Enjoy our self-sufficient life in rural Baarskeerdersbos, South Africa

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a family of 4 on an ongoing, adventurous path to a more sustainable way of life. Our 8ha farm is on the edge of a rural village and we are building a straw bale house with all means of alternative power. We are planting orchards, a vineyard, a food forest, medicinal herb garden, and other land crops. Our chickens supply eggs and clear new planting land. Our daily work is varied and interesting.
    We are on the Fynbos Route to the southernmost tip of africa and have many artists and free thinkers in the area.
    We have enjoyed having volunteers from around the world as part of our family since 2012

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • 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

    Volunteers will be immersed in and have a true experience of setting up a self-sustaining homestead. We were camping while we build our off-grid farm so feel like pioneers most days! Our work is physical and if you are not fit, you soon will be. That said, we like to have fun and this is not boot camp but we are constantly stretching our minds and bodies to live a full balanced life.

  • Help

    Help

    Skills are welcome but most important is a willing attitude. Although good carpentry skills would be really helpful. The list of tasks is endless but the top priorities are to help upgrade the volunteer homestead and clear firebreaks.

    In between is general farm work like caring for chickens, weeding , planting etc

    This summer will be fencing and clay plastering the exterior of the house for us.
    The farm needs some alien vegetation removed and fences repairing. Just something for everyone here.
    Introducing our 17 year old to your culture/ country is an important part of his education.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Afrikaans: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    German: Beginner
    French: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I am learning Italian on duolingo

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have a small private timber cabin which needs finishing but is comfortable with a double bed and linen provided. There is also a campground under trees for summer and we have tents and some sleeping bags for that. Ablutions are shared with the family although we are working on making that independent too. Thankfully we have hot- if short - solar showers. Your private sawdust bucket toilet must be emptied and cleaned regularly.
    Our food is mostly vegetarian. We provide a basket of dry goods and fresh produce every week. We share garden veggies when available. You self-cater most meals and will need to bring anything extra you like. We like to have at least a weekly dinner together.
    Keep in mind that fridge space is limited and we provide a cooler box for volunteers to use in their kitchen. We charge electronic goods by solar in the middle of the day only. No sun= no power. Water is critical and limited here.
    If you are seriously considering joining us, I can whatsapp short video clips to you along with the available food list and more details.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Bring your own data as we offer limited wifi. There is good cellphone signal in the area but its a good place to detox from technology.
    There are good walks through forests and up mountains nearby. The beach is 15kms away and volunteers hitchhike there regulary. If we go, then you come too! We have many small wild animals to see and night time skys are floodlit with stars.
    We can collect you from Gansbaai or Hermanus with some prior arrangements. More travel advice on request. There is a lot to see in the area from beautiful beaches to excellent wine tasting.
    If you book a space and cannot make it please let us know so we can fill your place as we have a long waiting list.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    There is plenty of safe parking space on our farm. Should you want to stay in your van while here, you can use the very basic campground.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 287474418492

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Photos

The image depicts a small tortoise on grass, with a person\'s hand pointing to it, showcasing the tortoise\'s shell and the surrounding environment.
The image depicts three individuals constructing a metal frame in a yard, surrounded by a cat, a water tank, and other outdoor equipment, set against a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a man and woman working on a wall in a room undergoing renovation, with the man holding a tool and the woman standing on a ladder.
The image depicts two individuals, a child and an adult, wearing beekeeping suits, standing alongside a dog on a dirt path, surrounded by trees and outdoor furniture.
The image depicts a woman standing in a yard, holding mushrooms in front of her face, with a dog by her side and a camper in the background.
The image depicts two women standing in front of a house, with a large metal structure behind them, set against a blue sky with white clouds.
The image depicts two individuals engaged in outdoor mud work, surrounded by a metal tub, buckets, and a hose, with a serene natural landscape serving as the backdrop.
The image depicts a woman standing in a barn, pointing to a large stack of hay bales, with a bright window behind her and a pile of straw on the floor.

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