Five Assegais Hiker's Camp

Francis Darvall

In 2003, after five years of ongoing battles against alien vegetation, Francis Darvall opened the Five Assegais Country Estate as a luxury guest lodge. His years of committed battles against the alien blue gum and black wattle trees had finally paid dividends as these invasive aliens all but disappeared from the estate. Not satisfied with his victory, Francis continued investing much time, effort and resources into his estate. Over the past few years he has gradually re-introduced various animal species onto his land, constructed 4 trout dams for his guests, and crafted a number of well posted hiking trails so that hikers can fully appreciate the historical significance and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Still not satisfied, in late 2008 Francis joined forces with the neighbouring Bermanzi estate to create a hiker's masterpiece that they have named Oom Paul's Trail. Five Assegais Hiker's Camp was born out of the need to provide hikers in general, but particularly those doing Oom Paul's trail with overnight accommodation. Francis' fine art talents are clearly evident in the construction of the camp as no effort was spared in creating harmony between natural elements and building materials. As far as the future is concerned, Francis speaks with enthusiasm about the prospect of incorporating additional surrounding farms into Oom Paul's trail in order to create a 5-7 day trail that will rival the Eastern Cape's Otter Trail in its beauty. Anyone who has seen Francis' creations on his estate is left with little doubt that an extended hiking trail on the Mpumalanga escarpment is likely to happen sooner rather than later

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Re-habilitation of the fauna and flora on the estate by reclaiming land which has been over-run by blue gum and wattle trees.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
The Five Assegais' property had, for many years, served as a Eucalyptus plantation and later became  infested with Black Wattle. Both are highly destructive alien trees and their impact on the native grassland and gorge habitats was devastating. Now, after more than eight years of ferocious battling by a dedicated team the area is virtually free from these nasty interlopers, allowing hikers along the Green Flag accredited trails a glimpse into the region's majestic past. And with this clearance, so has nature returned. Year after year, increasing bird and animal species are returning to their original habitat while others have been purchased and re-introduced in a sustainable manner. An added bonus to these efforts has been the dramatic raise in both the local water table levels and quality-once again the purest of water is running through our previously dry springs.