Dynamo, Sarah Dawn Bergs, the founder of Nourish Eco Village, was born and bred in the Timbavati Game Reserve which allowed her a childhood growing up in tourism and nature, with elephants literally in her backyard but also surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Limpopo.  She says 'Nourish is all about connection and sharing our space and culture, making people fall in love with Africa and with this way of being.'   Their base at Sigagule village on the road to Kruger Park’s Orpen gate is a perfect stopover for visitors to the area who want to get under the skin of a destination and get a broader perspective of life in South Africa. 

In an authentic, immersive experience, you are welcomed into the heart of Shangaan households to follow the rhythm of daily life in this vibrant culture.  The 2km stroll around the village with your local guide, gives you the opportunity to meet interesting people from the Sigagule community and to take part in activities like traditional mat-weaving which is passed on from one generation to the next.  The journey ends at the home of the Traditional Healer (Sangoma) to better understand the ancient art of divining and healing but is also an opportunity for a taste sensation where you can try local food such as homemade peanut-butter or the South African staple, mielie pap with wild spinach and wash it down with a pot of traditional, artisanal beer. 

You can also opt to stay for a day or two at Shik Shack Backpackers in the Nourish Eco Village, where you have the choice of a variety of eclectic accommodation units like preset tents, teepees and huts with communal facilities including a swimming pool, bar, fire pit and free WIFl. Shik Shack’s quirky charm lies in its upcycled décor, bottletop floors, unique art and resident donkeys.  But it is also about a night spent around the fire with new friends, being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the village or awoken the next morning by the rhythmical sound of cowbells.  This type of accommodation allows travellers to enjoy their stay while making a positive impact on the environment and local communities. 

Another element of the Nourish Eco Village is the indigenous farm which grows vegetables as well as medicinal plants and often hosts workshops or educational programmes for local community members, teaching sustainable farming techniques. Visitors can take part  in hands-on activities such as planting and harvesting in the permaculture garden as well as cooking a traditional meal using ingredients grown there.  The Sediwa Café on site is not only an engaging stop-off point for travellers on their way to Kruger Park to have a bite to eat but also gives locally-trained hospitality students an opportunity to gain experience as well as supporting local entrepreneurs at the Craft Centre.  Look out for their range of Bushfire sauces and Wild Moringa wellness products. 

Apart from all these success stories, ‘an exciting new chapter of growth is underway for Nourish Eco Village as Founder Sarah Bergs passes the torch to Pride Muguti to lead the project nodes - a significant transition in leadership. Pride not only brings new perspectives and fresh energy to the role, but also a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for community development, conservation and hospitality tourism.  Sarah will continue to play a pivotal role as CEO within Nourish, shaping the overarching vision for the organisation, while exploring innovative funding mechanisms essential to propel Nourish into its next stage of growth and impact.’  Watch this space!

info@nourishecovillage.com 

www.nourishecovillage.com