Growth in South Coast rural tourism
Agri-CULTURE Tours have already grown in success, with visitors enjoying the diverse activities and unique experience found in our farmlands.
A core mandate of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is the development of tourism and investment opportunities in the region’s hinterland.
The launch of the Agri-CULTURE Tours not only meets this mandate but has fast established the South Coast as an attractive agritourism destination offering a host of family-friendly adventures.
CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Phelisa Mangcu said: “The year-round warm climate and nutrient-rich soil have seen the KZN South Coast’s agricultural sector become dominant within the country, and we realised that this area is ripe for further economic opportunities. As an organisation tasked with unlocking the region’s tourism and investment potential, we worked with our existing farming communities to create an attractive tourism product – the Agri-CULTURE Tours. Since launching earlier this year, the tours have already grown in success, with visitors enjoying the diverse activities and unique experience found in our farmlands.”
She added that the well-established BBS Farm in Southport forms part of the tour route, with this women-owned farm highlighting the potential for investment in female entrepreneurs. Started by agricultural graduates, Busisiwe Lubanya, Silindile Zondi and Bongi Lushaba; BBS Farms is not only an international supplier of quality produce, they also host visitors for farm tours, meals and great fishing.
“Sisters Nelly and Nolwazi from the Zama family are also proving the important role women are playing in agritourism, having helped establish Ubumbano Farm in Amandawe in 2017. This co-operative turned commercial farming venture now welcomes tourists looking to learn more about farming techniques or wanting to sample their homemade, farmstall goods. For coffee lovers, the South Coast’s Agri-CULTURE Tours have two incredible offerings – Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward and Mpenjati Coffee in Munster. Beaver Creek, which is the southernmost coffee estate in the world, has grown over three generations with a fantastic Crop to Cup tour and delicious foods. There are also well-established biking trails in the farmlands. A newer addition is Mpenjati Coffee which was established by Leigh and Des Wichmann who started farming coffee almost five years ago. The couple has started brewing some of the region’s best coffee blends with visitors welcome to enjoy farm tours and coffee tastings,” she said.
Mangcu added that children are also well catered for on the Agri-CULTURE Tours with many characters to meet at the Animal Farm at B’s Guesthouse in Harding.
Also, Mangcu said: “Emus, rabbits and pigs are all waiting to meet new people, while parents enjoy a farm-to-fork fresh meal at the restaurant or drink at the bar. Visitors will enjoy the fully stocked dam for fishing and a hike through the macadamia trees. There’s also no end of child-friendly activities at Mac Banana in Munster. Some of the more than 20 adventures to enjoy include quad biking, archery, paintball, adventure golf, and a rope adventure park with an obstacle course and zipline. Delicious food is also served at the four on-site restaurants. There are unlimited opportunities for agritourism on the KZN South Coast, with plans for new initiatives already underway.”
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