With the first signs of spring, a special atmosphere emerges. Days get longer, morning chills lessen, and gardens and berry fields in South Africa's agricultural regions prepare for a new season of abundance. For travelers, this is an ideal way to experience the countryside by picking fruits directly from trees or bushes.
Harvesting spots range from strawberries in the Stellenbosch wine regions to cherries in the Eastern Free State and berries under the Langeberg mountains. This experience turns a rural trip into a more active pursuit, as visitors select ripe fruit themselves and can take the harvest home.
Seasons vary depending on the farm, so the start of the harvest is not fixed. The harvest gradually moves across the country: strawberries appear first, followed by cherries and berries in late spring and early summer. Below are places worth including in your plan.
If you are looking for a simple start to fruit picking, Polkadraai farm is one of the most accessible options from Cape Town. The farm is located about a 30-minute drive from the city, in the landscape of the Stellenbosch wine region, making it ideal for a leisurely day trip.
The main attraction here is strawberries. Polkadraai grows many varieties, including Honor, Splendor, Commitment, Albion, Festival, Candonga, and Viva Patricia, selecting varieties based on taste and quality. The strawberry season usually runs from September to January. Furthermore, the farm has turned harvesting into a family event, offering tractor rides, mini-golf, pony rides, a playground, and other attractions near the fields. For 2026, the farm announced the resumption of its strawberry farming and related activities in mid-September.
Polkadraai's history is closely tied to the region's agricultural landscape, but today the farm attracts attention by combining commercial strawberry cultivation with visitor opportunities. Its cultivation methods also reflect the characteristics of agriculture in the Western Cape, where water conservation is crucial. To reduce water consumption, the farm uses drip irrigation, plastic mulch, and rainwater harvesting.
The period from September to January, with the 2026 harvest season expected to begin in mid-September. Tip: arrive early, especially on warm weekends, and dedicate the morning to harvesting rather than just coming for strawberries. Pick the fruit first, then enjoy the other farm activities. Bring a container only if the farm allows it in the current season; otherwise, use containers provided upon arrival.
Around November, the focus shifts from berries to cherries. Klondyke Cherry Farm, located about 30 km from Ceres in the Kuwee Bokkeveld area, offers one of the most established self-picking cherry experiences in South Africa. This operating fruit farm is situated at an altitude of about 1260 meters above sea level, providing it with the cool summers and cold winters necessary for cherries. The farm grows cherries along with apples and pears, but it is the cherry picking that attracts guests. During the harvest season, guests receive a container and head to the orchards to fill it with cherries, after which their harvest is weighed at the farm kiosk. The farm also has picnic areas under trees and designated barbecue spots.
Klondyke's history dates back to the late 1960s. The farm was acquired in 1967, and the following year, cherry trees were brought in and planted from Fiskburg. In 1973, the farm opened its self-picking cherry season to the public. Initially, visitors picked and weighed their harvest in the manager's garage. This makes the experience more than just a seasonal novelty. Self-picking became part of Klondyke's identity over 50 years ago.
The cherry harvest season in 2026 is expected from the last week of November to the end of December, depending on the weather. The farm is open daily during the season. Tip: take your time, fill your container, and leave. The ambiance is part of the experience. Bring a picnic, set aside time to walk through the orchards, and bring a jacket or windbreaker, as it can be windy on the farm even in summer.
If cherries are your reason for visiting, the Eastern Free State deserves a spot on your itinerary. Ionia Cherry Farm is located in the cherry region around Fiskburg and offers a more structured orchard experience, including guided tours for cherry picking on a red wagon and tractor. The tour includes an introduction to the farm and its cherry varieties, time to stroll through the orchards, the opportunity to pick and taste the fruit, and a bunch weighing 250g to take home. Currently, Ionia grows 19 red and two yellow cherry varieties.
Viticulture has deep roots in this part of the country. The town of Fiskburg was founded in 1867, and the town's connection to cherries has become so strong that the annual Cherry Festival, launched in 1967, is recognized as the longest festival in South Africa. Ionia is part of this broader cherry landscape, and the farm itself calls itself the heart of the cherry region. Its cherry picking tours have become a seasonal attraction in their own right.
Cherry picking tours run from late October to November, with November being the key harvest period. For 2026, Ionia's cherry harvest celebration is scheduled for November 12 to 14. Tip: book in advance. Cherry picking tours require prior booking, and the farm recommends arriving 15 minutes before the tour starts. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and bring a camera. This is not just a fruit trip, but an orchard experience.
In the Hermitage Valley outside Stellenbosch, the harvest changes again. Wildebraam Berry Estate, surrounded by the Langeberg mountains, specializes in young berries and blueberries. The short harvest season is the highlight of this region's early spring calendar. The estate was founded by Natalie and Martin Turk in 1996 and grew from a small farm into an operational berry farm with accommodation, a tasting room, and a range of farm-made products. During the harvest season, visitors can pick their berries and then head to the cellar where their harvest is weighed. The farm also offers liqueur tastings and sells products made from the harvest, including jams, preserves, and liqueurs.
Berry picking takes place during a short period, usually from mid-November to the end of December. The farm describes the harvest as lasting only about six weeks, emphasizing the importance of planning. Tip: arrive early. Wildebraam particularly recommends visiting in the morning when the berries are firmer and the temperature is lower. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, then allow time for tasting in the cellar. If you want to turn it into a weekend trip, the estate also has accommodation with self-catering options overlooking the valley.
The beauty of a fruit trip is that there isn't one single weekend when everything happens simultaneously. South Africa's harvest moves with the seasons: from the first spring strawberries to cherries and berries as the weather warms up. It is also a reminder that some of the best tourist experiences in the country do not necessarily require a strict schedule. Sometimes, all it takes is spending a morning strolling through the orchard while the basket slowly fills, or savoring the taste of strawberries picked just minutes ago.
If you are planning a road trip in spring or early summer, follow the harvest. Choose a region, check the current season dates at the farm before you leave, and allocate enough time to enjoy the countryside beyond just the fruit. Because when you pick it yourself, the taste of the fruit somehow seems a little sweeter.
Cape Town and the Western Cape offer an easy way to swap city noise for walks through groves, filtered light, and a more relaxed pace of life. These green spaces, from the forests on the slopes of Table Mountain to the remote corners of Garden Route, offer both short day trips and longer adventurous holidays.
Below are some of the most picturesque forest areas in the province available to visitors.
Noulands Forest is a popular spot for both novice and experienced hikers, offering trails leading to Kirstenbosch and Constantia Nek. It is located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, about 5 km from Cape Town. It is advised to start early and follow the Contour Trail for a calmer outing with classic views of mountains and forest.
The Tokai Forest area is situated at the foot of this forest and includes a tea garden. The botanical garden itself boasts 274 species of trees. This is a convenient way to get a dose of nature without traveling far from the city. The distance to Cape Town is about 19 km, or approximately 21 km by road. The forest is located in Table Mountain National Park in Tokai. Time is recommended for visiting the Tokai Botanical Garden and taking a leisurely stroll.
According to CapeNature, the Grootpadersbos reserve covers 250 hectares of local taiga, and the presence of cabins and camping sites makes it an ideal place to slow down. The forest is known for its atmosphere of old trees, and the drive there feels like a gentle reset. This reserve is located in the Langeberg region, near Heidelberg and Stellenbosch, and is just over three hours' drive from Cape Town.
The Tsitsikamma section in Garden Route National Park features a temperate montane forest descending to the sea, giving it a wild, cinematic feel. The distance from Cape Town to this point is about 615 km. The location is near the mouth of the Storms River and in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. It is advisable to stay near the mouth of the Storms River to make the most of the trails, canopy walks, and majestic local forest.
Platbos is known as the southern extreme forest of Africa and belongs to a private sector that places great emphasis on nature conservation and ecotourism. Visitors can expect ancient milkwood trees, quiet trails, and a deep, almost fairy-tale silence, making it perfect for forest bathing or mindful relaxation. This forest is located between Stanford and Gansbaai in the Overberg region, and is about 160 km (approximately 2–2.5 hours) from Cape Town.
A bonus spot is Klaas River Forest in Garden Route, which is one of South Africa's largest local forests. It is famous for its ancient yellowwood trees, dense canopy, and rich biodiversity. It is an excellent place for long, unhurried walks, allowing you to completely disconnect and enjoy the sounds and tranquility of the forest. Klaas River is located along the Garden Route National Park, and it is about 500 km (approximately 5–6 hours) from Cape Town. For a light introduction, one can start at the Eden Garden boardwalk and then explore deeper trails such as Milkwood for a more complete immersion.
Whether you are looking for a quick weekday getaway or a longer trip, these forests provide fresh air, shade, and that energy that prompts another walk.
