Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
will pick you up at your hotel or cruise ship, or drive out to the secluded
area on your own.
Did You Know? Ostriches are the largest birds in
the world, and the fastest two-legged runners.
They are fascinating when seen in action. About 700 big birds live on the
working ranch, and you will watch the ritual mating dance, observe the
incubating jumbo eggs, hold a not-so-tiny chick, and feed a huge adult.
Tours of the farm begin on the hour, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am-4 pm.
747-
2777; www.ostrichfarm.net.
The African Art Shop , located at the Ostrich Farm, features a spacious
display of hand-crafted sculptures, wall hangings, and potato-print cloths
from the southern parts of Africa. Ostrich-leather products make an
unusual souvenir of your Caribbean trip. Zambezi , the attractive
African-style stone-and-thatched-roof restaurant, is open for lunch and
dinner. The menu highlights fresh hormone-free ostrich meat dishes and
South African wines, but you also can order seafood and Zambezi beer. The
shop is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am-5 pm. Lunch is served in the restau-
rant, Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 pm; dinner hours are Wednesday-Sunday,
6-10 pm. Dinner reservations required.
747-2566; www.ostrichfarm.net.
Sightseeing West of Willemstad
The western part of the island is locally known as Banda Abou or
Band'abou, which means “downwind.” Christoffel National Park encom-
passes a large section of the west end, but the countryside is dotted with
old fruit orchards and renovated plantation houses. Along the northern
coast, jagged limestone bluffs tower over the raging sea.
Christoffel National Park
This park showcases the island's desert-like terrain and protects a large
variety of wildlife and plants. Four well-marked color-coded hiking trails
wind through the 4,500-acre park, which was once three privately-owned
plantations: Savonet, Zorgvlied, and Zevenbergen. Driving routes lead out
to the coasts and over lovely flower-strewn hills.
The small Savonet Museum at the entrance, is housed in one of the out
buildings of the private Landhuis Savonet. It displays geological and
archeological exhibits that illustrate the island's development and history.
Visitors are welcome Monday-Saturday, 8 am-4 pm, and Sunday, 6 am-
3 pm.
864-0363.
Christoffelberg , at 1,239 feet, is the highest point on the island and the
focal point of the park. You can hike up in an hour or two, depending on the
number of stops you make along the way (follow the red route). The trip
isn't difficult, especially if you go early, while the sun is still low in the sky.
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