Experience farm life

Q: My cousins, now living in San Diego, are planning a trip to South Africa. They will be driving from Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay and, as they are keen for their children to experience the country life here, they would like to spend a few days on a working farm. Can you help? - Julie Forrester

A: There are plenty of guest farms or farmstays available (www.sa-venues.com or www.wheretostay.co.za). Many specialise in back-to-nature holidays for families, with wholesome farm meals and a chance to become involved in farm life. Your relatives could consider Abbotsbury farm outside Graaff-Reinet, a working sheep farm (tel: 049-840 0201), Redcliffe Guest Farm in the Winterberg mountains near Tarkastad, where they can have a farmhouse to themselves(tel: 045-848 0152), or Wolwefontein Lodge near Colesberg, a horse stud farm (tel: 051-753 0301).