March is still peak harvest time on the farm as the crops reach their optimum ripeness. The plump pumpkins are the star of the show, while the last of the red wine grapes are also making their way to the cellar. Soon, lush bushels of carnaroli rice will ripen in Babylonstoren's paddies, and the team will start harvesting them towards the end of March. In the garden, the blushing belladonna lilies, or Maartblomme as they’re known in Afrikaans, will announce the arrival of autumn.
Pumpkin day
A hoard of pumpkin activities and pumpkin-inspired treats are planned for the annual Pumpkin Day on 1 March. Come enjoy the pumpkin display in the Puff Adder walkway, and let your little one get their pumpkin passport stamped each time they participate in an activity – 5 or more stamps get you a free gelato at the last stop.
Wanderful water buffalo
There are some new visitors wandering the gardens at Babylonstoren – a small group of our Water Buffalo herd enjoys making their way up from Rietvlei to enjoy a casual stroll through the gardens. Visitors can catch sight of them plodding along the pathways on Friday mornings at 10h30.
Visit the farm, on repeat
Take a moment to slow down and bring the family for a day at Soetmelksvlei. This month, visitors will receive an extra treat: the R200 pass for Soetmelksvlei also includes an annual Babylonstoren membership valued at R150. That means you can come back to Babylonstoren as many times as you like for an entire year! This offer is valid from 1-31 March 2026.
From berg to beach
Experience luxury in the best of both worlds when you book a 5-night escape that combines 2 nights at Babylonstoren Farm Hotel and 3 nights at BLOU in Keurbooms. Farm-style hospitality surrounded by the mountains of the Winelands, followed by a restful reprieve along the rugged coastline of the Garden Route offer you the chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and nature. Enquire at reservations@babylonstoren.com for more details.
Coming home for Easter
The whole family is invited to discover the treasures of Easter. Little ones can delight in Easter egg hunts, face painting, chocolate egg decorating, and even a boat race. It’s a time to gather with loved ones and take it slow, for making memories that feel both timeless and new. Over at Soetmelksvlei, children aged 2 to 16 can participate in a special Easter hunt between 3 and 6 April.
In the meantime, treat yourself to some of their moreish Easter treats – chocolate eggs, praline-filled treasures, hot cross bun-inspired bakes and Spikkels, a magnificent chocolate hen made to smash and share. Visit shop.babylonstoren.com to find your favourites – 30 lucky shoppers can win a share of R30 000 in online vouchers when they find a golden egg in their Clutch of Chocolate Eggs...
Let the hunt begin
Enjoy the full Easter experience by staying over in the Farm Hotel. Book 2 nights at Babylonstoren Farm Hotel between 16 March and 30 April and enjoy 20% off. Guests are invited to spend a day at Soetmelksvlei and enjoy the taste of farm-fresh hot cross buns and freshly brewed coffee. Stay for 3 nights or more and indulge in a 2-course meal at Babel, on the house.
Book your stay
Savour the season
Join in an autumn feast at Babylonstoren's Harvest Table taking place on 28 March 2026. It’s a gathering that celebrates abundance with a long table, set in a beautiful location on the farm invites guests to linger and connect.
Save your seat
Tune in
In the latest episode of BabylonSTORIES, we share a conversation with the inimitable Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld. His passion for plants and vast gardening knowledge have inspired a generation of gardening enthusiasts. Join us and be inspired too! Available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes monthly.
Workshops in March
Babylonstoren
- 27 February – Pampoenpret (in Afrikaans)
- 28 February – Pumpkin fun (in English)
- 3 March – Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents
- 4 March – Farm brew: bean to cup coffee experience
- 5 March – Risotto 101: a celebration of our farm-grown rice
- 10 March – Capture the season’s scents with fragrant herbs
- 17 March – Craft your own homemade soaps
- 18 March – Naturally sweet: baking with honey
- 19 March – Risotto 101: a celebration of our farm-grown rice and pumpkin
- 25 March – Discover the secret life of bees
- 26 March – Explore the world of Babylonstoren’s olives
Soetmelksvlei
- 5 March – Handcrafts at Soetmelksvlei: plant pressing
- 6 March – Master meat: make boerewors and droëwors
- 7 March – Blacksmithing: Make your own braai fork
- 12 March – Pickle and preserve the season’s abundance
- 13 March – Heirloom tomatoes: bake your own galette with traditional butter pastry
- 14 March – Easter delicacies: pickled fish and hot cross buns
- 14 March – Craft a traditional wood and riempie stool
- 20 March – Cape food: traditional bobotie with quince chutney
- 21 March – Advanced leathercraft: make a leather handbag
- 27 March – Perfectly pumpkin: a seasonal baking experience
- 28 March – Make a Wooden milk stool
Click HERE to book a workshop.