Rocklands Petting Farm

Located off the beaten track in Hermanus, Rocklands Petting Farm offers a rustic, hands-on animal experience perfect for families with young children. This down-to-earth farm allows visitors to interact directly with a variety of farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, peacocks and even the occasional llama or hedgehog.

The Experience

For a modest entry fee (around R30 per person), visitors can purchase small buckets of animal feed (R10) and enter selected enclosures to pet and feed the animals. The farm maintains a relaxed atmosphere where kids can freely explore while parents enjoy the shade of trees at the picnic tables.

• Interactive encounters: Unlike some petting zoos, Rocklands allows visitors to enter certain enclosures for direct contact with the animals
• Child-friendly facilities: A jungle gym and play area keeps kids entertained between animal encounters
• Refreshments: Simple food options including braaibroodjies (grilled sandwiches) and coffee prepared on an open fire add to the authentic farm experience

Local Tips

The farm doesn't heavily advertise itself, keeping crowds manageable even on weekends. Locals recommend bringing along extra vegetables like cabbage or carrots as donations for the animals. Weekday visits typically offer a quieter experience.

Plan to spend about 1-2 hours here, making it an ideal morning activity before heading to other Hermanus attractions. The farm works well as a family pit-stop if you're traveling with children who need a break from typical tourist activities.

What to Expect

Rocklands is decidedly no-frills - visitors seeking a polished, commercial experience might be disappointed. The charm lies in its authenticity and simplicity. This is farming life as many South Africans experience it, without pretense or fancy packaging.

The farm appeals most to families with children under 10, who typically find the direct animal contact thrilling. It provides a chance for city kids to experience farm life in a safe, accessible way.

For the full experience, buy multiple feed buckets - the animals are eager recipients and children often want to extend their feeding time.