Chief among my ‘must do’ list of travel destinations is Africa – in general -. I have only been to Morocco and only Tangier at that (which is slightly akin to counting Mexico done after a border crossing to Tijuana). Such an unexplored expanse of total foreigness bekons and when I allow myself some armchair travel, I always dream of a trip that starts or ends (or both) with South Africa.
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms located in South Africa and were I planning a trip — this would be a must see. It has a fruit and vegetable garden, unique accommodations, fine food and a sense of other worldliness that is just the right balance of being different and therefore exciting, but the same enough to be completely comforting.
From Babylonstoren‘s website:
“Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition. Not only the manor house from 1777, but pioneer structures date all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Koornhuis (for storing wheat and hay) and the old cellar are exceptionally fine. An ornate fowl house, pigeon loft, leaning bell tower and historic gates embellish a traditional courtyard surrounded by a low, whitewashed wall.”
Have you been to South Africa? This area reminds me of California wine regions, but other images I have seen seem more lush or more desert….I am fascinated by the contrasts…If you have been, I would love to hear about your favorite places….
Click through the gallery to see more. images from yatzer and babylonstoren
We visited the Cape about 6 years ago and it is stunning. If you go, hire a guide to take you around to the wineries. It is affordable, and he/she will do the driving. In Cape Town, we stayed in the lovely Cape Heritage Hotel, which is in a restored block of 18th century buildings. And be sure to go to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (see the stream bed in The Dell). Wish I could go back to see Babylonstoren.