Summer strawberry picking: Five farms to visit in South Africa

Strawberry picking is a fun and family-friendly activity that gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors while harvesting sweet, fresh berries straight from the plant. South Africa is home to several farms that offer this experience, each with its own unique charm. Here are five of the best places to pick strawberries in South Africa this summer…

1. Polkadraai Farm

Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
When: October to January

Polkadraai Farm is one of the most well-known strawberry-picking destinations in South Africa.

Just outside of Stellenbosch, this farm offers a delightful experience for the whole family.

Not only can visitors pick strawberries straight from the fields, but the farm also boasts a variety of activities for children, including pony rides, mini-golf, and face painting.

There’s also a food market where you can grab a bite to eat after your strawberry-picking adventure.

2. Redberry Farm

Where: George, Garden Route
When: October to February

Redberry Farm in the picturesque town of George along the Garden Route, is a top destination for strawberry lovers.

Here, you can spend hours strawberry picking in a serene setting while enjoying the farm’s other attractions, like its famous hedge maze, mini-train rides, and various farmyard activities.

After a fun-filled day of picking strawberries, you can unwind at the tea garden or treat yourself to some delicious strawberry-themed snacks and desserts.

3. Mooiberge Strawberry Farm

Where: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
When: October to December

Mooiberge Strawberry Farm is another popular spot for strawberry picking in the Stellenbosch area.

This farm not only provides an excellent strawberry-picking experience but also treats visitors to stunning views of surrounding vineyards and mountains.

After picking your strawberries, you can relax at the farm café or browse the farm stall for fresh produce and artisanal products. It’s a great option for those looking to combine strawberry picking with a scenic day trip in wine country.

4. Tangaroa Strawberry Farm

Where: Hartbeespoort, North West Province
When: September to December

Tangaroa Strawberry Farm is a beautiful, family-run farm located near Hartbeespoort, just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

This tranquil farm offers visitors the chance to pick their own strawberries while taking in stunning views of the Magaliesberg mountains.

The farm is known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a weekend outing with family or friends. After picking your strawberries, you can enjoy a picnic on the farm or visit the café for some light refreshments.

5. Mooihoek Strawberry Farm

Where: Hankey, Eastern Cape
Where: October to December

Mooihoek Strawberry Farm in the picturesque town of Hankey in the Eastern Cape, is one of the largest strawberry farms in the region.

This farm allows visitors to pick their own strawberries while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Gamtoos Valley.

Mooihoek is well known for its high-quality strawberries and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great destination for families and groups looking to spend a leisurely day on the farm. The farm also sells fresh strawberries and other produce directly to visitors.