Pioneering “fun environmentalism”, Greenpop will once again be hosting its innovative fusion of tree planting and play at the Reforest Fest 2023.
Cape {town} Etc + Greenpop: Stay tuned, tree-planting people! We’ve got an exciting announcement coming soon…
The Greenpop Reforest Fest, now in its eleventh year, is scheduled to take place over the Easter weekend, from April 7th to 10th, at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Overberg region. This is an annual restoration celebration that brings people together to plant thousands of trees, while partying for the planet and reconnecting with the beauty and abundance of nature and community.
A festival for everyone
There’s planting
Help restore degraded land, attend workshops, talks and classes – all geared towards helping the environment. Since 2011, Greenpop’s biggest tree-planting event of the year has always been the Reforest Fest. So far, the project has planted a total of 105 645 trees, restoring forest habitat and furthermore, helping preserve and expand a forest that is home to many incredible creatures, like the Cape leopard.
There’s music:
Celebrate under the stars with live music and DJs. Greenpop’s very own co-founder and internationally acclaimed South-African artist, Jeremy Loops, is headlining this year! Other artists to look forward to include Majozi, Josh Riley (from Grassy Spark), Genevieve Lee, IINKUNZI, Jews For Techno, The Shenanigans and Qondéa Avril Mkansi, to name a few.
There’s food
In between planting, you can delight in the wholesome food village. You’ll be working up an appetite, and this is the place to nourish and recharge. Better yet, indulge in a chocolate and wine pairing.
Local brand and cocoa connoisseurs, Honest Chocolate, will be supplying the sustainably-sourced sweet stuff – paired to perfection with some of the Cape’s Conservation Champion wines from the Agulhas area, including Strandveld, Skipskop Wines and more, as well as wines from further afield, including Warwick Wines and Boland Cellar.
More than your average pairing, Greenpop aims to further explore what activities these wine farms are doing to support conservation. For instance, Boland Cellar’s strong focus on sustainable wine grape production, water-saving strategies, a focus on soil health and soil preparation, and biological pest control are some of the actions that help them to reach their sustainability goals. Boland Cellar is also a long-time partner of Greenpop’s Forests For Life programme, working to preserve the habitat of honey bees through reforestation.
If wine isn’t your thing, Leonista will be serving up their delicious, 100% organic Karoo agave spirit, made in the traditional Mexican way. Leonista is another great brand who are working on conservation initiatives, by supporting the restoration of key ecosystems in the Karoo through its 1% for the planet commitment.
There’s more
At Reforest Fest 2023, you’ll also have access to activities like interactive art and theatre, as well as wellness activities ranging from yoga to movement classes. Relax and unwind surrounded by the beauty of the Uilenkraal Valley.
This is a family-friendly event, so bring your little ones along for the fun. Child-friendly activities include an Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Honest Chocolate. There is also an interactive, plastic-free kids zone curated by Mighty Small and Nature Plays Forest School, where children can enjoy crafts and interactive play, art, citizen science and dress-up games. Nannies and facilitators will be available to care for little ones while dads and moms can attend workshops of their choice or enjoy some time off.
The Easter Sunday Harvest Feast is an event where everyone can connect. It’s an additional R360 per adult and R180 per child under 12, available to purchase as an extra when getting your event tickets. This feast includes an incredible picnic-style lunch created by Chef Bridget Bartlement (Kolossal Hospitality) – a long-term resident of the Overberg, who works as a private chef for some of the area’s finest establishments and lodges. She is passionate about providing excellent dining experiences with ethically-sourced food. The harvest menu will include delectable dishes such as Fynbos goat cheesecake with figs, wild mushroom and pine arancini balls, and Klein river smoked cheese trinket, to name but a few. You will also receive a bottle of wine with your picnic basket.
Staying over
New this year is the exciting Tented Village, featuring luxury-fitted bell tents and pre-erected Kartents (fully-equipped 2-person cardboard tents) to suit all budgets and preferences. These options are not included in your overall ticket fee. Bringing your own gear and camping at the Bodhi Khaya campsite is included in your ticket fee. Wherever you decide to lay your head, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Milkwood forests and fynbos trails. When purchasing your tickets, you’ll be able to select any extras and accommodation options:
- Bodhi Khaya campsite: Included in your ticket
- Camper van parking: R150
- Kartents (unfurnished): R900
- Kartents (furnished): R1200
- Luxury-fitted bell tents (three nights): R5 250
Getting there
Those looking for extra adventure can join a group of like-minded adventurers on a walk from Greyton to Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, straight into the heart of Reforest Fest 2023. Every year, Greenpop encourages a growing number of intrepid festival-goers to join via the road less travelled. Think wild camping, litter clean-ups, fireside storytelling and a journey not to be forgotten. For more information, email [email protected] or sign up.
When purchasing your tickets, you’ll also have the option of a return shuttle from Cape Town (R600) or you can find/start a carpool here.
Join the treevolution
Greenpop aims to grow the Reforest Fest into a flagship event that attracts a global audience as Africa’s largest citizen-led restoration festival. Join Greenpop’s tree-planting festival and help celebrate the age of restoration.
Details:
- Date: 7 to 10 April 2023
- Location: Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat | R43 Grootbos Rd, Stanford | 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town
- Accommodation: Camping and glamping
- Tickets: Phase two (R775) here | Children 4 to 12: R340 | Under 4: Free
- More information: www.reforestfest.com
- On social media: @greenpopsa | #RFF23 #ReforestFest
Cape {town} Etc + Greenpop: Stay tuned, tree-planting people! We’ve got an exciting announcement coming soon…
Also read:
Greenpop partners with Stellenbosch University to green the Helderberg Hospital
Picture: Ashleigh de Villiers / Greenpop
