Agritourism

Once you have conducted the necessary feasibility studies and determined the exact format of your agritourism business, the next step would be to decide on an appropriate business structure for the venture.

Developing an agritourism operation may present a viable way to increase your farming income, while still maintaining normal farming activities, but it may not be suitable for every farm or farmer. Julinda Schroeder reports.

Agritourism can offer farmers an ideal avenue for diversifying their agricultural enterprises while earning additional income. In a four-part series, Julinda Schroeder examines the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a tourism venture on a farm, as well as the legal, health and safety, and business aspects of such an enterprise.

Lakenvlei Forest Lodge in Mpumalanga, is situated in a 4 500ha pine plantation near Belfast, and offers a truly laid-back holiday experience.

Ann van Dyk started the cheetah centre on her parent’s chicken farm in North West in 1971. When the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa ran out of space to continue their captive breeding programmes, she volunteered her services.

The Rooibos Heritage Route offers an unique glimpse into the production process of Rooibos tea.

Farmers who start agritourism businesses are entrepreneurs and should acquire good marketing skills.

Udder Delight is a Free State farm-style cheesery, where the passion of partners Yvette and Winett Mackenzie results in delicious hand-crafted cheeses and dairy products.

Sandstone Estates is a real gem in the Free State agritourism crown. The estate was established in 1995 on farmland in the eastern Free State, owned by the Wille Family since the 1830s.

Kalahari Water Resort is nestled on the tranquil banks of the Gariep River and situated near Keimoes in the Northern Cape. This adventure holiday farm offers peace and tranquillity for those who need it, and a wide array of activities for the more active holiday-makers, according to Annelie Coleman.

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust is a fine example of how an agritourism venture can thrive.

Fascination with South Africa’s rock art heritage has drawn Victor Biggs to more than 2 000 sites over the past 60 years. Amongst this number, three sites, all in the Kei River catchment in the Eastern Cape’s Border region, are of particular historical interest. Mike Burgess accompanied Vic here to learn more.

A farmer looking to set up an agritourism operation should think carefully about how to attract visitors to the farm – and keep them coming back.

There are numerous agritourism ideas out there – and many ways of generating income from visitors.

Jacques van der Westhuizen and Marius Fuls manage a 22 000ha hunting concession and game reserve in Limpopo. According to Jacques, hunters have a responsibility to maintain the ecological balance. Gerhard Uys spoke to them about their successful hunting outfit.

The Nqabara River mouth on the Wild Coast boasts exceptional fishing and unique natural beauty. In addition, the Nqabara River valley’s route to the coast also presents a rewarding glimpse into the area’s rich 19th century military and commercial history, as Mike Burgess discovered.

Cattle and maize farmers Maurice and Celestè Leonard have established hiking trails, a wedding venue and accommodation on their Gauteng farm. They spoke to Gerhard Uys.

Craft breweries have become popular in South Africa in recent years. Grant Hollins visited Emerald Vale Brewery on the Wild Coast to learn about its commercial success.

Capitalising on their Italian heritage, Carlo and Lucar Marra have turned their interest in Italian food specialities into a lucrative agritourism business on their 30ha farm. They spoke to Jeandré du Preez about their growing success.

The streams of the Amathole Mountains – including the Wolf River – were immortalised by Sydney Hey in his African fly-fishing text, The Rapture of the River. Mike Burgess travelled up the Keiskamma River in search of the rainbow trout of the Wolf.