The Farm
A working farm, with lunch.
Giant’s Cup Cafe sits on a 30-hectare family farm on the edge of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Meet the cows, taste the cheese, paint a mug and stay for a sundowner.
All day, in the cafe
Cheese tasting
Our cheeses are made here on the farm from the milk of our own Jersey herd: gouda in three flavours (plain, garlic and onion, and pepper), feta, halloumi and cream cheese.
Order the farm cheese platter, served with crackers, salad and Russell’s green fig preserve, then take your favourites home from the farm shop.
Every day at 7:30 and 14:30
Milking time
It all began with Josie, the matriarch of our Jersey herd. We have hand-milked her family twice a day since 2002, and every one of them has a name.
Come and watch, meet the calves when there are some on the farm, and see where your cappuccino begins.
Whenever we’re open
Petanque in the garden
Our indigenous garden was planted where old Land Rover parts once lay. Today it’s the place for a round of petanque, for children to run, or for a drink while the light changes on the escarpment.
Every day, 9:00 to 17:00
Paint on Clay
Choose a mug, bowl or plate thrown by Simone on her wheel, pick your colours and paint it at your own pace.
We glaze and fire it, then you collect it or we courier it anywhere in South Africa. Lovely for families, groups and anyone who wants a quiet, creative hour.
Book a group on WhatsApp
Every day
Craft and farm shop
Take the farm home with you: cheese, butter and yoghurt from our dairy, Russell’s jams made from our orchard fruit, and local honey.
Alongside the food you’ll find Simone’s handmade SimBergClay pottery and paintings, Russell’s indigenous plants, work by local artists and Basotho crafts from just over the pass.
See SimBergClay pottery
Every day. Happy Hour 17:00 to 18:00
Phuzabooza Bar
Local craft beer, fair trade wine, cider and cocktails, in the room that was a trading store in the 1950s. The big sports matches are on the screen.
See the bar menuPaint on Clay questions
How does Paint on Clay work?
Choose a piece made by Simone on her wheel, pick your colours and paint at your own pace in the craft shop or the garden. We glaze and fire it, then you collect it or we courier it to you.
Do I need to book?
Walk-ins are welcome every day from 9:00 to 17:00. For groups, please WhatsApp Simone on +27 83 566 1997 so we can set up a table for you.
How long does firing take?
Each piece is fired twice, so allow a few days. We will confirm timing when you visit, and we can courier your finished piece anywhere in South Africa.
Our story
Built on the road to Lesotho.
Our building was the workshop of Mokhotlong Mountain Transport, started by David Alexander in 1955. This is where the Land Rovers were serviced before the climb up Sani Pass to Lesotho, a trip that took twelve hours.
Simone and Russell Suchet opened Giant’s Cup Café & Crafts here in 1997. Turning the old workshop into a cafe was an immense undertaking, and they did it themselves, as painters, builders, gardeners and plumbers, then bakers, chefs, potters, writers, and cheese, jam and wine makers.
Today Russell’s jams and indigenous plants, Simone’s pottery and paintings, and the cheese from Josie’s herd are all part of the place. So is our long-standing team, including Mbali, Jennet and Nonhlanhla.
Fair Trade Tourism certified. We buy locally, support local artists and crafters, train and employ people from our community, and garden with indigenous plants that need no pesticides. Our work has earned an African Responsible Tourism Silver Award.
Staying the night?
Sani Lodge & Cottages is 50 metres from the cafe, on the same farm. Lodge guests can also walk the farm’s trails.
Sani Lodge & CottagesGoing up the pass?
Drakensberg Adventures runs Sani Pass day tours into Lesotho and guided hikes from the same property.
Drakensberg Adventures