• R20 million secured funding through the DFFE-EPIP programme
• 4,200 hectares of prime conservation land under the lease agreement
• Environmental Impact Assessment approved (April 2024)
• Member of Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node
• Established forestry operations with an existing client base
• 100% PDI ownership with government transformation support

The Problem

• The Eastern Cape has South Africa's highest unemployment rate at 36.5%
• Limited participation of previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) in the lucrative wildlife economy
• Degraded state land requiring rehabilitation and sustainable management
• Lack of transformation in the R4.3 billion South African wildlife industry
• Climate change impacts requiring adaptive land management practices
  
  

Our Solution

• A fully integrated biodiversity economy enterprise combining wildlife, agriculture, forestry, and tourism
• 100% Black ownership with demonstrated government support and transformation credentials
• Sustainable land rehabilitation, converting degraded agricultural land into productive conservation areas
• Job creation in rural communities through diverse economic activities
• Climate-resilient farming practices with renewable energy systems 
  
  

With 4,200 hectares of diverse habitat and R20 million in committed infrastructure funding, SAFTT provides a scalable model for biodiversity economy development whilst generating sustainable returns across multiple revenue streams.

Wildlife & Hunting Operations:

• Professional hunting packages for Big Five and plains game species
• Photographic safari experiences and wildlife viewing
• Live animal sales for breeding programmes and conservation initiatives
• Wildlife management and breeding services
  
  

Accommodation & Tourism:

• 20-bed eco-friendly hunting lodge with luxury amenities
• Corporate retreat and conference facilities
• Cultural tourism experiences showcasing local heritage
• Adventure tourism activities, including river access
  
  

Livestock & Agriculture:

• 280-300 head cattle ranch across 900 hectares
• 100 Boer goats, 100 Dohne-Merino sheep, 100 free-range chickens
• 100 hectares of irrigated crop production (lucerne, chilli peppers)
• Organic and sustainable farming practices
  
  

Forestry Operations:

• Commercial timber harvesting and processing
• Value-added products, including poles, laths, and transmission materials
• Alien invasive species management and Indigenous restoration
• Supply contracts with established clients (NCT Forestry, Sappi Saiccor)
  
  

Meat Processing:

• EU-standard meat processing facility for game and livestock
• Traditional biltong and dried meat product lines
• Supply to premium restaurants, hotels, and export markets
• Artisanal and speciality meat products
  
  

Value-Added Services:

• Training and skills development programmes
• Community development initiatives
• Conservation consulting and management services 
  
  

All operations are certified within the Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node, ensuring premium market positioning and preferential access to support programmes. 

Target Segments

International Hunting Tourists: High-net-worth individuals from North America and Europe seeking authentic African hunting experiences,

Photographic Safari Market: The growing eco-tourism segment values sustainable, community benefiting experiences. 

Domestic Tourism: Affluent South African families and corporate clients seeking premium wildlife experiences and accommodation

Forestry & Timber Clients: Established relationships with major processors requiring a consistent, sustainable timber supply

Premium Food Market: Restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets demanding ethically sourced, traceable game meat and traditional products

Market Size & Growth

• Southern Africa safari tourism market: USD 11.70 billion (2023), projected CAGR of 9.8% to 2030
• South African hunting tourism: USD 250 million annually, supporting 17,000+ jobs
• Wildlife ranches generate an average revenue of USD 404/hectare vs USD 131/hectare for traditional livestock farms.
• Live game trade: R4.3 billion annually in South Africa
• Global timber market: USD 992.43 billion (2024), projected CAGR of 4.7%

Revenue Streams

Wildlife Hunting Operations (45%): Premium Big Five and plains game hunting packages, average R300,000 per client

Accommodation & Tourism (25%): Lodge accommodation, photographic safaris, corporate retreats

Forestry Operations (15%): Timber harvesting, processing, and value-added products

Meat Processing (8%): Game and livestock processing, traditional products, export sales

Live Animal Sales (4%): Breeding stock for conservation programmes and game ranches

Agriculture & Consulting (3%): Crop production, training services, conservation consulting 

Unit Economics Snapshot

• Big Five Hunting Package:
  
  • Cost: R120,000
  • Selling Price: R400,000
  • Gross Margin: 70%
    
    
• Lodge Accommodation (per person/night):
  
  • Cost: R800
  • Selling Price: R2,500
  • Gross Margin: 68%
    
    
• Overall Business Gross Margin: 60-68%, depending on revenue mix

Current Achievements: 

• R20 million DFFE-EPIP funding secured and committed
• Environmental Impact Assessment approved April 2024
• 4,200 hectares under a long-term lease agreement with DALRRD
• Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node participation
• Established forestry client base with multi-year contracts
• Award recognition: 2017 & 2019 National Youth in Agriculture Awards 

SAFTT's operations actively contribute to biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration:

Wildlife Conservation & Restoration

• Reintroduction of Indigenous game species to historical ranges, including buffalo, rhino, and antelope
• Population management aligned with ecological carrying capacity
• Contribution to regional wildlife corridors connecting Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding reserves
• Science-based conservation management practices with monitoring protocols
  
  

Habitat Rehabilitation

• Conversion of 3,000+ hectares from degraded agricultural land to natural grassland and bushveld ecosystems
• Alien invasive species control across the entire 4,200-hectare property
• Indigenous vegetation restoration using local seed sources
• Establishment of wildlife corridors and buffer zones
  
  

Climate Resilience & Carbon Management

• 100% renewable energy systems (solar, wind, biogas) for off-grid operation
• Carbon sequestration through grassland restoration and sustainable forestry practices
• Water conservation via rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation
• Sustainable building materials and construction practices
  
  

Community-Based Conservation

• Training programmes for local communities in wildlife management and eco-tourism
• Traditional ecological knowledge integration with modern conservation practices
• Preferential employment and procurement from surrounding communities
• Educational programmes for local schools focusing on biodiversity and entrepreneurship

Near-Term (12-18 months): 

• Complete wildlife stocking programme with Big Five introduction
• Launch hunting lodge operations with an initial 50% occupancy target
• Establish a processing facility for game meat and traditional products
• Develop international marketing partnerships and booking platforms
  
  

Mid-Term (2-3 years):

• Expand accommodation capacity to 40 beds with conference facilities
• Secure international hunting concessions and outfitter partnerships
• Launch photographic safari and eco-tourism packages
• Develop organic certification for agricultural products
  
  

Long-Term (3-5 years):

•  Replicate the model across additional Eastern Cape properties
• Establish SAFTT as the leading transformation operator in the wildlife industry
• Develop a training academy for biodiversity economy skills development
• Explore carbon credit and ecosystem services revenue opportunities 

• 8,400 hectares of prime agricultural land (owned)
• 130 hectares under irrigation producing maise, sunflower, and wheat
• Established livestock operations across 1,000-1,500 hectares
• Game management area exceeding 1,500 hectares
• Strategic location with historical significance and minimal competition within 130 kilometres
• Member of the Professional Hunters Association and Game Rangers Association 

• South Africa's agritourism sector remains underdeveloped in rural areas, particularly in the southwestern Free State region
• Limited authentic agricultural tourism experiences combining working farms with luxury hospitality
• High unemployment in rural mining communities following mine closures
• Lack of integrated tourism offerings that showcase both agricultural heritage and wildlife conservation
  
  

Our Solution 

Kalema Game and Cattle Ranch addresses these challenges by offering:

• Authentic agritourism experiences on a genuine working farm
• Integrated luxury accommodation, conference facilities, and wildlife experiences
• Comprehensive employment creation in an economically underserved region
• Preservation and celebration of regional historical heritage, including the Great Trek significance and diamond mining history
• Sustainable land use practices combining agriculture, wildlife management, and tourism 

Kalema Game and Cattle Ranch operates through diversified revenue streams designed to maximise land utilisation whilst providing comprehensive visitor experiences:

Accommodation Services:

• Luxury eco-lodges accommodating 60 guests
• Premium pricing of R4,500-R6,500 per person per night
• Conference and event facilities for corporate retreats and social celebrations
  
  

Hunting and Wildlife Experiences:

• Professional hunting packages (R7,500-R9,500 per hunter per day)
• Photographic safari experiences (R3,500-R4,500 per person per day)
• Wildlife breeding and conservation programmes 
  
  

Conference and Event Hosting:

• Professional conference facilities (R25,000-R45,000 per day exclusive use)
• Wedding venues (R85,000-R150,000 per event)
• Corporate team-building programmes
  
  

Agricultural Operations:

• Crop production on 130 hectares of irrigated land
• Livestock breeding and sales
• Educational farm tours and experiences
  
  

Educational Tourism: 

• School programmes and cultural experiences (R350-R450 per student)
• Day visitor programmes (R450-R650 per person)
• Agricultural heritage education initiatives

Target Segments

International Eco-tourists (35% of revenue): Affluent visitors seeking authentic African experiences (average spending R25,000-R35,000 per visit)

Domestic Premium Leisure (25% of revenue): High-income South African families and couples (average spending R15,000-R25,000 per group)

Corporate and Conference Market (20% of revenue): Companies requiring unique venues (average spending R45,000-R85,000 per event)

Hunting Enthusiasts (15% of revenue): International and domestic hunters (average spending R75,000-R125,000 per package)

Educational Tourism (5% of revenue): Schools and cultural groups (average spending R8,500- R12,500 per group)  

Market Size & Growth

• Middle East and Africa agritourism market: USD 485.1 million (2024), projected 9.3% CAGR to 2030
• South Africa is expected to register the highest regional growth rate
• Global agritourism market: USD 73.2 billion (2024), projected to reach USD 205.6 billion by 2033
  
  

Competitive Edge 

• Unique geographic positioning with no direct competitors within 130 kilometres
• Authentic working farm operations providing credible agricultural experiences
• Historical significance of location (Great Trek heritage, diamond mining history)
• Diversified revenue model, reducing market risk
• Strategic location near the Orange River and the Northern Cape border

Revenue Streams:

Accommodation Services (40-45% of total revenue): Luxury lodges and conference facilities

Hunting and wildlife (25-30%): Professional hunting and photographic safaris

Conference and Events (15-20%): Corporate meetings, weddings, and special events

Agricultural Operations (8-12%): Crop production and livestock sales

Educational Tourism (5-8%): Farm tours, school programmes, and cultural experiences 

Unit Economics:

• Accommodation: 65% target occupancy generating R7.2-R12.5 million annually
• Hunting operations: Premium pricing with high gross margins (60-70%)
• Conference facilities: High-value events with minimal variable costs
• Agricultural base: Stable revenue foundation supporting authentic experiences  

Current Operations:

2020-2024: Established farming operations across 8,400 hectares

Agricultural Production: 130 hectares of irrigated cropland, 1,000-1,500 hectares of livestock grazing

Wildlife Management: Over 1,500 hectares designated for game breeding and hunting

Infrastructure: Existing farmhouse facilities and agricultural equipment valued at R8.5 million

Market Position: 

• Member of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa
• Member of the African Game Rangers Association
• Established relationships with local suppliers and agricultural cooperatives
• Strategic partnerships under development with tourism operators

Kalema's operations actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration:

Conservation Initiatives:

Habitat Restoration: Converting degraded agricultural areas to Indigenous wildlife habitats

Species Reintroduction: Restoring native wildlife populations historically present in the region

Sustainable Hunting Practices: Maintaining wildlife populations through professional management

Water Conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation, reducing consumption by 35%

Environmental Benefits:

Carbon Sequestration: Grassland restoration and strategic tree planting programmes

Soil Health Improvement: Rotational grazing and crop rotation practices

Renewable Energy: Comprehensive solar power installation reducing grid dependency

Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling and organic composting programmes

Biodiversity Impact: 

Wildlife Corridors: 15% of the land is reserved for natural corridors supporting native species

Pollinator Conservation: On-site programmes supporting wild and domestic pollinators

Indigenous Flora: Reintroduction through intercropping and habitat restoration

Monitoring Programmes: Continuous biodiversity tracking with academic institutions

Phase 1 - Infrastructure Development (Years 1-2):

• Construction of 60-bed luxury accommodation facilities
• Development of a 200-person conference centre
• Restaurant and recreational amenity development
• Professional hunting and wildlife viewing infrastructure
  
  

Phase 2 - Market Development (Years 2-3):

• International market expansion targeting Europe and North America
• Corporate partnership development for conference and event business
• Educational programme expansion with schools and universities
• Premium service offerings, including spa and recreational facilities
  
  

Phase 3 - Regional Leadership (Years 3-5):

• Establishment as the premier southwestern Free State agritourism destination
• Additional accommodation capacity development
• Regional tourism network leadership
• Franchise or management contract opportunities