Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
4 Apr 2024
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
2
Email verified
Details
Description
Set on an off grid 60ha farm in the mountains of Mpumalanga Province.
We are restoring the natural grasslands, pockets of montane forests and wetlands on the farm by actively clearing alien invasive species like eucalyptus, black wattle, lantana, hakea and bugweed, and encouraging the local grasses and trees to grow back.
We also have a large organic food garden, chickens for eggs, avocado orchard, and the beginnings of a food forest.
Situated close to various nature reserves and wildlife corridors, we have wild animals visiting our farm, like red and common duiker, bushbuck, bushpig, side striped jackal, bushbaby, vervet monkey, porcupine, snakes, caracal, genet, baboon and even the occasional leopard. We have lots of creepy crawlies: ticks, pepper ticks (so be sure to check your clothing and legs after a day outdoors), honey bees, mosquitos (this is not a malaria area) spiders and bugs in general.
We are in the Mistbelt zone of South Africa, so the summer days are milder than the Lowveld, and many misty, overcast or rainy days in summer. So be prepared to work in soggy weather from time to time. (Rain boots, hats and rain suits will be provided.) Temperatures reaches above 30 degrees Celsius only a few weeks per year.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about ecosystem restoration in a South African context. Spend time chatting and eating around the fire with us. We are passionate about conservation, the human-nature connection, and up to date with world politics. Hiking to the top of the farm with magnificent views and standing stones is a must.
Help
Our main focus at present and what we need help with is:
Assisted ecosystem regeneration of our wild areas by clearing alien trees with chainsaw (only certified operators allowed to use chainsaw), ring barking trees, applying the not so organic yellow label tree killer on eucalyptus, bugweed and lantana stumps (eucalypts are notoriously hard to get rid of). Hand weeding alien tree seedlings, chopping back invasive annual weeds like black-jacks with a brushcutter or hand lasher. Mechanical removal of smaller wattle roots with a Tree Popper. And we are still learning as we go!
Depending on the time of the visit, there might be other projects to help with: Hiking trail building, trail maintenance, avocado picking, vegetable garden work, compost making, building stuff etc.
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
The Volunteer Camp is about 200m from the main house. It is off grid and fitted with solar lights (devices can be charged at the main house during the day) a dry toilet (works with sawdust, used for making humanure compost), an open air shower with an almost working wood burning donkey boiler. Tents, mattresses and bedding will be supplied. Cooking is on a two plate gas cooker. One meal per day will be communal. (either lunch or supper, depending on the day/weather/season) Basic vegetarian food stuff is supplied for your diy breakfast and 3rd other meal.
What else ...
The farm is set 18km from the nearest tar road and shop, and 40km from the nearest town. Sudwala caves and the Dinosaur park is a 40min drive away, Kruger National Park is about a 2 hour drive away, Kaapschehoop is a creative tiny town with wild roaming horses, restaurants, gift shops and lovely walks through magical sandstone formations, as well as the mysterious Adam's Calendar. Waterval boven is close by with it's world class rock climbing and the Panorama route with God's window, Bourke's luck potholes, and the many waterfalls are great weekend-trip options.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a small uncapped Satellite connection. It is mostly reliable, good internet. Digital work that requires large uploads and downloads might struggle on our line.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
The hosts and I got along super well, they made delicious shared meals and provided for all my needs perfectly, very thoughtful and considerate people (: We had many interesting conversations about South Africa, Nature Conservation and all there is about life.
The work… read more
I would certainly recommend to experience THEM and the magical surroundings of the area.
The walking trials are spectacular and will set made. The infinity forest walk is also something forever… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The hosts and I got along super well, they made delicious shared meals and provided for all my needs perfectly, very thoughtful and considerate people (: We had many interesting conversations about South Africa, Nature Conservation and all there is about life.
The work… read more
I would certainly recommend to experience THEM and the magical surroundings of the area.
The walking trials are spectacular and will set made. The infinity forest walk is also something forever… read more
