WANT to milk a cow? Pick an orange off a tree? Feed livestock? See honey made? Harvest strawberries? Stay at a farmhouse or discover local heritage sites?
Then the newly launched Kouga Agritourism Route is just for you – the first of 10 envisioned ‘adventures’ with hands-on activities for young and old, while exploring nature and having fun.
Co-op Community Trust manager, Willie Oosthuizen, said, “The Co-op Community Trust facilitated the establishment of the Kouga Agritourism Route Association (KARA) earlier this year to help develop agritourism in the region, in collaboration with communities, with an asset-based development approach.”
He said agritourism – where agriculture and tourism meet to provide tourists with an educational experience – is an important driver of economic growth.
“We have seen how the shutdown of the tourism and hospitality industry has negatively affected not only our community, but also the industry as a whole,” he said.
“With thousands of people who have been affected, owners, employees, and their families who have been put on short time, have lost income and have been retrenched.”
Role-players already involved are Mooihoek Strawberry Farm in Hankey and Entabeni Farm in Patensie, where one can pick strawberries and oranges respectively. Pabala Private Nature Reserve offers honey tasting, game drives, guided walks and accommodation.
Milk a cow in Oyster Bay and marvel at ancient rock art across the region. Not to forget about the shell middens and ancient fish traps in the Greater St Francis Bay area.
Residents and visitors can either book their own indivi- dualised route tour or opt for a guided group booking.
“Proceeds from the initiative will be ploughed into the development of more products on the route, including small craft and heritage sites,” said Oosthuizen.
“It is imperative that local heritage sites are accessible to all residents and visitors and meet international standards.”
For more info, contact Willie Oosthuizen at 066 485 2121 or email woosthuizen@humkoop.co.za.
