Just after a bout of lighting, thunder and pouring rain, we dressed warmly, and took the dogs down to the river at Rondekuil for their walk.   The wet grass and colder weather didn’t dampen their spirits at all, in fact they were full of bounce and had a ball running along the dry river bank.

At the moment, the river is dry and desolate, (pictured below), with rocks and pebbles lying waiting in silent anticipation for the winter rains. Our river normally flows beautifully (and very strongly, I might add), during our winter months, and then dries up during the months of October and November each year.  The years when we’ve experienced heavy rains in the Cape area, the river, which is actually the source of Diep River that has its estuary in Milnerton,  has continued to flow until the month of December, before beginning to dry up.

Tonight we took the liberty of crossing over the dry river bed to explore the bank on the other side of the river bed.

On both banks of the river there are beautiful tall trees, some might even be 100 years old, with one specific old and majestic tree being home to a swarm of wild bees.  Once the winter is in full swing, we have many wild mushrooms growing along the banks of the river as well.  There are those which can be eaten, I’m sure, but not being a expert in the field of mycology (the study of mushrooms), I think it’s wiser to err on the side of caution, and leave the mystical mushrooms where they are.

Many of our porcupines which roam around the Rondekuil Country Estate at night have their burrows down at the river, digging deep into the soft sand, they create a safe haven for themselves, and eat on the many insects and plant life found along the river.

There’s a whole new world to be discovered whilst walking along this river that borders the northern section of Rondekuil. and visiting guests and friends are always encouraged to explore the natural bounty on offer at the Rondekuil Country Estate.

A great cause for excitement for all on the farm, was the discovery of a Caracal (pictured below) on Monday morning, in our garden overlooking our conference and event centre.  He (or she, we didn’t get close enough to establish it’s gender), had wondered into the garden during the night because the gates had been left open, and was still trying to figure a way out by the time our staff started work on Monday morning.  Keeping our distance, we dug a hole under the fence, and the caracal harmlessly slipped under the fence, to run back to more familiar terrain This is not the first time that Caracal have been spotted at Rondekuil, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Visitors and guests to the Rondekuil Country Estate can be assured of not only experiencing a tranquil holiday away from the stress and hum-drum of the city, but they can also enjoy nature at its best.  All this only 10 minutes from Durbanville!

Both bed and breakfast accommodation and self-catering accommodation as well as a venue for conferencing, weddings and parties are on offer at Rondekuil Estates.

Visit our website for more information : www.rondekuil.co.za.

Our website also offers more information about our wedding and conference venue, which accommodates up to 140 guests/delegates and is proving to be very popular Guests can sip their drinks on the balcony, while watching yet another glorious sunset with un-interrupted views, stretching through to Table Mountain.   The views from the venue alone make it worthy of consideration, but we also offer a cash bar, secure parking, and of course, the venue is fully equipped for catering purposes.

 Avoid disappointment, and enquire now about our winter specials, and the other benefits associated with the hiring of our unique wedding and conference venue.

By : Richard Promnitz

Each year, around spring time, we are privileged to be home to a breeding pair of Blue Cranes.  They roost in the top field after the wheat has been harvested, and over the years have always hatched two chicks each season.   As the spring and summer months go by, I often get a glimpse of the chicks from our gravel road, and, considering that they are listed as “vulnerable” with the South African experience a deep sense of pleasure and delight  in watching them grow up.   This evening, while walking the dogs, I was fortunate to sight our Blue Crane family again.   The chicks are almost the same size as their parents now, and quite literally beginning to spread their wings and “hop” across the field, learning to fly.  With autumn on our doorstep, it won’t be long until the family take flight, and head for the lower altitude areas of South Africa for the winter months, but I’m certain that they will be back again next spring.

Accommodating up to 130 guests, our Wedding and Conference venue continues to gain popularity,  with many bookings already confirmed for the remainder of 2012.  Both my wife and I are quite amazed at the variety of different types of functions planned for the year, we have an 80^th birthday party, a 50^th birthday party, weddings of course, a few conferences, and even kiddies parties booked.  Our new Koi pond at the entrance to the centre has added both an aesthetic appeal, as well as become quite a conversation piece with visitors, and adds a wonderful backdrop for a photographs.

Our centre also offers a cash bar, an enclosed lawn area, secure parking, and is fully equipped for catering and conference purposes.  Even in this, our driest months of the year, the Rondekuil Country Estate still remains one of the  “hidden jewels” within the Durbanville Hills, offering not only splendid and stylish self-catering accommodation, but also a venue which can cater for just about any type of event.

Visit our up-dated and re-vamped website for more information : www.rondekuil.co.za

Avoid disappointment, and enquire now about our winter specials, and other benefits associated with the hiring of our unique venue.

The green landscape enjoyed during our winter months turn into a golden vision during summer, offering visitors and guests a different element of life in the country.

As is the case each evening, my wife and I take our dogs for a walk, sometimes down to the river, other times along one of our many country pathways, and last night was no exception.

The wind had died down and the harsh heat of the sun had subsided as we strolled out of our garden gate with the dogs.  We found ourselves walking down one of the many pathways, and couldn’t help but marvel the wonderful sunset.  We stopped and watch the sun say goodbye to yet another lovely summers day, and realized once again what a wonderful escape the Rondekuil Country Estate is for those seeking break-away self catering accommodation, just 10 minutes drive from Durbanville.

Both bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as self-catering accommodation are on offer.

Visit our up-dated and re-vamped website for more information : www.rondekuil.co.za.

Our website also offers more information about our wedding and conference venue which we have for hire. The venue accommodates up to 130 guests and is proving to be very popular.  Guests can sip their drinks on the balcony, while watching yet another glorious sunset with un-interrupted views stretching  through to Table Mountain.   The views from the venue alone make it worthy of consideration, but we also offer a cash bar, secure parking, and of course, the venue is fully equipped for catering purposes.

Avoid disappointment, and enquire now about our winter specials, and the other benefits associated with the hiring of our unique wedding and conference venue.

Not only our rabbits, but everyone on the RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE is currently experiencing the full effect of another hot summer season.  With temperatures reaching 35° C in the shade, all inhabitants, both human and animal are seeking shelter from the harsh African sun.

RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE offers affordable family “farmstay” holidays, and as our guests drive down our driveway lined with 100 year old Blue Gum Trees, they immediately sense the anticipation of enjoying an authentic and peaceful escape to the country, where each bedroom within our cottages present guests with un-interrupted country views, and guests truly experience the silence and peacefulness of escaping from the hum-drum of the city.  Guests and visitors can  enjoy safe farm walks and excursions, and also take a plunge in our swimming pool, or lounge in one of our comfortable deck chairs, listening to nothing but the occasional cow lowing in the field, the chirping of the birdlife, the call of a Fish Eagle and the authentic “sounds of silence”  only experienced when escaping to the country.

Both bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as self-catering accommodation are on offer,  and you can find out more information about that on our website of www.rondekuil.co.za .  Alternatively, please feel free to phone Richard on 082 336 0108 for a chat, and he’ll gladly answer all your questions.

For the past five years, Maude and Marvin, a pair of Egyptian Geese, have used the “bottom” dam at the RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE to breed and hatch their chicks, and this year was no exception.  Five healthy chicks were born the beginning of December, and due to diligent attention given by Maude and Marvin, the chicks have survived and are growing strong.

Apart from the Crows and the odd Yellow-Billed Kite, there’s not much in the way of threats to the little chicks, who naturally, stay very close to their mother.

The family of Egyptian geese seems to have also “adopted” a Red Knobbed Coot, who spends most of the day floating around the dam with the geese family.

 Very often, Steenboks are seen within the vicinity of the RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE, and over the past few weeks, itappears that a male Steenbok has “set up camp” in the long reeds growing next to the dam.  He lies low down in the long reeds growing alongside the dam, which, of course acts as wonderful cover to escape the heat of the sun, as well as to evade any possible predators.

As the mercury rises during our hot summer months, guests to RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE can escape the heat of the day by  taking a plunge in our swimming pool, perhaps an early morning dip, or even a midnight splash might appeal to some, whilst serious sun-worshippers can lounge poolside, and kick back with a cool drink.  All self-catering units for hire offer fridges to keep drinks cool.

Hiring our self-catering accommodation offered by RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE (11kms outside Durbanville), is more than just a “get-away” for our visitors, it’s a country experience.  We also offer bed and breakfast accommodation, and you can find out more information about that on our website of www.rondekuil.co.za .  Alternatively, please feel free to phone Richard on 082 336 0108 for a chat, and he’ll gladly answer all your questions.

In addition to offering self-catering accommodation, and conferencing facilities,  the RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE is a Pet Friendly establishment as well.  We gladly welcome guests who wish to bring their dogs with them on holiday,  and can offer two different units with spacious enclosed gardens, thereby, keeping your pet safe at all times.  In addition to that, there are numerous walking pathways, where you and your best friend can quite literally walk for miles in safe countryside, and allow the stress and pressure of the city to fade away.  Pets stay free, and are welcome to sleep inside with you, so bring their bedding along.  We would however recommend that, because we are situated within the country,  you treat your dogs for ticks and fleas before your arrival.

Our visitor from Clarins in the Free State, Nellie Hugo, enjoyed our PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION, when she and her three dogs visited us over the New Year Festive season.  Nellie has  a rescued Boerbull called Lulu, and the other two dogs are a Labrador / Border Collie cross, called Josh and Tom.  The dogs thoroughly enjoyed going on long walks with Nellie, and greeted everyone who came to their garden gate with a warm welcome.

              Nellie, with her dogs, Lulu, Josh and Tom on the lawn                   

The popularity of our PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION offered at RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE is growing rapidly, as more and more people opt for the choice of taking their dogs with them on holiday, and we welcome any enquiries pertaining to our PET FRIENDLY POLICY.

Hiring our self-catering accommodation offered by RONDEKUIL COUNTRY ESTATE (11kms outside Durbanville), is more than just a “get-away” for our visitors, it’s a country experience.  We also offer bed and breakfast accommodation, and you can find out more information about that on our website.  Alternatively, please  free to phone Richard on 082 336 0108 for a chat, he’ll gladly answer all your questions, and address any concerns you might have about bringing your pet with you on holiday to RONDEKUIL.

A few of the male members of staff with their babies

The Staff Christmas Party held within the Conference Venue at the Rondekuil  Country Estate, was a very merry and cheerful occasion for  the staff, residents and owners alike.

Everyone arrived while the sun was silently sliding away behind the historical Durbanville hills, and seized the opportunity to enjoy sun-downers and casual conversation on the veranda of the Conference Venue, before moving inside to indulge in the wonderful food prepared by a few members of the staff.   Up-beat pop music filled the air, staff bopped and weaved around on the floor to their hearts content, with the children devising their own “dance style” as well.  The meat (which was bought locally) was tasty and tender, the salads fresh, the French bread was, well, very French, and a wonderful supper was crowned by sharing age old  favourites of ice-cream and chocolate sauce as well as homemade cupcakes.

All of the Rondekuil staff, huddled together for a group photograph

The Festive Season is always a very busy one for the Rondekuil Country Estate, with a wide variety of both National and International guests coming to stay over the holidays.  Everyone of them enjoying the peace, tranquility and splendor offered when hiring the self-catering accommodation, on offer.   All the self- catering accommodation presented by the Rondekuil Country Estate,  offers  the traditional comforts of home, along with real country hospitality and plenty of privacy.  An ideal setting to spend quality time with the family, and  “re-charge” ones batteries after a long hard year at the office !  At the Rondekuil Country Estate, our guests become our friends.

Little “Tamatie”, one of the children living on the farm

A barn located on the “werf” at Rondekuil is currently being converted into a multi-purpose venue. There are wonderful views from the barn: to the north-west is Koeberg Hill covered with vineyards and with lands being grazed by dozens of cattle, while to the south-west one has an iconic view of Table Mountain. Nearby – to the west, framed by extensive gardens and a dam, one can see the two quaint Cape cottages, which Rondekuil hires out as short-term accommodation.

The venue will be used to accommodate: a restaurant, a cosy pub, a display of works of art by local artists, wine tasting and conferencing as well as events, such as new product launches and weddings.

Below the venue, an area of about 1,5 hectare has been securely fenced off with netting wire, and lawns and indigenous trees planted. Some sheep, springbuck, rabbits and other small animals will be allowed to roam and graze in this area and will enable children to become more acquainted with nature and experience another dimension of life to which they are not normally exposed in an urban environment. A “jumping castle” and “jungle gym” will also be provided for children to entertain themselves, while their parents relax, enjoy a glass of excellent local wine and a tasty meal.

The venue will be computer friendly and covered by WiFi to enable guests to use their laptops. Newspapers and magazines will be provided and large TV screens will be available so that guests can relax in easy chairs and read to their heart’s content and/or watch sporting events on TV.

The venue will normally be open to the public during weekends, public holidays and school holidays, while, during weekdays, the venue will generally be used for corporate/business functions.

All going well, the venue will be open for business in April 2011 and will be able to accommodate up to about 100 guests.