Trends in agritourism show a growing preference for farm-to-table dining, and across South Africa, a new kind of culinary adventure is picking up steam: farm-to-stay travel.
It’s trendy, immersive, seasonal, healthy and downright delicious – blending the charm of farm stays with the joy of harvesting your own food. Whether you’re an amateur cook, a slow traveller or a family seeking a wholesome escape, some farm getaways promise more than a place to sleep. They invite you to be one with the land, the seasons and your plate.
Picture/The Happy Traveller
Western Cape
Babylonstoren – Franschhoek
A working wine and fruit farm with deep Cape Dutch roots. Guests can join daily garden tours, harvest from the organic garden, and enjoy meals made with produce picked just hours before. Babel’s restaurant thrives on a ‘pick, clean and serve’ philosophy.
What you can pick: Fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs
www.babylonstoren.com
Boschendal – Stellenbosch/Franschhoek
Guests can stay in cottages surrounded by orchards, forage in seasonal gardens, and picnic under century-old oaks.
What you can pick: Herbs, greens, and seasonal produce
www.boschendal.com
Farmer Redbeard – Ashton
An off-grid gem for food lovers, with rustic stays and full access to farm life.
What you can pick: Seasonal veggies, fruit, eggs
www.farmerredbeard.co.za
Eastern Cape
Picture/SA Venues
Nieu Bethesda Farm Stay – Karoo Heartland
A quiet, soulful stay with veggie gardens, goat feeding, and open skies.
What you can pick: Carrots, beets, spinach (seasonal)
www.nieubethesda.org
ALSO READ: Mountain Zebra National Park expands range of offerings
KwaZulu-Natal
Picture/Oakland Farm Stay/Booking.com
Oaklands Farm Stay – Van Reenen
Set on the border between KZN and Free State, this family-run farm encourages guests to explore its veggie gardens and meet free-range cattle and horses.
What you can pick: Lettuce, herbs, tomatoes (in season)
www.oaklandsfarmstay.co.za
Gauteng
Picture/Random Harvest Nursery/Booking.com
Random Harvest Nursery & Farm Stay – Muldersdrift
A hidden eco-sanctuary with indigenous gardens and a strong emphasis on sustainability. While not a large-scale food farm, guests can enjoy seasonal herb picking, garden-to-table breakfasts, and farm walks.
What you can pick: Herbs, small greens (ask hosts)
www.randomharvest.co.za
Mpumalanga
Picture/Mount High
Mount High Country Estate -Lydenburg
Tucked between rolling hills and wild bushveld, Mount High blends luxury farm living with immersive nature. Guests stay in beautiful stone lodges, enjoy breathtaking views, and have access to gardens and farm produce when in season. It’s also home to a game conservancy and a charming café stocked with homemade goods.
What you can pick: Seasonal herbs, greens, and farm-fresh eggs (enquire ahead)
Don’t miss: The on-site café and morning wildlife drives through the estate
www.mounthigh.co.za
Limpopo
Picture/AfriCamps Magoebaskloof/Booking.com
AfriCamps at Magoebaskloof – Haenertsburg
In the lush Magoebaskloof region, AfriCamps offers a unique glamping experience on a working farm. Guests can enjoy locally sourced breakfast and braai baskets delivered straight to their tents, allowing for a farm-fresh culinary experience.
What you can pick: Direct picking isn’t specified, but the farm provides fresh, locally sourced produce.
Don’t miss: Exploring the surrounding forests and enjoying the serene mountain views.
www.africamps.com/farm/africamps-magoebaskloof-limpopo
North West
Picture/Elgro River Lodge/Booking.com
Elgro River Lodge – Potchefstroom Area
While known for game and fishing, the lodge includes a small organic garden that guests can explore. Seasonal picking may be available with prior arrangement.
What you can pick: Herbs, seasonal greens
www.elgroriverlodge.co.za
Free State
Picture/Farm Vatula
Farm Valuta – Between Fouriesburg and Ficksburg
Nestled in the picturesque Eastern Free State, Farm Valuta offers self-catering accommodation on a working vegetable farm. Guests can immerse themselves in farm life, with opportunities to explore the vegetable fields and enjoy the serene rural setting.
What you can pick: Seasonal vegetables (enquire ahead).
Don’t miss: The tranquil farm atmosphere and exploring nearby towns of Fouriesburg and Ficksburg.
Northern Cape
Picture/Gannabos Guest Farm
Gannabos Guest Farm – Nieuwoudtville
While more known for wildflowers and sheep farming, Gannabos offers rustic Karoo farm stays where you can gather herbs and veggies from the family garden.
What you can pick: Herbs, hardy vegetables (seasonal)
www.gannabos.co.za
Tips for a farm-to-stay getaway
- Check the seasons: Summer and autumn are best for fruit and vegetable picking.
- Ask ahead: Not all farms allow self-harvesting by default—confirm what’s possible.
- Pack appropriately: Bring boots, a hat, and containers for your fresh picks.
- Eat what you pick: Plan a braai, salad or picnic using your hand-picked bounty!
Farm-to-stay getaways offer something refreshingly real in a world of fast food and fast travel. They remind us that the simplest joys—fresh food, warm earth, and slow mornings—are sometimes the most satisfying.
So next time you plan a trip, follow your tastebuds into the countryside. You might come home with muddy boots, full baskets, and a story worth sharing.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Ways to enhance your birding experience
