Welcome to EARTHBOX: A Truly Unique Underground Adventure at Lourensford

Hey there! Have you ever heard of EARTHBOX? It’s a wild and unconventional idea that might make you wonder if I’ve gone totally bonkers. But let me tell you, this experience is so extraordinary that it could only happen right here at Lourensford.

Imagine stepping into a massive underground chamber, not made of bricks and mortar, but sculpted from ancient earth itself. When I say underground, I mean six whole meters below the surface! And guess what? There are no familiar distractions, no usual points of reference. It’s like stepping into an entirely different world.

A Natural Haven

When I discovered EARTHBOX, a unique global experience, it was like finding a hidden gem on Lourensford Estate in Somerset West. The organizers of this extraordinary event carefully selected a field with the perfect soil – Malmesbury shale – to bring this concept to life. But it wasn’t just about the soil; they wanted the location to be breathtakingly beautiful too. As I strolled along the landscaped paths leading to EARTHBOX, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning Helderberg Mountains in the distance. It’s a reminder that nature’s wonders surround us.

As I stepped inside EARTHBOX, I immediately felt a connection to the ancient earth. The curved entrance guides you into a space that feels otherworldly, yet strangely familiar. And here’s a pro tip: take off your shoes and experience the rawness of the earth beneath your feet. By allowing our senses to engage with the soil, we can truly appreciate the essence of this unique experience.

When you step into this space, you’ll notice a slight dampness in the air and a coolness that feels comforting. The scent that fills your nostrils is the pure essence of clean earth, reminding you of nature’s vitality. Take a stroll, find a spot to sit, or simply stand still and let your gaze wander. As you do, you’ll realize that what surrounds you is not just any environment, but a living record of our planet’s history that dates back long before we humans came into existence. It’s a place of deep connections, almost like a womb or sanctuary, where you can truly lose yourself. And once you’re inside, you’ll notice how the space envelopes you, shielding you from the outside world with its unique acoustics and insulating properties.

A Journey Through Time

Imagine stepping into a place so magical that it feels like you’ve entered another world. A place where you can find solace, reflect on your thoughts, and experience a profound sense of peace. That’s what some people say about Earthbox: a truly mesmerizing space. Down there, it’s incredibly quiet, with moments of absolute darkness that leave you in awe. It’s as if you’ve emerged from the darkness, reborn into a new state of being.

If that all sounds too mystical for you, don’t worry. Earthbox is also a place of visual wonder. The chamber’s walls are delicately lit by beams of light, creating an ever-shifting display of beauty. It’s like watching a breathtaking poem unfold before your eyes.

Marina, the creator of Earthbox, describes it as a unique combination of attraction, art installation, and experience. It’s not just a place you visit; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored. Inside the cave-like interior, you’re invited to embrace silence and disconnect from your phone. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without any distractions.

Guided Audio Tours

Hey there! I’ve got some exciting news for you. I’m here to tell you about not one, but two audio tours that will make your experience even more amazing. So, let me give you the lowdown.

The first audio tour is all about the geology of the excavated space. It’s about 16 minutes long and it’s going to blow your mind. You’ll learn all about how the Earth was formed and the incredible forces that shape our planet. Trust me, it’s fascinating stuff.

But that’s not all. There’s also a guided meditation audio tour that you’ve got to check out. This one is 25 minutes long and it’s like a warm hug for your soul. It’s soothing, comforting, and full of wisdom. It’ll teach you to be present, to savor every moment, and to appreciate the wonder of being alive on this beautiful planet.

Calling all kids!

Hey kids, I’ve got something special just for you! We’ve created a super cool audio tour called “Discover the Earth” just for youngsters like you. If you’re between 5 and 12 years old, get ready to go on an adventure back in time. This tour will take you on a journey to explore the earth-shaking processes that have shaped our world. Get ready to have your mind blown!

Hey there! I have some exciting news for families with young kids. While EARTHBOX might not be the usual spot for children under 5, we now have a special daily family hour just for them. It’s a perfect opportunity for your little ones to explore and have a blast!

During this family hour, your kids are welcome to stomp around in the splash pool, wander through the grassy berms, follow the gentle paths, and even discover the underground chamber. Just remind them to keep their voices down, like they would in a library.

Awesome Adventures

If you want to plan an even more memorable visit, you can check out the curated experiences offered at EARTHBOX. We have a variety of activities for you to choose from!

Every morning at 8am, we partner with Life Retreat Studios to offer Body and Mind Sessions. You can join in on some yoga, Pilates, or Nia to start your day off right. Make sure to book your spot on Webtickets in advance, as spaces can fill up quickly.

We also have something special for music lovers. On the last Sunday of every month, we host Sunday Sessions, incredible music concerts in collaboration with Drum Gin. You’ll get to enjoy the concert in the chamber, and there’s plenty of time before and after to soak in the beautiful gardens while sipping on a refreshing Drum Gin cocktail.

Hey there, I’ve got something really cool to share with you! It’s called The Chef Series, and it’s an awesome event that happens every month. This is where celebrity chefs, like the amazing Vusi Ndlovu, come together to create these one-of-a-kind culinary experiences in an underground chamber. How cool is that?

Here’s what you need to know:

• You can only get tickets online, so make sure you book in advance. These events are super popular!
• To book your spot for any of the events or classes, you’ll need to go through Webtickets.
• When you arrive at the Lourensford parking area, don’t worry about walking all the way to the entrance pavilion – there’s a shuttle that will take you there in just five minutes. Easy peasy!
• Comfort is key, so make sure you wear comfy shoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even enter the chamber barefoot. And don’t worry – there’s a pond where you can wash your feet when you’re done.
• Plan on spending about 60 to 90 minutes for your visit, including around 20 minutes in the chamber. It’s important to take your time and really connect with the space.
• Just a heads up – this event isn’t suitable for children who are five years old and younger, unless it’s during family hour.

So there you have it! The Chef Series is an incredible experience that you won’t want to miss. Book your tickets in advance, put on your comfy shoes, and get ready to indulge in some amazing food. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

I’ve got something exciting to share with you! At the EARTHBOX shop, you’ll discover a unique selection of locally made art, souvenirs, and even one-of-a-kind pinch pots crafted from ancient clay found in the excavated chamber. And guess what? They only accept electronic payments, so leave your cash at home!

Now, let me give you the inside scoop on their opening times. The shop is open every day from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening. Just remember, the last entry is at 4:15 pm. If you’re interested in their Body and Mind Sessions, they kick off bright and early at 8 am. You can check out the schedule on their Webtickets page.

Let’s talk about the cost. For adults, admission starts at R150. If you’re bringing along your little ones, children aged 6 to 12 get in for R100, and kids 5 and younger get free entry! If you’re looking to enhance your experience, they also offer audio tours for an additional R50. And don’t forget about parking! It’ll cost you R20.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. The Body and Mind Sessions start at R160. If you’re free on Sundays, you can attend the Sunday Sessions for just R150. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in luck! The Chef Series starts at R3,500.

If you have any questions or need more information, you can reach out to them at info@earthbox.co.za. And for all you location enthusiasts, the EARTHBOX shop is located at Lourensford Wine Estate on Lourensford Road in Somerset West, Cape Town.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the EARTHBOX shop and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and wonder!