Greenpop is excited to announce the return of its flagship tree planting and restoration event, Reforest Fest 2025, now in its 14th year. The festival takes place from 18-21 April 2024 at the picturesque Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Overberg Region.
Reforest Fest 2025 promises a rich, diverse experience that unites people with nature, art, music, and community. Participants of all ages will join forces to plant thousands of trees, camp under the stars, enjoy wholesome plant-based meals, and engage in a variety of workshops, classes, and live music performances.
The event offers a smorgasbord of activities for all ages, including interactive art installations, wellness workshops and classes, and a series of informative workshops led by expert facilitators. Attendees can savour locally sourced, seasonal food and bask in the natural beauty of Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat. Reforest Fest is not just an event; it’s a celebration of ecosystem restoration, fostering connection, learning, and sustainable living.
2024’s Reforest Fest Impact at a Glance
- 5000 indigenous trees were planted!
- 1200 activists, team members, facilitators, musicians, partners, and guest speakers came together to get active for the planet.
- 14 local & international musical artists performed.
- 62 talks, workshops, and other activities were attended.
- 11,500+ plant-based meals were served.
- 419 kg of waste was diverted from landfill and sent to be recycled.
- 527 kg of food waste was fed to pigs.
- 1652 kg of humanure from compost loos processed!
- 45 students, sponsored learners, and subsidised ticketholders joined us.
- 1430 km were cycled to the event.
- 53 incredible partners were involved.
Tree planting, art, community, live music, camping, and lots more come together at Reforest Fest! Our friends at Greenpop – are hosting their annual restoration event, Reforest Fest, at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat next Easter weekend. Reforest Fest is a unique event for people of all ages, to immerse themselves in a blend of tree planting, wellness activities, wholesome and unique food experiences, and a celebration of nature. This environmentally-centred festival is not only a gathering for personal well-being and the chance to reconnect to nature, but also a collective effort to restore and rejuvenate our surrounding coastal thickets and afromontane forests.
“Really an amazing experience, felt so connected – connected to the earth, connected to food, connected to the beautiful colourful delightful people, connected to music. It felt like a constant flow of enriching and refreshing energy was swirling effortlessly throughout the space. Definitely coming back, definitely recommending it to others.” -Ruth, Reforest Fest 2024 crew member
Restoring Indigenous Forests and Educating for Action
At the core of Greenpop’s Reforest Fest, which brings people together from all over South Africa and the world, is ecosystem restoration. Greenpop is committed to hosting a festival that not only sees the planting of thousands of trees, but is also committed to raising awareness and educating people about the importance of protecting our indigenous forests. This work is done in collaboration with our partners on the ground, Platbos Forest Reserve, and Platbos Forest custodian, Francois Krige. This year Greenpop’s goal is to plant 5000 trees over the weekend, and everyone is invited to get their hands into the soil with them.
(Photographer: Christian Khayo)
Treading lightly and getting creative with waste
Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat is a delicate site, maintained in a way that creates harmony with nature. By hosting over 1000 people on-site over the weekend, Greenpop is on a mission to ensure that this delicate balance is maintained and respected.
Greenpop’s goal at Reforest Fest is to make the event a zero-waste festival! From the food served, carefully crafted decor on site, to the recycling facilities, and the use of biodegradable soaps. At the 2024 event, 419 kg of waste was diverted from landfill and sent to be recycled. 527 kg of food waste was fed to pigs, and 1652 kg of humanure from compost loos processed!
(Photographer: Shari Lee Thompson)
Wholesome Plant-Based Food
Reforest Fest is committed to a sustainability-centred ethos throughout every aspect of the event, including the food served and the vendors partnered with at the event. Festivalgoers can indulge in a range of wholesome and nutritious plant-based food, sourced locally and seasonally from the Overberg Region. The festival’s vendors are encouraged to compost food waste, minimise packaging waste brought onto the site and ask festivalgoers to use their own reusable plates and cups when purchasing from their stands.
Reforest Fest 2024 saw 527 kg of food waste being fed to pigs on site, a true testament to how circular systems can be created with just a few conscious changes.
A Smorgasbord of Fun for All Ages
Bring your kids along, or unleash your inner child at Reforest Fest with the range of fun activities on offer. Parents can sit back and relax as their kids are entertained in the kids’ village, where art, story-readings, crafts and more come together. For the inner child in you, join the host of workshops and activations, from wood carving, wellness activities, live cooking demos, flower-crown making, drum circles and lots more!
(Photographer: Shari Lee Thompson)
Groove Into the Night with an Array of Live Bands, DJs and Musicians!
Reforest Fest hosts a variety of artists and DJs from across South Africa and the wider world, each year. From folky rhythms, techno beats and fireside jam sessions, there’s something for everyone! Some notable past performances include Zolani Mahola and Aaron Halevi from the former band, Freshly Ground; Greenpop co-founder and renowned musician Jeremy Loops; and the band Hot Water, known for their anthem “Wamkelekile” from Adam Sandler’s movie Blended.
Dive Into Informative Workshops and Talks
Reforest Fest is proud to host a range of industry experts, hosting workshops on everything from mycology to herbalism, to forest restoration and active citizenry. At Reforest Fest 2024, Greenpop in partnership with MINI South Africa hosted an informative panel discussion on the circular economy, waste management with the planet in mind, water security, food foraging and ditching the fossil fuel industry. Experts like Roushanna Gray from Veld & Sea, and Stephen Horn from Clean Creatives SA were two of the experts adding to the rich and informative nature of the panel.
(Photographer: Shari Lee Thompson)
Sunday Harvest Feast Celebrating the Flavours of the Overberg
The Sunday Harvest Feast was a highlight of the past two Reforest Fests. Celebrating the rich flavours of the Overberg Region, Chef Bridget Bartleman from Kolossal Hospitality will be joining us for the third consecutive year, with a specially crafted feast that spotlights the best of locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients.
With a ticket to this lunch, festivalgoers can indulge in a buffet of mouthwatering dishes, all savoured on the scenic lawns amidst the lush green hilltops of Bodhi Khaya. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed!
(Photographer: Shari Lee Thompson)
Unique Wine Tasting with WWF South Africa’s Conservation Wine Champions
WWF South Africa’s Conservation Wine Tent is a firm favourite at the event. Guests come through to enjoy a bespoke tasting experience, celebrating wines from some of the most sustainably and ethically-minded wineries in the Western Cape. Chocolate and honey are also featured on the tasting menu, expertly paired with the wines for a truly explosive taste experience.
(Photographer: Jessie Leverzencie)
Glamp in a Luxury Bell Tent
For festivalgoers looking to elevate their stay at the event, the glamping tents offer a stylish and comfortable accommodation option. Guests can enjoy the best of both worlds—immersing in nature while indulging in comfort—thanks to the thoughtfully designed luxury bell tents by Expedition Glamping. Each tent provides a roomy and cosy sanctuary, enhancing your festival experience.
(Photographer: Shari Lee Thompson)
Event details
- Dates: 18-21 April 2025
- Venue: Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat
- Learn more: reforestfest.com
- Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/Reforest_Fest_tickets
Please note: Greenpop’s Reforest Fest has sold out for the past three years, so it’s important to secure your tickets early. For the 2025 event, Greenpop will be using a staggered ticket sales model. Tickets will be released in phases, so make sure to buy yours during the earlier phases to get the best price.
