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In celebration of Tourism Month this September, we are highlighting ‘Tourism for Good’ stories from our local community. See our first story of inspiration about agri-farming village, Herold Meander.
Herold Meander is a secluded and little rural settlement that is culturally and historically significant and has the potential to establish sustainable rural livelihoods in a picturesque little tourism village situated on a working farm. The private farm is situated halfway between George and Oudtshoorn and can be accessed either via the scenic and unaltered historic Montagu Pass or via Route 62 or via the Outeniqua Pass. It is situated within the Cape Floral Region that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as within the Garden Route UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve.
It was an abandoned and derelict farm that is being developed into a functional and sustainable Agri-Village with proteas, honeybush tea and sheep as the primary agricultural focus. Environmental, water rights and heritage approvals were obtained to ensure an environmentally sustainable farming development. It complements the agritourism attractions that include the Montagu Pass, Cradock Peak, Outeniqua Power Van, historical buildings and furrows, old graveyards, hiking trails, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, rock paintings, donkey cart rides and the Garden Route Camino.
Honeybush is indigenous and proudly South African that naturally grows on southern slope farmland in the Garden Route and Tsitsikamma. It is a natural ingredient emanating from the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The indigenous Khoikhoi used the honeybush shrub to make a medicinal tea with a pleasant, mildly sweet taste and aroma. Honeybush is a herbal tea that is slightly sweet, caffeine-free with high antioxidants and low tannins. The indigenous Khoikhoi named the local river Kaukou which literally means “pricking thorn”.
The Herold Meander farming project has resulted in substantial upgrading of the existing agricultural infrastructure, capacity building of its workers, the repair of historical buildings and the creation of substantial local jobs that ensure investment in the rural economy. Indigenous honeybush tea, proteas, nursery plants and related farming products can be obtained from our Moertjiesklip Farm Stall while enjoying the heritage and picturesque rural settlement.
Herold Meander offers honeybush tea tasting, donkey cart rides, fishing and accommodation facilities on a pre-booking basis, and can also be used as a base to explore the natural surroundings and majestic Outeniqua Mountains. Visit this village to smell and taste heritage firsthand.
