Show me the Honey: Beekeeping in KwaZulu Natal

Hi there! Let me tell you about an amazing adventure I had exploring the world of beekeeping in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It was an eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of bees and how they play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Have you ever thought about where honey comes from? Well, it all starts with bees! These incredible little creatures go from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen. They then bring it back to their hives, where they convert it into delicious honey. Isn’t that amazing?

When I first stepped into a bee farm, I was both curious and nervous. The buzzing sound of the bees filled the air, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. The beekeeper explained to me how beekeeping is a delicate art, requiring patience and care.

One of the key things I learned is that bees are not just honey producers; they also play a significant role in pollination. As they go from flower to flower, they transfer pollen, helping plants to reproduce. This process is essential for the growth of fruits, vegetables, and even trees!

However, I also discovered that bees face many threats, such as habitat loss and pesticide use. This made me realize how important it is for us to protect and respect these tiny creatures. Without bees, our environment would suffer, and our food supply would be greatly impacted.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and fascinating hobby, why not consider beekeeping? Not only will you learn about these incredible insects, but you’ll also be contributing to the well-being of our planet. Just remember to do your research, take proper precautions, and always treat the bees with kindness and respect.

Bees are nature’s little superheroes, and we all have a role to play in ensuring their survival. So, let’s show them the love and appreciation they deserve!

As Durban gears up for the excitement of its annual Durban July race, there’s another thrilling topic to explore for those who have a sweet tooth: the honey industry in KwaZulu-Natal. Bees have been around for an astonishing 150,000 years, and people have surely been enjoying honey since then – though only the brave would dare to handle a wild beehive. Research shows that beekeeping began around 9000 years BC, and it’s fascinating to note that rock art depicting bees can be found in the caves of Drakensberg Didima Valley, which are almost as ancient.

Written by Jared Ruttenberg

Imagine this: You fast forward many years into the future, and guess what? Apiculture – which is a fancy word for beekeeping – has become a global sensation. People from all walks of life, whether it’s a fun hobby or a serious business, have hopped on the beekeeping bandwagon. And you know what? That’s actually great news for all of us! Smart researchers have figured out that about one-third of the food we munch on every day is directly thanks to bees. Yep, you heard that right – bees are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure our bellies stay full.

Hey there! I’ve got some interesting info to share about beekeeping in South Africa. Now, let me tell you, beekeepers have been dealing with quite a few challenges there. It’s a bit sad, but theft and vandalism have been causing a lot of trouble for apiculture, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another challenge is the shift in agricultural patterns. You see, in the past, there were these big gum tree plantations that were grown specifically for making paper pulp. But guess what? Those old gum trees have been replaced with new varieties that don’t bloom as much, or sometimes not at all. As a result, beekeepers have been getting only about half the honey they used to from those Saligna gum trees. That’s one of the reasons why people have had to start looking for other kinds of honey, like macadamia, avocado, and multiflora honey.

If you’re interested in supporting local beekeepers, look no further than the KwaZulu-Natal Beekeepers Association. This organization is dedicated to improving and advancing apiculture in the province, providing assistance to new bee farmers and advocating for the interests of all bee farmers in the area. You can stay updated on their website for information about training courses and informative talks.

To ensure everyone’s safety, beekeeping is not allowed in the city and its surrounding areas according to the KwaZulu-Natal bylaws. So, let’s embark on a short journey to the outskirts of the urban area, where we’ll meet three local beekeepers.

1. Peel’s Honey

If you’ve ever driven on the N3 highway from Johannesburg to Durban, you might remember seeing the sign for Peel’s Honey. It’s a brand that has been around for a long time, starting back in 1924 with Jack Peel. He was just a regular person who enjoyed taking care of bees as a hobby, but his passion soon turned into a business.

Peel’s Honey is the oldest honey producer in South Africa, and it’s a name that many people recognize. They are known for making honey that is 100% pure, and they get their honey from their own hives as well as from other beekeepers across the country.

When you visit the Midlands Meander store, you’ll be delighted by the three unique ranges they offer. The first one is called the Travelogue Range, which celebrates the diverse flavors of honey that can be found depending on where the beehives are located and the local plants. To get a taste of these different flavors, I suggest bringing home one of their clever taster packs. Each pack contains five 28g glass jars, each filled with a different Travelogue flavor.

The second range is called the Farmstall Range, and it consists of their everyday honey products. In addition to honey, they also offer a variety of nut butters, including Peanut, Almond, and Macadamia flavors. These nut butters are a delicious complement to their honey and are perfect for adding a special touch to your meals.

The last range is called the Legacy Range, which is a tribute to Jack and Doris, the pioneers of Peel’s. This range includes several products infused with honey, allowing you to experience the unique taste of their honey in different forms.

If you’re eager to embark on a flavor adventure with honey, the Midlands store offers a fascinating self-guided activity called the ‘Honey Flight’. This experience provides you with a step-by-step guide, a comprehensive wheel with tasting notes, and the opportunity to rate each product. It’s a wonderful way to fully appreciate the different nuances of honey and discover your personal favorites.

To learn more about Midlands Meander and their incredible honey products, visit their website here.

2. Morton’s Hill

Let me tell you a fascinating story that took place in the lush hills of Otto’s Bluff, right next to Albert Falls Dam – it’s about Guy Solomon, a beekeeper who’s been at it for longer than anyone else in the province. Believe it or not, he caught his very first wild beehive when he was just 6 years old! Can you imagine? He found it while on a family vacation and brought the whole thing back home in a good old cardboard box. And guess what? Those little bees started making him some serious pocket money!

But time passed, as it always does, and Guy grew up, got married to his lovely wife Trish, and had children of his own. With a growing family to support, pocket money wasn’t gonna cut it anymore. So, Guy and Trish made a bold move – they bought a whopping 400 beehives! That’s when Morton’s Hill Honey was born.

Now, let me tell you, Guy Solomon has had some wild adventures with his buzzing buddies. There was that time he got chased into a pond by some angry bees, can you believe it? Or when he had to dive under a car to escape their fury! And get this – he even had to dig deep holes in the ground, all in a desperate attempt to find the elusive queen bee in those wild and unruly farm hives.

I want to share a story about Trish and her love for beekeeping. It all started many years ago when the bees needed to be harvested. Trish stepped up to the task and not only did she excel at it, but she also found a genuine passion for beekeeping. In fact, she became so skilled and dedicated that she eventually became the chair of the KZN Bee Farmers Association.

Trish’s hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. She even won the prestigious award for being the top female bee farmer of the year. This recognition was well-deserved, as Trish had poured her heart and soul into her beekeeping endeavors for over seven decades.

Now, after many years of tireless work, Trish and her husband Guy have retired. They can relax and enjoy their well-earned rest. However, the legacy of their beekeeping passion continues. Their daughter Sarah has taken over the responsibility of tending to the bees.

3. Hawthorne Hill

Imagine this: a small farm tucked away in the countryside, where a mother and daughter work side by side, tending to their avocado trees and taking care of their buzzing bee colonies. Welcome to Hawthorne Hill Honey, a charming family-run farming operation that is passionate about honey production.

Let me tell you a little story. You see, when I came back to the USA after living abroad, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure on my family’s land – 30 old and forgotten beehives that my grandfather and mother used to manage. I decided to take them under my wing and ventured into the world of beekeeping. That’s when the bug bit me (pun intended!) and I fell in love with these incredible creatures.

Now, I oversee a thriving community of about 400 colonies, all bustling with activity. These colonies play a crucial role in both honey production and pollination. They work tirelessly, transforming nectar into the golden goodness we call honey and tirelessly flitting from flower to flower, spreading pollen and bringing life to our avocado trees.

Maintaining these colonies, though challenging, is a labor of love for me and my daughter. We have wholeheartedly embraced the art of beekeeping and dedicated ourselves to learning all we can. In fact, we even joined the KZN Bee Farmers Association, a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion and offer precious knowledge.

So next time you savor a spoonful of sweet, golden honey or admire the beauty of a blooming avocado tree, pause for a moment and think about the incredible journey that brought these wonders to your table. It all starts here, at Hawthorne Hill Honey, where our love for bees and respect for the land converge to create something truly extraordinary.

While I handle beekeeping, my mother supervises the bottling. Take a look at the awards and championships from past years, and you’ll see that Hawthorne Hill is always in the spotlight. I’m also the organizer of the KZN Bee Farmer’s Association Honey Festival. This July event is going to be amazing, with talks about gardening with bees, how to choose the right honey, what to do if you have bees in your roof, and, of course, how to get started with beekeeping. Trust me, it’s going to be an epic day!

Check out our page here.

You can keep up with my travels by following me @jaredincpt

Pictures: Jared Ruttenberg

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