If you are looking for the best retreat away from the city and all the noise, Lady Stanford River Cruises should be your next stop. It won’t break your bank balance and is worth every cent.

This amazing place – just an hour and a half from Cape Town city and 30 minutes from the town of Hermanus – is based in the historic village of Stanford that is blessed with the most breathtaking scenery.

A member of Cape Country Routes, Lady Stanford Cruises, offers luxurious cruise rides along the Klein River. The cruise starts at the Stanford Village, find its way along the calm beautiful Klein River, heading to the Hermanus Estuary, making its way to the famous bird reserve. This area is known for the wide range of different types of birds such as majestic Fish Eagles, blue cranes, flamingos, and some African Darters. It is definitely paradise for the bird lovers! While enjoying the cruise along the river, the beautiful background of the countryside and the surrounding mountain gives you that wonderful out- of-the- city- life feeling and you can soak up the tranquillity and calmness of nature. You also have the chance to see the beautiful horses grazing away on the riverbanks, and fish in the river.

The Lady Stanford, a boat built for comfort and luxury takes up to 26 passengers, fully equipped with bird booklets, blankets to keep you warm and comfortable, and knowledgeable tour guides. These cruises are offered to the general public, private charter rides for team buildings away from the office, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and weddings with a small limited number. Catering and braai facilities are available on request.

It was just two of us on the cruise. On boarding we were warmly welcomed and offered refreshment drinks, and once we’d settled down, we were given equipment that would make our experience worth remembering. A bird booklet, with all the information you need to be able to identify the birds, and binoculars needed to spot the many birds – a highlight of this cruise, for sure; and not forgetting the blankets, just in case we were feeling a bit chilly.

The skipper was well informed about the area and the history of the birds in the vicinity, he was able to answer all of our questions. Our cruise, the midday cruise, was smooth and beautiful with the most amazing views of the village, we were totally mesmerised by the beauty of our surroundings. We had so much fun for a two-people cruise.

Lady Stanford Cruises provides the most perfect ride on the river out of the busy city life and will surely leave you feeling calm and connected to nature!

W: Cape Country Routes

Written by Tshepo Makupu for Luxuria Lifestyle South Africa