Enjoy a farmland jaunt on the KZN South Coast SACHA VAN NIEKERK
WHILE the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is known for its Blue Flag beaches and world-class water sports, the picturesque inland region also has a number of renowned tourist sites. In February, the Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) debuted its novel KZN South Coast Agri-CULTURE Tours in an effort to boost tourism in the hospitable farmlands. “This is such a wonderful initiative that is expanding the geographical footprint of the tourism offerings within the paradise of the Zulu Kingdom,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT. “We have worked closely with these tourism establishments to formalise the Agri-CULTURE Tours so that our visitors are treated to a completely unique experience and quality service. “We’re excited to launch this project which is mutually beneficial for our welcome guests and our vibrant tourism establishments, and we look forward to growing this in future.”
The 6 stops on the Agri-CULTURE Tours
1. BBS FARM (SOUTHPORT)
BBS Farm, named after its founders Busisiwe, Bongi, and Slindile, is a women-owned business that began as a subsistence endeavour and has grown into a global commercial enterprise. The farm produces green peppers, bananas, tomatoes, and macadamia nuts, and the crew comprises of over 40 employees. The following are some of the activities available at BBS Farm: l Farm tours showcasing the organically-grown produce; a tour of the hydroponic system that waters the world-class tomato selection (including the Heritage tomato!); and a macadamia tour of this burgeoning production. l Fishing for carp, tilapia and bass at the dam. l Grabbing a bite and a coffee while enjoying some great views. 079 568 1815, email bbsfarm568@gmail.com or find ‘BBS Farm’ on Facebook.
2. ANIMAL FARM AT B’S GUESTHOUSE (HARDING) B’s Guesthouse is a small bed & breakfast located just outside of Harding. It's a great place for families to stop for an overnight stay or a quick stop on their way to the Eastern Cape or Durban. Brigitte (Bee) Buhr transformed the B&B from a sugar plantation farmhouse into a cosy fine-dining facility. Among the things to do are: l Grabbing a bite to eat at the fully-licensed bar and restaurant with soul-renewing vistas. B's Guesthouse offers farm-to-table South African cuisine with a German twist. l Hike amid the macadamia trees or go fishing at the fully stocked dam. l Meet emus, Bun Bun the bunny, and Hamlet the lovely potbellied pig at the animal farm. 076 650 4587, bsguesthouse. co.za, email bgh@vodamail.co.za
3. UBUMBANO HOMESTEAD (AMANDAWE)
The Zama family founded this agricultural co-operative as a mixed farming business on a smallholding in 2017. The high demand for its high-quality products drove a shift to commercial farming, which resulted in the establishment of a profitable retail industry. Sugarcane, macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, mielies, and green beans are all grown in controlled environments. Among the things to do are: l Farm tours of this coastal land to witness growing techniques, harvesting and a chance to sample fresh produce. l Purchasing some homemade eats from the farm stall and enjoying a picnic under the trees. l Shopping at Ubumbano Farm Stall which stocks freshly-made macadamia nut and rocket pesto, macadamia nut biscuits and brittle, baked mielie loaf and steamed mielie bread. There’s also locallymanufactured arts, crafts and other memorabilia in the Curio Shop. 039 976 7668, 081 508 7672 or ubumbanoagricoop@gmail.com.
4. BEAVER CREEK COFFEE ESTATE (PORT EDWARD)
This is the world’s southernmost coffee estate, with three generations of coffee producers on this plantation, which thrives on the Arabica cultivar. Beaver Creek's coffee is single-origin, with a distinct, down-to-earth flavour reminiscent of the KZN South Coast. Among the things to do are: l The Crop to Cup walkabout tour starts at 10am, 12pm and 2pm in season (15 December to 5 January) giving a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee production process. l Grabbing a bite at the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate Café which serves breakfasts, snacks, cakes and baked goods. l Biking along some of the best mountain biking trails. The 400 Chocochino Route for the little
