As we head into the warmer summer season, there is no better way to spend the long and sunny days than foraging for fresh fruits among the greenery. The Cape has no shortage of spots to just that.
Gathering a bunch of grapes or picking the sweetest cherry is the perfect family-friendly activity and encourages the kids to learn more about growing their own fresh patch of vegetables or fruits.
Grab a hat and sunscreen for a fun day out at these local farms in the Cape.
1. Hoogwater Farmlife and Accommodation
Located two hours our of Cape Town, the Hoogwater Farm in Romansrivier hosts fig and peach picking from January to February.
There is an on-site cafe to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee after a ‘fruitful’ picking.
Address: R43 Hoogwater Farm, Wolseley, Cape Town
Contact: 083 762 2803
Website: www.hoogwatercottage.co.za
2.Klondyke Cherry Farm
The two and a half hour trip out of Cape Town to the Klondyke Cherry Picking Farm is well worth the drive, offering the sweetest and juiciest cherries of the Cape.
Cherry picking season starts at the end of November and usually lasts until the start of January. Several varieties of cherries are available depending on what the season has produced.
Make a day of it as you set up for a cherry picking and braai day event with the family.Visitors are advised to bring a warm jersey or jacket along as there can be a cold wind in the area even during the summer months.
An entry fee of R30 per adult, R15 for children under the age of 10 years-old is applicable. Children under the age of 5 can enter free of charge.
Containers for collection are provided. The cost of cherry picking is R60 per kilogram collected.
Address: Klondyke Cherry Farm, Ceres, South Africa
Contact: 023 312 1521
Website: www.cherryfarm.co.za
View this post on Instagram
Sometimes you gotta reach further for the good stuff??? #cherryorchard #klondyke #treestreestrees
3. De Krans Wines
Head to the De Krans Wines to pick fresh Haanepoot and Oom Sarel yellow cling peaches and Bulinda apricots. Apricots are usually picked from the end of November until the start of December and peaches are available in the last two weeks of December.
The Hanepoot grape picking season starts in February and is the perfect reason to grab a basket and head outdoors. Visitors are advised to bring along their own containers or boxes for picking.
Grape picking cost R7,50 per kilogram.
Address: Calitzdorp, 6660, Scenic Cape Route 62
Contact: 044 213 3341
Website: www.dekrans.co.za
4. Strawberry picking
Strawberries are the perfect sweet summer treat and the Mooiberge Strawberry Farm is well known for its plump and succulent offerings .
Picking season starts in October through to December and is the ideal ingredient to a summer dessert.
Take a look at our guide on where to go strawberry picking in the Cape.
Picture: Unsplash