After nearly two decades in the tourism industry, Rikus Barnard has launched something truly special: Maple Ranch Adventures just outside Plettenberg Bay. Over the years Rikus has built up experience, passion, and knowledge—and this new venture brings all of that together in one inspiring destination. Maple Ranch isn’t just a business; it’s a place where visitors can relax, explore, and reconnect with nature, fun, food, horses—and each other.
Maple Ranch is situated just ten kilometres northeast of Plettenberg Bay, conveniently along the N2, and a short drive from some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, sanctuaries, wine farms, and polo estates. What Rikus and his team have created is part adventure centre, part ranch resort: guest cabins, a rustic campsite, the Moss & Maple restaurant and farm stall, the Quarter Horses blue haze stud, and an adventure programme with forest trails, kayaking, 4×4 electric quad ATVs, team building, school camps—all in a farm-yard setting that feels both welcoming and special. Children can ride ponies, visitors can browse local crafts and farm produce, relax beside lily ponds or pine forest, and enjoy wholesome food in a family-friendly, down-to-earth space built from Canadian maple wood and Oregon pine.
What stands out is Rikus’s commitment to creating memorable experiences: safety and comfort, but also creativity and connection. From school groups to families to wider tourism travellers—Maple Ranch is built on the idea that adventure doesn’t need to be extreme to be meaningful, that hospitality is in the warmth of welcome and curiosity of setting. With nearly 20 years behind him, Rikus is now offering something that is deeply rooted in love of place, nature and people. We look forward to seeing how Maple Ranch Adventures grows, evolves, and contributes to the tourism landscape of the Garden Route under his energetic leadership.
