On Friday 17 July, I attended the launch of the “Green Piketberg” Route 366 in the village of Goedverwacht—the heart of this regenerative tourism initiative. After presenting the DEDAT Tourism Ambassador Programme in the region earlier this year, it felt like a homecoming to see the tourism community again and to be so warmly welcomed.
Hosted by Bergrivier Tourism under the leadership of Nomonde Ndlangisa, together with Goedverwacht farming stalwart Merle Dietrich and an inspiring collective of regional organic producers, or “makers” as they are known.
About ten minutes after arriving, I was part of the story—arranging floral bouquets from heaps of freshly cut proteas, fynbos, wild grasses and plant varietals I’d never seen before. The flowers were being prepared for a harvest table, a living altar to the land and its produce.
We then hiked through the high-lying small farms with local growers, drinking fresh stream water and tasting wild Bughu. We picked white and yellow carrots, sweet potatoes in shades of red and gold, and wandered through fertile land bursting with fynbos. Locally grown apples, lemons and nartjies were our padkos —simple, joyful reminders of how generous this region is.
Back at the 10 Voet Garden, where the launch event was held, the harvest table had grown even more abundant, now overflowing with fire-baked bread, cheese, preserves, honey, and an endless array of lunch treats. Makers shared their stories, with Merle closing the session in her compelling storytelling style. Nomonde led the formalities, outlining the ethos of Green Piketberg—a tourism experience centred on sustainable living, organic food production, community advancement and deep respect for the land. The ribbon was cut by Nomonde and Bergrivier Tourism Board Member Hennie Visser, officially opening the route.
What struck me most was how authentic and grassroots this initiative is. It is sustainable economic development in action—community-led, earth-inspired, and deeply human. The route stretches from Piketberg through Goedverwacht, Piket-Bo-Berg and Redelinghuys all the way to Verlorenvlei and Elands Bay. It invites travellers to slow down, taste the land, meet the communities, and experience nature in its most generous form.
One day is not enough; prepare to come for a weekend or more. This region is an inspiration and a reminder of how powerful tourism can be when it honours people, place and planet.
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