Farm 215 is a private nature reserve of 800 hectares, part of Walkerbay Fynbos Conservancy and with a conservation servitude in favor of Fauna and Flora International. The reserve is located in the hinterland of the Southern Overberg, accessed by a gravel road.
Their story
For the last 16 years, they welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the beauty of the Overberg, the marvels of nature, and the passion that they put into everything they do. Farm215 is their home as well.
On their 800-hectare Private Nature Reserve, expect naturally beautiful accommodation for up to 18 people, modern dining, engaging experiences, and so much more. This rare sanctuary for birds and wildlife, including the elusive Cape Leopard, one of the Big Five animals, is also home to a multitude of endangered plant species. It’s a space where nature and comfort collide effortlessly. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The area where the lodge is located was cleared from alien invasive vegetation and the indigenous flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom , “fynbos” was restored.
- The lodge is a small scale operation with a small footprint, partly built using wood from local alien trees.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- All new buildings are powered by solar energy.
Pioneer in waste management
- Water is sourced from the reserve and routed to the lodge by gravity. Water is heated by solar energy with a gas back up. All used water is routed back (after purification) to the natural water ways.
- All waste is separated : glass, paper and carton, cans, organic waste and rest.
- Organic waste is used in the garden after composting.
- All our containers, utensils are glass or in any case multi use.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- Our cleaning products are all biodegradable, no chemicals of any nature used in the garden or the land.
- Vegans and vegetarians are catered for as a matter of routine.
- Food is sourced locally as much as possible (local cheese maker, local dairy farmer, local trout farm, honey from the land, fruit from the area, eggs from the neighboring farmer etc).
Actively protects nature and community
- Since 2003 they have actively removed alien invasive vegetation in the reserve (about 300 ha) and restored the land to its natural integrity including a restoration patch of the critically endangered Elim astereceous fynbos. Riparian areas are restored
- The reserve is the first reforestation site of the South African Reforestation Trust. So far over 15’000 indigenous trees have been planted out.
- They only employ local people (i.e from the Southern Overberg) and give priority to local suppliers.
- Farm 215 is a sanctuary of the rare flora of the so-called Cape Floral Kingdom, the Western Cape’s first virgin reforestation site. The reserve provides habitat and shelter for various animals including the Cape Leopard. The Cape Leopard Trust is researching these animals in the reserve.
Most Popular Activities near Farm 215
- Hiking through pristine nature
- Horse outrides and trails
- Interpreted forest walks
- Boat and land based whale watching
- Shark cage diving
- Wine tasting
Best time to visit Farm 215
- The weather is pleasent all year around, but the best time to visit is between February and April.
Features
Pricing
per person per night starts from
- $ 95
- $ 65