Early bird tickets for KZN’s annual Litchi Festival now on sale!

The early bird tickets for the upcoming Litchi Festival are now officially on sale. The annual event takes place at the Verdana Estate on Glendale Road in KwaZulu-Natal.

Although the festival has not yet announced the official opening date, visitors can still book from the selection of available dates on its website.

THE LITCHI FESTIVAL KICKS OFF IN DECEMBER 2026

Management recently shared via Instagram that preparations are underway for the litchi picking season, which will kick off in mid-December 2026.

The team is hoping for favourable weather conditions to ensure an unforgettable experience for visitors. The trees are also being closely monitored, making sure the litchis are perfectly ripe and ready to be enjoyed.

Visitors can look forward to munching on fresh litchis directly from the orchard, enjoying a memorable tractor ride around the farm, and picking 1kg of litchis to take home.

The limited early bird tickets are currently priced at a special rate of R130 per person, while children under the age of three enjoy free entry.

However, children are under three are excluded from taking the litchis home, but additional litchis will be available for purchase.

Combo tickets are also available at R400. These include a guided tour around the Hidden Forest in an open-top vehicle, allowing visitors to take in the views and sweet aroma of litchi orchards.

However, visitors are not compelled to combine the festival with the Hidden Forest adventure, as the latter can be booked separately.

THE LITCHI FESTIVAL HAS GROWN IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS

Founded by the couple Paddy and Heidi Smith, this year marks the festival’s remarkable 21st anniversary.

Dubbed “the sweetest event on the North Coast,” the Litchi Festival has remained a staple “fun family” adventure throughout the years.

The farm has since grown significantly, diversifying into litchi-flavoured ice lollies and hosting annual charity events and has thrived even after moving from Cane Cutters Resort to its new orchard in 2022.