HOEDSPRUIT – If life on a private nature reserve and being in love with an ecologist tickles your fancy, your go-to is the Boer Soek ‘n Vrou candidate from Hoedspruit on the popular KykNET programme.

Only known as Boer Francois, women can now woo him with a letter to be submitted before December 4.

The Herald reached out to Francois to hopefully learn a bit more about this eligible farmer.

A life shaped by conservation and the bush

According to Francois, his days are a blend of hands-on wildlife conservation and detailed research.

Some mornings, he might be removing snares from wildlife or collaring an animal for tracking, while afternoons are often spent behind a desk compiling reports and analysing data. Yet, for him, it is the bush itself that makes the work worthwhile.

“I love being out in the wild, constantly surrounded by nature,” he says. “It is more than a job, it is a lifestyle.”

Farming and conservation are deeply rewarding, but they are not without challenges. Recently, Francois faced the difficult task of balancing intensive fieldwork with research deadlines, all while ensuring the reserve’s animals remain safe and thriving.

Now, he is opening his personal life on Boer Soek ‘n Vrou.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” he admits. “It’s a mix of excitement and fear.”

Why Francois turned to Boer Soek ’n Vrou

The decision to join the show was driven by a desire to find a partner who could embrace bush life. “I’ve struggled to find someone willing to live away from the city and fit into my lifestyle,” he explains.

His criteria for a partner are simple: kindness, spontaneity, and a love for adventure.

“Being an ecologist affects my love life,” he says. “Many women I’ve dated preferred city living or couldn’t work remotely. That makes it challenging to form a lasting connection.”

Filming adventures

Filming has already provided unforgettable moments. During the first introductory episode, a breeding herd of elephants charged the crew, a thrilling and slightly terrifying experience that is still talked about by the production team.

Despite the intensity, he describes the other contestants as genuine and adventurous, people he could easily enjoy a beer with.

Describing himself as spontaneous, genuine, and passionate, Francois hopes audiences will see that his intentions are sincere. “If you really want to be with someone, you need to be willing to step out of your comfort zone,” he says.

His ideal date is simple yet spectacular: a sunset drive to spot leopards, followed by a glass of wine on a koppie as the sun dips below the horizon.

Dating a farmer is not easy, but with the right partner, Boer Francois hopes the show will provide adventure and laughter, and hopefully, a partner!