Inside the R240 million game farm for sale in South Africa’s new semigration hotspot

A massive game farm in the Eastern Cape is on sale for $13,000,000 (about R240 million), as the province is seeing an increase in migrants.

Pam Golding said that the 20,100-hectare, privately owned game reserve is malaria-free and is separated from the Greater Addo Elephant National Park by 14km.

The “Magic Hills” game farm is home to over 50 species of large mammals, including the Big Five.

It also has 73 confirmed species of birds, 58 species of reptiles and 15 species of amphibians.

The game farm also comes with guest accommodation, including the “ultra-luxurious” Sky Villa.

The villa is found atop one of the highest mountains on the reserve and can accommodate 57 guests and features. It also features 360-degree views of the rugged mountains and plains.

The Cape Dutch-style Ilanga Manor House also features 11 rooms.

Moreover, the property is home to Elsa’s Farmhouse, which uses traditional Karoo architecture.

There are also the Kakhulu Karoo self-catering units and the Isanti Karoo chalets with seven custom-designed units.

The property also features eight swimming pools, a gym, and a boutique spa for facial and massage treatments.

When it comes to commercial facilities, it features a conference centre, country estate, game lodge, guest lodge and spa.

In terms of security, there are CCTV cameras and an electric fence. The reserve also features cellular coverage and electricity.

The reserve is within a 2-hour drive from the Gqeberha airport. It is also accessible by direct private air charter to the 1.3km gravel and aggregate landing strip on the property.

The property could benefit from the rise of semigrants coming to the Eastern Cape.

Although the Western Cape is seen as a consistent magnet for semigrants, several areas in the Eastern Cape, including Gqeberha, are emerging as hotspots.

Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, previously noted that South Africa’s economy is beginning to show signs of recovery.

Inflation declined to 3.0% by the end of 2024, which is at the lower end of the South African Reserve Bank’s target range.

The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by a cumulative 75 basis points, which is expected to boost activity in the property market this year.

South Africa’s currency and public sentiment have also improved following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU)

Although there are still numerous challenges facing South Africa, such as high unemployment and poor fiscal management by the government, the GNU has given citizens and investors some hope for the future.

Stevens said that semigration continues to shape the market of coastal cities and towns.

Although Western Cape hotspots in Langebaan, Hermanus, and Plettenberg Bay continue to draw buyers, urban areas in the Eastern Cape are emerging as desired spots for buyers.

This includes Gqeberha and St Francis Bay, which have been buoyed by significant investments in infrastructure.

Gqeberha, which, as noted earlier, is near the Magic Hills, has been regularly cited as a semigration hotspot.

Pam Golding previously said that young buyers, renters, and investors are flocking to the metro, with many coming to the city in search of better lifestyles and economic opportunities.

This is primarily driven by semigration from provinces like Gauteng.

Massive investments are coming to the city, including a R3 billion auto manufacturing plant for Stellantis and an R4 billion Volkswagen expansion in Kariega.

A R105 billion green ammonia plant for Hive Energy is also in the works, as is a R13.6 billion Liquified Natural Gas terminal.

Images of the Magic Hills Game Farm can be found below: