There are a few spots for fruit picking in Johannesburg that are suited to keep both kids and adults entertained. Plus you don’t need to drive too far out of town and pick your own berries and other fruits at urban farms in Gauteng.
Before you visit, follow the fruit picking rule of thumb before you go: do check the website or call the farm if you’re not sure if they are open for harvest season as the farm may be closed due to seasonal conditions.
The Field Berry Farm
Fruits available for foraging: Raspberries
The Field Berry Farm is a raspberry farm situated in Johannesburg South. Here you can explore berry picking during the raspberry season which officially starts in January each year right through to May.
The team recommend you arrive early to get the best picks of the plumpiest fruits. While the venue is mostly wheelchair friendly, however, there are no pathways in the berry field making it challenging to move freely in the berry fields. The farm also boasts an outdoor play area for children, and no dogs are allowed.
At the farm stall, The Field Berry Farm sell a range of delicious baked goods as well as homemade raspberry products such as raspberry jam, craft beer, and frozen yoghurt.
Cost: Entrance fee is R50pp for adults, and R40pp for kids, and kids under 2yrs enter free. Picked berries are weighed at R140 per kilogram. Bookings via email or call is recommended
When: January to May – Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 3pm
Where: The Field Berry Farm, De Deur, 1876, Walkerville
Website: thefieldberryfarm.com | Email: info@thefieldberryfarm.com | Tel: 079 719 0793
MacFresh Deli & Berry Farm
Available for foraging: Strawberries and blueberries
MacFresh Deli & Berry Farm in Benoni offers fresh farm produce as well as blueberry and strawberry picking experiences in a calm nature setting. Grab the buckets and wander through the potted rows and forage your own berries in their greenhouse. The venue is pet-friendly and welcomes the entire family.
MacFresh Deli sells a range of products including various kinds of cheese, sauces, jams, honey, farm-style butter and more. The farm offers the opportunity for the whole family to pick their own berries (strawberries and blueberries) to take home. There’s a restaurant also on the same site that offers a range of meals and drinks.
Cost: Free entrance, no reservation is needed
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Where: 48 Evans Rd, Cnr Evans and Benoni Rds, Benoni, Gauteng
Website: countrykitchenbenoni.co.za | Tel: 082 569 2469
The Strawberry Farm
Available for foraging: Strawberries and Mulberries (when available)
The Strawberry Farm (also known as Tangaroa Strawberry Farm) near Hartbeespoort is one of the most exciting places for fruit picking in Johannesburg surroundings. They get quite busy during strawberry season. Spend the day picking and eating deliciously sweet, ripe, organic strawberries, down in the fields.
Your entrance fee allows you to pick and eat strawberries as many deliciously sweet strawberries, all day long. Head into our fields as many times during the day as you wish.
Guests can also take their own picnic basket along or order one from the farm and spend a lazy day by the dams. A visit to the farm restaurant is a must where you can try breakfasts, light lunches and all sorts of decadent treats like fresh strawberry milkshakes, strawberry and Dutch apple waffles, as well as their signature strawberry cheesecake Pets are not allowed at the venue.
Cost: Entrance fee – R100pp for adults, R80pp for kids under 10yrs. Picked berries are weighed at the daily rate
When: Friday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm
Where: The Strawberry Farm, s46 on R560, Skeerpoort Near Hartbeespoort Dam
Website: thestrawberryfarm.co.za | Email: reservations@thestrawberryfarm.co.za | Tel: 082 503 5996
The Cradle Berry Farm
Available for foraging: Strawberries
Fruit picking is a fabulous (and delicious) way to get your children excited about food, in particular, healthy, locally sourced food. The Cradle Berry Farm is a nature and fruit-picking haven out in Muldersdrift. The fruit farm has ample parking space, picnic grounds, a children’s playground, and some of the best strawberries in the North. Make the most of your visit by packing a picnic basket for your outing. Preserves, grills and light snacks can be ordered from the on-site vendors.
The farm is also open to the public during low and off seasons.
Cost: Entrance fee – R80pp for adults, R50pp for kids under 10yrs. Picked berries are weighed at R100 per kilogram
When: Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 5pm
Where: The Cradle Berry Farm, Plot 13 R374, Muldersdrift
Website: thecradleberryfarm.co.za | Email: info@thecradleberryfarm.co.za | Tel: 078 417 9217
Ganico Organic Farm
Ganico Organic Farm is a popular fruit orchard in the Muldersdrift that grows a small variety of fruits and vegetables including marrows, passion fruit, garlic, herbs, greens and more. Visitors can spend a morning in the space and pick seasonal produce straight from the field under the guidance of their team.
After your session, wind down with some coffee and fresh croissants or stock up on GMO-free eggs, Foraged Salt, and a few other yummy goodies. Do take along a hat, gumboots, sunscreen, some scissors or small shears. Booking is essential.
Cost: From R150 per box – limited to what fruit and veg is available on the farm. Book here
When: Selected days, email or visit their website to ennquire
Where: Ganicao organic Farm, 250 Tuohyvale Rd, Muldersdrift
Website: ganico.co.za | Email: hello@ganico.co.za | Tel: 084 853 8130