Media trip focuses on agri-tourism on South Coast
The homestead is run by the Zama family which is a co-operative, and farms macadamia, sugarcane, and bananas.
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) did not fail to impress yet again, as it embarked on a two-day familiarisation and media trip, with the focus this time on agri-tourism (agricultural tourism) last week.
The festivities began on leaving the USCT offices in Port Shepstone, with the first destination being Umbambano Homestead in Scottburgh.
The homestead is run by the Zama family which is a co-operative, and farms macadamia, sugarcane, and bananas.
The 1.5 hectares of farming land transcends the every day farm experience offering a variety of cuisine from banana chips and chilli jam which are exclusive to the farm. Having occupied the land for almost 40 years, the family plans to open a nursery to complement the open picnic space which according to the family will soon have Wi-Fi.
The next stop was the award-winning BBS Farms in Southport, where one can take a scenic stroll through the beautiful macadamia forests, or enjoy a tour through the hydroponic tunnels.
The 17 hectare farm also has a beautiful dam running through the heart of it where all fishing enthusiasts can catch and release fish and participate in some of the competitions on offer. Founded in 2010, the farm is fully run by women, with Bongi Tibe, Busi Molefe Silindile Zondi at the helm.
The last stop featured a short road trip to Harding where B’s Guesthouse and Animal Farm awaited. Not too far from the N2, the guesthouse is a tranquil escape on a farm with exotic animals like alpacas, emus and swans that guests can feed, or enjoy bass fishing before a night’s stay. The day ended with a well deserved rest at the Margate Hotel.
After a delicious breakfast the next day’s first stop was the Mpenjati Coffee Farm. A complimentary cappuccino on arrival was followed by what almost felt like a game drive through the 55 hectare plantation that grows eight different varieties of coffee. The farm route goes over the little Mpenjati river and the Jericho Catholic Mission where the germination beds are grown before they are moved to the potting beds.
The trip concluded with a tour through the banana and animal farm just down the road at Mac Banana. The informative tour with guide Wesley Dippenaar went through the animal closures and past the butterfly dome that houses well over 100 species, many of which are found right at the farm.
A tasty lunch before departure to enjoy the weekend is how it all ended, truly showing that the South Coast is amongst the world’s best tourism destinations, offering more than just tranquil ocean views.
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