Porterville is a picturesque town on the slopes of the beautiful Olifants River Mountains at the foot of Voorberg, within the Bergrivier tourism region of the West Coast of the Western Cape.

This unspoilt country town of some 9 000 inhabitants is a land of extremes, offering diversity, hospitality and authenticity. The region is famous for the rarest of flowers, the Disa Uniflora. It is the only place in South Africa where one can see fields of these flowers in nature, the rarest being the sulphur yellow Disa, which has been found only in one small colony in Porterville.

Climatic conditions vary from dry, hot summers with powerful thermals (making it the ideal location for paragliding enthusiasts) followed by severe winters, with snow on the mountain peaks and storms rolling in from the Atlantic coast in the west. The Dasklip Pass takes one to the mountain and the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve. Hiking trails, to places called De Hel and De Tronk, reveal dramatic rock formations and an abundance of flora and fauna. De Hel has one of the largest natural rock pools in South Africa. The Waterfall Trail is so named because of the constant waterfalls which flow down towards undulating wheat fields. Also to enjoy is the Porterville Cellars with their own unique organically produced wines.

Places to Stay
- Flyers Lodge +27 (0)22 931 3416
- Mountain View B&B +27 (0)22 931 2626
- Rendezvous +27 (0)22 931 3484
- Twintrees +27 (0)82 304 6868
- Beaverlac camping and self-catering +27 (0)22 931 2945
- Porterville Hotel +27 (0)22 931 2178
- Berghoff Self-catering +27 (0)22 931 2937
- Isabellas self catering +27 (0)82 564 4749

Things to do and see
The town of Porterville is small enough to enable half day walkabouts. Pop in at the Jan Danckaert Museum and get information on some of the historic buildings to explore, of which the impressive Dutch Reformed Church, situated in the centre of town, is one. Quite a few examples of Victorian vernacular is hidden in the suburbs and within walking distance. Choose from a variety of coffee shops to take a break during your stroll and interact with the locals. Selected shops display arts and crafts of the prolific number of artists residing in town.
Porterville is also the gateway to a selection of adventure and outdoor experiences, situated on the edge of town and at Porterville-on-the-Mountain. From hard-core adventure activities to eco-tourism options, provide ample choice for a weekend getaway.
Remember that summer (November – March) temperatures can reach the high 30s – fortunately most accommodation facilities has swimming pools, which offers relieve. Winters are usually wet and cold, with possible snowfalls on the surrounding mountains.

PARAGLIDING/HANG-GLIDING:

Flying sites as mentioned on www.porterville.co.za
1. Dasklip:
The launch site sits above the road at the top of the pass. On the left is the hang-gliding ramp – a steel structure built in the mid-1980s by the enthusiastic HG community, the steel for the structure (and the energy for the project) being supplied by Tony Krieger and the construction undertaken by a number of individuals.

To get here, follow the R365 northward out of Porterville; and turn right at the Dasklip/Cardouw sign, after about four kilometres. A further 8 km on this sand road brings you to the base of the tarred pass road, which you climb to the launch site. Before driving up, stop here and survey the landing field which lies to the west (left) of the sand road.

The launch site faces WNW and a good explanation for reading the wind is most important. Thermic activity is frequently misread as wind “gusts”, resulting in much time being wasted waiting for smooth conditions; especially on strongly thermic days. Your briefing at the Lodge will help in this regard, or better still, an on-site briefing may be called-for.

2. Leeuwenkop:
Leeuwenkop (NOTE: This site is not suitable for beginners, either in hang-gliding or paragliding)

This is a relatively new site for paragliding – the large launch-area having been created a few years ago by the illegal clearing of much natural fynbos scrub, and the removal of part of the pine forest. Originally explored as an alternative hang-gliding launch-site, the small area on the south was enlarged westward to form a natural earth-ramp; and this was then extended by the construction of a west-facing wooden ramp. Not long after completion, this wooden structure was destroyed (in the next of our periodic mountain fires), leaving a not-too-safe area from which some paraglider pilots still tend to launch. The newly-cleared area changed this, allowing relatively easy launches for multiple pilots.

The thermal pattern here can be quite difficult to read; and a good briefing is essential. The strength of thermals immediately in front of the launch slope will often take an inexperienced pilot (and many an “experienced” one) by surprise. The reason for this is 1), the steepness of the western slope where fast-rising thermals are little affected by wind; and 2), the regular multi-thermal lift in this area where the gradient suddenly steepens from around 45 degrees to a vertical cliff. The slope below the cliff contains several gulleys, which act as thermal channels; and it is the mixing at launch-height of two or more of these thermals which creates the turbulence which has woken many a pilot from easy-launch complacency.

HANG-GLIDING:
Both sites cater for the hang-gliding enthusiast, but the Dasklip ramp seems to be the preferred launch for most pilots. This is almost as much for the accessibility as for any safety concern. Close parking, rigging- and setting up a hang-glider for launch are much less hassle at Dasklip. The one apparent advantage of the HG-launch at Leeuwenkop is the vertical thermic pattern just at launch. This enables an experienced pilot to get airborne in one step; but the daunting aspect of “getting this wrong” plays a major role in many a lower-air-time pilot’s launch-site decision.

BEAVERLAC
As a natural heritage site, Grootfontein farm is committed for posterity to the preservation of one of the few remaining wilderness areas. Owned by the Olivier brothers, Grootfontein farm adjoins the Groot Winterhoek Mountain Catchment Area and the Cederberg Leopard Conservation Area and is a successful example of agritourism.

The rivers have channeled their way through rock formations into deep pools and waterfalls. There are several caves on the farm, some of which are decorated with paintings. All rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act and the best means of preservation is restricted access.

The rustic and tranquil campsite surrounded by wild mountains offers meditative peace and quiet and is a balm for the soul. A spectacular mountain pool with waterfall is within a 5 minute walk.

Those who don't want to camp can book one of their cottages. Their shop sells wood, beer, wine, ice, bread, snacks and other basic items. Shop hours are seasonally dependant, please ask at reception for more details.
www.beaverlac.co.za

ADVENTURE & OUTDOORS
Birding: The endangered blue crane are often spotted in large numbers. If you’re lucky you may spot a pair doing their elaborate courting dance routine. Keep a look out for these gracious birds who frequent the wheat fields surrounding town. Regular sightings of the booted and Verreux’s Eagle are recorded on the mountain.
Beaverlac 022 931 2945/www.beaverlac.co.za
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area 021 483 0190/www.capenature.co.za
Pampoenfontein 022 931 2860/www.pampoenfontein.co.za

Disa Tours: Porterville is disa country and the town made history years ago when the scarce yellow disa unifora was discovered here in a small colony. Since then the yellow disa has not been spotted again. The “Pride of Table Mountain”, the magnificent red disa, are still present in the area and are in full bloom during February. These delicate flowers flourish in the cool areas around waterfalls, where it tenaciously cling to cliff edges. Though they can be spotted in numerous location on the mountain, to ensure a sighting, contact Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area for guided walks during season. Booking is essential and all walks require a permit.
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area 022 931 2860

Mountain Biking: The area has of yet not any accredited trails, but many accommodation establishments on the mountain offers informal biking on their properties. Do ask your host about these opportunities. Campers at Beaverlac often explore the area by bike.
Beaverlac 022 931 2945/www.beaverlac.co.za

Hiking & Kloofing: The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area with its ‘rugged rock formations, clear mountain pools and a patchwork of fynbos’ is a hikers dream. It offers a selection of marked hiking trails, of varying lengths and many provide welcome swimming opportunities. Here hikers do not have to stick to trails. You can explore the area’s rock formations and caves, and overnight in the veld. Kloofing is an adrenalin-pumping way to explore Groot Winterhoek and its clear mountain pools. Die Hel to De Hoek is a demanding kloofing route, with no footpath. It involves a combination of hiking, leaping off cliffs into deep pools and swimming through mountain streams. Kloofing is not for the faint-hearted and is 9.5km.
For bookings contact Cape Nature 021 483 0190/www.capenature.co.za

Some accommodation establishments on the mountain offer informal and unmarked hiking trails on their properties, but is offered at own risk. Do ask your host about these opportunities.
Also try Pampoenfontein 022 931 2860/www.pampoenfontein.co.za.

Paragliding & hang-gliding: The area’s location, topography and climate makes Porterville a popular paragliding venue. Local operators provide shuttle services to launch sites on Dasklip Pass which also provide a spectacular view of the area. Spectators are welcome to witness launches.
For all paragliding enquiries contact: Flyers Lodge 022 931 3416/www.porterville.co.za

Rock Art: Originally the region was inhabited by the San (Bushmen) centuries before the arrival of the Dutch Settlers and the mountains in the region contain numerous rock art sites. Rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act (1969) and vandals who deface rock paintings face high fines. Therefore most of the sites, now located on private land, are not open to the public. Examples of some of the rock art is on exhibit in the Jan Danckaert Museum in town. For the more energetic, as reaching these sites often include strenuous activity, the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area offers some remarkable examples of San and Khoi rock art. These paintings, found in rocky overhangs and caves, vary between 300 and 6 000 years.
Beaverlac also has several caves on the farm, some of which are decorated with paintings. Access to these are only permitted if accompanied by a guide.
Jan Danckaert Museum: 022 931 3528
Cape Nature 021 483 0190/www.capenature.co.za
Beaverlac 022 931 2945/www.beaverlac.co.za

Waterfalls & rock pools: Definitely one of the ‘must sees’ of Porterville, the area boasts a 22-waterfall route, numerous clear mountain pools and spectacular waterfalls. Visitors with limited time to their disposal can opt to visit the start of the 22 waterfall route, situated on the edge of town on the farm Waterval. Day visitors can get access to this stunning attraction at a modest fee. Though the whole route requires some degree of fitness, the start of the route will satisfy even the laziest. The complete circular route offers panoramic views overlooking the valley of Porterville and Piketberg. At Beaverlac the rivers have channelled their way through rock formations into deep pools and waterfalls. A spectacular mountain pool with waterfall is within a 5 minute walk from the camp site. The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area is home to one of the area’s natural gems, namely Die Hel. Die Hel is a 15 m long pool. The pool is very deep and one of the largest in the Western Cape. The route is easy until you reach the gorge. The descent to the swimming pool is very steep and difficult.
Waterval: 082 878 1358
Beaverlac 022 931 2945/www.beaverlac.co.za
Cape Nature 021 483 0190/www.capenature.co.za

ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Jan Danckaert Museum: The Jan Danckaert Society was established in 1973 and the Museum in 1979. The Museum was named after the leader of the first expedition that travelled through this area in 1660. The building was erected in 1879 and was initially used as the court. The exhibits focuses on the local history of the town and surrounding area and has an extensive collection of agricultural implements on display. The Museum also has some replicas of the San Rock Art as found in the area – of which the Galleon is the best known. The Museum curator will also be able to direct visitors to some of the historical buildings in town.
Operational hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00; Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: 022 931 3528

Gift shops: local craftsmen’s work is available at selected shops. For a variety of gifts, arts & crafts and home-made produce, visit these shops:
Kaya Crafts, Décor, Gifts : 073 788 9720/083 463 7123
Delicious: 082 413 6511

Wine tasting: Visitors to Porterville have two choices, either enjoy barrel fermented wines produced by garagiste, or do a wine tasting at the Porterville depot of the Tulbagh Wine Cellar. During harvesting season (February) local garagiste, Fan Oliver shows visitors how barrel fermented wine is produced according to the old ways with a vintage winepress. The Porterville cellar has been certified to manufacture organic wines. During December and February the Cellar is a hive of activity as grapes are brought in by the truckload from the surrounding farms. Wine connoisseurs should pop in at the Porterville Cellar for a taste of the Porter Mill Station range of export wine, recently branded as one of Porterville Tourism’s trademark products.
Houdconstant 083 625 0525
Tulbagh Wine Cellar 022 931 2170

Special notice: The Tulbagh Wine Cellar is currently closed for renovations and will be opening August September 2016. Operational hours to be announced.
more information at www.portervilletourism.co.za