Porterville
145km from CT
Porterville is a quaint little town nestled on the slopes of the Olifant’s River Mountains, in an area dominated by the wheat industry. Porterville is well known amongst locals as the paragliding and hang gliding capital of the Western Cape, (the nearby Dasklip Pass), known locally as the small town with the big sky.
Porterville was first established in 1863 after Frederick John Owen, one of the original 1820 Settlers, subdivided his farm into plots, naming the town after the then popular Attorney General of the Cape – William Porter.
However, centuries before the arrival of Dutch Settlers, the region was inhabited by San and the mountains in the region contain numerous relics of the past, the most outstanding of which is a rock art painting of a sailing ship east of Porterville. (located on private land).
Sightseeing
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
Known for its extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes. The Reserve is situated in the Groot Winterhoek mountain range. The conservation area is particularly important for the conservation of mountain fynbos and wildlife, as a source of clean water to the Cape metropol and the west coast, and for outdoor recreation.
Disa Uniflora
The region is famous for the rare flower, the Disa Uniflora, and it is the only place in South Africa where one can see fields of these flowers in nature.
Jan Danckaert Museum
26 Mark St – was established in 1973 and the museum in 1979. The museum was named after the leader of the first expedition that traveled through this area in 1660. The building was build in 1879 and was initially used as the court and prison.
Beaverlac
Tucked high up in the Olifants River mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers a wide variety of hiking and mountain bike trails and rock pools are available for visitors.
22 Waterfalls
More a rock climbing experience than a hike. The name of the camp site, 22 Watervalle heralds from the 22 waterfalls you can see on the hike up the ravine at the campsite.
Sports & Adventure
Paragliding
Porterville offers paragliders a superb area to fly in. Known for it’s great cross country flying. Flyers can launch from the Pampoenfontein launch site on the mountains behind Porterville. Please check in with Flyers lodge before heading up the mountain because you need to sign in beforehand
Where to Stay
Flyers’ Lodge
The lodge is a quirky hang out for paraglider pilots and non-flyers alike. It features a bar, an enormous dining hall with a huge braai, veranda, swimming pool and a lawn.
EbonyMoon Guesthouse & Studio
Perfect getaway, great food and relaxation!
Shop & Eat
Koppikofi/Villa Cho-Co-Latt Guest House
Conveniently situated in the main road, yummy good food and an atmosphere that invites you to come again.
Rendezvous Guesthouse
The establishment has a guest lounge, restaurant and garden with wonderful mountain views