Vergenoegd Löw’s

Indian Runner Ducks

Info

  • Location

    Between the Homestead and Geuwels Restaurant

  • Duck Parade

    Daily at 09:00 & 12:00

  • Duration

    About 15–30 minutes

  • Price

    Free to watch

  • Note

    Strictly no pets allowed for duck safety.

Welcome to Vergenoegd Löw, home to the most famous feathered workforce in the Stellenbosch winelands. Our historic estate is world-renowned for its unique, sustainable approach to farming, powered by a vibrant flock of over 1,000 Indian Runner Ducks that naturally protect our vineyards. Witness the spectacular daily duck parade, watch them waddle off to work, and experience a truly unforgettable highlight of the Cape.

Our Sustainable Vineyard Pest Control Team

At Vergenoegd Löw, our flock of hundreds of Indian Runner Ducks is far more than just a beautiful sight—they are vital, hardworking members of our farming team. By foraging daily for snails and insects, these ducks act as our natural pest control, allowing us to cultivate our vines without the use of harmful chemical pesticides. 

This eco-friendly approach is part of our deeper philosophy: alongside our Dexter cattle, which naturally graze and fertilize the soil, we use solar power, drip irrigation, and water recycling to minimize our carbon footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the Stellenbosch region.

Daily Times and Where to Watch the Parade

You can experience this charming spectacle twice a day, seven days a week, as the ducks make their famous commute promptly at 09:00 and again at 12:00. The flock waddles right past the historic Manor House and across the Homestead grounds on their way to the vineyards, and you might even catch them taking a quick, refreshing swim along the way. 

Watching the parade from the lawns is completely free and requires no prior booking, making it an easy and delightful addition to your day on the farm.

Best Spots to Watch the Duck Parade

The best way to enjoy the parade is to combine it with our exceptional culinary and wine offerings on the estate. You can book a relaxed breakfast at the Homestead, enjoy a small-plate lunch at Geuwels Restaurant, or pair the view with a premium wine tasting and local charcuterie platter in the Wine Lounge.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our dedicated feathered team, we kindly request that no pets are brought onto the premises so we can maintain a peaceful environment for our hardworking ducks.

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The Ducks at Vergenoegd Löw?

Our famous Indian Runner Ducks are the hard-working, feathered stars of our estate. To help you plan your visit and learn more about our unique vineyard team, we’ve put together answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

Why are there ducks at Vergenoegd Löw?

Long-necked Indian Runner ducks were introduced to the farm way back in 1989, by the previous owner John Faure. They form part of an integrated pest management programme. The ducks eat snails, insects and even weeds in the vineyards that might otherwise harm the vines. They reduce the need for pesticides. They also fertilise and add life to the soil. That in turn, makes the vines more climate resilient. In other words: they cope better with some of the extreme weather patterns the Western Cape is experiencing.

The ducks also eat aquatic weeds in our vlei. They are such a successful part of our back-to-nature regenerative farming that we even breed them for neighbouring farmers to use in the same way.

John Faure, who started the duck programme still breeds these hard-working birds for us.

When can you see the ducks at Vergenoegd Löw?

Every morning, seven days a week, promptly at 09:00 and then again at 12:00, you can watch the ducks cross the lawn as they waddle off to work in the vineyards. It takes about 15 minutes for them to pass the spectators who watch them on their way.

Must you book to see the ducks at Vergenoegd Löw?

There’s no need to book and there’s no charge for watching the ducks. But what can really be enjoyable is to watch from our restaurant Geuwels, open daily for breakfast and small-plate lunches. It is always advisable to book for the restaurant, or call 021 202 4373 / email: geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za

Can you buy ducks from Vergenoegd Löw?

We don’t sell the live ducks to the public. We consider them vital members of the team as they protect the vineyards from snails and insects. They even eat some of the weeds. But we do offer ducks to neighbouring farms, that “employ” them as we do.

However, if you want to take a ducky home with you, you can now purchase the Indian Runner Duck Plushie. A fun and memorable souvenir, this plushie celebrates the estate’s much-loved feathered stars in the sweetest way.

Why do the Vergenoegd Löw ducks wear different coloured leg rings?

That’s because each duck is registered with the Western Cape Poultry Club. And we therefore identify each one and make sure they are healthy, happy and on top form. The South African Show Poultry Association (SASPO) issues different coloured rings each year. These rings feature the relevant year and a unique number and are worn by all poultry entered into shows. This makes each bird traceable and proves how old they are. The Western Cape Poultry Club get our rings from SASPO each year.