Our Story

Our journey in South Africa began shortly after the end of apartheid, when we arrived in Cape Town as a young family. We came as tourists and were immediately captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the city. Before long, we became proud Capetonians.

As the country entered a new chapter, we were fortunate to establish several businesses across different sectors. Our passion for wine eventually led us to Franschhoek, where we established Le Manoir de Brendel. What began as an export venture became an award-winning wine estate and boutique hotel.

In 2021, we expanded our vision to nature conservation by acquiring a game lodge, now named Gamagara Africa Private Nature Reserve. Since then, restoring this sanctuary has become an important part of our work. Inner fences were removed to allow the habitat to recover and nature to thrive undisturbed.

While we spend as much time as we can at both places, often together as a family, Cape Town is where we live. We continue to manage furnished and unfurnished residences here.

Over the years, we have travelled a great deal. However, the places that stayed with us were always the ones where someone clearly cared. That feeling is something we have carried into the Winelands, the Kalahari and the city.

These are our homes. And for as long as you are here, they are yours.