623 ha Farm in Port Elizabeth Central

Maitland Mines

Location

Maitland Mines is situated alongside the coast, 6km from Maitlands Beach, 30km from PE airport and approx. 55km from Jeffreys Bay.

Size

Made up of thirteen titles the farm is just over 623ha in extent.

Description

I am a huge fan of the Maitlands area and the property overlooks the Maitlands River mouth and is bounded by the coastal dunes to the south and the Maitlands River gorge to the west plus the De Stades River to the north and north-west. Because of its relatively high rainfall and deep fertile soils this farm displays a microcosm of lush sub-tropical thicket, towering coastal forest, fertile savannah grassland and even patches of coastal fynbos including the long leafed cycad. The topography is diverse enough to be interesting while still being accessible with the high ground consisting of open rolling country separated by well wooded valleys and the dramatic kloofs formed by the above mentioned rivers. The neighbour to the east is the Maitland Mines Nature Reserve which is one of the best kept secrets amongst hikers and bird watchers. From the elevated spots the property has truly superb views of the Lady Slipper mountain range and panoramic sea views. With the areas exceptional carrying capacity, the farm is home to cattle, sheep and game and with its undulating topography and varied habitat, it provides for an enjoyable game drive experience.

Veld types

Historically the bulk of the farm would have been classed as displaying the sub-tropical thicket and coastal forest biomes, which have since largely been cleared to create the pleasing blend of open grassland and mature trees on the more sloping ground. There is a fantastic diversity of tree species including Yellowwoods, Cape Ash, Milkwoods, Wild Olive, Cabbage Trees, Boer Bean (Schotia), White Ironwood, Knobwood and Sweet Thorn to name but a few. The Maitlands region boasts amongst the highest, sweet veld carrying capacity in the province. Couple to this truly superb browse with a good ratio of palatable to unpalatable tree species. The overall carrying capacity for grazers would be estimated in the region of a sustainable 1LSU to 2ha meaning the farm can carry 311 LSU and this is without factoring in the 15ha of irrigable land (supplementary) which can be put into production to boost the numbers. Conservative stocking ratios and sound management have ensured that this farms cocktail of sweet grasses remains healthy. The open areas are dominated by pasture grasses with Kikuyu, Rhodes and Eragrostis being the dominant species, while around the forest areas and where the tree canopy is broken there are lush stands of Panicum. The net result of the above is a habitat that is ideal for a diversity of game at a stocking ratio that will ensure an impressive density or alternatively continue farming mainly with livestock and game to a lesser degree.