Honeybush is indigenous and proudly South African that naturally grows on southern slope farmlands and mountains in the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma and Overberg. It is a natural ingredient emanating from the rich biodiversity of our Cape Floral Kingdom. Honeybush tea is organically cultivated on the Herold Meander farm situated in the Garden Route of South Africa.

The indigenous Khoikhoi used the honeybush shrub to make a medicinal tea with a pleasant, mildly sweet taste and aroma. The tea formed part of their traditional healing systems, a practice that remains applicable in modern times. Honeybush is a herbal tea that is caffeine-free with very low tannin levels and high antioxidants. The harvested honeybush is shredded where after the leaves and stalks are fermented and dried into a dark orange-brown colour.

At Herold Meander, proteas form an integral part of the farm’s landscape and identity. Grown in the fresh mountain air and unique fynbos conditions of the Outeniqua region, these iconic South African blooms are carefully cultivated for their beauty, resilience, and striking variety. Our selection includes Sylvia, Pink Ice, Pink Kings, Sharonette, Carnivals, and Magenta—each offering its own distinctive colour, texture, and character. Whether admired in the fields or enjoyed as cut flowers, our proteas reflect the natural richness of the land and our commitment to sustainable, nature-driven farming.

Winding through some of the country’s most dramatic mountain scenery along the Route 62 corridor, the historic Montagu Pass cuts through the Outeniqua Mountains between George and Herold. In the early 1800s, crossing these mountains was a difficult and often dangerous journey, with few reliable routes or bridges across the rivers.

In 1843, Major Charles Michell, Surveyor General of the Cape, proposed the construction of a proper mountain road using convict labour. This vision led to the creation of the Montagu Pass, engineered by Henry Fancourt White, an experienced road engineer from Australia. His legacy is still visible today in nearby place names such as Fancourt—named after his mother’s surname—and Blanco, originally known as White’s Village before being renamed using the Latin word for “white.”

Construction of the pass began in earnest with convict labour, with approximately 250 convicts working at any given time. These men were trained in stone dressing and dry-stone wall construction, carefully shaping and placing each stone by hand to form the enduring retaining walls that still line the pass today.

Completed in 1848, the Montagu Pass transformed travel across the Outeniqua Mountains. Although the journey remained demanding, it made it possible for a fully loaded ox-wagon to cross the mountains in a single day—revolutionising transport, trade, and connection between the coast and the interior.

Today, the Montagu Pass stands as a remarkable and tangible piece of South Africa’s transport heritage. It remains a route to be experienced, appreciated, and preserved—an enduring link between history, landscape, and the communities it continues to connect.

The Outeniqua Mountains form a dramatic natural divide between the lush Garden Route coastline and the semi-arid interior of the Karoo. Rising to over 1,500 metres, these ancient peaks have long shaped movement, settlement, and life in the region, while offering a landscape of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.

The name “Outeniqua,” attributed to the Khoisan people, is often interpreted as “land of milk and honey,” reflecting the richness of the natural environment and the abundance of resources once found here.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, European settlers carved a series of historic mountain passes through these rugged ranges, including the renowned Montagu Pass and Outeniqua Pass. These routes physically and economically connected the coast to the interior and remain important transport corridors today, while also standing as enduring reminders of early engineering achievement and human perseverance.

Ecologically, the mountains are part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and are home to unique fynbos vegetation, including iconic protea species that colour the slopes in seasonal bursts of pink, red, and gold. Today, the Outeniqua Mountains continue to draw hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers who come to experience their trails, panoramic views, and quiet sense of wilderness—offering both adventure and a deep connection to nature.

Standing at 1,578m above sea level, Cradock Peak is the highest point in the Outeniqua Mountain range—offering a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The trail is a strenuous out-and-back route starting at the CapeNature Witfontein Forestry Station. It begins along forest roads through pine plantations before transitioning into a more rugged footpath at the base of the mountains. From here, the climb becomes more demanding as you cross a stream, pass over the railway line, and ascend steadily into the foothills.

Water is limited along the route, so it’s important to come well prepared—the stream near the start is the only reliable source. As you reach the ridge, known as “the Saddle,” you’ll encounter a split in the path: turn left for Cradock Peak, with the summit approximately 2km further on.

The final stretch includes a rocky scramble near a small weather station. This section can be slippery and requires careful footing, but the effort is well worth it.

On a clear day, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Garden Route and towards the Swartberg Mountains—a truly unforgettable mountain experience.

The Old Toll House was built alongside the construction of the historic Montagu Pass in the mid-1800s. Constructed from indigenous sandstone and originally topped with a thatched roof, this simple yet enduring structure now stands as a proclaimed heritage site.

In its early days, the toll system reflected the rhythm of travel across the mountains: two pence per wheel and one penny per pulling animal. Horses, oxen, cows, and mules were charged two pence, while smaller livestock such as sheep, goats, and pigs were charged half a penny.

The first toll keeper was John Kirk Smith, born in Nottingham, England in 1818, who played a key role in managing this important mountain route.

Today, the Old Toll House is recognised as a National Monument and is lovingly maintained by a dedicated group known as the “Friends of the Toll House.” Remarkably, this historic building has endured the passage of time—surviving two World Wars, the Industrial Revolution, multiple burglaries, and even the devastating 2018 George wildfires—standing as a lasting symbol of resilience and heritage in the region.

George Trails is South Africa’s largest and most diverse network of mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure routes.

Set in the George region, it offers an incredible mix of landscapes—from indigenous forest and coastal fynbos to mountain passes, farmland, and semi-Karoo terrain—all within a short distance of each other.

The area caters to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from relaxed scenic walks to challenging technical trails, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Supported by a strong local community and excellent visitor infrastructure, George Trails combines world-class outdoor experiences with easy access, comfort, and year-round adventure opportunities.

https://georgetrails.org.za/

The Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in Herold was established in 1910 after being separated from the congregations of George and Oudtshoorn. The church is part of the George Ring within the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk and has played an important role in the spiritual and social development of the surrounding rural farming community.

The congregation was named after the Reverend Tobias Herold, a former minister of George and past moderator of the Cape Church. At its founding, the church served a wide rural district made up of several farming communities, with multiple small farm churches established to ensure members across the area could participate in worship and receive pastoral care.

Over time, Herold developed as a small but active church village centred around the church, which became a focal point for community life in the valley. Like many rural congregations, membership has declined over the decades as populations shifted, but the church remains an important historical and cultural landmark in the area.

Today, the NG Church in Herold stands as a symbol of the region’s heritage—reflecting the faith, resilience, and close-knit farming communities that shaped the development of the valley over more than a century.

The Oudtshoorn region is widely known as the world’s ostrich capital, with a rich agricultural heritage built around these remarkable birds. For generations, ostrich farming has formed an important part of the local economy, culture, and rural identity of the Klein Karoo.

Today, visitors can experience this unique heritage firsthand through a variety of working ostrich farms in the area. Each offers its own insight into ostrich farming, from guided tours and close encounters with the birds to farm experiences, local products, and authentic Karoo hospitality.

Explore some of the region’s well-known ostrich farms below and discover a truly unique part of South Africa’s rural landscape.

Safari Ostrich Farm https://www.safariostrich.co.za/

Cango Ostrich Farm https://cangoostrich.co.za/

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm https://highgate.co.za/

The Keur River Bridge is a historic stone-arched bridge dating back to 1847, located along the iconic Montagu Pass near George. Designed under the supervision of surveyor Charles Michell, it forms part of one of South Africa’s oldest and most important mountain pass routes.

Built from locally sourced stone, the bridge is a remarkable example of early engineering, designed to withstand the rugged mountain conditions of the Outeniqua range. Its enduring structure and scenic setting have earned it recognition as a National Heritage site.

Today, the bridge can be reached via a short nature walk of approximately 1km, offering visitors a peaceful journey through indigenous vegetation and mountain scenery. As part of the oldest unaltered pass still in use in South Africa, the Keur River Bridge remains a quiet but powerful reminder of the region’s transport and engineering history.

The Hope Camino Walks are rooted in the deep and layered history of the Boland and Overberg regions—areas where the earliest traces of Christian faith in South Africa intertwine with complex stories of culture, conflict, endurance, and hope.

These pilgrimage routes, which begin in either Stellenbosch or Robertson, follow paths once shaped by pioneer farmers, enslaved people, prisoners of war, and the region’s earliest inhabitants. Long before modern roads and technology, communities settled here in search of a future shaped by faith, resilience, and survival.

Along the way, place names such as Genadendal (Valley of Grace), Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth), Elim, and Babilonstoringberge (Tower of Babel Mountains) reflect the spiritual and historical depth of the landscape.

The journey is filled with powerful human stories—of struggle and courage, loss and renewal. From early mission settlements to places like Volmoed in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where quiet resistance and compassion shaped history, the route invites reflection on both the beauty and complexity of South Africa’s past.

Reaching the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, pilgrims are invited to pause in reflection and unity, often marking the moment with a prayer for Africa—Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika—symbolising hope, healing, and commitment to the future of the continent.

More than a walking route, the Hope Camino is a journey of reflection, connection, and reconciling with history—offering space to walk slowly, listen deeply, and rediscover hope along the way.

https://hopecamino.co.za/

Herold Wines is a family-owned boutique winery established by the Fourie family in 2010, set in a secluded valley at the foot of Cradock Peak in the Outeniqua Mountains. Surrounded by nature reserves and rich biodiversity, the vineyard lies in a unique mountain environment where cool mists and pure air create ideal conditions for producing elegant cool-climate wines.

The farm was originally planted in 1999 and has since grown into a small, carefully cultivated vineyard of approximately 8 hectares, featuring varieties such as Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Weisser Riesling, and Semillon. The setting is often compared to renowned European wine regions such as Burgundy, due to its climate and growing conditions.

Herold Wines is a deeply family-driven operation. Winemaking and farming are led by Nico Fourie, a self-taught winemaker, while Maureen Fourie contributes to the full visitor experience through food offerings and hosting events at the farm’s bistro and wedding venue. The estate also supports local families who have been part of the vineyard and cellar team since its early days, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

In addition to wine production, a significant focus of the farm is environmental restoration, with large portions of the property being rehabilitated back to indigenous mountain fynbos. Together, this balance of agriculture, conservation, and community creates a farm that is as much about people and place as it is about wine.

Herold Wines is known for its handcrafted Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, produced in harmony with the surrounding landscape—offering visitors not only quality wines, but a genuine connection to the mountain environment in which they are grown.

https://heroldwines.co.za/

Located near Oudtshoorn in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves are one of South Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. This vast limestone cave system has been shaped over millions of years, forming dramatic chambers, tunnels, and intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Believed to have been known to early inhabitants since the Stone Age, the caves were later rediscovered in modern times in the late 1700s and have since become one of the country’s most visited natural attractions. Only a portion of the extensive cave system is open to visitors, guided through carefully lit pathways that reveal its extraordinary underground beauty.

Today, the Cango Caves are recognised for their geological significance, rich history, and awe-inspiring formations—offering visitors a truly unforgettable journey into the depths of the Klein Karoo landscape.

https://www.cango-caves.co.za/