Tucked away between the trees behind Bellamont Stables in Umdloti, where birdsong carries through the branches and the wind rustles softly through the leaves, a new kind of family outing has taken shape.
Easter weekend marked the official opening of The Farmacy, a charming petting zoo and restaurant that celebrates outdoor living and kindness. It is the kind of place where children are encouraged to get their hands dirty and let their imaginations run wild.
At the heart of The Farmacy is a thoughtfully designed play area featuring a massive custom-made jungle gym, complete with a mud kitchen for creative play and a push-bike racing track for energetic young riders. But the real stars of the show are the animals.
Owner Tania Krenski happily introduces visitors to the resident characters who bring the little farm to life. Charley, the miniature donkey, is usually the first to greet guests, ambling over to the fence with curious friendliness. Nearby live the “Fella Bellas” – Paintbrush and Toothbrush – two miniature horses in their twenties representing one of the smallest horse breeds in the world.
Amongst the most endearing residents are the Nigerian dwarf goats. Maggie and her twin babies, Phoebe and Boi Jack, have already become firm favourites with visitors. The twins are easy to tell apart thanks to their collars, pink for Phoebe and blue for Boi Jack, and their playful personalities make them difficult to leave.
The feathered residents are just as entertaining. The “Gucci Clan”, a group of four chickens named after famous female fashion designers, not only delights guests but also contributes to the kitchen, supplying many of the eggs used in the restaurant.
In the duck enclosures, Indian Runner ducks recently welcomed a clutch of chicks, although one was rejected by its mother and is now being hand-reared by Krenski and her team. Appropriately named “Waddles” for his penguin-like walk, he has already stolen many hearts.
Khaki Campbell ducks, a British breed known for their productivity, have hatched an impressive 26 chicks so far (all have been sold), while nearby call ducks display their distinctive bright blue markings. A shy Mandarin duck occupies the final enclosure before the rescue and nursery area, where visitors meet Baggins and George, two enormous Flemish Giant rabbits.
Rescue chickens roam nearby, including a curious hen named “Nando’s”, who seems determined to inspect every visitor. Dexter the rooster, hand-reared from a chick, is famously affectionate; happily lying on his back for a gentle tummy tickle.
Sustainability is central to the venue’s design. The restaurant and two viewing decks were built almost entirely from salvaged materials, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
The sunrise deck offers sweeping views across La Mercy Lagoon and out to sea, making it an ideal early-morning coffee stop for mountain bikers and sunrise seekers. The sunset deck, overlooking the sugar cane fields to the west, will soon host relaxed sunset sessions with live music and harvest table dinners.
The menu reflects the venue’s wholesome ethos, inspired by Donna Hay’s Sunshine, Lemons & Sea Salt. Expect unique, nourishing dishes designed to encourage guests to slow down and savour the moment, including granola home-made from scratch.
Krenski also hosts intimate parties and supper clubs for up to 50 guests, adding another layer of community to the space.
Warm, welcoming and full of small wonders, The Farmacy offers something increasingly rare: a place to pause, breathe deeply and rediscover the quiet magic of nature.
Words by: Jacqueline Herbst
Contact Details: 072 324 2451
Instagram: the_farmacy_at_salta