Pampoen Fontein

Pampoen Fontein Farm offers self catering accommodation in a tranquil setting situated on a plateau high in the Olifants River Mountains near Porterville, two hours from Cape Town. We offer complete peace and quiet within a thousand acres of wild flowers, sandstone mountains, pristine dams and spectacular views.

Flora: hundreds of species of fynbos; some rare, endemic and endangered. Fauna include: Grey Rhebok, Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Chacma Baboon, Rock Dassie, Cape Fox and Leopard. Birds include: Verraux's Eagle, Cape Sugar Bird, Southern Double-Collared Sunbird, Cape Batis, Cape Robin-Chat, Familiar Chat, Cape Francolin, Karoo Thrush and Bokmakierie.

Activities:

Hiking: We have several marked trails of various difficulties. All traverse areas of pristine, rare fynbos and offer spectacular views. Designated sites invite sunset drinks or picnics. You are likely to come upon a herd of Grey Rhebok or a rare species of Protea or Leucospermum.

Swimming: We have pristine dams suitable for summer swimming. White sandy beaches for small children near a shelter to escape the sun.

Mountain Biking: There are various trails on Pampoen Fontein and on the mountain as a whole. Challenges range from a very steep tarred pass, through fairly level dirt roads to rugged mountain paths.

Bird and plant identification.

Fishing: One of our dams has been stocked with Clanwilliam Yellowfish, C. Sawfin and C. Redfin. They are not breeding as we had hoped they would so we do not allow fishing for the moment.

Paragliding: Pampoen Fontein has an excellent launch site and hosts a number of championships each year.

Groot Winterhoek Widerness Area: Situated a few kilometers beyond Pampoen Fontein this magnificent 31000 hectare wilderness offers trails and rock pools set in pristine mountain fynbos and spectacular sandstone mountains.

Agritourism: Pampoen Fontein is a working farm with several hectares of cultivated proteas, olive groves, a few Nguni cattle and horses. In season you may cut cultivated Proteas and Pincushions by arrangement!

Porterville: 20 minutes away, offers shopping, restaurants, a sports bar, museum, golf course and gym.

Accommodation:

We have five self-catering cottages for hire, each fully equipped with kitchen utensils, linen, firewood, soap, cleaning materials; even tea and coffee are provided! All you have to bring are food and drink.

Heron House has its own swimming pool.