KhulaShanti Healing Sanctuary is a not for profit association being formed under Section 21 of the South African Companies Act, and it is unfolding its purpose in the mistbelt highlands of KZN, South Africa.
The purpose of KhulaShanti is to “Grow Peace abundantly.” The land is held in Trust with the express purpose of facilitating the aims of the Sanctuary, which are to create an environment harmonious to all beings in search of healing, and to create opportunities for all beings to facilitate such healing.
High on the watershed, the land is 130hectares in extent with approximately 40hectares of indigenous mistbelt forest, 60hectares of steep veld and 30hectares of fields and gardens, with 2 small dams and several streams springing from the forests. The impact of seasonal changes on life at KhulaShanti is often dramatic, always inspiring. Long languid summer days are briefly interrupted by crashing afternoon storms, giving way to rushing mountain winds and magically misty twilights ; crisp winter mornings crackle into life as protective firebreaks carve their geometry into the landscape. Rainfall is historically high throughout summer which allows for sufficient run-off through winter to ensure year-round sustainability for those who live on the land.
Accommodation is comprised of a four bedroomed lodge and an open plan visitors cottage in close proximity. Plans to enhance the accommodation and gathering venues will be drafted as they are needed; several disused sites from the land’s century-long human occupation, can be considered. Originally known as Gaylands Farm, the land lies near the Umkomaas Valley on a hill overlooking the Ncwadi community which was settled by the amaZulu when Bishop Colenso chose this area to farm in during the late 1800’s, not long after the settling of Byrne Valley, which is about 40kms distant. The land was first settled in the 1890’s and shows evidence of having been part of a wagon trail between the far flung settlements. Sheep, cattle and horses have been kept here over that time and parts of the land have been planted to maize and forage grasses. Now unfarmed for 25 years the land has become wild and unmanageable in many respects, infested with invasive species of alien flora but still frequented by an abundance of indigenous fauna such as bushbuck, rhebuck, mongoose, porcupine and bushpig, as well as a multitude of birdlife from the imposing raptors to the dainty grass birds!
The land is also host to a thriving travellers stop on the popular tourism route between the Midlands and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. It’s a long road to travel with few opportunities for a relaxing break in the journey – which inspired the creation of The Pickle Pot in the mid 1980’s. This quaint country 'farm-stall' is now comprised of Khula Cafe – the deli / coffee shop ; SiyaKhula Bakery & Spaza – a rural job creation project ; Khula Craft - a gift shop stocked by local artists ; and of course the original pickle factory – still bottling the original recipe, preservative free pickles which have gained widespread popularity over the years. It is a must-stop for most travellers heading in either direction (home or holiday!) Not least because of : the generous playground which most young families make delighted energy expending use of ; the talented team of local Zulu ladies who are responsible for the ‘just-like-home’ delicious meals and treats ; the famous pickles ; the beautifully made basketware, pottery and beadwork ; and the bass dam, and the forest walk, and the lovingly cared for country garden ; and now, most recently, the opportunity to embrace the healing energies inherent in the vision of KhulaShanti Healing Sanctuary.
