Bivane Valley is a lush green landscape of rivers, and grassland, surrounded by a plateau pitted with waterfalls and crags filled with indigenous forest.
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Most farmers here are cattle farmers, and the herds on the waving grass against the
blue sky add to peace that permeates the valley when you drive through. According
to the locals, the name Bivane means ‘meeting place’, likely referring to the meeting
of many waters, as a number of rivers like the Pongola have their source here. But
it’s also a meeting place of people groups. There is a large local Zulu community,
mixed with farmers of Afrikaner, English and German descent.
The valley is a unique environment. Sitting on the edge of the plateau, where the
highveld’s grasslands dip into the more savanna-like environment of the rest of Kwa-
Zulu Natal, the area is rich in biodiversity. The valley is home to a wide variety of
birds, from the highly endangered Botha’s lark which was recently rediscovered in
the area, to various waterbirds that visit the wetlands at Wakkerstroom, to secretary
birds, cranes and majestic birds of prey. A true birder’s paradise!
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Along the rivers and in the conservation areas, patches of
indigenous trees such as the Pongo waterwood, yellowwood thrive, lending an
otherworldly feel to hikes and horse trails. Kiepersol trees peer from the rocky
hilltops, like ancient guardians and in the wetlands beautiful bulbs flower.
Kempslust/Mooihoek is situated on the side of the valley, half an hour outside of the
little town of Utrecht. An old miners village on Kempslust is now home to a small
community of people who want to live away from the hustle and bustle of town.
Today both farms thrive and produce cattle, kiwis and horses.
Kempslust is also home to the Bivane Valley SA Boerperd Stud. The stud is the
realization of Hannelie and Liesl’s long time dream.
Visitors come at your own risk, because the valley crawls under your skin and
refuses to leave you, long after you’ve left. It’s hard to put the magic of the wide open sky, the
breeze playing over the long grass and the sweet smell of cattle and horses into
words. The cool water against your skin on a hot day when the insects scream and
the heat seems to press down on the world. The wild thunderstorms and mist that
are left behind, shrouding the green valley. The people, who are warm and kind and
eager to share their corner of the world. A visit to Bivane always leaves you with
your head clear, and your heart full.
- Written by Delene Oosthuizen
How to Visit Us
Visitors are welcome at Bivane Vallei by arrangement, whether to learn more about
our breeding program or to experience life on a working Boerperd stud. For those
who wish to spend more time with us, we offer a Working Holiday option that allows
guests to become part of the daily rhythm of the farm.
This includes practical
involvement with horses and farm life, offering a genuine insight into our methods,
values, and way of working. It is an opportunity to learn through doing, to develop
horsemanship in a real setting, and to experience the SA Boerperd as it is meant to
be—within its natural environment and working purpose.
Simple, comfortable accommodation is available on the farm, allowing visitors to stay
close to the horses and the day-to-day work. Those interested in visiting or taking
part in a Working Holiday are welcome to contact us to discuss availability and
suitability, and to explore whether Bivane Vallei is the right fit for their learning
journey.
Accommodation at a Glance
Self-catering unit in Kempslust Village (historic mining town)
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
Fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living areas
Veranda and braai area for outdoor living
Within walking distance of the stables
Close to hiking routes and natural surroundings
