Canola field outside Bredasdorp - by Leensie Streicher
Why the need for this special tour?
With the eventual falling away of the Wool Route, Cape Agulhas Tourism identified the need for a new agri-tourism activity in the area. We decided that the new tour should encompass more than just the traditional wool farms, but should embrace the vast range of farming activities in the area. We decided that the new tour should encompass more than just the traditional wool farms, but should embrace the vast range of farming activities in the Cape Agulhas area. This district rates the highest wool yield per sheep in the country, and is the highest producer of wool in the Cape Province and third in the country, but the region is also home to dairy and wheat farming, fynbos flower harvesting and a new and exciting wine industry, amongst others. Add to that tourist attractions such as the Southern Most Tip of Africa in the spectacular Agulhas National Park, as well as De Hoop and De Mond Nature Reserves, and the result is a fascinating and informative tour, led by competent local guides.
With the changing global environment, we identified the need for this tour to showcase not only the wonderful goodwill and hospitality shown by the hosting farms but also to highlight sustainable farming practices in our region. BKB, as our sponsor, is a company dedicated to supporting only sustainable and humane farming practices. We will be encouraging farms that participate in the tour to sign the Code of Best Practice, and we also have a number of landowners and working farms in the L’Agulhas to Elim area, who have formed the Nuwejaarsveld Special Management Area. The aim is to ensure sustainable development and biodiversity conservation within defined zones, with the ultimate vision of establishing a new protected area while providing benefits for all the inhabitants of the region.
The one thing found to be lacking in the trial tours was an example of a sustainable community upliftment project on any of the farms visited. This presents a unique opportunity for Cape Agulhas Tourism, with assistance of BKB and the participation of the farm community, to identify and establish such a project. With initiatives such as these being highlighted in the tour, we can showcase the Cape Agulhas area as a true leader in sustainable agri-tourism.The BKB Agri View’s will operate mostly during the shearing season in June to October, but tours can take place throughout the year, depending on the activities on the participating farms at the time. Meals and teas always live up to expectations and our Farm Restaurants are already known throughout the country. Tour groups will be no larger than 15 people, to ensure individual attention and to best experience true Cape Agulhas farm hospitality. Routes will vary depending on the time of year, and the experience desired by the group. An average tour will meet at the Tourism Bureau in Bredasdorp in the morning, move to the historic farm Nacht Wacht for breakfast, have 2 to 3 farm experiences such as sheep shearing, sheep dog trails, cow milking etc, before lunch at a farm restaurant. Then possibly a visit to the southernmost tip of Africa, or one of the other nature reserves in the area before a wine tasting or two and ending off with a guided walk in Elim, before heading back to the bureau. The tours will be driven by qualified drivers and led by knowledgeable and certified tour guides from the area.
Breakfast or morning tea and a light lunch will be included, however all extra’s and drinks will be at own cost. To book this fabulous day tour, contact any of the Cape Agulhas Tourism Offices on +27(0)28 424 2584 or email suidpunt@brd.dorea.co.za
Looking forward welcoming you on the tour!
