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

Details

• 

  Description

  Our small, family-run farm is nestled at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains near Porterville (2h away from CPT International Airport - we have a delivery truck that can do pick-ups on most Tuesdays and Thursdays). This town is a picturesque farming town surrounded by waterfalls, hiking trails, wildflower displays, and wide-open country views.
  
  We grow pomegranates, citrus, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, and operate a small pack house where we prepare and pack produce for local markets. We're looking for energetic, friendly, and adaptable volunteers who are happy to lend a hand with a variety of tasks around the farm. Activities may include gardening, planting, harvesting, general maintenance, helping with animals, carrying materials, and other seasonal projects. Carpentry or practical DIY skills are a bonus, but not essential. We value enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved, and we're happy for volunteers to contribute their own skills and interests.
  
  The farm offers a peaceful and safe environment with easy access to beautiful walks and hiking routes. In return for your help, you'll enjoy home-cooked meals, a welcoming family atmosphere, and the opportunity to experience authentic farm life in one of South Africa's most beautiful agricultural regions.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Light maintenance
• 

  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Animals

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Camping

  

  Nature
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  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 annual Pomegranate Festival, 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

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

• 

  Help

  We always need an extra hand to help with a multitude of tasks on the farm! 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

  English: Fluent

• 

  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 ...

  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

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  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, stoep 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

  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?

  More than two

• 

  My animals / pets

  

  Tiggy

  

  Basil

  

  Badger

  

  Daisy

  

  Astro

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (1)