KZN South Coast farm tours: A welcome boost for tourism

In an effort to help boost tourism in the KwaZulu-Natal farmlands, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has launched its KZN South Coast Agri-CULTURE farm tours.

While most people pop down to the South Coast for a beachy getaway, Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT says there’s much more to the KZN South Coast than just the beautiful beaches.

“This is such a wonderful initiative that is expanding the geographical footprint of the tourism offerings within the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom,” she said.

She added that Ugu South Coast Tourism has worked closely with popular tourist establishments to structure the Agri-CULTURE Tours so that visitors are treated to a completely unique experience and quality service.

Six stops on the KZN South Coast Agri-CULTURE Tour

According to Tourism Update, there are six establishment on the Agri-CULTURE Tour:

1. BBS Farm (Southport)

BBS Farm is a proudly women-owned organisation that produces green peppers, bananas, tomatoes and macadamia nuts. Tours are available everyday, contact bbsfarm568@gmail.com for more details. Offerings on the farm include:

• Farm tours showcasing the organically grown produce;
• A tour of the hydroponic system that waters the world-class tomato selection;
• A macadamia tour and
• Fishing for carp, tilapia and bass at the dam.

2. Animal Farm at B’s Guesthouse (Harding)

B’s Guesthouse was originally a farmhouse on a sugar plantation and has been transformed by Brigitte (Bee) Buhr into a comfortable, fine-dining establishment. Tours are available daily, contact  www.bsguesthouse.co.za for bookings and details. Some things to do at B’s include:

• A coffee shop and fully-licensed bar and restaurant with gorgeous views. The restaurant serves farm-to-table South African meals with touch of German flair;
• Fishing at the fully stocked dam or a hike through the macadamia trees and
• Visiting the animal farm and meet emus, Bun Bun the rabbit, and Hamlet, the delightful potbellied pig.

3. Ubumbano Homestead (Amandawe)

Growing quality produce like sugarcane, macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, maize and green beans, Ubumbano Homestead offers:

• Farm tours to see growing techniques, harvesting and a chance to sample fresh produce;
• Shopping for home-made eats from the farm stall and enjoying a picnic under the trees and
• There’s also locally manufactured arts, crafts and other memorabilia in the Curio Shop.

4. Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (Port Edward)

Famous for being the southernmost coffee estate in the world with three generations of coffee growers on this plantation, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate is not to be missed. They offer tours daily, contact info@beavercreek.co.za for bookings. Some things to do on the farm include:

• A Crop to Cup walkabout tour when in season (15 December to 5 January) giving a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee production process;
• Dine at Beaver Creek Coffee Estate Café, which serves breakfasts, snacks, cakes and baked goods and
• Mountain biking trails.

5. Mac Banana (Port Edward)

Mac Banana is a popular choice for many on their South Coast holiday. They offer unique family-friendly retail and adventure activities to keep parents and children engaged for hours. Open daily, contact macbanana22@gmail.com for more info. Things to do include:

• Mac Chimp & Zee and Mac Conquer rope adventure park;
• Mac Farmyard and Mac Butterflies for farm animals, pony rides, a trampoline and butterfly farm;
• Mac Quads, Mac Archery & Airgun Range and Mac Paintball and
• Mac Venture Golf for putt putt.

6. Mpenjati Coffee (Mpenjati/Munster)

Another coffee farm, Mpenjati Coffee grows some of the region’s best coffee blends with visitors welcome to experience the process from plant to cup. Open daily, pre-booking is essential. Visit www.mpenjaticoffee.co.za for more info.

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