Hajo's Lodge & Tours

06/02/2025

come & enjoy valentine's month with us 🤗

22/01/2025

Now on TV for the next couple of month, come end experience our guesthouse as well!

25/12/2024

Dear friends and dear guests of Hajo's Lodge & Tours (Deutscher Text weiter unten!)
I hope you are all well and having an nice festive season. I would like to write a little more detailed than the normal wishes at the end of the year and also thank you very much for the support of my business and social projects.
Last year, I had tackled the project in the Eastern Cape for the reconstruction of Selina's collapsed house and was able to complete it. The daily work and this project have drained my strength a lot, so I had to take a (forced) break for the time being.
I would also like to apologize for the resulting radio silence and non-response to messages and ask for your understanding that I had to spend all my energy in this situation to keep the daily business running.
As many of you know, I support some projects, the most important of which are the kindergartens in Khayelitsha and Selina in the Eastern Cape.
As every year, we organized the Christmas party for the kindergarten at the end of November and were able to give Christmas gifts as well as food and drink to the 134 children there aged 3 to 5 years.
I will post more photos of it on our page in the coming days. Of course, donations are always welcome for the permanent work with the kindergarten, more on the processing below.
My second heart project is Selina, an 84-year-old who lives in very modest circumstances in the village of Tapoleng (part of Sterkspruit) in the Eastern Cape. In her long life, she has 31 (!) children, 9 own children and grandchildren, but mainly orphans whose parents have either died or simply disappeared. Even today, in her old age, she still takes care of 4 children who also live in her house.
Their house collapsed last year due to old age and thanks to your donations we managed to rebuild the house. Since then, Selina has had a home for herself and the children again. What touched me very much during the reconstruction was Selina's request to get her own bed with the house, she had never had a bed to herself in her whole life before. We were actually able to fulfill her wish.
The house is built very simply and still has no water connection, the water is fetched from the water tank outside and near the house is an outhouse.
At the age of 84, Selina now finds it difficult to fetch water and go to the outhouse, as the house is located on a slope and there are 6 steps to overcome each time.
I would love to make the last phase of her life a little easier for this wonderful woman, who has done so much good so unselfishly in her long life. If we can make it possible, I would like to put a water connection for a sink in the kitchen at the beginning of the new year and add a small simple bathroom with toilet and age-appropriate shower. For this purpose, a septic tank for the wastewater must also be built.
I would be very happy if some donations could be collected again for this purpose or the kindergarten.
Unfortunately, the DKB terminated my German account a few months ago, because I do not have a residence in Germany. I looked around for alternatives (thanks for the tips I mentioned!) and there are now 2 ways to donate:
Either via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/hajoslodge](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/hajoslodge) or by credit card or bank transfer. For the latter options, please send us a short private message.
On behalf of Selina and of course myself, I would be very happy if we manage to make life a little easier for her there for the rest of her life. Of course, I would accompany the work on site again, help myself and report with photos.
To all who have read this far and may be willing to help by donating and/or sharing this post, a very big thank you!
My team and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a good start to a healthy and happy New Year!

(Sharing this post is welcome!)

Liebe Freunde und liebe Gäste von Hajo’s Lodge & Tours
Ich hoffe es geht Euch allen gut und Ihr habt eine schöne Weihnachtszeit. Ich möchte diesmal etwas ausführlicher schreiben und mich damit auch ganz herzlich für die Unterstützung meines Geschäftes und der sozialen Projekte bedanken.
Ich hatte im vergangenen Jahr das Projekt im Eastern Cape für den Wiederaufbau des eingestürzten Hauses von Selina in Angriff genommen und auch fertig stellen können. Die tägliche Arbeit und dieses Projekt haben sehr an meinen Kräften gezehrt, so dass ich erst einmal eine (Zwangs-)pause einlegen musste.
Ich möchte mich hiermit auch für die dadurch entstandene Funkstille und Nichtbeantwortung von Nachrichten entschuldigen und um Verständnis bitten, dass ich in dieser Situation alle Energie aufwenden musste, um das tägliche Geschäft am Laufen zu halten.
Wie viele von Euch wissen, unterstütze ich einige Projekte, am meisten liegen mir dabei der Kindergarten in Khayelitsha und Selina im Eastern Cape am Herzen.
Für den Kindergarten haben wir bereits Ende November wie in jedem Jahr die Weihnachtsfeier ausgerichtet und im Rahmen dessen den 134 Kindern dort im Alter von 3 bis 5 Jahren Weihnachtsgeschenke sowie Essen und Trinken geben können.
Weitere Fotos davon werde ich in den kommenden Tagen auf unserer Facebook-Seite posten. Natürlich sind für die permanente Arbeit mit dem Kindergarten Spenden jederzeit willkommen, zur Abwicklung weiter unten mehr.
Mein zweites Herzensprojekt ist Selina, eine inzwischen 84-jährige, die in sehr bescheidenen Verhältnissen im Dorf Tapoleng (gehört zu Sterkspruit) im Eastern Cape lebt. Sie hat in ihrem langen Leben 31 (!) Kinder großgezogen, 9 eigene Kinder und Enkelkinder, hauptsächlich jedoch Waisenkinder, deren Eltern entweder verstorben oder einfach verschwunden sind. Selbst heute in ihrem hohen Alter kümmert sie sich noch um 4 Kinder, die auch bei ihr im Haus wohnen.
Ihr Haus ist im vergangenen Jahr aus Altersschwäche eingestürzt und Dank der Spenden von Euch gelang es uns, das Haus neu aufzubauen. Seitdem hat Selina wieder ein Zuhause für sich und die Kinder. Was mich während des Wiederaufbaus sehr berührt hat, war die Bitte von Selina, mit dem Haus auch ein eigenes Bett zu bekommen, sie hat in ihrem ganzen Leben vorher nie ein Bett für sich alleine gehabt. Diesen Wunsch haben wir ihr tatsächlich erfüllen können.
Das Haus ist sehr einfach gebaut und hat nach wie vor keinen Wasseranschluss, das Wasser wird vom Wassertank draußen geholt und in der Nähe des Hauses ist ein Plumpsklo.
Mit 84 Jahren fällt Selina mittlerweile das Wasserholen und der Gang zum Plumpsklo schwer, da das Haus am Hang liegt und jedes Mal 6 Stufen zu bewältigen sind.
Zu gerne würde ich dieser wunderbaren Frau, die in ihrem langen Leben so uneigennützig so viel Gutes getan hat, den letzten Lebensabschnitt ein wenig erleichtern. Falls wir es ermöglichen können, möchte ich am Anfang des neuen Jahres einen Wasseranschluss legen für eine Spüle in der Küche und ein kleines einfaches Badezimmer anbauen mit Toilette und altersgerechter Dusche. Dazu muss dann auch eine Sickergrube für das Abwasser gebaut werden.
Ich würde mich sehr freuen, wenn nochmal einige Spenden für diesen Zweck oder den Kindergarten zusammenkämen.
Leider hat mir die DKB das deutsche Konto vor ein paar Monaten gekündigt, da ich keinen Wohnsitz in Deutschland habe. Ich habe mich nach Alternativen umgeschaut (danke für die Tipps, die bei mir genannt wurden!) und es gibt nun 2 Möglichkeiten zu spenden:
Entweder über PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/hajoslodge](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/hajoslodge) oder per Kreditkarte oder Überweisung. Für letztere Optionen bitte eine kurze private Nachricht an uns senden.
Ich würde mich im Namen von Selina und natürlich auch selbst sehr freuen, wenn wir es schaffen ihr das Leben dort für ihren Lebensabend etwas zu erleichtern. Natürlich würde ich wieder vor Ort die Arbeiten begleiten, selbst mithelfen und mit Fotos berichten.
An alle die bis hierher gelesen haben und vielleicht auch bereit sind durch eine Spende und/oder Teilen dieses Posts zu helfen, einen sehr herzlichen Dank!
Mein Team und ich wünschen Euch allen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und einen guten Start in ein gesundes und glückliches neues Jahr!

(Teilen dieser Nachricht ist willkommen!)

25/12/2024

25/07/2024

We are now fully equipped with the latest solar-, inverter- and battery technology, enabling us to be highly independent from the grid.
A big Thank you to Trust Solar for doing an excellent job.
We now offer all our guests peace of mind during times of loadshedding or power outages!

03/07/2024

A sport to you, a life to him 🤬

29/06/2024

17 Facts You May Not Know About Cape Town:

1. Cape Town, often referred to as the Mother City, is the second-most populous city in South Africa and one of the most picturesque cities in the world.
2. The city is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Table Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.
3. Cape Town hosts the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, attracting top musicians from around the globe.
4. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Clifton and Camps Bay, which are popular destinations for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset views.
5. Lion’s Head, another prominent landmark, is a favorite for both locals and tourists, known for its challenging hike and breathtaking views at sunset.
6. Cape Town was one of the host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its stadium, Green Point, which has since become a key sports and entertainment venue.
7. The V&A Waterfront, a vibrant shopping and entertainment area, is situated on the historic docks and is one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions.
8. Cape Town's historic center features colonial architecture and landmarks, such as the Castle of Good Hope and the Company’s Garden.
9. The city has a rich cultural scene, with diverse music, art, and theatre, with many renowned artists and performers hailing from Cape Town.
10. Table Mountain National Park, encompassing the city’s famous peaks and coastal areas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.
11. Cape Town’s townships, such as Khayelitsha and Langa, are integral to the city’s cultural fabric and history, often depicted in local art and media.
12. The Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its brightly colored houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, is one of Cape Town’s most photographed areas.
13. Cape Town’s Cape Point, at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, is a significant landmark where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, offering spectacular scenery and hiking trails.
14. The city’s official name, Cape Town, is derived from its historical significance as a key port for maritime trade, originally named in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company.
15. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, founded in 1913, is one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the flora of the Cape Floristic Region.
16. Cape Town’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from tourism, finance, technology, and manufacturing, bolstered by its strategic port and location.
17. The city’s Table Mountain, an iconic flat-topped mountain, is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a symbol of Cape Town’s natural beauty and heritage.

26/06/2024

17 lesser-known facts about South Africa:

1. South Africa is home to the world's largest themed resort hotel, The Palace of the Lost City, located in Sun City. The hotel is inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom and features opulent architecture, luxurious accommodations, and a host of recreational facilities.
2. The highest commercial bungee jump in the world is located at the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Jumpers plummet 216 meters (709 feet) into the Bloukrans River gorge, experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other.
3. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world to have hosted the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Cricket World Cup. The country's love for sports and its ability to host major international events showcase its diverse sporting culture.
4. The Vredefort Dome, located in the Free State province, is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world. Formed over two billion years ago, the dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Earth's geological history.
5. South Africa is home to the world's largest hand-dug mine, the Big Hole in Kimberley. Dug by hand by thousands of miners over a period of several decades, the Big Hole is a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of South Africa's early mining communities.
6. The Soweto Gospel Choir, formed in the township of Soweto, has won multiple Grammy Awards and garnered international acclaim for its powerful performances of traditional African gospel music. The choir's uplifting harmonies and vibrant energy have captivated audiences around the world.
7. South Africa is one of the world's leading producers of platinum, gold, and chromium. The country's mineral wealth has played a significant role in its economy and has attracted investment from mining companies around the globe.
8. The Cape Floral Kingdom, located in the Western Cape province, is the smallest but richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. It is home to over 9,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth, making it a biodiversity hotspot of global significance.
9. South Africa is home to the largest population of ostriches in the world. These flightless birds are farmed for their meat, leather, and feathers, and can be seen roaming the semi-arid regions of the country.
10. The Western Cape town of Oudtshoorn is known as the "Ostrich Capital of the World." It was once the center of the global ostrich feather trade, which reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
11. The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal are home to some of the best-preserved rock art sites in the world. These ancient paintings, created by the San people thousands of years ago, provide valuable insights into their cultural beliefs and way of life.
12. South Africa is home to the world's largest population of rhinoceroses, both white and black. These iconic animals are facing severe threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.
13. The Karoo region of South Africa is home to the largest collection of fossils dating back to the Permian Period, over 250 million years ago. Fossils found in the Karoo Basin provide important clues about the evolution of early vertebrates and the ancient landscapes of Gondwana.
14. The town of Cullinan, near Pretoria, is home to the Cullinan Diamond Mine, where the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered was found in 1905. Known as the Cullinan Diamond, it weighed over 3,100 carats in its rough state and was later cut into several famous diamonds, including the Great Star of Africa.
15. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. It is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique predator-prey interactions, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
16. South Africa is home to the world's second-largest brewing company by volume, SABMiller. Founded in Johannesburg in 1895, SABMiller produces a wide range of popular beer brands, including Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, and Hansa Pilsener.
17. The South African city of Bloemfontein is known as the "City of Roses" due to its abundance of rose gardens and annual rose festivals. Bloemfontein's mild climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing roses, making it a picturesque destination for garden enthusiasts.

02/06/2024

We always suspected it, but now a global survey has confirmed it: South Africa is the world’s friendliest nation!

26/05/2024

Here are 20 of the most amazing and interesting facts about SOUTH South AFRICA🇿🇦 :

1. South Africa is home to the world's largest bird, the ostrich.

2. The country has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English.

3. South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby World Cups.

4. The country is home to the oldest meteor scar in the world, the Vredefort Dome.

5. South Africa has the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee.

6. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, including the "Big Five" animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

7. South Africa is the only country in the world to have voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons program.

8. The country has the longest wine route in the world, the Cape Winelands.

9. South Africa is home to the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, which was cut into the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa.

10. The country has the second-highest waterfall in the world, the Tugela Falls.

11. South Africa is the only country in the world to have three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).

12. The country is home to the world's largest hand-dug mine, the Kimberley Mine.

13. South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the International Astronomical Union General Assembly twice.

14. The country has the highest commercial abseil in the world, the Table Mountain Abseil.

15. South Africa is home to the world's largest population of Indian-origin people outside of India.

16. The country has the world's largest population of ostriches.

17. South Africa is the only country in the world to have two Nobel Peace Prize laureates living on the same street: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

18. The country is home to the world's largest and oldest meteorite impact site, the Tswaing Crater.

19. South Africa is the only country in the world to have an entire floral kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom, contained within its borders.

20. The country is known for its diverse cuisine, including traditional dishes

24/04/2024

Visit this kindergarten during one of our township tours and experience the unbelievable joy of the children for yourself!

Besucht diesen Kindergarten während einer unserer Township Touren und erlebt diese unglaubliche Freude der Kinder selbst!

24/04/2024

A heartfelt thank you from all children and teachers of Sophumelela Pre-school at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Khayelitsha to our guests. They made it possible with their donations to support the children with groceries, which we delivered yesterday!

Ein herzliches Dankeschön an unsere Gäste von allen Kindern und Kindergärtnerinnen des Sophumelela Kindergartens der St. Michael's Anglikanischen Kirche in Khayelitsha. Diese haben durch Ihre Spenden ermöglicht, dass wir gestern Lebensmittel zur Unterstützung der Kinder abliefern konnten!

10/03/2024

Hajo's Lodge: Business Trip - See 178 traveler reviews, 58 candid photos, and great deals for Hajo's Lodge at Tripadvisor.