“To us, a successful farmer is one who embraces the natural imperfections of their land and uses them to create a unique and authentic campsite experience for guests to enjoy in rural South Africa.”
FARM CAMPING SOUTH AFRICA is the result of a discussion I had with fellow campers Callie and Ria Cronje (Jakawoef) in 2023.
They have crisscrossed the country for at least 6 months every year for the past 5 years, and they mentioned that there are a number of farmers in the Northern Cape especially, who have added campsites to their existing farming activities.
The reason this was happening is generally said to be in response to the drought and other factors which forced the farmers to consider alternative sources of income.
It dawned on me that, when a farmer adds camping facilities on his farm, it is considered crisis management that should generate sympathy.
I have a problem with that way of thinking.
If a business person finds that his main source of business disappears for whatever reason, and he pursues another business idea to substitute or add to his business, it is called entrepreneurship and positive thinking.
If a farmer experiences drought or other setbacks and he adds camping to his farming activities, then it is something that should generate sympathy for the farmer who is fighting for his survival.
I prefer to see it as entrepreneurship by farmers who do not roll over and die, but who make a plan and keep contributing to the economy and the country’s well-being.
This website is a business directory that celebrates those farmers who are true entrepreneurs.
They deserve the support of us, the campers of South Africa, not because we feel sorry for them, but because they deserve respect for their entrepreneurship and because they expand the camping destination market.