The Farm

Waterkloof is arguably one of the finest commercial farms in the Heidelberg district and has been in the family for seven generations. The Uys-family has its roots in Northern Germany from where they immigrated to South Africa in 1704.

Waterkloof is a commercial farm and boasts a wide diversity of agricultural activities commonly found in the area.  The farm has an excellent Merino sheep stud of 1 500 animals, 185 cattle including Nguni (indigenous cattle), but it is the 2000 free ranging ostriches that take the limelight. The Nguni cattle are a new addition to the farm. This unique breed of cattle is resistant to internal and external parasites.

The ostriches at Waterkloof are all free-ranging birds in natural surroundings.  Guests are invited to accompany Hannes around the farm on a guided tour to experience the mating and breeding of the birds.  A visit to the ostrich breeder camp with 250 breeding birds is an exciting experience.

Guests have the opportunity to help collect the eggs from the nests under supervision of Hannes or his sons. Hannes’ shadow Josie, the much beloved Boarder Collie, joins you on this journey to show you her unique style and to impress you with her charm.
Other farming activities include 500 hectares of cash crops, mainly comprising barley and wheat.  While traveling on the farm you will often see Blue Crane birds, South Africa’s national bird, Grysbok, Duikers, Steenbok and Vaal Reebok.  Various rare and uncommon birds are also to be observed.

Waterkloof has very unique  “Renosterbos fynbos” on the farm. Hannes preserved an area of original “fynbos”. A team of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens visits the farm each year to do some research on new and rare plant species.

Please visit the 'Visuals' page for images.