“Paradise ~ a place or condition of great happiness where everything is exactly as you would like it to be.
A state of supreme happiness; bliss.”
For a number of years I’ve had Numbi Valley bookmarked and have been wanting to visit. In August this year, I decided to take a trip to revisit what used to be my grandparents’ farm and is now a game lodge just outside Beaufort West. This prompted an incredible road trip up the Route 62 and a wonderful 3 night stay at Numbi Valley. Numbi Farm lies in a magnificent valley, just 12km outside the picturesque town of De Rust. Owners, Ross and Kath, have created a magical oasis. Numbi Valley farm is a superb example of off-grid, sustainable living. They practice permaculture on the farm and have lived here, entirely off-grid since 2004.
From the minute I arrived, I could feel my body and mind begin to unwind. Kath welcomed me and showed me around and then apologised profusely, saying that unfortunately the shower was out of action for the evening as they had applied a sealant and it hadn’t dried yet. Would it be ok if they prepared an outdoor bath for me instead? Would I mind? I couldn’t have been more thrilled! So at 8pm that evening in the crisp wintry air (there was snow capping the tops of the mountains in the distance) I walked through the garden and found my way to the outdoor bath. It couldn’t have been a more perfect evening, not a cloud in the sky, no wind and just the expanse of the inky sky and stars, stars, stars.
The enamel bath had a fire going beneath it and was filled to the brim with piping hot water, plus Epsom salts and herbs from the garden to enhance the benefits. There is also an outdoor cold shower to cool down, and to extend the experience, and hop back in the bath. I spent 2 hours letting go and soaking up the silence and nocturnal nature sounds. What a blissful start to my time here.
There was the most abundant basket of veggies waiting my arrival, with eggs, nuts and herbs. All seasonal produce from the garden. For the first time in the longest time, I actually felt inspired to cook something. I felt like an artist who had suddenly been gifted the best selection of paintbrushes and paints. When you have all the right ingredients, it’s easy to create magic. This was something I needed to reminded of. Kath and Ross have not made use of pesticides or herbicides in 20 years. When you eat their veggies, you truly begin to understand the benefits of nutrient dense food, it energises and enlivens. It really was an Aha moment for me.
During my stay I booked a deeply releasing massage with Kath and joined one of her group yoga classes which was also such a gift. To top it off, there were other guests that had booked a pizza evening and I was invited to join them. The bases are prepared on the day, topped with ingredients from the farm garden, and then made in the wood fired outdoor cob oven. It was another beautiful Klein Karoo evening, with relaxed story sharing and connection.
The afternoon that I arrived, I noticed there was a weaver bird just starting his nest, only a bright green wreath had been formed. He would perch on it and it would swing back and forth, while he continued to weave. Over the 3 days, while I was doing my best to relax and be still, this little weaver was as industrious as ever. Flying back and forth gathering new grasses to weave into his creation and on the morning I departed, he had completed his nest. Perhaps just a few final touches remained and of course the approval of the female weaver. All woven with his beak, what a simple joy to witness.
This is the beauty of taking time out and escaping to a place like Numbi Valley. Immersing yourself in nature, slowing down to appreciate all the little things, this is what makes my heart sing. What a gift, thank you Kath and Ross for your warm hospitality.
I highly recommend a minimum of a 3 night stay and that you take advantage of the extra offerings. The self-catering cottage sleeps four and has a lovely rustic simplicity to it with tasteful touches and attention to detail.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Email: numbivalley@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 072 1918672
Website: www.numbivalley.co.za
Facebook | Instagram
ADDITIONAL POST:
~ Read Ross and Kath’s story about how they came to Numbi Valley and take a house tour of their inviting cob home.
All photography: Lana Kenney ©
NO COMMENT