Falling in Love with South Africa: Marjanne Riemens and the Spirit of Seven Fountains Farm
Sunday, 31st August 2025
Marjanne Riemens: “I first set foot in South Africa in 2001, working as a copywriter on a magazine project. I still can't fully explain it, but I instantly fell in love with the country — the vast landscapes, the wildlife, the sunsets, and the rich mix of cultures. From that moment on, South Africa never let me go. My husband and I returned almost every year — he even more often, exploring the Karoo and the Kgalagadi with a friend. He has a deep love for wildlife and game spotting.
In 2016, my husband founded the Dutch African Badger Foundation (www.dutchafricanbadger.com) to raise awareness among underprivileged children in the townships about nature conservation in South Africa. I’m an ambassador and I love it. We want the children to value and protect the natural world so their children can enjoy it too.
Then, in 2018, friends stayed at Seven Fountains Farm (www.sevenfountainsfarm.co.za) and messaged us daily about its peace, beauty, and harmony with nature — and casually added: ‘By the way, it’s for sale.’ One call to the Dutch owner, and a month later, we bought it. Our love for South Africa, hospitality, and entrepreneurship brought us here.”
A Place of Connection
“What we love most are the real connections — with our guests and with nature. Europeans especially appreciate the silence, the clean air, and the remote setting. Many are excited to hear lions roar at night. I love our evenings around the boma: fire crackling, stars overhead, and people sharing stories.
I handle the styling — paintings, rugs, accessories, art — creating contrast between the old stone buildings and modern design. We shipped a container from the Netherlands just for that purpose. I also manage the website and social media.
Now, seven years in, we’re ready for the next step: group retreats. We're hosting a women’s week and a golf & hiking week. It inspires me to offer the entire farm for group rentals eight times a year: shared meals, sunset views, game drives, and evenings around the fire.”
Promoting the Eastern Cape
“We put Seven Fountains Farm on the map by highlighting the beauty of the Eastern Cape — its quiet charm, empty beaches, game parks, sunsets, open space, and warm, open-hearted people. It’s malaria-free too, which many guests appreciate.”
Heritage in Her Hands: Women Leading Change
“In the Netherlands, women have equal opportunities in education and work. That’s my norm. I studied, earned my own salary, and never questioned that freedom. For the children we support through Dutch African Badger in Cape Town’s Philippi township, education is key. We tell them: learn English, aim high. We’ve also seen a success story at this school: a gifted girl selected by Oprah Winfrey’s foundation for further education. These moments give hope.
We also support a project that provides reusable sanitary pads. Many girls miss school during their period simply because they don’t have access to menstrual products. Now, some of these girls are top of their class — no longer missing lessons every month. That’s deeply rewarding.”
Advice to emerging tourism product owners:
“My advice: educate yourself, set goals — even small ones — and stick to them. Don’t fear mistakes; they teach you more than success ever will. Stay open-minded. Be original. If you want to intern somewhere, send a video or write a standout letter. Dare to be different.”
