South Africa is known as a bush - lover’s paradise and many aspire to owning property within this domain. Going this route can be incredibly expensive though and it is for this reason that developers have made available shareblock game farm developments over the years which generally make this dream more affordable.
One such development is Marulani Game Farm. This development was established in the Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo in the 1980’s and has proved highly popular over the years. Specifically, the farm is situated approximately 10km’s northwest of Bela Bela (previously Warmbaths) on the Alma and Warmbaths Dam Road.
The Marulani shareblock is reportedly “well established and financially sound.” As per shareblock rules, shareholders acquire shares in the farm which entitles them to use and occupy a specific property. A shareholder does not become the owner of the property he or she is entitled to occupy; shareholders are merely given the right to use and occupy a property. Marulani shareholder prices vary greatly from property to property.
Marulani measures approximately 1000 hectares and is hailed as one of the less dense developments in the area given that only 40 homes have been built on the sites allocated to each of the 50 odd shareholders. Each home is unique and many of the properties enjoy spectacular views over the farm and valley.
All shareholders have access to the entire farm which plays host to a wide variety of birdlife, giraffe and small antelope. Of the ‘Big Five’, only the leopard is represented at Marulani. The decision to exclude other large game was deliberate as the shareholders wanted to be able to jog, cycle and walk around the farm in safety. Bird watching and hiking have also proven popular pastimes.
In terms of other activities, golf lovers can get their fix at several nearby premier golf courses including the course at the renowned ‘Elements Golf Club’ situated just 14km’s from Marulani’s gate. The mineral baths at Bela Bela are also popular with shareholders. Many shareholders have also opted to become members of the Warmbad Boat Club which entitles them to unlimited access to the beautiful Warmbad dam next door to the farm. Membership costs approximately R500 per year.
The farm is managed by a board of directors, a farm manager and several employees. Top notch security protocols are employed at all times. Shareholders are charged levies which go towards the farm’s road maintenance, water reticulation and general upkeep.
Shareholders utilise Marulani primarily as a holiday home or for weekend breaks as it is ideal for nature lovers who want to get away from the rat race without having to travel too far to do so.