Pampoen Fontein

FAQ’s

Escape to the mountains for spectacular
scenery in safe, isolated comfort.

Q: Are there snakes?

A: There are snakes, but they are rarely seen.

Q: Are we allowed to play music?

A: No. There are two problems: in the mountains, sound carries a long distance, and most people visit Pampoen Fontein for the peace and quiet.

Q: Can we bring our dogs?

A: Dogs are welcome on the farm, subject to a few provisos: bring their own bedding, keep them off the furniture, clear their mess in the direct vicinity of the cottage, and keep them inside or on a lead when there are baboons around.

Q: Do I need a 4X4?

A: Most of our guests don’t have 4X4 cars. I wouldn’t try it in a very low-clearance car like a Ferrari.

Q: How far from each other are the cottages?

A: The cottages are between 200 to 300 meters apart.

Q: How far is Pampoen Fontein from Cape Town?

A: Two hours from Rondebosch.

Q: Is there T.V.?

A: Only Heron House has DSTV by prior arrangement.

Q: What are the roads like?

A: The pass up the mountain is tar but narrow, so go slowly. There are 9 kilometers of dirt road before the pass, which is occasionally corrugated. There are also 4 kilometers of dirt at the top of the pass, which should also be driven slowly.

Q: What do we do when we arrive?

A: Proceed straight to your cottage and make yourself at home; the key will be in the door. The duty manager will check in on you within 24 hours.

Q: What do we need to bring?

A: Just what you need to eat and drink, and swimming towels during the summer. The kitchens are fully equipped (including washing-up soap), the bathrooms have soap and toilet paper, and the beds are made up. Firewood must be preordered – bring firelighters.

Q: What is there to do?

A: Hiking, cycling, climbing, swimming (in one of our pools or the dam), bird and animal watching. Best of all is just to sit quietly and enjoy the view in silence.

Q: We are going to a party in Porterville.

A: It would be unwise and inconvenient to use Pampoen Fontein as a base for attending an evening party in Porterville – the drive takes at least 20 minutes and would be unsafe if the driver were under the influence of alcohol.

Q: Where are the nearest shops?

A: The nearest shops are 30 minutes away down the pass in Porterville.