Litchi lovers are in for a sweet treat this holiday season, with two exciting events on your doorstep to celebrate the delicious fruit.

Enjoy endless litchi picking, indulge in as much as you can eat and soak up the beauty of the North Coast.

Litchi Harvest on Sheffield Beach Road, Umhlali

For a delicious litchi-picking experience, visit Litchi Harvest, located just 500m from Flag Animal Farm on Sheffield Beach Road.

Open from December 20 to 30 (closed on December 24 and 25), this event offers a fun-filled litchi-picking experience, where visitors can enjoy as many litchis as they can eat on-site and take home either 800g (R120) or 1.6kg (R160).

The ticket price includes a scenic tractor ride through the orchards. The farm is open daily from 8am to 3pm, with food and refreshments, including Halaal options, available for purchase. No outside food, drinks, or pets are allowed in the orchards at either event.

Contact them via WhatsApp at 071 276 9959.

Litchi Festival at Verbara Estate, Glendale

Now in its 19th year, the Litchi Festival returns to Verbara Estate in Glendale from December 26 until January 5 (or until the litchis run out).

The estate boasts 850 trees that are almost 40 years old.

Visitors can enjoy a tractor ride through the estate, indulge in unlimited litchi picking and eating, and take home 1.6kg of litchis, all for an entrance fee of R160 per person (cash only). Entry for children under three is free, but they won’t receive litchis to take home unless a ticket is purchased.

Opening times are from 9am to 3pm. Note that the festival will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. For more information, visit litchifestival.co.za, WhatsApp 064 763 6457, or email litchifestival@gmail.com.

Directions from Durban: Take the N2 and exit at the Salt Rock/Umhlali off-ramp. Follow the R102 through Shakaskraal, then turn left onto Glendale Road and continue for 10km to the estate.

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