Agritourism

Farms stays come in many forms, appealing to all sectors of the travelling public. On a sheep farm near Colesberg in the Northern Cape, Antony and Margie Osler have created a retreat where Zen Buddhism, Karoo farming and wide-open spaces come together in an unlikely but compelling combination, writes Julienne du Toit.

Tucked in the Sneeuberg mountains, Witmos Oxwagon Camp offers a journey into the country’s wagon-train history, rugged Karoo landscapes and rhythms of farm life, write Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit.

Looking for a genuine escape from the demands of daily life? Then head to Hermanus on the Whale Coast in the Western Cape. Between sea air, coastal walks and understated luxury, is a destination that delivers exactly what weary travelers need: space to slow down.

Sea Point’s Main Road is finally ready for its close-up. A new boutique hotel along Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard is helping transform Cape Town’s once-overlooked Main Road into a destination associated with high-end hospitality, stylish design and Mediterranean glamour.

A highlight of a visit to Doornberg Guest Farm in the Eastern Cape Karoo is a sit-down session with your host, a talented storyteller, write Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais.

At Ganora Guest Farm near Nieu-Bethesda, the line between modern agriculture and ancient history is blurred. Prize-winning Dohne Merino rams graze above the remains of prehistoric predators, offering guests a unique farm stay as well as a world-class palaeontological site. Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit report.

Members of the Christiana community in North West invited Farmer’s Weekly to visit their small agricultural town, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

Opstal Estate is a masterclass in agricultural evolution. Nestled in the high-rainfall Slanghoek Valley, this seventh-generation heritage farm has transitioned from bulk wine production to a diversified boutique destination. Blending award-winning ‘Old Vine’ Chenin Blanc with regenerative cattle farming and luxury tourism, Opstal ensures a resilient legacy remains in motion.

Brian Berkman says a luxury icebreaker expedition offers South Africans an extraordinary alternative to their traditional June holidays.

At Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, Brian Berkman found the deeply comfortable beds and arresting art collection competing for his attention.

Riaan Hattingh explores a gem of a private game reserve getaway in Limpopo offering hot tubs, history tours, hiking, horse riding, game drives, swimming, birdwatching, and star shows for the whole family.

Brian Berkman suggests you clear your diary to spend more time in November in the beautiful Eikestad.

Escape the daily stresses of life in this peaceful environment embedded in nature, where hiking trails, a picnic spot on the hill and much more are available to guests.

Brian Berkman escapes into the lush green oasis that’s only moments from the city.

Brian Berkman has a blissful, peaceful weekend away in one of the Cape’s most loved hotels, with its mix of the historic and contemporary, inside and outside attractions.

Returning to Asara after more than 20 years, Brian Berkman found it as delightful as ever. The estate has evolved beautifully over time, with attention to detail in all the right places, to offer a luxurious, serene escape.

On the outskirts of Milnerton, Cape Town, where the Atlantic Ocean stretches towards the horizon and Table Mountain rises majestically in the distance, lies Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, an affordable beachfront escape offering direct beach access and world-class comfort.

This great venue is within easy reach of Gauteng for weddings, conferences, functions, parties and more, and is backed by a couple with years of experience.

Like the ancient gnarly Milkwood forests at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai, just beyond Hermanus, so this Western Cape gem has slowly blossomed into South Africa's most compelling eco-luxury destination in the decade since Farmer's Weekly's last visit.

Brian Berkman recommends a sensory symphony of fine hospitality, sound, and tradition.