Sunset paints the landscape in shifting colours at Three Valleys, where proteas bloom like flames across the Eastern Cape’s rolling hills and deep valleys. In our predator sanctuary, a lioness named Judith stretches once more, gazing over the distant plains. Her keen eyes lock on a giraffe below, her ears attuned to the familiar roar of her brothers.

Just over a decade ago, we were dreamers—smiled at by some for betting on uncharted soil and wildlife. Today, every flower and pawprint tells a story of stubborn hope. Can a farm and sanctuary truly change lives—human and wild? Join us in our regular blog to find out!

In 2015, the new owners of Three Valleys took a leap of faith, trading city lights for the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape. Three Valleys now thrives as a protea farm, a wildlife haven, and a predator sanctuary—diverse worlds of plants and animals woven into one bold, beautiful dream.

None of us set out to change the world, but as our proteas grew, unexpected events made us custodians of deserving predators. Alongside our silent sponsors, we strive to make a difference in their lives—one animal at a time. Through this blog, we’ll share their stories and how they, too, found a sense of place.

Our small patch between Grahamstown (Makhanda) and Bathurst became a canvas of hope. It was—and still is—far from easy. We battled unfamiliar soil with little more than faith in a good outcome. We soon learned that nature doesn’t hand out free passes—neither do humans or regulations. Yet with every protea that bloomed and every animal that settled here, our purpose grew stronger.

Our first years were a comedy of errors! With limited “tractoring” skills, we planted incorrectly and learned lessons the hard way. Then came the kind Samaritans whose offers of “we’ll lend you some help” saved not only the proteas but also a few cattle and countless wild creatures. Their kindness extended to soil work, water and grazing management, and, eventually, the sanctuary itself.

The first predator we welcomed was a cheetah named Adamu. His cautious steps and low purrs drew us in immediately. Hesitant at first, then steadily more confident, he grew accustomed to new sights and sounds. That was it—grit and growth, side by side.

Our first batch of small, slightly crooked proteas found their way to local buyers during the global lockdown. When progress slowed, a phone call from a brave young woman asking for a small favour changed everything. That single call sparked the creation of a proper predator sanctuary, and the still months of lockdown became the fertile ground from which fields of proteas began to bloom.

Three Valleys is more than a farm—it’s a lifeline. Now driven by a registered Non-Profit Company, our sanctuary gives predators a second chance to live with dignity, protected from human conflict.

We employ and contract local hands—from field workers to animal carers—intertwining the community into every flower and rescue. Visitors from across South Africa and abroad are invited into this space where compassion meets conservation.

In our small way, the Eastern Cape’s heart beats a little stronger because of Three Valleys and others like us. But keeping Judith, her brothers, and their furry friends healthy and fed takes tremendous effort and resources: enclosures, maintenance, veterinary care, medication, food—and then more food.

Your support keeps this dream alive. Donations help sustain the animals, while visits to the sanctuary and farm make this mission possible. You can be part of this journey.

Visit www.threevalleys.co.za to see how you can contribute. Follow us on social media, give us a thumbs-up when something inspires you, and share our story with others. Make a donation if you’re moved to do so. Better yet, come see it for yourself—join our extended volunteer program or take part in our annual “Running Wild” event, a core initiative raising funds for the non-profit supporting the sanctuary.

The Three Valleys family will regularly share extracts on this blog about the ups and downs of our journey—past and present. We’ll tell the stories of the animals we’ve welcomed or bid farewell to, and how we honour their legacy. We’ll celebrate the remarkable people and resilient wildlife that call this place home.

Protea lovers can look forward to striking visuals and tips on growing beauty from our experiences, stumbles, and learnings.

We hope you’ll enjoy this journey with us. Add your hashtags, share the blog, and help us continue to grow beauty and save lives.

Three Valleys
Eastern Cape, South Africa