GAME FARM EASTERN CAPE - Game farm eastern cape for sale
Farm Description
The block known as Woodlands is comprised of 9 title deeds totaling 8086 ha in extent. Of this area, just over 7000ha is currently game fenced with an EC Nat Cons standard 2.4m game fence. A smaller section of the farm lies west of the R350 on the fish river and includes the irrigation setup.
Veld types
Woodlands is arguably one of the better balanced hunting farms in the Eastern Cape. Approx 60 % of the total area is made up of classic, spekboom rich Cape valley bushveld. This biome is reputed to have the highest browse potential, and able to sustain a higher density of large game than any other eco system. Besides the abundant spekboom, significant browse species includes, amongst others, acacia karoo, wild olive, jacket plum, natal plane, blue and common guarri. Aesthetically stunning, the topography here consists of a series of spectacular kloofs, gorges and river systems separated by heavily wooded slopes. A naturalist or dendrologists dream, woodlands is probably home to as many diverse plant and tree species as can be found in the Eastern Cape, all supporting a very impressive density of browse and mixed feeder game species.
Through a less heavily wooded transition zone, the elevated Eastern sections of the property changes into open, sweet grassland savannah flats. This area is home to the exclusive grazers and has an impressive variety of palatable grasses. Some of the more common species found include themedia triandra, digitaria eriantha & smutsii, cynodon dactylon and various varieties of aristida. Significant stands of chenchrus ciliaris and the edible pannicum species can be found in the river valleys, lower lying wet areas and where the forest canopy is open or has been disturbed.
Improvements
The main hunting lodge is a beautifully restored authentic Cape masonry original. With hardwood floors almost throughout it has 7 bedrooms ( 5 en-suite ) a huge, beautifully appointed kitchen, enormous dining room, 2 lounges, bar, under thatch outdoor braai area with 2nd bar and office.
Second hunting lodge is also an original that has been beautifully restored. Also polished hardwood floors it has 4 bedrooms (Main en suite) an additional bathroom, kitchen, lounge, dining room etc.
Managers house - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, kitchen, lounge and dining room.
Staff housing = 6, all with eskom power.
There is a total of 60 hectares of irrigable lands (30h flood and 25h draglines + 5h flood) 12 h of which is currently under Lucerne. There are 3 water user certificates totaling 75h. 6 irrigation pumps included. Game water is supplied via earth dams, boreholes - with windmills and with solar pumps.
There are numerous outbuildings including sheds, workshops, lockable store rooms, skinning facility, abattoir, skin / trophy room, storage containers etc.
There is also sufficient available dressed stone to supply original matching building stone blocks for any future expansion / development programs.
Farm Equipment
John Deere 2160 4x4 tractor in excellent condition (Brand new engine)
Deutz Fahr 45kw tractor
15t tip trailer (right, left or rear tip)
3t tipper trailer
345 John Deere baler
Kuun Mower (with hammers)
Toyota KZTE 3 L Diesel D/Cab 2002 model in mint condition (only genuine 9000km)
99 Landrover Defender TDI
Game on the property (conservative estimate only)
Black Springbuck
Black Wildebeest 200+
Blesbuck 300+
Blue Wildebeest 50+
Bushbuck - numerous
Common springbuck 200+
Duiker - numerous
Eland - 27
Giraffe - 5
Impala 250+
Kudu 250+
Mountain Reedbuck 50+
Nyala 20
Red Hartebeest 130+
Steenbuck - numerous
Warthog - numerous
Waterbuck 45
White Blesbuck 60+
White Springbuck
Zebra 60+
Conclusion
The impressive habitat diversity is key to the economic potential of this beautiful tract of land. Although, historically the incorporated titles were all productive small and large stock farms, for the last 10 years the area has been run exclusively to game. As a result the vegetation is in pristine condition and the impressive species count and variety is testament to the conservative management practices this veld has enjoyed. While the farm has been utilized exclusively as a high end hunting destination, the aesthetics and topography are also conducive to any number of eco tourism opportunities. As a lock, stock and barrel transaction, a purchaser will benefit not only from the zero rated status, but can also inherit an experienced and passionate management team as well as an impressive and loyal client / outfitter base, ensuring an immediate and uninterrupted revenue stream.
IN THE HEART OF BIG 5 COUNTRY - Location
This farm is located between Alexandria and the Grahamstown road near the heart of big 5 country in the Eastern Cape
Size
Made up of a single title, the farm is a shade under 242ha in extent.
Description
This title currently forms part of a larger, dry land dairy unit. Approximately 80h of the title is currently planted to a variety of fodder crops for the dairy, with the balance of the total area being made up of attractively undulating sweet thorn savannah. As a stand alone lifestyle farm it would be superb, with the high carrying capacities and rainfall synonymous with this area, it would work very well as either a lifestyle game or beef unit.
Veld types
As discussed, some of the farm is currently cultivated. The current owner has agreed however, for the price of the seed and diesel, to replant all of these areas to an indigenous pasture grass. The cocktail of choice here would probably comprise of one of the Pannicum varieties, with Rhodes and Smuts finger, all of which do exceptionally well here. The balance of the grasses are made up almost exclusively of eragrostis Curvula, cynodon and to a lesser extent Sporobolis. Small patches of Themeda were found on one of the ridges but are of little significance. The central belt of the farm is a pleasant sweet thorn savannah. This monogyny of tree species, coupled with the default grass species found would indicate that this is ground that had been disturbed at some stage. It has however rehabilitated very nicely and the overall effect is healthy and would carry an impressive grazer load.
I was surprised to find, in the extreme north western corner a small stand of rooikrantz trees. These however are currently at a level that is of no concern and would probably be best monitored, but left as a sustainable source of braai wood.
Studies would indicate that the type of veld encountered there has a 1-6 LSU carrying capacity, with a ratio closer to 1-1 on the perennial pasture grasses. Effectively, one could probably look then at a sustainable load of approx 80 LSU (1-3) on the farm. From a game perspective, this would equate to a very impressive density of animals with the ability to stock a nice diversity of species.
Rainfall / water
The farm falls in a predominately summer rainfall area, with an expected annual average of 750mm. The farm has a total of 4 earth dams including a very attractive, long dam at the house, all of which would hold at least 2 years worth of water. This is supplemented by a single borehole with a submersible pump that lifts water to a reservoir with a capacity of approx 60 000 L from where all the camps, bar 1, are gravity fed.
Improvements
The house is situated in the extreme South Western corner of the property. Although elderly, it is the current abode of the owner and as such has been nicely renovated and well maintained. In all, it has 3 and a half bedrooms (MES) with one additional bathroom, lounge, tv lounge, dining room, office, kitchen and scullery, as well as a small ?sun? room that is currently used as a sewing room. In addition there is a double garage and adjoining storeroom.
Given that it is currently part of the working farm, all fencing on the 6 current camps is in a good condition, as is the water reticulation system and reservoirs. These 4 dams mentioned are all in good condition; while a fifth, long since breached, may well warrant the effort spend on repairing it.
Conclusion
As a lifestyle opportunity, this one will be tough to beat. The high carrying capacity and rainfall would mean it could be developed as either an impressive small game unit or could be a significant money spinner if used to raise and fatten beef weaners. The nice thing is that all the basics are there, and with the exception of a game fence, should one choose to go that route, all the essentials are already in place. Should one choose to go the game route, I?m sure all the wire required could be taken from the internal fencing, a fact that would considerably reduce the overall cost.
Importantly, the farm falls within the magic 1 hours drive from PE, measuring exactly 100km to St Georges Park in PE, and I?m sure that it would prove a very rewarding acquisition as a lifestyle destination.
Price
R 3.5 mil plus Vat
FARM WITH 2 TITLE DEEDS - Location
The farm is situated in the middle of the game belt (near Amakhala), south of the N2 between Nanaga and Grahamstown and it is exactly 90km from central PE (Greenacres) right to the farm house itself.
Size
Made up of 2 titles, the property is approximately 360ha in extent.
Description
I am certainly not unique as a huge fan of this sweet veld region. The density of premier big 5 game reserves that dominate this region is testament to the habitat diversity and aesthetic appeal of this area. Although it is currently run and equipped as a cattle ranch, with its blend of riverine and drainage line valley bushveld, and flood as well as elevated sweet grass plains, it would make an outstanding game breeding or eco tourism destination. The 4.9 km of meandering Bushman?s river, and picturesque weirs not only attract a myriad of water birds/fowl and bushbuck, but also affords one some excellent lodge sites.
Veld types
The riverine region, drainage lines and slopes are well wooded with pristine Cape valley bushveld forming a canopy of impressive proportions. Dominant tree species include wild and false Olive, Milkwoods, Jacket Plum, Guarri , Schotia?s, Cabbage Tree, Karee and Rhus. These give way to Acacia Karoo on the ?forest? margins and an impressive density of Spekboom on the northern slopes. As one climbs onto the plateau, the tree canopy thins out and one gets an impressive covering of pannicum grasses beneath the trees. The floodplain areas open up completely into some spectacular savannah grassland. Most of this region is previously disturbed soils that have either been planted, or reverted to various indigenous pasture grasses like digitaria Smutsii, eragrostis Curvula, Sporobolis and patches of Hetrapogon. The undisturbed areas show largely Themedia Triandra. While the latter is best utilized in summer, the variety in this cocktail of grasses will afford good palatability late into winter. All the grazing seen at the elevated plateaus was in deep red sandy soils while the floodplains are composed of deep fertile alluvial soils. Overall the veld is in excellent condition and would well justify it?s officially rated 1LSU ? 6ha stocking ratio.
Most of the valley floor is permanent pastures, which at the time of our visit had responded beautifully to the recent rains and were nice and lush. Dragline infrastructure is in place to irrigate one pasture of at least 20ha in size. From the various weirs in the Bushman?s River the potential exists to irrigate considerably more permanent pastures which will effectively increase the carrying capacity to 1LSU ? 1ha on these pastures which constitute roughly 1/3rd of the total 360ha.
Rainfall / water
The farm falls in a largely summer rainfall area with an annual average of 550mm. Currently water is drawn from the river itself as there is a series of weirs which combined store enough water to last at least 2.5 years. There is also a borehole up on the plateau near to a small elevated pasture which provides stock water here. At the time of our visit the weirs were all full and held a considerable amount of water giving the impression of one continuous body of water.
Improvements
The main house is quite large and while structurally sound, the interior and exterior is scruffy, and would require some cosmetic renovation. The zinc roof sheeting is probably best replaced as it is already much rusted. There is also a staff house adjacent to the main house and basically the option exists for a new potential owner to then either take over the family that work on this farm or alternatively the seller will gladly relocate this family to his other farm.
Perimeter and internal fencing is good, with the farm divided into a total of 7 camps. Likewise the primary road infrastructure was excellent and well maintained, affording access across most of the property. There is one access road crossing over one of the two titles and this road is basically then used by two neighbouring properties so the farm remains very private.
Game
Naturally occurring game includes: kudu; bushbuck; bushpig; grey duiker and possibly even blue duiker along the riverbank.
Conclusion
As a cattle ranch this farm is superb, and would comfortably carry 80 - 100 cows with progeny depending on how intensively the irrigation is utilised. Personally however, I feel it would be best suited as a game breeding unit. The available grazing, healthy browse and conducive climate would allow for the introduction of a very comprehensive range of species. The Bushmans river frontage and the series of weirs are both very picturesque, and afford one some superb lodge sites, that coupled with a well managed game breeding program, in my opinion would prove the most lucrative and sustainable source of income. The premier, big 5 resorts have successfully done the generic marketing in terms of putting this region on the map.
A tastefully designed and competitively priced eco tourism destination would be well placed to take advantage of the areas popularity. The fact that it has 2 titles makes it perfect allowing the opportunity of developing the individual titles with no rezoning or costly planning approval being needed. With the correct vision this property would prove a very lucrative and rewarding acquisition. I cannot overemphasize that this farm is well suited to most land usage options as it has a lot to offer in terms of: a good water source; excellent agricultural potential or high carrying capacity and the scenic beauty of the interesting topography.
At a shade over R 10000/ha, this property is very well priced for the region with properties having sold for double this in the past.
Price R 3.7 million plus Vat is payable.
HOTEL WITH DEVELOPMENT OPPOTUNITIES - This hotel is set on a country estate close to the village of Bathurst in South Africa's premier pineapple farming region.. This estate is one of the original farms of the area, and it incorporates the original Victorian homestead which dates back to 1830.
This is an area steeped in history, and this hotel is close to the settler towns of Bathurst and Grahamstown, as well as the popular coastal town of Port Alfred.
Zoning:
This property comprises two title deeds, respectively with Resort 1 and Institutional zoning. It lends itself to development opportunities in a number of different sectors such as tourism, health and beauthy, residential or retirement.
Buildings:
" Victorian homestead:
This is the original farm homestead, which was constructed in 1830 from local stone. It has now been converted into 10 en suite bedrooms, but it still maintains the charm of a bygone era.
" The Annex:
This is situated on the bottom portion of the property, and consists of 6 en suite bedrooms- 4 are family rooms, and 2 are double rooms.
" Reception area:
The 76.5 sqm reception area has been built with a combination of stone and brick to fit in with the rest of the complex. It consists of a reception/entrance area, 2 offices, a toilet and storeroom.
" Restaurant 1:
This is housed in the original packing shed of the estate. It is a magnificent 126sqm building, made of beautiful hewn rock slabs and limestone. The restaurant includes a loft section, and it was voted South Africa's no. 1 country pub by Getaway magazine. It has been tastefully decorated to bring out the Eastern Cape African feel. It has a charming atmosphere, and is warmed by a roaring fire in winter.
" Restaurant 2:
This large 126 sqm restaurant is new, and seats 100 people. It opens out onto a patio and outside terrace, and is used for a variety of functions.
" Bar and courtyard:
This has been built from rock, wooden pillars and thatch. It is perfect for summer functions, such as weddings.
" Kitchen:
64 sqm well-equipped kitchen which can handle functions for up to 200 people. It has a large pantry and a 32 sqm walk-in cold room.
" Manager's Cottage:
- lounge
- open plan kitchen
- main bedroom with built-in cupboards
- 2nd bedroom
- full bathroom
- lounge opens up onto wooden balcony overlooking pineapple fields
" Mini farm complex:
This is presently used for the stabling of horses and for equestrian events. It was originally a touch farm for day visitors, and this could be re-opened.
" Swimming pool area:
This is nestled between the conference centre, reception and homestead, and is surrounded by well established milkwood trees and a lush garden. The pool is fully enclosed and private.
" Children's playground:
This is situated close to the restaurant, and entertains children while parents enjoy refreshments or a meal.
" Gardens:
The whole property has beautiful established gardens, which include Norfolk pines, wild fig, milkwood and Cape coral trees. These garden are ideal for tranquil walks.
Future developments:
There are 3 undeveloped areas on the estate which could be used for future expansion.
On the furthest corner of the property is a cottage which consists of 4 sections- this would be ideal for a backpackers accommodation.
Tourist attractions:
This estate is surrounded by an experimental pineapple farm, which has various facilities used by the hotel.
This includes the worlds largest pineapple, which can accommodate 50 people at a time, and which is used for educational purposes. From the top look-out point there is a 360 degree view of the surrounding farms and countryside.
There is also a newly built 406 sqm conference centre on this farm.
There are tractor tours of this farm and a small village informs visitors about local Xhosa traditions and lifestyle
Leisure and sporting activities in the area include golf, tennis, squash, rugby, cricket, canoeing, salt and fresh water fishing and horse riding. There are also adventure sports such as quad bike riding, hiking, 4x4 trails, skydiving, microlighting and rock climbing.
Historical attractions include an agricultural museum, a toposcope and a watermill.
There are numerous game farms in the area, and the Sunshine Coast is a mere 10 minute away.
This property is ideally positioned in an area that is experiencing rapid property development, and that already attracts a large number of tourists. There is also opportunities to use some of the undeveloped land on the estate for developments such as an upmarket town house development, wellness centre or retirement village.
This is therefore an extremely exciting investment opportunity.
SELF CATERING GAME FARM - Location:
This is undoubtedly one of the best examples of a top lifestyle game farm, with close proximity to Grahamstown and private schools as an added bonus. This property is located roughly 20km from Grahamstown and the university, 35km from the seaside holiday resort of Port Alfred, and 120km from Port Elizabeth.
Description:
The homestead is a stunning 4 bedroom home with huge veranda, overlooking the nearby hills. Sit and sip a cup of coffee while viewing game from the comfort of your armchair! 600 Hectares.
Improvements include:
- Lapa;
- Swimming pool;
- Garage;
- 3 enormous outbuildings, including a double storey workshop; and
- Gymnasium.
Other buildings include:
- 1x 2 bedroom self-catering chalet with en-suite bathrooms;
- 2x 1 bedroom cabins with en-suite bathrooms; and
- 1x Old-style 3 bedroom farmhouse.
Solar power is used to power the electric fencing, as well as the access control gate. As back-up, there is a three phase emergency backup generator with electronic starting system.
The property is enclosed by a 6 strand electrified game fence in excellent condition. In addition, the farm has a certificate of Adequate Enclosure (CAE) from the Department of Nature Conservation.
Vegetation includes mainly sweetveld, with plenty of acacia trees. While the Blaauwkrantz river runs through the property, there is also a very large irrigation dam, as well as weirs in the river. Irrigation lands comprises of 96ha, with underground irrigation supplies to fields and the garden.
All breeding herds are well settled and doing well. These include:
- 500 Impala;
- 40 Blesbuck;
- 45 Kudu;
- 2 Red Hartebeest;
- 45 Blue Wildebeest;
- 15 Zebra; and
- 10 Ostrich.
Other species include: aardvark, bushbuck, bush pig, duiker, Cape clawless otter, bat eared fox, Cape hare, dassies, porcupine, vervet monkeys, warthog and more than 100 species of birds including fish eagles and secretary birds.
In addition, there are 5 registered Boerperd horses, as well as 1 Arab part Boerperd mare.
With the exception of machine room equipment, everything on the property is for sale. The sale of household furniture is negotiable. At present, the property is held in a PTY limited, but can be changed to a CC. The property has multiple Title Deeds, an important factor to consider should one ever need an exit strategy.
4000 HECTARE GAME FARM - Location
The farm is situated in "Malaria Free "game country on the Great Fish River, north of the N2 approximately 48km East of Grahamstown.
Size
Made up of 4 titles, the property is listed as being 4266.54ha in extent. The undulating topography however, does add a lot of land area. In total the farm incorporates just over 4.8km of Fish river
Description
The farm falls into the classic Cape valley bushveld "kudu belt" that is synonymous with these lower regions of the Fish River. The land itself has historically been very conservatively stocked, and as a result boasts some of the best spekboom one is likely to find. The topography is largely undulating, with the steeper peaks at Tafelberg and Kudus Kop being dissected by deep, heavily wooded gorges and drainage lines. It was originally chosen, because of its habitat compatibility as East Cape Parks first choice for the "Kudu Reserve". The then owner however refused to sell and the reserve was eventually founded at its current location.
Veld types
The vegetation is almost exclusively comprised of spekboom rich diverse Cape valley bushveld. This biome is recognized as being able to sustain a larger density of large herbivores than any other. Consequently a very large proportion of the plant species found are palatable. The more significant browse includes both wild and false olive, jacket plum, acacia karoo, guarri, spekboom, forest and bush boer bean (Schotia). The quality and density of spekboom on this property is really impressive and it actually forms a dense mat on the ground in certain areas as it creeps/ranks across the surface. The veld varies somewhat from one series of "kloofs" to the next and with a change in both aspect and water availability. The moist gorges and drainage lines display larger tree specimens with a tree top canopy of up to 10 meters. There are also healthy stands of river euphorbia as well as sneezewood found on this farm.
Rainfall / water
The farm falls in a largely summer rainfall area with an annual average of 580mm. The bulk of the farms water is drawn from a very large earth dam that has recently been extended. Never, since the dam was built some 40 years back has it ever run dry. The water is lifted to a reservoir, and then boosted via solar pumps to a number of high spots from where is gravitates through a very comprehensive reticulation system to literally every corner of the farm. The southern most portion adjoining the N2 is supplied via a very strong, sweet water borehole.
The house has by far the most ingenious and comprehensive water collection system I have ever seen. Rain water from the considerable roof area of the fort is channeled through 110mm PVC pipes, via a comprehensive filtering mechanism to 2 massive subterranean reservoirs. An equally impressive system of filters allows this to be supplemented from the dam, although to date, this has never been necessary.
Improvements
I cannot over emphasize the amount of care, work (and money) that has gone into the restoration of the original fort. Started in 1997, the work took almost 4 years to complete. The lengths to which the owner went to keep all renovations and expansions authentic are amazing, from imported brass light switches to perfectly matched stone masonry and yellow wood carpentry. The end result is nothing short of spectacular.
The main house has 3 bedrooms (MES) a 2nd full bathroom, lounge / dining room and beautifully fitted kitchen with separate scullery. Plans are to enclose an area between the U shaped bedroom wings to create a 2nd sun lounge and enclosed verandah.
Part of what used to be the old jail cells has been refurbished into a spacious and well appointed bar and lounge area for clients with 3 adjoining en-suite guest suites. The southern wing of the fort is a totally self contained flatlet with 2 bedrooms, lounge and kitchen, while the Western wing houses a full size snooker table, trophy room and office. There are 2 garages, 2 X double carports and a large workshop / tool room. Even the outside "long drops have been tastefully turned into poolside ablutions, complete with original (though glassed in) gun ports. What was once the inner parade ground has been converted into a feature pool. An all weather tennis court and adjoining cricket net completes the main house. For more info on the history of the Fort, see the following link
In addition to the fort there is a 3 bedroom manager's house. Although we did not have access to it, seeing how the owner operates, I am in no doubt that it is likewise, very nice. Next to the manager's house is a complete abattoir with all the meat processing equipment one could wish for as well as a blast freezer and cold room.
The entire property is enclosed with a standard 2.4m, 17 strands with "jackal" netting game fence. While the fence is not new, it adequately encloses the larger game species on the property. A very comprehensive network of roads ensures that, despite the tough topography, one has access to the entire property.
Game
A game count done in august of 2009 yielded the following
Kudu 788
Bushbuck 138
Common Duiker 104
Nyala 10
Zebra 70
Impala 421
Eland 31
Other species counted included warthog (numerous), Blue Wildebeest, grysbok, porcupine, aardwolf and a host of smaller critters. Given the bush and topography, even an aerial count would be extremely difficult and as such, I would imagine the above figures are conservative.
Conclusion
As a hunting destination, this farm is superb. Game has been very lightly utilized in the past with the result that it is both bountiful and tame. The topography likewise lends itself to some excellent hunting opportunity. In this type of price bracket, the main feature setting it aside from similarly priced properties is the undeniable novelty of what I believe is the continents only authentically restored and inhabited English garrison fort. So much care and attention has been lavished on the place that, as his primary residence, the owner is understandably reluctant to give it up.
Price R 38.5 million plus Vat if payable.
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