Organic mountain guest farm and wilderness hiking trails

South Africa

18 • Updated 6 months ago

Way back in 1999, Jurgen arrived in this remote valley and started to create a down to earth, off-grid and eco-friendly 2000ha mountain retreat. A unique hideaway to rest, relax and recharge ones weary soul away from all the tech stuff of modern living. This secluded valley is habitat to countless medicinal plants and abundant natural wildlife with small rock pools, a hiking trail network of over 50km, guided outdoor activities such as: canyoning, wilderness trekking, rock climbing and abseiling. The goal is to become as self sufficient as possible, living healthy off the land, harnessing nature's sustainable energies for electricity and hot water. Situated in the Langeberg (Long Mountain), 50km West of Montagu in the Western Cape of South Africa, a 3 hours drive from Cape Town. Here, life begins at the end of the road! WWOOFers are invited to experience a remote, eco-friendly, sustainable and organic way of life and share their dreams, experience, culture and knowledge.

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Fruit or nut farming

Poultry farming

Beekeeping

Wild foraging

Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas

Seed saving or production

Vegetable or fruit preservation

Bakery

Renewable energy production

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Biodynamic agriculture

Holistic management

No-till farming

Permaculture

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

2,000 Hectares | 4,942.1 Acres

Accommodation

3 WWOOFers

Camper / RV

Campsite

Children not accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Length of stay

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Jurgen

Member since 2020

Languages spoken: English, German

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 1 day

Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

South Africa

The nearest bus stop is Ashton ±60km from Simonskloof.

My past WWOOFers

Priscillah

June 2026 • Kenya

Andries

April 2026 • South Africa

Patrick

February 2026 • Bolzano, Italy

Füsun

January 2026 • Hessen, Germany

KIMON

December 2025 • South Africa

1 - 5 / 10

Feedback

Priscillah

Kenya • June 2026

I had a really good experience volunteering here. The work was reasonable, and I gained a new appreciation for trail making—it is not easy work, and I have a lot of respect for the people who build and maintain trails. At the same time, I got to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, with plenty of opportunities to explore, go hiking, and spend time in nature. One thing worth mentioning is that the evenings can be very quiet, especially if you are used to a busy social environment, it helps to bring your own entertainment such as books, games, crafts, or downloaded movies. Overall, I enjoyed my stay, appreciated the peaceful environment, and am thankful for the experience. I would recommend this host to volunteers who enjoy nature, a bit of independence, and a slower pace of life. 😊

Reply from Jurgen

Thanks for your nice feed-back Priscillah! Hope to see you again one day - maybe next time when I'm in Kenya - All the best and keep sailing the seven seas safely!

Jane

United Kingdom • May 2026

We (middle aged British woman and my 22 year old son) had a lovely time at Simonskloof. It is a stunning location and Jurgen was a generous and interesting host. The work was varied - we fed the chickens every day, and other tasks included cutting back vegetation on hiking trails and at the campsite, patching up the surface of a dirt road, cleaning the chicken coop, chopping and stacking wood, cleaning the cottages - none of it was arduous, and we had plenty of free time. The accommodation for Wwoofers is extremely basic - we decided we couldn't cope with it and paid to stay in one of the cottages instead.

Reply from Jurgen

Yeeeha or should I say Kaytooo ;) Thanks for your much needed help, support (taking a cottage, paid part of my gearbox fix...) But I get the point, you were the 2nd ones not liking the caravan - never mind in the cold weather, a WWOOF accommodation upgrade is on the cards. Good food and conversations, thanks! Funny enough I went to check on your final trail work today - I missed the "steps", they vanished ;) - I hope you ventured higher up to the cascades, they were in full flood after 46mm of rain beautiful and the road we fixed together stood intact - well done Whitaker team! (Jonny, come home safely from K2!) Regards Jurgen

Füsun

Germany • February 2026

I only met Jürgen for three days, as he then left for Kenya to go climbing. During that time, I suddenly found myself responsible for everything and at first, I was quite nervous. But that is exactly what made the experience so special. I took care of the animals, fed them, watered the garden, and looked after the guests. I also handled all the other tasks around the house and the property with great pleasure. I truly enjoyed having this responsibility. The absolute silence, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, was incredible. A starry sky like something out of a picture book, the deep peace and quiet – it was an unforgettable experience. I can recommend this place and this experience to everyone. You should be ready to actively take part and fully embrace everything. And the dogs were truly something very special. I wish Jürgen all the very best!

Reply from Jurgen

Yeeeeeha! Simonskloof delivered again! Thanks for sharing your experience Füsun and thanks for keeping the Simonskloof ship afloat!!! Hope to see you again in the near or distant future so you can experience more about the fruit this place bares and need to be harvest. We've been working hard in the garden since my return, fresh compost, new beds lots of Zwetschgen jam!!!

Patrick

Italy • February 2026

My first WWOOF job! It was a very positive experience. Through conversations with Jürgen, I learned a lot about Africa, the people who live here, and nature. Of course, it is also physically demanding – no question about that. But the shared meals are very special and beautiful. I would also like to thank the two Border Collies (dogs!) who became my friends. An experience for life. Thanx Jürgen - Hopp Schwitz

Reply from Jurgen

Coooool stuff Pät! The experience was like wise, great conversations, cultural, culinary and viticulture exchange!!! Thanks for your help with the wood, road and garden without it we'd be stranded (or mounted?!) Hope to see you again either in I or ZA or even CH...!

KIMON

South Africa • December 2025

I am unable to recommend OR not recommend this farm due to the fact that we decided not to follow through and work on this farm. The host seemed to be very nice and certainly living his truth and was very gracious in allowing us to withdraw from the two weeks we had volunteered to do. Our accommodation was not up to our expectations (and I say 'OUR' expectations though they might certainly be fine for others who's definition of 'Rustic' might be different to ours). We did offer to pay for better accommodation in one of his guest houses that, at the time, was empty, while carrying out any tasks he had put aside in anticipation of us working there. He said he did not have anything particular for us to do and did not 'need' us for anything , so we spent the night and after sharing a lovely breakfast the next morning with him, moved on.

Thomas

France • December 2025

J'ai séjourné presque un mois dans le magnifique domaine de Simonskloof, au coeur des montagnes offrant un cadre de vie unique en son genre. Jurgen est un hôte très acceuillant, qui offre de son temps pour partager son savoir faire, ses passions et surtout son savoir vivre. Francais, vous ne serez pas dépaysés. Les repas sont des vrais moments de partage tout en étant délicieux. Le job est varié, principalement le matin et en début d'après midi si le soleil n'est pas trop écrasant. Il consiste à s'occuper des animaux, du jardin / potager, d'aider dans des réparations, de préparer les logements pour les invités, de nettoyer les sentiers de randonnée et de participer aux tâches de la vie courante. A oui et concernant les randonnées, Jurgen est guide de montagne au sein du groupe RimofAfrica. J'ai eu la chance de pouvoir participer et découvrir l'aventure avec eux sur une semaine. Ce fut une expérience unique et riche en tout point. Pour toutes ces choses, un grand merci à Jurgen, maintenant un ami, que j'espère pouvoir revoir un de ces jours, en Afrique du Sud, en France, ou bien en haut d'une montagne Joyeuse fêtes at Simonskloof 😉

Reply from Jurgen

Thanks Thomas for your kind words. It was fun to have you here in deed. Great conversations, help and great cooking too. A bientot sur la montagne au France ;) Regards Jurgen