I am asked many times why certain Agritourism farmers are more successful than others.  There are a number of reasons, but when the farmer views Agritourism as part of his/her farming business, then success is inevitable.

Agritourism on a working farm cannot be separated from the farmer.  He/She is part of the Farm’s Marketing Brand. Two farmers that immediately come to mind, are Skeiding Guest Farm owned by Neels and Anne-Lize Uys; and Ezeljacht owned by the Jonkers.

Skeiding Farm is near Heidelberg in the Western Cape.  Guests are involved as far as possible in the workings of the 1200 hectare family farm, which include the following animals and crops:  Ostriches, Merino sheep, Nguni cattle, Canola, Wheat, Barley and Peas.  In other words, a variety of activities.  In their own words “Neels is the farmer, socialiser, “braaier” and farm tour guide, and Anne-Lize is the baker, jam maker and money taker”.  Guests get up early to join Neels in his daily farming activities, then come back to have a farm breakfast cooked by Anne-Lize.  Neels grew up in that area, so he is a walking encyclopaedia of local information.  Most of his visitors are from Europe, who want to learn about Ostriches.  There are 15 different activities on the farm, apart from the farm tours and Anne-Lize has coordinated several itineraries for day trips so guests stay longer in their farm cottages.  The farm is easy to find with the GPS coordinates and is well sign posted.

The Jonkers own several farms in the Southern Cape.  They have 7 different guest houses on 3 different farms that neighbour one another, with 80 beds in total.  All are working farms, with ostriches, sheep etc.

The Jonkers are not only farmers, but highly successful entrepreneurs as well.  They are superb hosts and guests are frequently invited into their farm house to meet their family and enjoy a home cooked meal. They understand very well that people relate to people, as well as the value of storytelling/history of the farm itself.