We often talk about the award-winning quality of our oil and the beauty of the Klein Karoo, but the true soul of De Rustica Olive Estate lies in our people. Nothing fills us with more pride than hearing about the impact our team has on our guests. 

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting the Lunchbox Legends adventure—a weekend filled with mountain biking, challenging weather, and incredible camaraderie. While the riders battled the beautiful Kammansie Blue trails on Saturday and braved the mud up to the Rust and Vrede waterfall on Sunday, our team was focused entirely on ensuring their stay exceeded every expectation. 

We were absolutely delighted to receive a note from the event organisers, and we simply had to share their words, because they perfectly capture the passion our staff brings to work every single day. 

Going Beyond the Expected 

The compliment we received wasn’t just about a successful stay; it was a deep appreciation for the effort, friendliness, and foresight of our team, proving that true hospitality is about heart.

“Our stay at De Rustica Olive Estate way exceeded our expectations. You have the MOST amazing team here… from the very first moment we arrived… right till the last rider and team member left, your team were nothing short of spectacular.” 

The Faces of De Rustica Hospitality 
A special thank you goes out to the individuals who truly went the extra mile: 

Dawie and Louwrens:  
From our first visit, looking for routes, there were maps of options made available and eager enthusiasm to accompany us on the recce drives. All the communication between them and the ride was so friendly, accommodating and helpful. Nothing was too much for these two gents. 
And then Louwrens joined us on Day 1 equipped with a snack table, loads of treats, extra water, a gazebo, a bakkie and radios. Dawie, his wife and daughter braved the elements on Sunday to set up the tea stop under a tree, in the rain, and even rescued a few riders and bikes who, by that point, had had enough of the mud. 

Amanda: 
Such an incredible host and so accommodating in the lead-up to and during the event. From making sure all the riders felt welcome to jumping in to assist Felicity in cleaning dishes and keeping the rooms tidy to carting tables between venues to host 35 hungry people for breakfasts and dinners. She made sure we had ample and safe storage for all the equipment and made the conference room available for our Sunday performance. No stone was left unturned in making us feel so special.  

Ryan:  
I almost kidnapped this young man!! What an absolute gem. So efficient, so eager, so helpful and always smiling from sunrise to sunset. One hardly had to ask for anything, as he pre-empted every move, from welcoming newcomers and offloading and cleaning bikes to joining us on Day 2 and spraying down muddy riders and bikes alike. Always available and willing to carry and pack. 

Showroom: 
Our breakfast at the De Rustica Showroom was the best, and the snacks were perfect.  

Passion Speaks Volumes 
Ultimately, this unforgettable experience for the Lunchbox Legends riders is a reflection of the commitment shared by every person on our farm. As the organisers concluded: 

“Your whole team was absolutely awesome, the food superb and the hospitality beyond words. This speaks volumes to their passion for the farm and the guests and shows evident respect to management and owners alike.” 

We are profoundly grateful to our team for embodying the passion, pride, and quality that De Rustica stands for. Thank you, Lunchbox Legends, for allowing us to be part of your amazing journey. 

We invite you to come and experience the touch of De Rustica’s hospitality for yourself.  

Contact us to plan your Klein Karoo experience.