In 2024, Alex and Farrah, husband and wife, followed a quiet, persistent longing—one that had been growing for years. Leaving behind their life in the Eastern Cape, they stepped into the unknown and took on an old bird sanctuary tucked deep in the Limpopo bushveld.

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It wasn’t a business decision. It was something deeper—a pull toward stillness, purpose, and a way of living that felt more honest and connected.

While the lodge had a long-standing presence, it was in need of fresh energy and a clear vision. From the moment they arrived, Farrah and her sister Steegan—through a dynamic, hands-on partnership—began to transform it. In a short space of time, they breathed new life into the business. There’s something unmistakable that happens when the people who run a lodge are the ones living it too—welcoming guests at the door, walking the land, and putting their hearts into every detail.

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Today, Steegan, Alex, and Farrah proudly own and run the lodge business together. The result is a rare balance—where every decision is shaped by genuine care for guests, a deep love for the bush, and a shared dream of creating something truly lasting.

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Alex, who grew up on a farm in Molteno, knows the rhythm of the land by heart. His childhood was spent among cattle, sheep, and game—and shaped by the long, quiet lessons of the veld. At Zaagkuilsdrift, he found that rhythm again. Most days, you’ll find him outdoors—walking the farm, tending to the animals, and working closely with the sanctuary’s captive breeding programs, which lie at the heart of its conservation mission.

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Farrah is the anchor behind the scenes—the one who keeps everything moving with quiet focus and intention. From managing bookings and finances to ensuring the seamless flow of each guest’s stay, she carries the details with care. Her joy doesn’t come from being seen—it comes from creating something that matters, in a place where the bush speaks for itself.

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Steegan, with years of five-star lodge experience from across the world, brings warmth, polish, and professionalism to everything she touches. She knows how to make people feel not just comfortable, but truly welcomed. As lodge manager, her calm presence and intuitive sense of guest care make her the beating heart of Zaagkuilsdrift. She brings the magic that turns a stay into something unforgettable.

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Not long after, Curtis—Farrah and Steegan’s brother—joined the team. With a background in outdoor adventure and a love for practical, hands-on work, he quickly found his place. Whether behind the wheel of the tractor or out in the veld, Curtis is in his element. Easygoing and dependable, he’s always ready to lend a hand—with a smile, a bit of humour, and a quiet enthusiasm for the land.

And then there are the children—Farrah and Alex’s son, and Steegan’s daughter—growing up side by side, more like siblings than cousins, with the bush as their playground. They collect feathers, chase butterflies, and fall asleep to the sound of nightjars. The land is shaping them in quiet, beautiful ways, just as it shapes the adults raising them.

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As a family, they’re not building fast—they’re building intentionally. Their vision for Zaagkuilsdrift isn’t about scale—it’s about soul. They want this place to grow into a true legacy: a home for birds, for wild things, and for anyone seeking to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with something real.

The days are long. The work is often hard. But every one of them is grounded in purpose. And at the end of each, there’s birdsong, laughter, and a fire under the stars.

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Zaagkuilsdrift isn’t just where they live.
It’s where they’ve planted their future.
And they’re building it—together, with love.