As a full-time writer and part-time travel blogger, I lead an interesting life: by day, I work a typical 9-5 job, while, by night/weekends, I run my travel blog.
Travel is an integral part of my life. It centres, soothes and recharges me. So, in November 2018, when I adopted a feisty, loving ginger-and-white kitten called Tom – I think, initially, people worried that my travels would lessen.
Truthfully, I also thought I’d have to scale back on the travelling, as Tom instantly became my main priority.
Yet, to everyone’s collective surprise – with Tom, my travels increased. He made me feel safer, braver and oddly, more independent.
Even before he was diagnosed with epileptic seizures in 2021 – it’s always been a simple choice for me: if I go on holiday, Tom goes with.
Our first major road trip came in December 2018, when we travelled from Cape Town to my family’s farm, situated some 44 km outside of Montagu. Then-four-month-old Tomcat handled that first holiday like a champ, with only the occasional protesting miaow in an almost 3.5-hour drive (each way).
In addition to his calm car demeanour, whenever we arrive at a new destination, he easily settles into the new environment. He happily explores every nook and cranny indoors or peacefully lounges on a windowsill, eyeing the newest display of “birdies”.
Unlike most cats, Tom has a curiosity and fondness for travel. It’s like he goes, “Well, if I can’t beat her, I’ll join her.”
Post-COVID, having largely survived almost two years in my tiny flat with Tom, I sensed we were long overdue for a relaxing getaway. I wanted to de-stress in the countryside and Tom needed some respite from his many vet checkups.
At first, I casually browsed and enquired after pet-friendly accommodation near Montagu but I soon discovered that “pet-friendly” is rarely synonymous with “cat-friendly” …
Somewhat disheartened, I turned to an option a little closer to our Durbanville homebase: Knorhoek Wine Farm and Guesthouse.
Despite their website stating they were pet friendly, I was worried they would be reluctant for Tom to join.
Before booking, I contacted them to make sure they were truly cat-friendly. I let them know Tom usually sleeps on the bed with me and might jump onto the furniture etc.
They warmly emailed back and assured me that, as long as he didn’t damage the furniture or disturb other guests, Tom was most welcome.
Satisfied, I booked their beautiful loft family room. It was sure to be the perfect pamper for us both. (For myself, I added some MCC to the bill, while, for Tom, I packed in his favourite Hills canned food.)
Three days later, on a sweltering Saturday in mid-March, we bundled into the car with all our paraphernalia and headed for Knorhoek Wine Farm.
Upon arrival, I nervously approached reception, tightly gripping Tom’s carrier. We were both immediately embraced with such friendliness and warmth (they even helped me take Tom’s carrier and my bags up). It made me so happy!
Once we’d settled into our room, I hung the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on our door and let Tom out of his carrier. He nervously crept out, running low along the ground to timidly explore and sniff every inch of our luxurious room.
Our room offered beautiful, spacious furnishings and amenities, including a dreamy king-size bed. In the bathroom, an antique-styled bath beckoned to me with a siren’s call – but then so, too, did the gorgeous private balcony outside.
Our balcony offered the most tranquil views of the farm, oak trees and distant Stellenbosch mountains – so I poured some MCC, grabbed a book and placed Tom outside next to me, secure in his pet backpack.
After a few minutes, our nerves settled and he began to doze. Tentatively, I unzipped the backpack so he could fully experience the fresh country air. With wide-eyed wonder and clearly relishing the balmy breeze, he watched the male peacocks strut below.
Later that afternoon, I went for a brief dip in the natural pool and a short sunset hike around the farm, while Tom contentedly stayed in the room, keeping an eye out for me from the loft window.
That night, during my relaxing bubble bath, he nervously ‘checked up’ on me, peering over the edge of the bath in alarm as if to say, “You’re crazy, lady” before deciding it was safer in the bedroom.
After some good coffee and more canned food for him, we curled up together on the king-sized bed and fell asleep.
The next morning, with a heavy heart, we checked out – but it was clear that we were both blissfully invigorated by our short, yet soothing cat-friendly staycation in the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Contact details: 021 865 2114, guesthouse@knorhoek.co.za
www.knorhoek.co.za/wine-farm-accommodation
Travel adventures in the Western Cape, South African and Beyond!
Technical writer by day and blogger by night, Tamlyn Ryan passionately runs her travel blog, called Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust - Travel Writing and Photography, from her home base of Cape Town, South Africa.
Despite having a national diploma in Journalism and working as a writer by day, Tamlyn's preferred niche remains travel writing.
Tamlyn is a hopeless wanderer, equipped with an endless passion for road trips, carefully planned, holiday itineraries and, above all else, an innate love for the great outdoors.
13 Sep 2023
