Agritourism

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.

Mauritius, Ile de Maurice… the mere name conjures up images of never-ending white beaches and sapphire blue waters. Annelie Coleman visited the island earlier this year – and found it was everything she expected, and more!

This ostrich farm in the Western Cape has diversified into tourism, sport, concerts and other attractions that ensure a constant income stream. Jay Ferreira reports.

Girls should not be deprived of interacting with nature and being exposed to fieldsports, writes Abré J Steyn.

In 2004 Adriaan Badenhorst and Angela Metcalf quit their jobs as guides on the Orange River and moved to an abandoned trading station near Maclear in the Eastern Cape to start their own adventure company – The Falls Backpackers and Adventures. Mike Burgess recently visited the now-married couple to find out why kayaking the unique rivers of the north-eastern Cape has captivated them.

Cutting tools, especially knives, are mankind’s ultimate tool, writes Abré J Steyn. This week he looks at various folding knives, including one of his favourites – Leatherman’s Klamath.

Kenya is iconic wildlife territory, place of the annual wildebeest migration and the mighty Great Rift Valley. Millions of migratory flamingoes find sanctuary in the Rift Valley lakes. Keri Harvey visited Lake Nakuru to experience this phenomenon first-hand.

Build your own affordable, sustainable straw bale home with these handy tips.

Ben Freeth tells the story of how he and his two sons set out on a fund-raising expedition across the Makgadikgadi salt pans on a home-built go-kart.

Each summer, smallmouth yellowfish migrate up the Kraai River Basin to spawn. Although they make for excellent fly-fishing, we should respect their spawning habits and the river basin, writes Mike Burgess.

The time has come for Abré J Steyn’s last Field Sports. Although it is the end of the road, it it most definitely not the end of his globe-trotting adventures.