We know that olives aren't everyone's cup of tea, but we simply adore the salty little morsels. On a recent drive through Hartbeespoort we came across a true gem - a rare highveld olive farm! Mkholo Olive Farm is one of a few farms situated in the highveld region of South Africa that produces high quality olive oil. With oil prices being what they are currently, we had hoped to get our hands on some of the farm's bottled yield. Unfortunately, the farm is only open to the public via appointment and for events. We will certainly be booking a visit as soon as we can to explore the magnificent orchards and get a taste of what they have to offer. For the time being, we've done some digging to find out more about this elusive farm. Here's what we've discovered about Mkholo Olive Farm:
Olives Galore!
We know shockingly little about how olives are grown and harvested, but we do know what good olive oil looks and tastes like. We have it on good authority that Mkholo Olive Farm's produce is some of the best in the country. They have a unique terroir yielding a high quality olive oil with its own flavours, tastes and aromas. We cannot wait to drizzle a good glug of it over some roasted garlic ciabatta bread or use it to create a tangy salad dressing.
The farm also produces table olives and a number of other olive products for you to enjoy. And if you would like to try your hand at farming olives, you're in luck. The farm stocks olive trees for sale to the public at incredible prices. They've got medium and large trees, as well as assorted species of olive tree to choose from. So come down to Mkholo Olive Farm and get started on creating your very own olive grove. Remember to book an appointment before visiting the farm. You can contact them via email at [email protected].
Trail runs and tasting events
Mkholo Olive Farm is a magnificent setting for any event. They offer venue hire for birthdays, wedding and other celebrations. Their lush garden and shady canopy of trees provides the perfect setting for gatherings and get-togethers. With a stunning backdrop of the Magaliesberg mountains and tons of open space to explore, the farm is an idyllic outdoor venue.
Wild Africa Experiences organises regular trail run and tasting events at the farm, offering avid adventurers and foodies alike the chance to traipse their way through lush forest terrain. Their Cheese and Olive Trail event is immensely popular as it sees runners of all fitness levels and ages come out to enjoy the farm's picturesque surrounds paired with a platter of delicious Mkholo olives and cheese.
This July, Wild Africa Experiences will be hosting a Coffee and Chocolate Trail Run at the farm. You can participate in a 5km, 10m, or 13km run across a myriad of terrain. Take a meander through the olive orchards or tough it out on some steady climbs along the Magalies mountain range. Whichever path you choose to take, you'll be rewarded for your efforts at the trail's end. All participants will receive a finisher's medal in the form of a branded glass latte mug with a complimentary coffee and chocolate tasting. Rest your tired legs on the lawn or mosey around the farm to enjoy a plethora of coffee and food stalls. Sounds like a perfect day out in Harties if you ask us. Follow Mkholo Olive Farm and Wild Africa Experiences on Facebook for more information and to stay up to date with events at the farm.
Date: Sunday, 31 July 2022.
Tickets: Between R150 - R270 per person. Click here to book yours.
For More Information
Details: L60, Hartebeeshoek Road, Broederstroom 0240 Hartebeestpoort | (Tel) 082 806 5785
