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Cooking course adds flavour to the Magoebaskloof
Kuhestan Organic Farm
The beautiful gardens at Kuhestan Organic Farm.
© Sharzhad Hone
Did you know?
The Magoebaskloof is named after Chief Magkoba who ruled here in the late 18th century.
Kuhestan Organic Farm is set high up in the misty Magoebaskloof Mountains. The farm offers cooking courses where you can learn how to make delicious Persian cuisine, which has its origins in the delicate flavours of the Middle East.
Kuhestan is an organic avocado and raspberry farm, as well as a weekend getaway spot for stress-torn city folk, travellers and those in search of peace and space.
The farm has pleasantly decorated self-catering chalets tucked away in a quiet corner of the garden. Each chalet has a fireplace (mornings and evenings can get chilly) and all are comfortably equipped.
Kuhestan's cooking courses are run by Shahrzad Hone, an Iranian by birth, South African by marriage, and a warm and entertaining host.
Hone makes a range of Persian preserves, pickles and cordials that are sold in the area, and is also famed for her Persian lunches. Think flat breads and dips, tagines, falafel, spicy chicken, lamb kebabs...and lots of mint, cumin and lime.
These are just some of the dishes you will discover on a Kuhestan weekend cooking course, held in the spacious farmhouse kitchen. In between the cooking and eating you can stroll gently through the gardens, take a hike in the surrounding forests, or simply lie happily on your back in the garden.
This massive landscaped garden boasts ancient hardwood trees, sweeping lawns and brightly-coloured flower beds blooming with azaleas, cherry trees, roses, rhododendron, hydrangea, arums lilies, day lilies and more.
There is also a small boutique shop that sells an enticing range of Kuhestan kilims. Kilims are traditional hand-woven rugs that were first made by nomads in Persia. Kuhestan Kilims is a family business that has spanned many generations, and Shahrzard's family continues to import kilims directly from Iran, offering a variety of sizes, colours and designs.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
From Johannesburg take the N1 to Polokwane. Shortly before Polokwane take the R71 to Tzaneen and follow the signs to Haenertsburg, some 60 km further. Kuhestan Organic Farm is 10 km outside Haenertsburg.
Around the area
The Haenertsburg Spring Fair, held every September.
Tours to do
Wegraakbosch Organic Cheese Farm is nearby and will show you all about the making of their delicious 100% organic cheeses.
What will it cost
Kuhestan's accommodation rates are R450 per person sharing per night; e-mail the farm to enquire about cooking course prices.
What to pack
An apron and a notebook (for jotting down recipes and helpful kitchen hints). Comfortable walking shoes, a hats and plenty of sunscreen are also recommended. And don't forget to bring an appetite.
Where to stay
Kuhestan Organic Farm has self-catering chalets on the farm.
What to eat
What you cook, of course.