The Midlands’ idyllic mountain vistas and countryside are home to a cast of lovable characters—from roaming cows and grazing horses to cuddly dogs. These local cuties, wild and tame, make the Midlands the charming destination it is. We’d like to introduce you to a few of these furry friends, and hopefully, inspire your next Midlands getaway.
Get Your Alpaca Fix
Endeavour Alpacas is an Alpaca sanctuary in Curry’s Post. Harry and Prince were the first to arrive on the farm 16 years ago from Duck ’n Deck in Hillcrest. The owner, Terrence Watkins, always enjoys sharing his joke that they never “laid any eggs for a few years” until he learned they were both boys all along!
Their latest rescue is Lucy, who apparently, has the most beautiful eyelashes. Other animals you will most likely spot during your visit are their adorable cats, dogs, and a parrot named Mango. If you would like to immerse yourself in more wildlife, their hiking trails will lead you through protected grassland where you may be able to see either duiker or reedbuck.
Did Someone Say Goats?
Swissland Cheese in Balgowan began as a small artisanal cheesery and agriculture tourism venue in 1992. Over the years, it wasn’t just the milk and cheese that drew visitors, but also the goats.
Generations of goats have made Swissland what it is today, and each one has a name. For example, Viola, who has since passed, was one of the most photographed. She had three generations of offspring: Elsie, Rosie, and Pip. The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Spotty, joined the Swissland family a few years ago and became the mascot.
The baby goats are some of the most playful and fun animals, and visitors can engage with them by feeding them. Organised walks with the goats can also be arranged on request. If you want to enjoy even more goats, witness them giving birth during the winter months or you can spot the newborns, or “little bouncies”, hop around on the rocks. The entry fee is R50 and you can spend a day playing and enjoying time with the goats. While the Swissland cheese shop is no longer open, you are advised to bring your packed picnic basket and relax and enjoy the beautiful views and tree swings with family or friends.
Anyone for a horsey holiday?
While Stormy Hill Horse Trails in Boston, is a horse ranch, of which there are nine horses, they are also a haven for spotted pigs, cats, dogs, ducks, and chickens.
Most of the horses have been born and bred at Stormy Hill and range from ponies to “gentle giants”, as they are called. They have friendly personalities and love interactions with visitors, especially taking them out on the trail rides—all experience levels are welcomed. You can also join the owner, Caroline, and the dogs on a walk to herd the horses down the hill for their feeding time.
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about horses, you can do a “horsey holiday” as Caroline describes it. This includes a bit of everything, from grooming, groundwork, and riding on the horse trails with Caroline and the dogs. You will learn how to bond with your horse through the groundwork training and the “Thinking Horse” programme. This is the best place to get started—no pressure, just fun!
Farm Fresh Friends
Bramleigh Farm in Nottingham Road boasts a family of animals (and let’s not forget the humans). All keep the farm running successfully and smoothly, but it’s not always all work and no play, there are equal moments of laughter and love shared. So, without further ado, let’s meet the team, shall we?
A few gorgeous goats are part of Bramleigh Farm’s milking team: Shirley, Freya, Speckles, Misty, and Perdy. Pineapple is on maternity leave raising her endearingly called “tropical trio” babies: Coconut, Mango, and Orange. The goats joined the farm in 2020 and have helped as browsers with the ability to access hard-to-reach areas, notably invasive plant species like bugweed and brambles. They also offer the most delicious fresh and frothy warm milk, a real treat every morning. Rex, the Anatolian Shepherd dog, loves to keep a watchful eye on the goats.
Next up are Freida and Muddy Pig, who are part of the bramble-bashing crew. They soften the soil and trample in seeds as they keep moving around, which keeps the soil healthy and flourishing.
Then there’s Tigger the rooster and his ladies, they provide the most nutritious golden yolk eggs. There are also cattle on the farm, but they are always busy at work and way too busy for cuddles.
If you’re wondering how to get in on the action, a cottage is available on the farm for guests to stay in and enjoy a weekend with the whole team. You can join the morning rounds, watch the milking and sample fresh milk, collect eggs, and feed the chickens and pigs. Farm tours for the kiddies are also available during school holidays.
Horns and Horizons
Netherwood Farm is nestled in Nottingham Road and overlooks the Drakensberg mountains. You’re bound to bump into a few cuties at the farm, like Jasmin, the resident cat, who is endearingly referred to as the “sgabengu” of Blueberry Café. She is a rescue cat and has made it her home for eight years. She loves cuddles, so ensure you are ready for some when you see her!
There are also runner ducks. They love to wander the gardens, sunbathe on a warm day, and swim in the mini ponds. The chickens love their spacious coups and are always fun for the children visiting.
You will also encounter a few larger cuties: a herd of long-horn Ankole or Nguni, the champion Angus studs, and Alpacas, which roam around the restaurants. You might catch a glimpse of one of the Ngunis from the famous bathroom windows, but don’t worry, no one can see inside!
Who doesn’t love donkeys?
Yellowwood Café in Howick has been in business for 22 years and have had many animals since then. Currently, they have three donkeys, namely Ozzy, Onushka, and Otto, and one miniature pony, Blondie, but you will have a ball of a time when you visit them. While you can only give them cuddles through the fence, you can also feed them carrots—they will love that! You can bring carrots when you visit or purchase a few on the premises. There is also outdoor seating available so you can spend as much time with these cuties as you want.
A Happy Home
Horse Shoe Bend on Curry’s Post Road opened in September 2024 and offers a countryside lifestyle centre. With this, they have a few of their family members who keep the premises filled with laughter and fun. Meet Gracie and Jack, their two fluffy rabbits, definitely worth a cuddle! Their 10 ducks, or as they are endearingly called “happy white waddlers”, whom you will be able to spot in their pond.
Faith is their pony and can carry up to 80 kg. She is known for her gentle nature. There are four miniature horses: Snowy, who is their white mare; Ily, who is also a mare and mother to Momo, who is their baby “with a fro”; and lastly, Ozzy, their gelding, who can carry up to 45 kg. They also have a peacock and peahen. Guests are allowed to feed the ducks, pet the rabbits, and ride the miniature horses and pony, except for Momo who is still a baby.
Photos:
Netherwood Farm: Kim Mcleod Photography
Stormy Hill Horse Trails: All photos taken by Caroline McKerrow
Contact Details: http://www.endeavouralpacas.com