The KZN South Coast is renowned for its Blue Flag beaches and world-class dive sites, but it also boasts a variety of iconic tourism sites in its beautiful hinterland region. In an effort to promote tourism in the farmlands, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has launched its KZN South Coast Agri-CULTURE tours.

“This is such a wonderful initiative that is expanding the geographical footprint of the tourism offerings within the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO USCT.

“We have worked closely with these tourism establishments to formalise the Agri-CULTURE Tours so that our visitors are treated to a completely unique experience and quality service. We’re excited to launch this project which is mutually beneficial for our welcome guests and our vibrant tourism establishments, and we look forward to growing this in future.”

The 6 stops on the Agri-CULTURE Tours

1. BBS Farm (Southport)

Named after founders Busisiwe, Bongi and Slindile, BBS Farm is a women-owned organisation that started as a subsistence venture and is now an international commercial enterprise. The team consists of almost 40 employees working the farm, which produces green peppers, bananas, tomatoes and macadamia nuts.

Things to do at BBS Farm include:

• Farm tours showcasing the organically grown produce; a tour of the hydroponic system that waters the world-class tomato selection (including the Heritage tomato); and a macadamia tour of this burgeoning production.
• Fishing for carp, tilapia and bass at the dam.
• Grabbing a bite and a cup of coffee while enjoying some great views.

Operating hours: Tours at 10am to 10.45am, and 1pm to 1.45pm weekdays; 11am to 11.45am, and 12.45pm to 1.30pm on weekends.

Contact details: 079 568 1815, email bbsfarm568@gmail.com or find ‘BBS Farm’ on Facebook.

2. Animal Farm at B’s Guesthouse (Harding)

B’s Guesthouse is an intimate bed and breakfast just outside the farming town of Harding. It’s the perfect spot for families to stop over en route to the Eastern Cape and Durban, for an overnight stay or quick stop. The B&B was originally a farmhouse on a sugar plantation transformed by Brigitte (Bee) Buhr into a comfortable, fine-dining establishment.

Things to do include:

• Grabbing a bite at the coffee shop or fully-licensed bar and restaurant with soul-replenishing views. B’s Guesthouse serves farm-to-fork South African meals with touch of German flair.
• Fishing at the fully stocked dam or a hike through the macadamia trees.
• Visiting the animal farm and meet emus, Bun Bun the rabbit, and Hamlet, the delightful potbellied pig.

Operating hours: 8am to 8pm (Monday to Friday), 7am to 3pm (Saturday), 11am to 3pm (Sunday).

Contact details: 076 650 4587, www.bsguesthouse.co.za, email bgh@vodamail.co.za

3. Ubumbano Homestead (Amandawe)

This agricultural co-operative was started on a smallholding by the Zama family in 2017 as a mixed farming venture. The demand for its quality produce prompted a switch to commercial farming, with a valuable retail sector established. Sugarcane, macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, mielies and green beans are farmed under closely monitored conditions.

Things to do include:

• Farm tours of this coastal land to witness growing techniques, harvesting and a chance to sample fresh produce.
• Purchasing some home-made eats from the farm stall and enjoying a picnic under the trees.
• Shopping at Ubumbano Farm Stall, which stocks freshly-made macadamia nut and rocket pesto, macadamia nut biscuits and brittle, baked mielie loaf and steamed mielie bread. There’s also locally manufactured arts, crafts and other memorabilia in the Curio Shop.

Operating hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 4pm. Booking essential.

Contact details: 039 976 7668, 081 508 7672 or ubumbanoagricoop@gmail.com.

4. Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (Port Edward)

This is the southernmost coffee estate in the world boasting three generations of coffee growers on this plantation, where the Arabica cultivar flourishes. Beaver Creek’s coffee is single origin with a unique, down-to-earth taste with flavours of the KZN South Coast.

 Things to do include:

• The Crop to Cup walkabout tour that starts at 10am, 12pm and 2pm in season (15 December to 5 January) giving a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee production process.
• Grabbing a bite at the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate Café, which serves breakfasts, snacks, cakes and baked goods.
• Biking along some of the best mountain biking trails. The 400 Chocochino Route for the little ones; the 2.5-kilometre Espresso Route; and the 8.5-kilometre Stoney Creek Route.

Operating hours: The Estate Café is open daily from 8am till 4pm, closed on Christmas Day.

The daily Crop to Cup tour starts at 12 noon, booking is essential in holiday season. Summer season is 10 December to 5 January; autumn from 12 April to 3 March, winter is 3 July to 25 July, and spring is 25 September to 7 October.

Contact details: 039 311 2347/ 15, www.beavercreek.co.za, email info@beavercreek.co.za

5. Mac Banana (Port Edward)

This is a unique family-friendly retail and entertainment facility with more than 20 adventure activities to keep parents and children engaged in the outdoors. Things to do include:

• Grabbing a bite at one of four restaurants: The Banana Café Pancake, Fazenda Restaurante, Route 61 Ice Cream Shoppe, and Magnifico Pizzeria.
• Mac Chimp & Zee and Mac Conquer is a rope adventure park with a combination zipline/obstacle course.
• Mac Farmyard and Mac Butterflies has farm animals, pony rides, a trampoline and butterfly farm.
• Enjoying adrenaline-fuelled fun at Mac Quads, Mac Archery & Airgun Range, and Mac Paintball.
• Trying a round of mini putt putt at Mac Venture Golf.​

Operating hours: 8am to 5pm (Monday to Sunday out of season), 8am to 6pm (Monday to Sunday in season).

Contact details: 039 319 1033 / 039 319 1454, www.macbanana.com, macbanana22@gmail.com.

6. Mpenjati Coffee (Mpenjati/Munster)

Leigh and Des Wichmann started farming coffee almost five years ago at their Jericho Farm in Munster with the processing performed at their Larkfield Farm. The couple have started brewing some of the region’s best coffee blends with visitors welcome to experience the process from plant to cup. The farm is a majestic sight, with beautiful coffee trees alongside the flowing Mpenjati River. Things to do include:

• Grabbing a bite and a cup of locally brewed coffee at the café.
• Taking a tour of the farm to view the pulping, drying, hulling, separating, grading and roasting of the coffee.

Operating hours: 8am to 4pm (Monday to Sunday). The farm tour is limited to four people and pre-booking is essential.

Contact details: Des Wichmann 083 440 4431, www.mpenjaticoffee.co.za.