Tankwa Karoo · 33°06'S 19°44'E

A place to
dream, create
& collaborate.

Three thousand seven hundred hectares of pristine wilderness. A million-year-old canyon. Stone living spaces under solar power. An open invitation to artists, builders, engineers, designers and makers.

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere — and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.

Your journey · Six chapters

Everything POD — in one walk through the land.

01
Chapter 01 of 06

The place

3,700
hectares of Karoo wilderness
~50 min
from Ceres via the R356
2 hubs
POD 1 & POD 2 · stone-built living
100%
solar power · own water
1.2 km
registered airstrip onsite

POD is land first. A blank canvas of Karoo earth, sky and silence — slowly shaped into a home for ceremonies, celebration and quiet days.

The living spaces are built from the natural stone of the land itself — quiet corners, communal fires, hot showers, fully stocked kitchens. Nothing is piped in from elsewhere.

We're not run on rules and regulations. We're motivated by a collective ethos — a passion for building a world where respect for one another, and the land, comes first. POD is shared work; everyone who comes is invited to bring something.

01.2 · Spaces & venues

Places to come together, places to be alone.

Nine distinct spaces across the property — from a natural amphitheatre to a yoga pavilion under the sky — available for events, private celebrations & ceremonies.

The Canyon
Venue · 01

The Canyon Amphitheatre

Hewn from the rock, our 500+ capacity heart space. Stage, dance floor, natural swimming pool & waterfall.

Canyon Sky Bar
Venue · 02

Canyon Sky Bar

Yoga Pavilion
Venue · 03

Yoga Pavilion

Open-air pavilion & labyrinth at the entrance to the Gratitude Canyon walkway.

Party Bus
Venue · 04

The Party Bus

Bespoke venue & bar — blue velvet, baroque finishes, chandeliers. Available for private hire.

Infinity Dam
Space · 05

Infinity Dam

Hand-built over four months. The community swim and sundown spot — uninterrupted views.

Gratitude Canyon
Space · 06

Gratitude Canyon

A quiet sanctuary canyon — for intimate ceremonies, yoga & meditation retreats.

Art Walk
Space · 07

The Art Walk

Torii Gate
Space · 08

Torii Gate

Art Car Collection
Collection · 09

Art Cars

01.3 · The land

A landscape that shapes you.

Million-year-old canyon

Calcified stone watching over an ancient waterfall. A natural amphitheatre that has been the focal point of POD since the day it was found.

Off-grid by design

Solar power topped up by generator, water from the Infinity Dam and on-site boreholes, stone walls cooled by their own mass. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

Roam & explore

Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, birdwatching and stargazing across 3,700 hectares of open Karoo. The land is yours to walk.

01.4 · Site map

How the land is laid out.

POD site layout
Hover to zoom · tap & drag on mobile

The full property

POD 1 is the main hub — kitchens, showers, the Canyon, the Party Bus, the Infinity Dam. POD 2 sits roughly 1 km away, dedicated to BYO camping and quieter stays.

The airstrip runs to the south-east of POD 1. Around them, hiking and bike trails radiate into the wider 3,700 hectares.

See directions
02
Chapter 02 of 06

Stay

02.1 · POD Living

Two stone hubs. One sky.

Two natural-stone habitation hubs — POD 1 and POD 2 — built from the stone of the land they sit on.

POD 1 is the main hub: kitchens, hot showers, the Canyon, the Party Bus, the Infinity Dam & the bulk of the shared spaces. Multiple pad locations (Pads 0, 1, 2, 6), plus Spot Camp, Bottom Camp and Top Camp.

POD 2 sits roughly 1 km out — strict BYO camping, the quieter half of the property. Open skies and full silence.

Power is solar (topped up by generator). Water is drawn from the Infinity Dam & on-site boreholes. Ablutions: Glamping Loos for the upper camps, Groovy Loos & Showers as the communal block.

POD accommodation layout
Hover to zoom · tap & drag on mobile
POD accommodation layout
02.2 · Four ways to arrive

From BYO tent to luxury dome.

BYO Camping

Wild Camp (POD 2)

  • 1 km from main camp
  • Bring your own tent & gear
  • Access to braai & ablution facilities
  • Open skies, full silence
For self-sufficient travellers
BYO Camping

Main Camp (POD 1)

  • Pitch beside the main camp
  • Bring your own tent & gear
  • Walk to kitchens & showers
  • Close to the canyon & bar
Most popular for events
Pre-pitched

Tent Under Shade

  • Set up & waiting for you
  • Shade structure included
  • Bring bedding & sleeping kit
  • Power point at communal area
Single supplement available
Glamping

Luxury Dome

  • Pre-made dome tent for two
  • Quality mattress & camp light
  • Under shade, near facilities
  • Single supplement available
Limited — books out first
02.3 · Full contribution rates

Every option, every extra.

Quoted rates are per person, for 2-night stays. Longer stays, group bookings & private use — tailored quotes on request.

Option Notes PP sharing Single supp.
BYO Camping Self-provided tent & gear Wild Camp / Main Camp R1,000
Dome Tent Under shade · 48 available Bring bedding R1,600 R2,400
Glamping Tent Under shade · 24 available Bedding optional R2,200 R3,000
Caravan Fixed · 4 available Power on site R2,200 R3,000
Vintage Camper Van Priscilla & Gemima · fully equipped Two characters, one each R3,000 R4,000
Round Room (2-bed cottage) Permanent stone room · sharing 2 nights · bedding not included R3,000 R4,000
Full-board catering 2 meals daily · pre-payment required Min. commitment applies R1,100
Party Bus hire Bar & sound — private hire R15,000 for 100+ attendees · R5k deposit R10,000
Audio-visual & sound hire Through MindHive Quote on request POR
Staying longer?
Rates above are for 2-night stays. For 4+ nights, group bookings, private use of the venue or kids' rates — get in touch and we'll send a tailored quote.
Get a quote
02.4 · What's included

What's on the land — and what's on you.

What you get with every stay
  • Access to all communal kitchens & fully-stocked counters
  • Hot showers (solar-heated)
  • Access to all spaces: Canyon, Pavilion, Dam, Art Walk
  • Communal fires & quiet corners
  • Drinking water (sulphurous tang — safe to drink)
  • Off-grid solar power for charging at communal points
  • 3,700 hectares to explore on foot or by bike
What you bring with you
  • Bedding (sleeping bags, sheets, pillows) — not provided
  • All meals & cooking gear (unless catering is booked)
  • Cooler boxes — one for drinks, one for food
  • Head torch with spare batteries
  • Biodegradable toiletries & single-ply toilet paper
  • SPF 50+, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel
  • Braai wood (highly valued)
  • Warm layers for winter mornings & evenings

See full packing guidance in 05.3 — POD Tips.

03
Chapter 03 of 06

Events

03.1 · 2026 calendar

Our annual rhythm.

Six events across the year — from cold-water retreats to desert symphonies. Each one a different lens on the same land. Tap any card for full pricing, programme & accommodation.

03.2 · Past events

How we got here.

Recaps from the gatherings that shaped POD.

03.3 · Private use

Host your own event.

Available to POD passport holders: private hire of any venue or the whole property — for weddings, retreats, festivals or ceremonies.

What you can book privately
  • Whole-property hire (capacity scales with camp choice)
  • Canyon Amphitheatre for a single ceremony
  • Yoga Pavilion for retreats & workshops
  • Party Bus & Sky Bar for events
  • POD 1 or POD 2 hub on its own
Add-ons
  • Full-board catering at R1,100 pp / day
  • Audio-visual & sound hire (MindHive)
  • Volunteer / training apprenticeship slots
  • Custom infrastructure builds with the POD crew
  • Airstrip access (with owner authorisation)
04
Chapter 04 of 06

Community

04.1 · Our story

From a vision in 2014 — to a hive of activity.

POD · by definition
  • noun. a detachable or self-contained unit on an aircraft, spacecraft, vehicle, or vessel, having a particular function.
  • noun. an elongated seed vessel of a leguminous plant such as the pea, splitting open on both sides when ripe — germination.

This idea captures and embodies our vision of Place of Dreams.

When the farm was bought in March 2018, it was a large tract of land lying fallow for many years. There was no development aside from some fencing, a single track into the property, and a few defunct windmills and boreholes.

The story began in 2014, when founder and visionary Chris Conradie started a new chapter in his life. He embarked on a journey of exploration — festivals, healing ceremonies, getting to know people from all walks of life. These experiences gave him a glimpse of how beautiful life and humanity could be, and he became motivated by a strong desire to create a community of capable people with an ethos and culture of doing.

His vision was an environment in which people could feel free to be their own authentic selves, unhindered by the expectations and norms of conventional society. A space that captured the essence of independence and freedom, embodying true community — balancing the builder-participant-creator with the spectator-consumer.

Since its inception, POD has welcomed many interesting, inspiring fellow travellers and seekers, all of whom have added to and improved on the original plan. The POD is now a hive of activity with a genuine heart beat. Together, the team and friends have broken soil, forged new spaces, opened access to water, and built solar energy infrastructure. The first steps are completed — ready for those who seek a better way.

2014
The vision

Chris Conradie sets out through festivals and healing ceremonies, looking for a different way of being together — one that balances builder-participant-creator with spectator-consumer. POD begins as an idea: a space for authenticity, freedom, and genuine community.

2018
The land

March 2018: the farm is purchased — 3,700 hectares of undeveloped Karoo land. Almost no infrastructure. A blank canvas of stone, sky, and silence.

2019—23
Building

Roads cut through previously inaccessible parts of the property. Solar infrastructure goes in. Boreholes are sunk. The Infinity Dam fills. POD 1 & POD 2 stone hubs rise. The Canyon Amphitheatre is shaped. Solar-lit walkways appear; the Party Bus opens as the bar.

Today
A hive of activity

POD is now a working community with a genuine heartbeat. The team and community have completed the core infrastructure, positioning the space for those seeking a better way. The work continues — together.

What has been achieved to date

A large fleet of vehicles and machinery — bulldozer, TLB, front-end loader, trucks — alongside a full-time construction crew, have seen the core infrastructure of the farm solidly laid.

  • A network of roads opening previously inaccessible parts of the farm
  • Full solar energy — we are totally off the grid
  • Boreholes drilled and dams built, including the Infinity Dam reservoir
  • POD 1 & POD 2 accommodation hubs, with showers and toilets
  • The Canyon Amphitheatre — for parties, concerts and festivals
  • Solar-lit walkways down to the canyons
  • The Party Bus — a bespoke desert bar
  • Registered 1.2 km airstrip
04.2 · POD people

Who keeps this running.

A team of builders, fixers, drivers, designers & performers — each holding a piece of the place together.

Chris Conradie
Chris Conradie
Founding father
Tanya Futter
Tanya Futter
Performance facilitator & mother hen
Eric Turk
Eric Turk
Architectural designer
Raymond Herron
Raymond Herron
Finance & administration
Lectric Licks
Lectric Licks
DJ / musicians
Marky Pharoe
Marky Pharoe
Team head
Jan a people
Jan a people
Fixologist & Huachuman
Ebrahim Thomas (Tommy)
Ebrahim Thomas (Tommy)
Driver
Das van die Plaas
Das van die Plaas
Master mechanic
The POD Crew
The POD Crew
Everyone else who shows up & builds
04.3 · The POD ethos

Not governed by rules.

Not governed by rules — motivated by a passion to build a life made of dreams.
— The POD ethos
04.4 · Structure & Trust

How POD is governed.

The Council

A Council of active participants makes policy decisions, resolves disputes, and guides POD's future direction. Ultimate governance sits with POD Trust, chaired by Chris Conradie with six board advisors.

The legal frame

POD (Pty) Ltd holds the title deed of the land and owns all fixed structures. Operating entities sign usufruct agreements with POD (Pty) Ltd — clear terms for engagement, conduct & revenue sharing.

Membership & the POD Passport

Contributors are active participants in the space. The Trust receives 20% of revenue from operating entities, and for-profit operations make room for volunteer slots & training apprenticeships funded by the Trust.

Intentionality & learning

POD hosts international scholarship students and local learners through grant programs — paired with professionally-run businesses in a twinning learning model across entertainment, health & the arts.

04.5 · For you

How to join in.

POD is built by participants, not consumers. Four ways to step in — from a quiet introduction to becoming a member.

01 · Membership
Intentionality Form

POD is a like-minded co-created space, built on mutual respect, authentic conversation and conscious energetic exchange. Capacity is limited and demand is high — so we ask you to fill in a short intentionality form before we approve membership for certain events.

The form asks: your motivation for joining, what you can contribute to enhance the experience for others, and how you can support POD's development. Plus the basics — name, contact, prior attendance, communications preferences.

There are no right or wrong answers. We're listening for honesty, alignment and intention.

02 · Collaboration
POD Collaboration

Bring your craft. Artists, builders, engineers, designers and makers run their own initiatives inside POD — sometimes alongside the Trust, sometimes independently. Volunteer slots and twinning apprenticeships are funded directly by POD Trust.

If you have something to make, build, run or teach — this is the door.

03 · Contribute
Contribute

Whether financial, material or in time, every contribution goes back into the land. The Trust receives 20% of revenue from operating entities and uses it to fund infrastructure, training apprenticeships and scholarship programs.

A circular economy, by design.

04 · Fly in
Fly to POD

POD's 1.2 km registered airstrip is open to members with owner authorisation. A short indemnity form, and you're airside. Land where you arrive.

Antonov pilots especially welcome.

Airstrip details
05
Chapter 05 of 06

Practical

05.1 · From the road

How to find us.

Cape Town to POD is roughly 3 hours of tar and another hour of dirt. Don't rush it — the road is part of the experience.

Cape Town → Ceres
1N1 toward Paarl (or Wellington to skip the toll)79.8 km
2Old N1 / R101 (Rawsonville signs)7.3 km
3Goudini Way4.3 km
4Goudiniweg5.0 km
5Michell's Pass / R4329.1 km
6Michell's Pass / R46 through Ceres → R355 (becomes dirt)49.5 km
Dirt road → POD 1
7Dirt road5.9 km
8Right onto R356 toward Sutherland7.2 km
9Bear left toward Sutherland · cross Doring River & further river crossings25 km
10Right at "Place of Dreams" sign (opposite Karrekolk Farm)5.5 km
11Through farm gate · past Camp Deliverance & Workers Village
12Main gate at POD 1
Before you set off Make sure you have a workable spare tyre, tyre iron and jack. Maximum 80 km/h on dirt. No cell signal on the dirt section. Don't travel at night. Leave all farm gates as you found them.
05.2 · Fly to POD

The POD airstrip.

Land where you arrive.

POD operates a registered 1.2 km airstrip on the property, certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Membership contribution and owner authorisation required — a quick indemnity form gets you airside.

POD's own aircraft is the Antonov An-2 Colt (Polar 1) — a 1977 vintage workhorse with extraordinary short take-off and landing. 1,000 hp, 562-mile range, can fly as slow as 30 mph.

Runway length
1.2 km
Runway width
18 m
NW point
32°57'34.8″S 19°59'27.4″E
SE point
32°57'56.9″S 20°00'02.9″E
CAA registered ✓ Owner auth required Indemnity on arrival flypod@placeofdreams.co.za
05.3 · POD tips

How to arrive prepared.

Tankwa is honest country. The more prepared you arrive, the more freely you can let go once you're here.

Tip · 01
Leave no trace

Pick up after yourself and others. Cigarette butts don't break down naturally — take them home. All rubbish leaves with you.

Tip · 02
Mind the electrics

Solar power is limited. No kettles or hairdryers — anything with a heating element will trip the system. Use gas where you can.

Tip · 03
Keep your food cold
  • Freeze items before arrival
  • Wrap food in newspaper for insulation
  • Separate cooler boxes for drinks & food
Tip · 04
Clean as you go

Communal kitchens, communal showers. Clean up after every use — not when you leave.

Tip · 05
No pets

Animals are not permitted on the property. The land is shared with wildlife — please leave yours at home.

Tip · 06
Food & cooking

Bring all your meals, cooler boxes, utensils, stove, gas, tea, coffee, milk, condiments, snacks. Onsite water is drinkable but tastes faintly sulphurous — bring bottled if you prefer.

Tip · 07
Camping & personal

Tent, shade structure, mattress, chair, bedding, head torch + batteries, biodegradable toiletries, single-ply loo paper, meds, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, SPF 50+, swimwear, towel.

Tip · 08
Winter prep

Cold mornings & evenings. Warm jacket, beanie, boots, gloves, scarves. Layers are everything in the Karoo.

Tip · 09
Bring braai wood

Wood is highly valued out here. Bring more than you think you'll need — share it. Also welcome: hiking shoes, games, music gear, bicycles, festive attire.

Tip · 10
Event transport

During large events, personal vehicles are restricted on farm roads. Bring a bike for independence, or use farm transport between venues.

05.4 · Housekeeping at POD

Self-reliance, always.

We have no staff to clean up after you. POD is all about self-reliance, folks.

1
Empty all bins

Empty all bins in the POD kitchen and leave them completely clean. Take your garbage with you when you leave. No food scraps behind.

2
Pack the kitchen back

Utensils, crockery, cutlery and appliances all go back in the cupboards. Wipe surfaces, sweep the floor, wipe down appliances. Don't leave things on the drying rack for someone else to pack away.

3
Clear the fridge

There's nobody to remove spoiled food after you go. Whatever you brought, you take.

4
Bathrooms

Keep facilities sanitary. Replenish toilet paper. Bin your rubbish.

5
Shared spaces

Sweep, clean, and leave as you found the space. Don't remove any property from the venue.

6
Caravans, campers & glamping

Empty all containers and take all waste. Bedding and furnishings stay: pillows, blankets, cushions, mattresses, chairs. Respect your neighbours.

06
Chapter 06 of 06

Visit

06.1 · Booking enquiry

Come build
a dream with us.

Tell us when you'd like to come, who's coming with you, and what you're imagining. We'll send back a tailored quote.

06.2 · Buy event tickets

Six events, one calendar.

The year at POD, at a glance. Tap any event below for the full programme, accommodation tiers and clear per-person pricing — tickets are sold through the POD ticketing portal, membership required.

BYO camping from R1,500 pp (Tankwa Drome) up to full-glamping packages. Kids under 18 free on BYO at POD Easter.

2026 · annual calendar Past Upcoming Next up
06.3 · Find us

The full address book.

Address
R356, Sutherland Road
~50 min from Ceres
Karoo Hoogland 6835
South Africa
Coordinates
33°06'S   19°44'E
Airstrip
NW: 32°57'34.8″S 19°59'27.4″E
SE: 32°57'56.9″S 20°00'02.9″E