Oranges and elephants

The orchards of Blackie Swart lie in a valley that is almost surrounded by elephant country, in the Eastern Cape province. Addo National park has been an elephant reserve since 1931, with more than 164.000 ha of pristine bushfield. At that time, only 11 elephants were left in the area. These days, some 450 elephants roam in the National Park. Apart from elephants, other large animal can be found as well, such as the black rhinoceros, buffalo’s, antelopes and lions.  Many of Blackie's orchards border on this fine-tuned ecosystem.

Blackie moved to this valley, together with his wife, in the mid 1990’s, and started growing citrus fruit.

By using organic methods and advance composting techniques, he maintains and improves the soil of the valley. Erosion and run-off is prevented. The future of the valley and it ecological balance is thus preserved for future generations.