We would like you to meet our family. We are Thys and Amalia van Niekerk, with our two lovely daughters Daniella and Almari. In our life before Thali Thali we used to farm with export grapes, wine and vegetables. Now that seems like a lifetime ago. Even while farming with fruit, Thys and I were always involved with entertaining guests. Thys would take guests out on game farms and I would do the catering. I also did flowers and décor for weddings as I do now. When we decided to sell our previous farm, Thali Thali immediately seemed like a good fit for both of us to live out our passions.
Our dream for Thali Thali is that guests leave with a feeling of belonging and peace. Just for the moment, to forget about life out there – of all the worries and troubles of their day-to-day lives. With a choice of glamping units, whitewashed stone cottages and Ouma se Huis (Grandma’s House), we can cater for up to 30 guests for an overnight stay. We have just launched an exciting new unit – Plaasjapie (Farm Lad) that will cater to the guest craving to experience life on a working farm. Over the years we have seen what quiet nights around the campfire under the stars can do for our guests. We see how parents re-connect with their children, how couples find time to chat over a glass of wine, how families and friends re-unite. This is the thrill for us more than anything else.
Our favourite line is: “We are not a fancy lodge, we are a family lodge”. Inclusive not exclusive, rustic and real instead of shiny and styled. Based on the West Coast, this is what our region’s culture is – authentic, down to earth – with bucket loads of warm Weskus hospitality. If you are from overseas, you will quickly realize that people for the Southern Tip of Africa have a natural friendliness and spontaneity that cannot be taught – it runs through our veins, it translates into song and dance – it shines in our eyes.
Of course we cannot create the Thali Thali experience on our own. We have a wonderful team who make it their mission to make you feel welcome from the moment you set foot at Thali Thali. You will experience broad smiles from our groundsmen, excited waves from the house keeping staff as they drive past in their golf cart. Our waiters and front of house staff will do everything to make your visit effortless, while our game drive guides will gladly share their knowledge with you as our guests. Even if you don’t have the privilege to meet the The Thali Thali chefs, you might just hear their banter, laughter and sometimes singing drifting from the kitchen. They are renowned to delight guests with beautifully prepared, generous food. We believe their laughter translates into their food.
As you can gather from our story, we are an extended family just waiting to welcome you to our beautiful farm. Pop in, come for lunch, book your wedding, plan your next “bosberaad” or simply stay for a while. We will make it our mission to make you want to come back!
