If you’re feeling slightly blasé about the Big Five, it’s time to head for the Small Four at the Cat Conservation Trust, a project run by Richard and Marion Holmes. The servals, caracals, African wild cats and black-footed cats are little known and much maligned by farmers, but their destruction upsets the natural balance (no cats, more rodents). It’s the tiny black-footed cat that is the most appealing: half the size of a domestic cat, it looks like everyone’s favourite moggy. Be warned: you’ll want to take one home. The reserve is currently unsignposted; to find it, turn off Rte 61 at the sign for ‘Fish River/Aloedale’, drive 10km over eight cattlegrids, and the farm is on the left. Phone ahead to book and you’ll be fetched over the river. Accommodation with breakfast is available.
