So you have always wanted to Experience an authentic, working South African West Coast farm
Situated on the banks of the Berg River only 150kms from Cape Town, Kersefontein is an 18th Century Cape Dutch farm that is still to this day owned and farmed by the Melck Family. Appearing to exist in a glorious and romantic time warp, the Cape Dutch manor house stands on the fertile banks of the Berg River, its original out buildings resembling a village street. Originally purchased by settler Martin Melck in 1770, the story of Kersefontein is very much the story of the Melck family. Starting with the remarkable success of settler Martin Melck, the history of the family has always been closely interwoven with that of Kersefontein. The first deed described the farm as a zeker Veepost (certain cattle post) and it was precisely for this that Martin Melck intended to use it. Sheep, cattle, wheat and horses have continued to flourish here over the past two centuries. The Kersefontein experience starts as you enter through the gateposts, and the grace and beauty of a bygone era envelops you. This is the ultimate place to spend time enjoying the gentle pleasures of life - long walks along farm roads, a good read from Julian s libraries, lazing on the banks or boating on the picturesque Berg River, or simply soaking up the peace and magic of this special place. The Berg River is host to thousands of waterfowl every spring and beyond the house the veld abounds in countless wild flowers during the late winter months and marvelous endemic botanicals year round. Being a working farm, a variety of farming activities are to be seen, depending on the season. Cattle, horses and sheep are some of the farm animals you will encounter on your wanders. Complementing the luxury and comfort of the guest suites, are the excellent meals prepared by the Kersefontein staff, served in the early nineteenth-century dining room. The original bakery is now the Turn & Slip pub, dedicated to Julian s passion for flying, and minutes away from the farm s own landing strip.
JULIAN MELCK Farmer Aviator Advocate For eight generations, the farm has been handed down to the sons, with Julian Melck the present owner. Hardworking farmer, advocate of the High Court of SA, aviator, hunter, musician and storyteller are just some of the credentials of this multi-faceted character, who has been described aptly as a modern Renaissance Man. It is here on Kersefontein where Julian continues the centuries old tradition of quality farming practices to yield and raise the best possible product. ANDREW BANCE Adventurer Experience Specialist Melck Family member Being a 9th Generation family member and nephew of Julian, Andrew is passionate about his heritage at Kersefontein, where he shares a candid yet enthralling view on Farm life. Andrew has made a career of exploring the outdoors in the far corners of the globe but it is here at home where his knowledge of nature, heritage and culture is honed to make for the most memorable experience. YOUR ITINERARY: 07:00AM Hotel departure and head to helipad in the Cape Town container harbour. 07:00AM Take off and fly to Kersefontein Farm in a helicopter on a stunning 1,5 hours flight. 09:00AM Arrival at Kersefontein landing strip and greetings with Julian & Andrew. 09:30AM Mount horses and enjoy a short ride to Kersefontien farm yard. Dismounting of horses on Kersefontien homestead front lawn. Refreshing welcome drink. Introduction to Kersefontein by Julian Melck.
10:00AM Luxury day suite allocation to guests and historical journey through the farmyard and homestead by Andrew Bance. 11:00AM Guests self-explore the inner workings of daily life in this old world farm yard. 12:00PM Traditional Cape West Coast lunch with Julian Melck served at the 19th century dining room table. Prepared by the staff, the fresh ingredients are sourced directly from the farm and neighbouring farms. 01:00PM After lunch, enjoy hearing of the historical significance of Kersefontein equines as told by Julian, accompanied by tea in the drawing room. 2:00PM Mount horses and outride to the old school hill for view of Kersefontein and Berg River estuary. 02:35PM Arrival at old school hill. Enjoy an afternoon craft gin and tonic from the colonial field bar. Guided exploration of Kersefontein botanicals with Andrew Bance. Relax under the cool eucalyptus trees while taking in the view and watching yellow weaver birds build their nests. 03:30PM Return to Kersefontein farm yard via horse back. 04:00PM Arrival at Turn and Slip aviation bar for storytelling: An aviators passion by Julian Melck You are also met by Dr. Giselle Murison, project manager for Berg river conservation - Bird Life International, South Africa, before departing on foot to meet the river cruiser docked in front of the homestead.
04:30PM Board the river cruiser. Beverages and canapes are served. Bird species / habitat lecture and bird scouting by Dr. Murison. Visit to 300 year old Heronry. 05:30PM Disembarkation of river cruiser at landing strip. 05:40PM Short stroll to readied helicopter. 05:45PM Farwell and the helicopter departs for Cape Town on your 1,5 hours flight back to the Mother City, Cape Town FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: T +27 (0) 87 354 6591 E RESERVATIONS@GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM VISIT GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM