This is truly a hidden gem with endless opportunities situated in the Cockscomb mountainous area in the Eastern Cape, embrace country living, running your own successful citrus/game ranch with Hunter’s accommodation.
Wilgerivier Farm is a 502,118 ha farm is situated on the Cockscomb Road in the Uitenhage district. It is situated 35 km from Kirkwood (heart of the Sundays River Citrus Valley), 25 km from Uitenhage and 50 km from the Coega harbour and citrus packing facility. It is also in close proximity to Gqeberha. (Port Elizabeth) Jeffreysbay/Humansdorp/Hankey/Patensie and only plus/minus 45 minutes to the Airport.
The one and most important factor of this farm is the beautiful clean water that is plentiful and throughout the drought years, these resources have never run dry.
Two fountains have been providing the freshest water to the farm for many decades.
The river meanders through the property with the Coega River having intermittent flow during the year, and the two natural springs and never experience drought even throughout the worst droughts years.
Future farming expansion opportunities:
Therefore with water being plentiful one could also plant orchards of pecan/macadamia nuts and avocado's due to the fact that there is no frost, this would be an added income.
Goat/sheep and cattle farming can be conducted very successfully on the remaining 486 of valley bush veld.
Bottling of the fountain water can also be considered and just maybe could the finest whiskey be bottled once again if you so wish.
Water supplied by the following Springs and boreholes:
Water from the 1st spring is from the Springkloof fountain supplying 15,000 litres per hour,
Second spring De Beers Kloof supplying 11,250 litres per hour
2 x Boreholes supply 116 683 m3 per annum
2 x Boreholes supply 7 200 m3 per annum
2 x Zinc Dams that holds 250 cubic meters of water
1 x Zinc Dam that holds 90 cubic meters of water
Registered water with the Department of Water and Sanitation
Citrus and Irrigations Systems
Planted to 34 hectares of citrus under drip irrigation.
1The soil is virgin soil which gives excellent tonnage which increases annually.
2The first lemon trees were planted in 2015 and the most recent trees were planted in 2018 (Refer to tree census for detailed description)
3The first crop was harvested in 2017 – a total of 87 crates. The crop increased to 2000 in 2022 and the expected yield for 2023 is 3000 crates. Full production should reach in 2025.
All young citrus trees between the ages of 5 and 8 years old in excellent condition of the following varieties and has 2.4m high game fencing in order to protect the citrus orchards.
Eureka lemon 10,043 planted to 19.61 ha
Cambria 3,591 planted to 6.62 ha
Clementines 1,655 planted to 3.22 ha
Midknights 2,498 planted to 4.5 hectares
Total citrus 17,787 planted to 33.95 hectares under drip irrigation.
Would like to mention that due to the isolated location of this farm away from other citrus farms, there are hardly any pests. It is a blackspot free area.
Irrigation system for the citrus is as follows:
The water is of exceptional high quality. There are 3 fountains of which 2 are used for irrigation. There are 9 boreholes, of which two are used for irrigation and two for livestock water. Due to the location of the fountains and dams, extensive use is made of gravity feed, which reduces electricity costs for pumping.
1.Pump room with buffer dam (90m3 capacity)
2.Pump Room 2 with steel dams (250m3 capacity)
3.Steel dam (250m3 capacity) gravity feed.
4.2 Centrifugal pumps
5.4 x Sand filters
6.1 x VSD drive
7.2 x 10 000L fertilizer tanks, 2 x fertilizer pumps,
8.4 x submersible pumps
Roads
Access to the farm is via the tarred R75 and the well maintained 4 km Cockscomb gravel road.
All gravel roads in and between the orchards are well maintained on a regular basis in order to facilitate, inter alia, fruit collection and transport by heavy vehicles to packing facilities.
The property is not just a home, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and for those who are passionate about game farming and livestock. Whether you dream of cultivating a thriving agricultural enterprise or simply living in this natural beauty, this property offers endless possibilities.
Moreover, this property comes with a unique advantage - a rich history of generational ownership. The current owners are willing to remain involved, offering their expertise and guidance to ensure a seamless transition for the new owner, making this opportunity even more valuable.
Please see attached leaflet of the history of this farm.
Game Farming and Eco-Tourism.
Local and international clients make use of the hunting and eco-tourism facilities and this results in additional income.
The game is enclosed on 468 hectares of valley bushveld, enclosed with valid CAE certificate game proof fencing standing at 2.4 meters high which allows hunting all year round.
The fencing has a certificate or Certified of Adequate Enclosure (CoAE) which allows the landowner to take ownership of his Game. This allows one to hunt throughout the year.
Within the game area you'll find the following magnificent game such as:
60 Kudu, 200 Impala, 60 Njala, Blou Wildebees, Waterbuck, Blesbok, Duiker, Waterhog and Steenbok.
The numbers are approximate.
Hunters Loge 210m3 : with breathtaking views.
The lodge consist the following: 3 bedrooms with en-suites, separate bathroom, open plan fully fitted kitchen to comfortable lounge, indoor and outdoor braai and entertainment area. . The Lodge can sleep 9 people.
(The whole of the ground floor can be doubled up in the loft area in the future.)
This game section would also be suitable for a Horse Riding Ranch as it has all the amenities and the landscape is ideal.
The grounds are well kept with the main residence, 2 cottages and other infrastructure occupying ±1 Ha of land. Details below:
The Main house, measures 325m3: consisting the following: 3 bedrooms, (main bedroom en-suite), separate full bathroom, large family size kitchen with built in cupboards, separate scullery/pantry, laundry room, lounge, dining room with comfortable living and outdoor braai area.( yellowwood ceilings, tiled floors). The entertainment/braai area overlooks breathtaking views of the citrus and mountainous landscape.
(The whole ground floor can be doubled up in the loft area in the future)
Housekeeper room/ single garage and carport,
Second dwelling measuring 200m3: a little distance from the main house which is ideal for self-catering for the added extra income, consist of the following: two bedrooms(main en-suite) 2nd bathroom with shower, basin and toilet, large family lounge, kitchen, dining room,veranda with awesome views, single garage and under cover carport.
3rd Dwelling consist 1 bedroom en-suite, open plan kitchen, lounge.
Numerous infrastructure.
Butchery with cold room, big enough for 40 carcasses.
Staff Accommodation: 3 staff houses consisting 3 rooms, all with electricity, ablution block with 2 showers, 2 toilets and wash room.
Newly built large shed measuring 300m3, for storing implements and citrus.
Chemical room for protective clothing and shower room and second shed measuring 110m3,
For those with a penchant for wildlife, this property is a dream come true. The entire estate is secured by game-proof fencing standing at 2.4 meters high
