Holidays and family get-togethers are supposed to be joyful and memorable, but can often turn out to be stressful instead. Maybe it’s time to do something different and exciting to make this year’s holiday season the finest one ever, like exploring some of the country’s finest farms and everything they have to offer.
Mzansi has a lot to offer when it comes to natural beauty and the agriculture sector has its own share of wonderful things to see and do. Agricultural tourism is a way for farmers to generate an extra income when things get tough and they cannot rely on farming alone.
Here are five rural places to visit over the festive season:
Be Human Middelwater Farm
About 25 km outside of Bloemfontein, you’ll find Middelwater Farm off the N1 on the R30 Brandfort Road.
Jacqui Taylor, founder of rural tourism Africa and Agritourism Africa, says that Be Human Middelwater Farm hosts events and tours that are interesting to a wide range of people, including adults and children.
Taylor says this large area is a place where families can relax and spend quality time together while their children play and learn about the natural world around them. There are also drives and predator tours, both during the week and during weekends.
Click here to find out more.
Antbear Lodge
Antbear Lodge is situated in the Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal close to Giants Castle. Taylor describes this farm lodge as most renowned for its luxurious cave, with an accommodation unit built under a rock. The best part is that you can gaze out at the Drakensberg mountains while sipping coffee or reading a book.
They also offer pet-friendly options; the location is lightened up with an organic vegetable garden, chickens, and cows, and they make the food fresh from their own farm, such as eggs, vegetables, cheese, and milk.
Click here to find out more.
Photo: supplied/Food For Mzansi
De Uijlenes
The farm of De Uijlenes has been in the hands of the same family for six generations. Nestled in the beautiful Uilkraalvallei, not far from Gansbaai and Stanford, this farm boasts vast conference and function facilities, welcomes groups of all sizes, and has both indoor and outdoor fireplaces for guests to enjoy.
There are beautiful farm cottages for one or two couples, as well as self-catering units in the form of spacious farm buildings. A modern, charming barn is available for a couple to relax in while they enjoy the quiet of De Uijlenes.
Couples getting married at the Old Barn and Forest location also use the Little Barn as the bridal suite and honeymoon suite. The wedding experience at De Uijlenes is complete with hair and beauty stations and a turndown service for the newlyweds’ honeymoon.
Click here to find out more.
Flintbeck Farm
Flintbeck is a working cattle and game farm in the North West region, not far from the city of Rustenburg. Gather your pals for a relaxing weekend at Flintbeck Farm.
According to Taylor, The Flintbeck Farm is proud to be a part of the internationally acclaimed Magaliesberg Biosphere and the newly established Olienhout Reserve. The community is committed to working together to find long-term solutions for protecting this one-of-a-kind landscape and the people who live here and appreciate the peace and quiet it provides.
Click here to find out more.
Melton Wold Guest Farm
Melton Wold is a working game and livestock farm that also hosts guests. This Northern Cape guest farm is located on the R63 between Victoria West and Loxton.
With a variety of animals and fun outdoor activities, this farm welcomes families with children and prides itself on being one of the oldest guest farms in South Africa. Farm-to-fork is the restaurant’s claim to fame, and all of the food served there is made from ingredients grown on the farm. Karoo hospitality at its finest awaits you at this historic property where time seems to have stood still.
The licensed ladies’ bar, The Deer and Pheasant, is located on this property, and also hosts weddings, conferences, and other large gatherings.
Click here to find out more.
What draws people to the countryside?
According to Taylor, a lot of city dwellers seek escapes from their monotonous urban lives for different reasons. “This can take a number of forms, from overspending on credit cards to overindulging in alcohol or developing unhealthy habits to boredom.”
She says that people who reside in farming areas all have distinct stories to tell. Their unpretentious and hospitable nature is often forgotten, but the value is priceless.
ALSO READ: Got Easter plans? Escape to the farm for fun
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