Our living temple
The current incarnation of the Jazzfarm Sweat Lodge is our sixth version — a continuation of a sacred tradition that began in 2006, when the first 15-person lodge was raised.
Its structure is crafted mostly from wattle saplings, subtly reinforced with bamboo. Inside, we line the dome with hessian, and cover it with 800 bundles of African thatch — enough to retain the heat while still allowing breathability. The summit of the dome remains open to the elements, enabling fresh air and even soft rain to enter; yet, during ceremony days it is draped with blankets to trap heat without suffocating the space.
Our journey
For decades, every month or so, we “pour” the lodge — inviting a circle of strangers and friends, healers, nomads, and seekers from all around. We are not aligned with any specific doctrine; the sacredness of our lodge is created by the people who enter it. All beliefs and paths are honoured within its darkened fold.
Over time, the lodge has evolved, always staying true to its original spirit:
- The original structure (2006) was built by Gogo Dom du Bruyn and Eidin Griffin, with light materials and held about 15 people.
- In 2009, a wider, more permanent structure was erected, accommodating up to 24.
- In 2015, we again rebuilt — and that version served us until 2022.
- Our latest “Rainbow Sweat Lodge” was completed in November 2022, funded through the kindness of longtime community supporters and constructed with local craftsmanship.
Over the years, we’ve hosted groups diverse in nationality, background, and purpose — a true rainbow of humanity.
What awaits you
Once fully occupied (usually capped at 25 people), the lodge becomes dense with energetic resonance. The pressing challenge is often not the heat so much as maintaining poise while seated on a grass mat in close proximity to others. The darkness becomes a conduit: some choose to sing loudly in anonymity, others sit in meditative silence, and some simply breathe in the healing.
Whether your purpose is detox, mental clarity, emotional release, inner exploration or grief, you’re welcome. We invite you to go beyond perceived limits and get lost in the mystery of the lodge.
What to bring and expect
You’ll need to be comfortable in the lodge. Bring a sarong, bathing suit or loose-fitting clothes. We discourage nudity in our lodge.
On the day: eat mindfully; keep your intake light and clean, minimising sugar, caffeine, and processed food.
Bring a towel for a post-sweat plunge in the pool, and a dry change of clothes.
We typically enter at sunset and conduct about 2 hours of ceremony divided into four 30-minute rounds. Timing may vary by season.
You’ll be starving when we are finished. There is always a hot meal to fortify you for your journey home.