Life is slow on the southern-most tip of Africa.  Here slow is relaxing with a hint of excitement.  The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (SMA) has added excitement with two new tours.  The SMA includes 25 landowners and covers more than 46,000 hectares of Overberg land bordering Bredasdorp, Agulhas, Elim and Gansbaai.  With the main aim of conserving the water systems and diverse landscapes these new tours are due to attract more visitors.  The Wildlife Guided Tour will be a game and bird viewing trip stopping at the buffalo breeding camp.  The Sunset Wetlands Tour includes a glass of fine Elim wine at the Hippo Vlei where one or all of the seven resident hippopotamuses might make an appearance.

Guests can prepare to view many different bird species, ostrich, bontebok, serval, springbok, eland and buffalo.  The hippos are generally occupied within the thick reeds of the wetlands but we were fortunate to see their footprints.  The SMA reintroduced buffalo to the area after an absence of more than 100 years.  What started as a herd of 16 in 2009 have grown to 29 buffalo. This excludes the 5 bulls that have been sold.

The game drive left us thirsty and fortunately the next stop was Black Oyster Catcher Wines.  In the tasting room Salmon Becker explained their 2 wine ranges.  The standard range comprises 5 wines while there are 6 wines in the reserve range.  The reserve range includes a Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé made from Merlot grapes. All the grapes originate from the property and the vineyards have developed with the Black Oyster Catcher brand that was established 11 years ago.  Today the farm has 19 hectares under vineyard with Sauvignon Blanc making up most of it.

Going from grapes to hops – beer lovers have the option of sampling Fraser’s Folly craft beer available on tap at the tasting room.  Black Oyster Catcher certainly has more than enough drinks to taste or enjoy with their wholesome lunch menu.

If all the tasting leaves you needing a rest you could stay over in one of their four country cottages.  A day filled with diverse activity that will have you coming back for more Overberg goodness.  This is how we do tourism.

Nuwejaars tours can be booked on book@nuwejaars.com or 076 833 6341.

Contact Black Oyster Catcher on 028 482 1618.