A smiling woman stands outdoors holding a colorful bouquet of flowers. She wears a blue floral shirt and apron, with lush green trees and sunlight around her.
Inside a beige camping tent, there is a cozy bed with a colorful decorative pillow and striped blanket, creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor sleeping space.
A tent is set up on green grass under tall trees, with a sunny blue sky above. Cozy bedding inside. White houses and mountains in the background.
A man is cooking in a rustic kitchen with wooden cabinets, exposed beams, and pendant lights. The kitchen is cozy, colorful, and filled with various utensils.
A sunny outdoor market scene features people walking under a large tree. An art stall with portraits is set up under a white canopy beside a path.
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new host   Last minute

Connect with our community and experience farm life in Porterville, South Africa

If you are not a South African Citizen and planning to visit South African to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Our small, family-run farm is tucked away below the Olifant’s River Mountains in Porterville, a picturesque farming town surrounded by waterfalls, hiking spots, flower fields and big open skies. We grow pomegranates, citrus, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, and we run a small packhouse where we prepare and pack produce for local markets. December is quite a busy time on the farm – we’re getting ready for our next pomegranate and citrus season, vegetable production is in full swing, and we’re preparing for our upcoming Christmas market.

    We're looking for energetic, versatile and friendly volunteers who would be willing to lend an extra hand wherever necessary - this may include helping in the garden, painting signs, carrying things around, helping with animals and more! The environment is flexible and relaxed, so volunteers will be able to bring their own skills and interests to the role.

    The farm is peaceful and safe, with easy access to beautiful walks and hiking trails. Volunteers can enjoy home-cooked meals, a welcoming family atmosphere and a chance to be part of our small-town Christmas market.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Hospitality/Tourism
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Farming
    Gardening
    Animals
    Hiking
    Outdoor activities
    Camping
    Nature
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Workawayers will have many opportunities to connect with us and the the community, and to learn new skills with us. We are also excited to learn new things from you!

    You’ll be involved in preparing for our Christmas Market, which is a great way to meet local people, artisans, farmers and small business owners from the area. During the lead-up to the market, we often work together, share meals, and chat about the community, farming, local traditions and day-to-day life in the Western Cape.

    We are happy to share what we know about South African farm life, farming in general, cooking and the biodiversity of our region. Workawayers can enjoy walking on the farm, visiting the town, exploring the mountains and waterfalls, and joining us for casual social moments like sunsets outside, coffee breaks and chats.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    December is one of our busiest and fun months on the farm. Your help will be appreciated, as we always need an extra hand during this time. Most tasks will be focused on the garden and general maintenance, but it also depends on your skills — we’re open to incorporating what you’re good at.

    Your tasks may include:
    - Light garden work such as watering, weeding, trimming and general plant care
    - Clearing pathways and tidying shared outdoor areas
    - Small maintenance tasks such as fixing things, organising tools or helping with simple repairs
    - Mulching, composting or preparing soil for new planting in the garden
    - Helping maintain outdoor structures such as fences and garden beds

    These tasks are practical, varied and hands-on. You don’t need any special skills — just a positive attitude, willingness to help, and the ability to work as part of a team. We will guide you, and many tasks will be done together.

  • Languages spoken

    Afrikaans: Fluent
    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Workawayers will stay in a comfortable garden tent set up under large, shady trees right next to the main farmhouse. The tent will be private, and equipped with proper bedding.

    You will have access to a bathroom on the farmhouse stoop, as well as full use of the house kitchen for anything you may need. The stoop itself is a lovely shared space with couches and a table—perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying the peaceful farm atmosphere.

    We are a big family, and if space becomes available in the main farmhouse during your stay, there may be an opportunity to move into a guest room. This depends on availability.

    We provide three meals a day. Breakfast is usually simple and easy, and we prepare either a cooked lunch or a cooked dinner, depending on the day’s schedule. You are also welcome to help yourself in the kitchen and join in during meal preparation if you enjoy cooking.

    Our farm is home to three friendly dogs and plenty of farm animals, so this placement is ideal for people who love animals and nature.

    We are located just 2km from the town, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit shops, get a coffee, or explore the local area during your free time.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    During your free time, there is plenty to explore in and around Porterville. Our farm has its own mountain area with a beautiful kloof (river gorge) that you are welcome to walk and explore.

    The town of Porterville is very small, but charming. It has a lovely coffee shop, a few places to eat, and small local shops to visit. Town is only 2 km away, so it’s easy to get there whenever you’d like.

    We live simply and in a relaxed farm setting. Because we are a large family with staff and animals around, the house can be lively at times. We would appreciate Workawayers who are tidy, respectful of shared spaces, and mindful of noise in the evenings. Other than that, we keep things warm, friendly and easygoing.

    We are also happy to help with transport arrangements. Depending on the time of year, we can often arrange a pickup from Cape Town Airport or nearby towns. We deliver fruit to Cape Town three times a week, so when needed, we can also arrange transport for Workawayers on our delivery truck.

    You’ll be staying in a safe, scenic part of the Western Cape, with plenty of nature, local culture and outdoor activities to enjoy. We will make sure you feel welcome, supported, and included during your stay.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    Digital nomads are welcome on our farm, and we’re happy to help you balance your online work with the hours you help us. We have good Wi-Fi at the main farmhouse, and you are welcome to use the kitchen, stoop and shared areas as comfortable workspaces. Please note that this is a working farm, so there is some movement of people and animals during the day, but there are also plenty of calmer corners where you can work without interruption.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have a safe, level, and shaded area under large trees where you can park a campervan comfortably. You will have full access to the kitchen for cooking and storing food, and electricity is available if you need to charge devices or run small appliances.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Tiggy

    Tiggy

    Profile photo of Basil

    Basil

    Profile photo of Badger

    Badger

    Profile photo of Daisy

    Daisy

    Profile photo of Astro

    Astro

Host ref number: 219487514828

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Photos

Inside a beige camping tent, there is a cozy bed with a colorful decorative pillow and striped blanket, creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor sleeping space.
A tent is set up on green grass under tall trees, with a sunny blue sky above. Cozy bedding inside. White houses and mountains in the background.
A man is cooking in a rustic kitchen with wooden cabinets, exposed beams, and pendant lights. The kitchen is cozy, colorful, and filled with various utensils.
A smiling woman stands outdoors holding a colorful bouquet of flowers. She wears a blue floral shirt and apron, with lush green trees and sunlight around her.
A sunny outdoor market scene features people walking under a large tree. An art stall with portraits is set up under a white canopy beside a path.

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