Walking in tired, and literally limping, and leaving rejuvenated with a bounce in my step. A week of passionate therapists and amazing treatments under the guidance of Dr Rautenbach. And the food was a treat from arrival to depature. Definitely HIGHLY recommended .
Kwendalo founder, John Cavill – a successful tech entrepreneur – has been a lifelong student of the journey towards a more comprehensive approach to wellness. With vision and determination – often locked down in the UK – John has steadily gathered a team of passionate and exceptional therapists and subject specialists who are cultivating Kwendalo into a place that will nurture and nourish the mind, body and soul of all who visit.
Gift brings twelve years’ of extensive farming experience on the Garden Route to Kwendalo’s farm and gardens. Familiar with both the inner workings of the farm and the guest experience, Gift aims to continue growing and evolving our beautiful gardens leading the Kwendalo Gardens team to work with the land to bring about maximum benefit for our guests from our chakra, medicinal and market gardens, with maximum benefit to the earth around us.
Hanli Rautenbach qualified as a homeopath in 1999 and has been in full-time practice for over 20 years. She worked closely with the late Mrs. Anneliese Cowley of the St Francis Health Centre in Port Alfred and managed the centre after her death until late 2019. She has completed several courses in kinesiology and iridology and believes that the mind-body connection is a powerful healing force.
Dr. Hanli is available daily, by appointment. POA.
Dr. Matthew Zylstra is Programme Director with the Kwendalo Institute and coordinates the research, education and outreach programmes being implemented through the Institute. His is developing Nature Referrals (NRx) – a local multi-stakeholder programme that empowers primary healthcare professionals to formally ‘prescribe’ nature-based activities as part of a complementary lifestyle intervention for optimal wellbeing. Matthew is also creating education courses that speak to the Institute’s mission of promoting dynamic nature-inspired learning for human and planetary health. From a research perspective, Matthew tracks innovations in human-nature connectedness as well as evaluating the impacts of nature-based interventions for conservation, education and wellness.
Matthew Zylstra is a systems ecologist focused on deepening the human-nature relationship for the health of people and planet. He has over 20 years of international experience in social-ecological research and outdoor facilitation. Matthew completed his MSc at Wageningen University (2005) and a transdisciplinary PhD at Stellenbosch University / The Sustainability Institute. His research explored how meaningful nature experiences motivate pro-environmental behaviour for action in sustainability education. Insights from this research have informed several global initiatives, such as #NatureForAll and the Planetary Health Alliance’s education framework. He was a founding co-director for Living Lands (2007-2011), education associate with Sea Change Trust (2014-2019) and field lecturer for Wildlands Studies university programmes in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand (2009-2018). Matthew is a Scientific Advisor for NatureFix and Research Fellow with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University. He is also registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
Contact Matt on institute@kwendalo.co.za
With over 20 years of experience in the corporate environment, Simoné brings a strong background in graphic design, guest relations, and wellness to the Kwendalo team. Her career journey also includes more than a decade as a professional makeup artist, as well as running her own successful skincare business for five years, deepening her passion for health, beauty, and holistic wellbeing.
Simoné’s experience in hospitality is equally notable, having worked at prestigious 5-star game lodges such as Chitwa Chitwa and Gondwana Private Game Reserve. Her daily interactions with guests and staff have shaped her commitment to exceptional service and authentic connection.
A passionate lover of photography, nature, and wildlife, Simoné finds joy in spaces that celebrate natural beauty, mindful living, and personal transformation — values she proudly shares through her work at Kwendalo.
Patricia comes to Kwendalo with a wealth of guesthouse experience and an exceptional attention to detail. Her passion for interior design and creating welcoming, nurturing spaces is sure to be noticeable to our guests and makes her the ideal candidate for managing Kwendalo’s housekeeping.
General Manager
My name is Ryan de Lange, and I am an experienced entrepreneur and business director with a proven track record of leading and developing ventures both within South Africa and internationally. With a career spanning over two decades, I have been privileged to work across a range of industries, including wellness and hospitality. My expertise lies in strategic business development, operational management, and leadership across diverse organisational structures. I have consistently demonstrated the ability to identify growth opportunities, implement efficient systems, and build high-performing teams that align with an organisation’s vision and long-term goals. Having worked across national and international markets, I bring a global perspective to business, combined with a deep understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory environments. I am passionate about driving meaningful and measurable outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical leadership and values-driven entrepreneurship. I continue to be inspired by innovation, collaboration, and the opportunity to create businesses that are not only commercially successful but also socially and environmentally responsible.
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