What to do and see in Western Cape, South Africa: The Best Farms

January 26, 2022 Fernanda Pittenger

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Restaurants in Western Cape

1. Huckleberry Fish Farm

R304, Stellenbosch 7607 South Africa +27 76 970 8003 https://www.facebook.com/Huckleberry-Fish-Farm-2134458259923396/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Huckleberry Fish Farm

2. Goede Hoop Wine Estate

Fischer Road, Stellenbosch 7579 South Africa +27 81 283 1618 [email protected] http://www.goedehoop.co.za/
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Goede Hoop Wine Estate

Goede Hoop Wine Estate is situated off the old road between the towns of Stellenbosch and Kuils River, deep in the valley known as the Bottelary Kloof. The old farmhouse, rich in atmosphere, was built in 1880. In 1928 the Bestbier family purchased the wine estate and today Pieter Bestbier is a third generation winemaker on Goede Hoop.

Reviewed By sawinereviews

I had my 50th Birthday Party in the private cellar at Goede Hoop last Friday evening and it was a truly wonderful experience. A four course dinner cooked by the great chefs from the Hot Skillet in Cape Town combined with a full wine pairing (each couple are allowed to choose a bottle from the exclusive collection) with the guidance of Johan - the owner's son - is really to be recommenced if you are a foodie and wine fan. The farm is as authentic as it gets - if you are looking for stainless steel, glass and fancy artworks this is not for you - but if you want a real experience and to scratch below the surface of a real working wine farm then this will not disappoint. Thanks again to Johan , Pieter and team for a wonderful evening.

3. Experience @ Hakuna Matata Game Farm

FH 15 Friemersheim road FH 15, Groot Sorgfontein Farm, Amy Searle Street to Friemersheim., Great Brak River, Mossel Bay 6525 South Africa +27 79 743 2800 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/hakunamatatagamefarm/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Experience @ Hakuna Matata Game Farm

Leisure Farm Walk to the lions with canapés and wine / rusks and coffee OR Scenic Game Drive. All activities under 400 ZAR. Contact us for exact rates. GUIDED WALK: Minimum 2 persons. 1.5 hours - 2 hours An Approx 2.7 km guided circle farm walking route to the lions' camp with extended ups and down served with coffee and rusks in the morning / canape and glass of wine in the afternoon. View young Macadamia trees along the way, learn about the process of these trees. Possible game to be viewed along the way. Sighting our 3 big cats at the turnaround point (large enclosure) while enjoying the panoramic views. 07:30 / 17:30. Minimum 4 persons. GAME DRIVE: Minimum 4 persons. Approximately 2 hours. Take a drive on the farm in an open vehicle viewing various game (buffalo,zebra, different antelope) and enjoy panoramic views complimented with the scents of indigenous fynbos flora.

4. Du'SwaRoo Wine and Olive farm

Calitz Street, Calitzdorp 6660 South Africa +27 44 213 3137 [email protected] http://www.duswaroo.co.za
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5.0 based on 53 reviews

Du'SwaRoo Wine and Olive farm

Du’SwaRoo Wines is located just North of Calitzdorp on the road to Groenfontein and lies across the secondary slopes of Besemkop, south of the Swartberg mountains. Du’SwaRoo Wines is the smallest wine cellar on the Klein Karoo wine route.Boutique wines are produced in limited quantities from grapes from our own and neighboring vineyards.Deli products produced on the farm is also available.

Reviewed By JenniferR2290 - New Orleans, United States

We had an amazing experience. Hosts were friendly and made us laugh, wine was good and I loved the variety/change of the Portuguese wines mixed in! They do an extensive wine and olive tasting and the olives with a bite are to die for. We bought a bunch of each and will go back. Highly recommend a stop if you are anywhere close by to this lovely family run place!

5. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm

Scenic Cape Route 62 Volmoed, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa +27 44 272 7115 [email protected] http://highgate.co.za/
Excellent
56%
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4.5 based on 966 reviews

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm

It's true. Highgate is the world's oldest ostrich show farm. But it is a working farm too. So we don't do things for show. We give you the real African farm experience. Our guided tour takes approx. 75 minutes & an expert guide will show you our modern breeding methods, how the largest eggs of any living bird species are incubated, and see the hatching room. Experience the opportunity of hand feeding an Ostrich. Enjoy our Pepper Tree Restaurant! We take advantage ofour magnificent all-year round climate to set the tables under our ancient Peruvian pepper tree so the whole family dines al fresco-style while enjoying the great outdoors. Catch your breath and visit our shop selling only genuine, South African-made products, many of which are produced by our skilled staff on the farm using our own resources. From beautiful decoupage ostrich eggs to delicate ostrich leather products. We are situated 10km outside Oudtshoorn on the R328 road to Mossel Bay.

Reviewed By RichardHugen - Roosendaal, The Netherlands

12 years ago we visited this farm also. This time we wanted to show Highgate to friends. Although it was our second time we enjoyed it as much. The four of us had a “private” tour that made it extra enjoyable. Our guide gave extensive explanations and responded to our points of interest. The one hour- tour was more than worthwhile.

6. Safari Ostrich Show Farm

R328 Road 6 KM From Oudtshoorn Towards Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa +27 44 272 7312 [email protected] http://www.safariostrich.co.za
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,566 reviews

Safari Ostrich Show Farm

Safari Ostrich Farm, established in 1956, welcomes you to the ostrich capital of the world. Come and enjoy the worlds only Tractor tour through a working ostrich farm. Get up close and personal with the worlds largest bird. Take awesome photographs, get to see chicks, feed an ostrich, hold a huge 2,5kg ostrich egg. Get to see different species of ostrich - Kenyan, Zimbabwean, South African and rare white ostriches. Learn about the industry, leather, feathers and carving eggs. A full hour of interesting stuff to see and do. Enjoy our cafe or restaurant for set menu or ala carte options

Reviewed By tobiel2017 - Centurion, South Africa

Fun and interactive tractor tour of the ostrich farm. Educational and interesting. Friendly staff. Exquisite ostrich egg, feather and leather art products at the curio shop. Restaurant serves delicious ostrich burgers and cake! Play area for the kids.

7. Boschendal

Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek 7680 South Africa +27 21 870 4273 [email protected] http://www.boschendal.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,494 reviews

Boschendal

Agriculture and a simple farm lifestyle is at the heart of Boschendal. One of the oldest farms in South Africa, founded 1685, the farm has grown with the passing centuries into a cherished source of wholesome produce, great wines and happy memories. Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is now a national monument with a rich and intriguing history of more than 300 years. Today, Boschendal is a Cape winelands icon and a cherished wine and food destination. Our vineyards and fruit trees have been joined by vegetable gardens and a growing herd of free range, 100% pasture fed Angus cattle reflecting our commitment to serving wholesome farm-to-table food. Guest accommodation is also a recent addition to the farm with luxurious cottage accommodation ranging from the exclusive and historic Rhodes Cottage built by Sir Herbert Baker to the elegantly restored Werf Cottages. Cottage guests enjoy access to the entire farm where they can walk and cycle on trails through mountain fynbos, dine under the stars, have picnics and sundowners in exclusive areas, fly-fish in the dams and swim in pristine mountain water.

Reviewed By brianmK8342CG - Los Angeles, United States

Stellenbosch is beautiful but the Franschhoek valley where Boschendal Winery Estate is located is simply other-worldly breathtaking. If heaven on earth exists, this may just be it! The farm is enormous straddling both sides of the main road from Stellenbosch. However, the public area (manor houses, restaurants, winery, gardens, stores, etc. and activities centers (bike rentals, horseback riding, spa, wine-tastings, etc.) and all the Werf cottages are all on the same side at the main entrance. The other cottages are across the street scattered in the vineyards, pastures, and work farms but only accessible via security gate and thus cannot be accessed unless a guest of one of the cottages or farm residents. This side of the farm is not really walkable to/from the main winery so you need a bike, a car, or must take advantage of their free shuttles. The estate is absolutely stunning (see photos). We were there for a wedding and the wedding guests took over most of the cottages, which made the entire stay very familiar. The main manor house and adjacent buildings (shops, restaurants, bakery, reception) is located in a tree-lined gorgeous courtyard. Vineyards and farm gardens (from which 90% of all restaurant ingredients are sourced) are located adjacent to the main manor house with superb views of the valley. Cellar tour, wine-tastings, horseback riding, and spa are all located in nearby manor houses complex in the opposite direction from the main entrance. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Orchard Cottage and it was enormous! The size of an apartment with separate kitchen/dinette, living room with satellite TV and pretty good wi-fi. Lots of room to relax, spread out, and get comfortable. Working wood stove inside (which we used on one chilly night to our delight) and a large outdoor porch with wood fireplace for keeping warm on chilly nights or grilling some BBQ (grocery essentials available at the main manor house store). Food at all of the restaurants was OUTSTANDING and scrumptious and a great value. Wine was exceptional (in-room complimentary, both restaurants, and tastings). We rented bikes for a half day (that's all you need unless you're a pro because most of the trails are quite difficult for the average person). We struggled on the steep parts but LOVED the trails in the flats, especially the yellow trail through the woods. We did horseback riding and it's what you'd expect if you've ever done it before. Horses are slow and safe (a bit boring for me, I like to run and gallop free) but the ride and scenery are breathtaking (see photos) and it's a relaxed chill thing to do with friends. Be warned, the farm is pretty much isolated to itself and be aware of closing times for the on-farm stores and restaurants because they close early (at least for us it seemed early) and if you miss their times, you either don't eat or you have Uber all the way to Stellenbosch (20 minutes) for options, which after 8pm are quite limited as well. If you plan correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. We were there for 4 days (Thursday - Sunday) and we definitely noticed a big increase in visitors over the weekend. If you can, plan your stay on week days - you'll enjoy it less crowded and better chance you can do what you want. Weekends things definitely fill up and sell out so make sure you have reservations. The wedding was awesome. Outdoors at sunset and the reception building was perfectly fit to the event. The food was INCREDIBLE! I ate myself into oblivion. All staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. What an incredible experience - we did not want to leave. Day trip is fine but if you can, stay a couple days and really embrace the good life!

8. Wilgewandel Holiday Farm

Cango Caves Road, Wilgewandel, Grootkraal R 328 north,, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa +27 72 784 6732 [email protected] http://wilgewandel.co.za
Excellent
56%
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4.5 based on 332 reviews

Wilgewandel Holiday Farm

Wilgewandel holiday farm is open daily, Great Family fun! Water slides and Camel rides and lots of activities for young and old A fully a-la-carte restaurant and accommodation. 2 km from the Cango Caves

Reviewed By Strydoms5

Super friendly attendants; fresh air; camel riding; donkey cart riding; pedal cars, loads of animals; scenic views; reasonably priced food and a must for families with kids looking for day activites. We lodged at the beautiful De Oude Meul Country Lodge and made a day trip to Wilgewandel. Highly recommended!

9. De Wetshof Estate

Route 317, Robertson 6705 South Africa +27 23 615 1853 [email protected] http://www.dewetshof.com/
Excellent
77%
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4.5 based on 74 reviews

De Wetshof Estate

The name De Wetshof has been synonymous with the production of fine wines in South Africa since the 1970's. As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, De Wetshof has become known internationally as South Africa's eminent Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role it played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to the country.

Reviewed By Cassie2032

Having a somm guide your tasting is rare experience these days - Heinrich was an incredible host for that and his charming character. The Site chardonnay, 2016 Pinot noir and the Bateleur are deliciously expressive wines. Must visit in Robertson

10. Farmer Redbeard

Wilde Paarde Kloof, Ashton 6715 South Africa +27 23 615 1204 http://www.farmerredbeard.co.za
Excellent
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

Farmer Redbeard

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