Strawberry picking season is fast approaching! And if you're looking for a unique adventure and activity that'll get you outdoors, enjoying the lovely springtime weather, then this is a must! Get yourself to The Strawberry Farm in Hartbeespoort this spring for their strawberry picking season from September 2024. It's the perfect place to get a little dirty, unwind, and indulge in the best strawberry cheesecake just outside of Joburg.
Strawberry Picking Season Is Here!
Looking for something unique and interesting to do over the weekends in October and November? Then you most certainly don't want to miss the opportunity to pick strawberries in Harties! Spend an afternoon out at The Strawberry Farm, situated in tranquil Harties. The 9.4-hectare farm has been in operation since 1999, offering Joburgers a relaxing and oh-so lovely escape from the city.
A quick fact about The Strawberry Farm, it dates back to 1881, where is was originally functioning as a sheep speculation farm! Due to the property's extremely fertile clay soil, the farm became the perfect plot to grow a strawberry field. What started out as just 500 strawberry plants, has now expanded to thousands of plants, resulting in The Strawberry Farm we know and love today.
The Strawberry Farm only grows organic strawberries, with no pesticides or herbicides. You can expect a little dirt or mud after the rain, so be sure to wear shoes you won't mind getting dirty. There are water taps located along the strawberry fields, so you can easily rinse your off your pickings and shoes as you go along.
Ripe for the picking from around mid-September, these fields burst with juicy, sweet strawberries for roughly 12 weeks of summer.
Picking Season Deets for 2024
The 2024 strawberry picking season is on the horizon. Visit the farm and stroll along the fields, tasting their delicious bounty.
The Strawberry Farm will be open for strawberry picking every Saturday and Sunday during the months of September, October and November 2024. Keep an eye on their social for official opening dates.
There is an entrance fee that covers the use of their facilities of the premises, the picnic area, and to spend the day picking and eating strawberries in the field. Stay tuned for the details.
They do have containers available should you wish to take some of the delicious strawberries home with you after a day of picking. The farm charges the going rate at the time, for containers and the strawberries. Also, don't forget to take all your picnic goodies, blankets, camping chairs, sunscreen and hats along with you. Springtime and summertime sun in South Africa is hot and harsh!
Still a tad munchy? Their on-site restaurant offers a delectable and sweet range of goodies to savour and enjoy. Take your pick from hearty breakfasts to lovely light lunch options, to all sorts of decadent tea eats and more.
Delightful Picnic Offerings At The Strawberry Farm
Once you are done foraging, step into the peaceful farm gardens for a lovely picnic! You can either pack your own picnic, or order a specialty picnic basket from the farm's restaurant.
There are a couple of picnic options for you to choose from, but we love the sounds of the Magalies Picnic Basket. This basket includes: oyster paté; chicken liver paté; hummus; a farm-made baguette; a selection of pickles and olives; Italian and German cured meat selection; the farm's signature cheesecake with strawberry coulis; a cheeseboard accompanied by biscuits, fruit and conserve; chocolate truffles; and a bottle of chilled sparkling white wine. Sounds absolutely delightful!
Kick back and relax along the banks of the dam, while the kids are entertained by the farm's geese and ducks, but be warned, they will try to steal your cheese! This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the fresh springtime breeze and sunshine.
Why Not Enjoy A Sweet Spa Day?
Feel like a spot of pampering? Visit the Strawberry Farm's on-site spa and wellness centre – The Strawberry Spa. Whether you need a full day massage, or just a soothing and oh-so relaxing facial, the Strawberry Spa is the place to go.
As for treatments and spoils, the spa offers a variety of delights to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and completely relaxed. A few of the treatments to can expect to find here includes deep penetrating and relaxing Back and Neck massages; Indian Head massages; hand and foot therapies; and more.
They also have various specials available at their spa, perfect for all budgets and tastes. Enjoy a Full Spa Day Package, either midweek or over the weekend, for the ultimate in indulgence and relaxation. Or, why not book a Spa & Stay Package for you and your partner? There's a selection of specials for you to choose from, click here to see what's available at the moment.
What About A Quick Escape?
Enjoy a quick getaway in the heart of Harties at The Strawberry Farm. Here, they offer a guest house with three guest rooms. Two of these guest rooms are furbished with a private spa bath and Queen extra length beds. The third room has a King extra length bed that can convert to two single beds, and can accommodate two additional single beds.
The guest house can accommodate up to eight people in total at one time, so be sure to book your stay as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We really cannot think of anything better than waking up bright and early in the middle of strawberry farm, away from the buzz of the city.
For More Information
For more information about The Strawberry Farm, visit their website at www.thestrawberryfarm.co.za.
You can also contact them by calling 082 503 5996 or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].
Don't forget to follow them on their social media platforms – Facebook and Instagram – to keep up to date with the latest news, events, information about their picking season, and much more.
Address: 4048 R560 The Strawberry Farm, S46 on R560 Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam.
