The dirt road wound along the Goukou River for miles. Our scribbled directions said six, but it felt much longer as tight bends dipped into hollows then rose up for another view of the river. We were on our way to an organic farm and guest house in the Western Cape of South Africa. And after five hours in the car with our preschoolers, we were ready for a some calming nature therapy.

The Wild Olive Guest Farm is perched on the riverbank just upstream from the seaside town of Still Bay. I knew little about the farm, other than what I’d read in a guide book and gleaned from the website, but I was captivated by the thought of a weekend surrounded by trees, animals and organic veggies.

A stack of scientific research, as well as gut instinct, tells us that green spaces sooth the mind and mellow rambunctious children. The mere chance that vacationing with three tireless boys under five might include a smidgen of relaxation had me sold.

We were greeted by the friendly owners and their dog, Bob. Apparently immune to the effects of nature, Bob bounced and barked all over the kids then lead us to our cottage. We spent the afternoon with rabbits, goats, chickens, a pot-bellied pig, a vociferous donkey – and Bob. The kids ran, chased, fell down and explored, and as we lit the braai (a wood-fired BBQ and South African tradition) they fell asleep. And slept soundly all night long.

The following day, Hazel gave us a tour of the gardens. Hazel uses permaculture techniques, a way of replicating natural systems in farming.

The kids tasted gooseberries and black Roma tomatoes, while checking out the many “chicken domes” scattered through the garden. About the size of a four-person tent, the domes and the chickens are moved around the garden, turning all plant waste into fertile soil. It’s an inspiring set-up and Hazel is quick to share her knowledge.

And what to do on a scorching January day after gardening and gooseberries? Jump in the cool river of course. The Goukou River is tidal, therefore salty, therefore free of nasty parasites. Even so, the boys (husband included) followed their swim with a trip to the outdoor, rock and bamboo shower. Declining that event, I took a few minutes to relax inside the cottage. Well, one minute, after which I was jolted from my summer reading by several naked bodies (husband excluded) screaming and running through the yard: BIG spider in the shower.

Okay, so nature isn’t always calming. Still, the kids played happily outside for the rest of the afternoon, devoured a fresh-herb pizza from the farm kitchen and then slept peacefully through a second night. And for us, a family of incorrigible night crawlers, that’s nothing short of miraculous

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