The Western Cape is known for its endless vineyards and scenic, fertile valleys. Surrounded by immense purple mountains and rolling green hills, there is no setting more beautiful for spending a day cultivating the fields. For those who are keen to explore, there are plenty of areas in the Western Cape that are well known for bearing all types of fruit that you can hand pick straight off the trees, fields, and shrubs. Read on for the farms we recommend:
Fruit seasons in South Africa
Fig picking, Hoogwater Farm
Pick your own White Genoa figs figs directly from the trees at Hoogwater Farm near Ceres. The best part about it is that you can eat as many figs as you like while you’re in the orchards! Cheese boards, Ladera Artisan Wines, and a selection of cakes with tea and coffee will be available, provided you book in advance. Please note there are no credit card facilities available, so ensure you bring enough cash with you.
The details
- When: end January – end February
- Where: Hoogwater Farm, R43 road towards Ceres, Wolseley
Fruit picking, Lentelus
Enjoy a day of picking peaches, pears, plums, and apples in the stunning Tradouw Valley near Barrydale. This family run fruit and wine farm is a great space for relaxing. In spring the blossoms drift around; in summer sweet-ripe peaches, plums and apples are yours for the picking.
The details
- When: spring and autumn
- Where: Lentelus Farm, Tradouw Valley near Barrydale
Strawberry picking, Polkadraai Strawberry Farm
Set aside 20 – 30 minutes to pick juicy strawberries at Polkadraai Strawberry Farm in Stellenbosch. Simply collect your picking bowl and enjoy a day in the sunshine and orchards in the Cape Winelands.
The details
- When: September to December
- Where: M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch
Strawberry picking, Mountain Breeze Farm Stall
Enjoy strawberry picking at Mountain Breeze Farm Stall in Stellenbosch. After collecting a container from the farm stall, explore the fields of fragrant strawberries and admire the stunning views.
The details
- When: October to December
- Where: R44, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
Strawberry picking, Redberry Farm
Enjoy picking fresh strawberries at Redberry Farm in George. For hygiene reasons, no eating is allowed in the fields. Other activities include train rides on the Strawberry Express, pony rides, bumper boats, bubble ball, hedge maze, and a playground.
The details
- When: October to December
- Where: Geelhoutboom Rd, Blanco, George
Strawberry picking, Mooiberge Winery
Nestled between Stellenbosch and Somerset West in the scenic Cape Winelands, Mooiberge (also known as Wynland Boerdery) has developed a reputation for harvesting some of the country’s finest and juiciest strawberries. The setting is absolutely exquisite – vast mountains and endless vineyards are a stunning backdrop and the entertaining scarecrows, giant strawberries, and antique tractors add a unique character to the area.
For those eager to linger a little longer, the Mooiberge Farm Stall near the fields offers everything from nuts and dried fruit, to tasty treats. Visitors are advised to phone before to ensure the fields haven’t been plucked dry by over-enthusiastic visitors.
The details
- When: end October – December
- Where: Strand Road, R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
Berry picking, Wildebraam Berry Estate, Swellendam
Berry picking at Wildebraam Berry Estate in Swellendam is a rewarding experience for all ages. You can enjoy a morning of berry picking (blackberries and youngberries) in the countryside, as well as a trip to the tasting room to sample the range of liqueurs produced in the private cellar. If any of them take your fancy, you can purchase an array of liqueured fruits, jams, dessert syrups, chutneys, relishes, and pickles produced by the farm kitchen, or enjoy a smoothie or berry juice at the cellar café. The tasting room is open all year round and sells frozen berries as well as an assortment of jams, pickles, chutneys, and preserves. Bring your own container or purchase a bucket from us on site. It is important to wear closed shoes and remember a sun hat.
The details
- When: November – mid December
- Where: Wildebraam Berry Farm, Swellendam
Cherry picking, Klondyke Cherry Farm
Gather friends and family together and enjoy a day of cherry picking at Klondyke Cherry Farm in Ceres. You will be charged an entry fee and thereafter, the cherries are priced per kilogram. Take your time selecting the juiciest red fruits from the fields, and enjoy picnics and braais in the shade of the pine trees.
The details
- When: end of November to first week of January
- Where: Klondyke Cherry Farm, Ceres
Where is your favourite venue for picking fruit in the Western Cape? Let us know if we have missed any out in the comments below!
