Exploring Agritourism in Cape Town, South Africa
In December, I travelled to South Africa to immerse myself in the country’s diverse and inspiring safari and agritourism experiences — a journey that has directly shaped the vision and direction of Forage Safaris Africa. From the fertile winelands of the Cape to a classic safari experience near the Kruger National Park, this trip reinforced just how seamlessly food, farming, conservation and tourism come together in South Africa.
The Kruger region, easily accessed via regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town (with direct flights from Perth), offers an unforgettable safari experience and is a natural addition to a broader South African itinerary. Experiencing this region first hand has confirmed its suitability for thoughtfully curated Forage Safaris Africa journeys, where wildlife encounters complement meaningful connections to land and place.
The Cape region, however, truly stands out as a benchmark for agritourism. With its abundance of farm stays, wineries, working farms, restaurants and hands-on food experiences — all within close proximity to Cape Town and its international airport — the region is incredibly accessible. Scenic drives through the winelands and farming landscapes form an integral part of the experience, punctuated by inviting farm shops and roadside stops that celebrate local produce and craftsmanship.
Food exploration begins in Cape Town itself, particularly at the vibrant Waterfront and the recently opened Oranjezicht City Farm Market. This market brings together the region’s diverse culinary flavours and producers in one central location, set against the dramatic backdrop of the ocean. Oranjezicht also operates an urban vegetable garden within the city, beautifully illustrating the connection between urban living and local food production — a theme central to Forage Safaris Africa.
Nearby suburbs such as Constantia are home to elegant homestays, historic wineries and much-loved farms. Highlights include Chart Farm, primarily a rose farm but also home to a highly regarded café with sweeping views, a pick-your-own rose experience, and a farm shop stocked with homemade jams, chutneys, rusks and other local treats. Another standout is Groot Constantia Estate, South Africa’s oldest wine farm, offering tastings, restaurants, picnics, guided tours and a comprehensive shop. A visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens provides a perfect complement, showcasing the region’s extraordinary plant diversity, all with the backdrop of the famous mountains.
Within 45 minutes of Cape Town lie the celebrated wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington. During my stay near Wellington, I experienced Bartholomew’s Klip, a beautifully restored Victorian-style farmhouse on a working farm. Set amongst wheat and canola fields and framed by dramatic mountain ranges, forming the Elandsberg Nature Reserve, the property exemplifies the type of authentic, place-based accommodation that aligns closely with the Forage Safaris Africa ethos.
Time at Bartholomew’s Klip included peaceful walks along the dam wall, relaxing by the pool, and sundowners followed by a memorable degustation dinner showcasing local produce paired with regional wines. The farm is also a private wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 150 bird species, a variety of mammals and reptiles, a breeding program for the endangered geometric tortoise, as well as home to over 840 plant species. A guided morning tour of the barns, tortoise program and sanctuary offered valuable insight into how conservation and farming can coexist.
Other notable visits included Babylonstoren, renowned for its immersive farm experiences, gardens, restaurants and retail spaces; Fairview, celebrated for its cheese, wine and farm shop; and the ever-popular Banhoek Farm Shop in Stellenbosch, a favourite stop for exceptional coffee, house-made sourdough and local produce enjoyed with sweeping views of orchards and mountains.
This journey reinforced South Africa’s position as a world-class agritourism destination. The Cape region, in particular, exemplifies how food, farming, wine, conservation and hospitality can be seamlessly woven together into deeply enriching visitor experiences. For Forage Safaris Africa, these firsthand experiences provide invaluable insight and inspiration as we curate meaningful, immersive journeys for travellers seeking authentic connections to land, people and produce — making South Africa a must-consider destination for any food and wine lover’s bucket list.
To enquire or book your African Forage Safaris adventure, please email foragesafaris@gmail.com and follow on Forage Safaris Africa instagram page.