WWOOF

Ignathio from Spain working on the Gecko TrailWWOOF is short for Willing Workers On Organic Farms a movement that started in England the 1970’s as Weekend Work On Organic Farms, giving organic farmer a much-needed helping hand to be competitive with conventional production. Today WWOOFing focuses more and more on cultural exchange while working as a volunteer on farms with an organic approach to life and production.

It’s an Exchange of Work for Food and Accommodation. Duration is from 1-2 weeks to 2-3 months, all year round.

For more info see also www.wwoof.org.

Simonskloof being more an eco-conscious Mountain Retreat than a productive organic farm, even though for over 20 years there has been no use of chemicals on this farm, enables people to get a different outlook on life and offers the perfect place to reconnect with their true self.

Interested in WWOOF-ing?

WWOOF work ranges from fieldwork, building & renovation, hiking trail maintenance, gardening, as well as cleaning of guest rooms/cottages, helping in the kitchen and chopping wood etc.
Where possible we all work together in a team, however WWOOFers should to be able to work on their own and be comfortable with the remoteness of the farm.

Jann, the Gardener from Switzerland, after a day at work in the dirt

Working hours?

Roughly 6 hours and per day 5-6 days a week, so there’s plenty of time for you to meditate, read, study and explore the farm. We all help with the preparation of the meals and eat together.

Am I suited?

Ideal persons are outdoorsy type aged 24+ with hands-on and some practical experience would be a bonus. Vegetarians can be catered for. WWOOF accommodation is a caravan at our campsite. Alternatively you might camp or get set up in a room in the guesthouse depending on availability. We take between 1-4 WWOOFers at a time, so far they have come from all over the globe: UK, France, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, USA and local South Africans.

Martin from Stellenbosch, bridging the gap - over our little mountain stream

What do I bring?

Plenty of humor and enthusiasm and standard backpacking gear e.g. Backpack (for working on the trails) Sleeping bag, hiking boots, some light shoes too, an overall or other working clothes, sun protection, cool and warm clothing; nights in winter can drop below 0°, summer days can reach 40°. And of course you’ll need a valid tourist visa for South Africa and appropriate travel and health insurance.

For more images click here. For rates click here. Or just contact us.