One of the best things to do during summer time, is to go strawberry picking in the Western Cape. It is fun for the whole family. Kids love it and parents and even grandparents join in the fun.
An when you mention strawberry picking in the Western Cape, there are two names that come to mind immediately: Polkadraai and Mooiberge. Both of these two places are very popular amongst locals and at times you might not even get parking, so be prepared. Summer time in the Western Cape is a busy time at all outdoor venues. Everyone gets out and about and enjoy the fabulous summer sunshine days as you only get in South Africa.
On this specific day our trip took us to this beautiful strawberry farm just outside of the beautiful Stellenbosch town:
We stopped for lunch, and then for “dessert”, we decided to go strawberry picking. Yes, we were just adults, and yes we enjoyed it just as much. Everywhere kids and their families were busy with their ‘annual harvest’ of ripe red delicious summer strawberries.
The fun part is that you can eat as much as you like while picking; so the tasting and picking go hand in hand. I would however suggest rather coming earlier in the day as in the middle of summer the strawberries can get quite warm in the sun.
The name Mooiberge (in Afrikaans) means “Beautiful Mountains”, which is indeed what you are surrounded with, including a wonderful view over the valley and strawberry fields.
And then there are the “inhabitants”: Colorful scarecrows everywhere. You cannot miss it as you drive along the R44. Indeed this is often the way the Capetonians refer to Mooiberge: “The strawberry farm with the scarecrows.”
Mooiberge is open to the public to come to pick your own, each year usually from September to January and the rest of the year you just enjoy the scenery and the food. It is great fun and it is a beautiful place.
Definitely worth a visit.
If you’re new to South Africa, traveling through the Western Cape, do enjoy some of the local cuisine. Try something you haven’t eaten before.
The view from their restaurant is just lovely. You’ll want to spend some time there.
While you’re in the Stellenbosch area, there are loads more places you can visit like “Oom Samie se winkel” in Stellenbosch town center (Uncle Sammy’s Shop). A lovely Victorian style shop with mementos from way back when… You’ll find a few treasures here.
After our strawberry picking experience, we decided to take a gentle drive through Stellenbosch. So we took the Helshoogte (Translated as Hell’s heights) R310 road. Wow, this is a beautiful pass, built-in 1854 and it meanders through the Stellenbosch Mountains and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cape, towards the little town of Pniël.
On this road, you will find the turn-off to Kylemore and Johannesdal.
In Pniël we found the beautiful Pniël Congregational Church against the backdrop of the spectacular towering mountains and this is definitely worth a photo-stop. The little town’s houses all had little flower gardens and friendly people who were eager to tell us more about their home and Church.
Going past Pniël you can take the road to Franschhoek for more wine tasting or take the road to Paarl…for more wine tasting. The options, either way, are a wine exploration and it is all in your hands.
Combining luxury accommodation, fine dining, fabulous wine, a spa, iconic art treasures, and beautiful gardens, all in one, this is one of South Africa’s treasures. Watch Delaire Graff Estate’s intro video on their website, just to have a sneak peek at how beautiful it is. If you’re traveling to South Africa and you want to experience the “fine things in life”, stop at Delaire.
If you’re staying in a self-catering unit, stop here for some special treats for the night ahead. Spectacular views.
Book your farm stay or visit the Deli at the lovely Boschendal and have a family Rose Garden Picnic with picturesque mountain views. Explore the farm on horseback. You can also book an all-inclusive luxury tented camp experience. This accommodation offers fully serviced tents which are nestled between indigenous fynbos and olive trees. Guests can explore the farm and attend outdoor yoga, guided hikes, swimming as well as farm and vineyard tours.
Here are a few more interesting options in the area of Stellenbosch:
The nearest international airport is Cape Town International (CPT)
We definitely recommend that you book Car Rental. This will enable you to explore the surrounding areas as well, which has a lot to offer for the whole family. (You can use the link at the top of the page to compare car rental prices to get the best deal.)
When booking your car, get one with GPS and set it to main roads / highways.
Also read our article on Fun-Filled Family things to do in Cape Town.
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