Last Sunday, we celebrated our son’s fifth birthday at Huckleberry Fish Farm in Stellenbosch. I was looking for a place where he could roam free while the adults had a chance to relax, and for the most part, that is exactly what we found. The drive was a familiar one, just a two-minute hop from the Winelands Light Railway we visited two years ago, but the experience was entirely its own.
The arrival is admittedly a bit industrial. The parking lot sits directly beneath a line of massive electricity pylons, which is an odd sight for a nature outing. However, once you step into the reception area, the atmosphere shifts. We paid the R120 entrance fee (per person; note that children three and under are free) and were met by a youthful, energetic team of staff who stayed helpful throughout the day.
The grounds themselves are neatly kept, with well-manicured lawns that feel built for kids to roam. There are jungle gyms and even a water slide that was packed with children despite the chilly weather. One thing I always look for when out with a five-year-old is the state of the facilities, and I was pleased to find the restrooms notably clean and well-maintained.
Before our visit, we phoned ahead to book a spot and chose a braai site under the trees instead of one of the enclosed covered areas. It seemed like a lovely choice at first, but it turned out to be a bit of a gamble. About half an hour after we arrived, a strong wind picked up, and the gusts were particularly fierce beneath the branches.
My husband spent quite some time trying to get the fire going. We had brought our own wood, but it simply was not enough for the windy conditions, so we ended up buying extra wood from the farm. If you need them, braai grills and tools are available to hire for a fee (you can buy everything from charcoal and firelighters to ice), and there is running water nearby, which was very convenient for rinsing lunch boxes and sticky hands.
The wind remained our biggest challenge throughout the afternoon. At one point, our container of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes was blown straight off the table and into the dirt. We found ourselves eating the chops and boerewors with our hands as quickly as possible while shooing away persistent flies, which I suspect are unavoidable given the farm’s location next to the dam.
Despite the chaos, the braai itself was a success. The chops and boerewors turned out perfectly, with a delicious smoky flavour that made the leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.
Despite the weather, the highlight was the fishing. We hired rods and bait—they offer “real” rods for R50 or bamboo rods for R20—and set up at one of the many spots around the water. My son was so impatient, pulling his rod out every two seconds to “just check.”
Somehow, despite all that, he ended up catching the only fish of the day. Watching him bravely grab his first catch with his bare hands was a shock, but he was thrilled. He’s still telling anyone who will listen that he has to teach his daddy and me how to fish properly.
After the excitement of the fishing, we spent some time feeding the animals. You can buy buckets of feed for R5 at reception, and they have the full contingent: cows, sheep, goats, roosters, and ducks. It felt like a proper, grounded farm experience that kept the kids engaged for ages.
The farm has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with families sunbathing, hosting birthday parties and simply spending the day outdoors.
Included in the entrance fee are several activities, including pedal go-karts, which we spent a good amount of time pushing him around on. There is a zip-line on-site as well, though at five years old, he was still a bit young for that particular thrill. We rounded off the afternoon with a game of putt-putt golf, which is also included in the price.
By the end of the day, we were all completely exhausted. My son fell asleep in the car on our way home. Aside from the uncontrollable wind, it was a day well spent.
It was a day well spent, and my only advice is to check the wind forecast before choosing your braai spot. Areas under the trees are lovely for shade, but the enclosed section is definitely the smarter move on a gusty Stellenbosch day.
Bring your own meat, spices and a sense of adventure. If the weather plays along, Huckleberry Fish Farm makes for a relaxed family outing where children can run free, catch their first fish and head home happily exhausted.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
Leave a Reply