There’s nothing quite like the experience of plucking ripe, juicy strawberries straight from the vine on a sun-drenched afternoon in the Cape. The Western Cape is home to some of the most picturesque strawberry farms, where visitors can not only pick fresh strawberries but also immerse themselves in farm life. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a solo traveller, these strawberry farms offer an unforgettable experience. Here’s an in-depth guide to four of the top strawberry farms you must visit in Cape Town, from Polkadraai Strawberry Farm to Redberry Farm, each offering something unique for the whole family.
1. Polkadraai Strawberry Farm: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Stellenbosch
Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Polkadraai Strawberry Farm is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience strawberry picking with a side of fun. The farm’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal place for young ones to run around and enjoy the beauty of nature while picking their own delicious strawberries.
My Personal Experience at Polkadraai
“When I first visited Polkadraai Strawberry Farm, I felt like a kid again. The fields were bursting with vibrant, ripe strawberries, and there was so much to do! From picking strawberries to enjoying face painting and pony rides, there was never a dull moment. It’s a place that lets you reconnect with nature and enjoy quality family time.”
Key Features
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Strawberry Picking: The farm allows you to pick your own strawberries, offering baskets in various sizes. The best part? You get to take the basket home with you, filled with the strawberries you harvest, with no need for weighing.
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Family-Friendly Activities: In addition to strawberry picking, the farm features a variety of activities for kids and adults alike, including face painting, mini golf, tractor rides, and pony rides.
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Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, perfect for a morning or afternoon visit.
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Prices:
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Junior Picker (for kids): R50
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Harvester (for adults): R65
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Contact Information:
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Phone: 021 881 3303
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Email: [email protected]
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Location: Situated on the Stellenbosch Arterial Road (M12), Stellenbosch. You can find it on Google Maps here.
2. Helderberg Farm: An Organic Strawberry Picking Experience
Helderberg Farm is another gem located just outside Stellenbosch, offering a stunning blend of scenic beauty and a commitment to organic farming. This farm specializes in biological pest control and organic fertilizers, ensuring that every strawberry you pick is not only delicious but grown with sustainability in mind. It’s the perfect farm to visit for those who prefer an eco-conscious approach to farming.
What to Expect at Helderberg Farm
“I love the serenity of Helderberg Farm. The peaceful ambiance, surrounded by natural beauty, made strawberry picking here a completely different experience. You can truly taste the difference in the strawberries, thanks to their natural, organic approach.”
Key Features
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Organic Farming: Helderberg Farm is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that the strawberries are grown using natural pest control and organic fertilizers.
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Private Venues: The farm offers private venues perfect for hosting parties or family gatherings. Additionally, there are hiking trails and braai spots, making it an excellent spot for outdoor events.
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Booking Requirements: Be sure to book ahead via email before visiting, as the farm requires prior reservations for entry.
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Opening Hours: The farm is open Monday through Saturday, with strawberry picking sessions at 10 am and 3 pm.
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Prices:
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Pick Your Own (approx. 250g punnet): R50
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Entrance Only (no picking): R25
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Contact Information:
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Phone: 021 855 4308
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Email: [email protected]
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Location: Helderberg Farm is located at Klein Helderbergpad, Stellenbosch. Find it on Google Maps here.
3. Mooiberge Strawberry Farm: A Historic Farm with a Funky Vibe
Steeped in history, Mooiberge Strawberry Farm has been delighting strawberry lovers since the early 1900s. This farm offers a mix of rich heritage and modern charm, with fields of plump, sweet strawberries and a unique collection of oversized scarecrows that greet visitors upon arrival.
My Experience at Mooiberge
“I was immediately captivated by Mooiberge’s quirky scarecrows, which line the entrance and even dot the fields. It felt like stepping into a whimsical world. Beyond the great strawberry picking, I enjoyed browsing their farm shop, which offers a lovely selection of dried fruits, honey, and local wines.”
Key Features
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History & Charm: Mooiberge Strawberry Farm has a long history and is known for its high-quality strawberries, grown in a mix of modern and traditional farming techniques.
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Farm Shop: After picking strawberries, visit the farm shop, which offers a selection of dried fruits, honey, nuts, and wine. It’s the perfect place to grab a unique souvenir or treat.
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Opening Hours: The farm’s strawberry picking season runs from 1 October to 31 December, with strawberry picking available from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.
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Prices:
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Strawberry Picking: R100 per person
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Contact Information:
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Phone: 021 881 3222
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Location: Located on Strand Road (R44), Stellenbosch. Find it on Google Maps here.
4. Redberry Farm: More Than Just Strawberries
Located in Blanco, George, Redberry Farm is one of the most diverse and exciting strawberry farms you’ll encounter. With its expansive range of family activities, including the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hedge maze, go-karts, and bumper boats, Redberry is a great spot for families looking to combine strawberry picking with fun and adventure.
What I Loved About Redberry Farm
“Redberry Farm feels like an entire day’s worth of fun in one place. I remember spending hours wandering through the massive hedge maze, picking strawberries, and trying out the go-karts. The farm is perfect for families, and I couldn’t help but think this is the ultimate family getaway.”
Key Features
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Hedge Maze: One of Redberry’s standout attractions is the largest hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere, which is a must-see for both kids and adults.
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Family Activities: In addition to strawberry picking, Redberry Farm offers a wide range of activities like pony rides, bumper boats, and go-karts, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
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Food & Drink: The farm has a strawberry-inspired restaurant and a selection of artisanal eateries offering delightful meals and treats.
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Opening Hours: The farm is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm.
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Prices:
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Pick Your Own (Small Container): R30
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Pick Your Own (Large Container): R50
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Contact Information:
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Phone: 044 870 7123
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Email: [email protected]
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Location: Located on Geelhoutboom Road, off the R404 in Blanco, George. Find it on Google Maps here.
Pros, Cons, and FAQs
Pros
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Polkadraai Strawberry Farm: Great for families with kids, variety of activities like pony rides and face painting.
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Helderberg Farm: Focus on organic farming and sustainable practices, with private venues for events.
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Mooiberge Strawberry Farm: Historic farm with a funky, quirky vibe, and a farm shop with local produce.
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Redberry Farm: Diverse range of activities for all ages, including the largest hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cons
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Polkadraai Strawberry Farm: Limited operating hours during peak season.
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Helderberg Farm: Requires prior email booking, which can be inconvenient.
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Mooiberge Strawberry Farm: Strawberry picking season is limited to a few months of the year.
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Redberry Farm: Located farther from Cape Town, making it more suited for a day trip.
FAQs
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When is the best time to visit strawberry farms in Cape Town?
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Strawberry picking in the Cape typically runs from October to December, when the berries are in full bloom.
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Do I need to book in advance for strawberry picking?
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It is recommended to book in advance for Helderberg Farm and Redberry Farm, especially for larger groups.
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Final Thoughts
Cape Town’s strawberry farms offer a unique and delicious way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family, a peaceful retreat into nature, or a quirky farm visit filled with history and charm, these farms cater to every type of traveller. From the family-friendly attractions at Polkadraai to the stunning views at Mooiberge, there’s a farm for everyone. So grab your baskets and head out for a day of strawberry picking—you won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check the official websites and contact details for up-to-date information.
