visit.
Local definitely is lekker, so we also recommend a stop at the Sheep Cheese Farm and Factory - do call before you drive through.
CONTACT BLESFONTEIN: Mobile: +27 83 633 4913 Email: [email protected]
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Please note: Blesfontein is a working farm with lots of farm animals and resident wildlife. We love to have you interact with them but please leave your dogs at home. Blesfontein is not pet-friendly. |
