Beaverlac Nature Reserve - Porterville

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 San 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 the cottages.

Vegetation
Vegetation consists of a variety of Mountain Fynbos. In summer the Ericas are particularly beautiful and the veld resembles a colourful patchwork. The endemic Ixianthus Retzoides commonly known as River Bells grows along the Ratel River.

Wildlife
The area is a sanctuary for several wildlife species and someimes you can hear the cries of Baboons as they forage in the mountains. Beaverlac's rich diversity of birds includes the majestic Black Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and colourful sunbirds and is truly a paradise for bird lovers.

Our rivers are home to Clanwilliam Redfins and the rare Clanwilliam Yellowfish, both protected species. Bass occur in abundance. Fishing in the Olifants is a 5km walk or cycle so make a day of it and pack a picnic basket.

The area hosts several species of which the Rhebok and Klipspringer are most likely to be spotted, unlike the caracal, wild cat and shy leopard.

Lying just 25kms outside of Porterville and only 2 hours drive from Cape Town lies this little talked about gem in the Olifants River Mountains of the Cederberg.

Over 5 000 hectares of wilderness gives one the opportunity to completely unwind amidst beautiful specimens of fynbos, naturally occurring waterfalls and enchanting pools that appear as if by magic and prove perfect stopping points on the various mountain bike trails (biking enthusiasts rate the trails as well worth it, particularly if you head off into the mountains to some of the more carefully hidden mountain pools) and hikes in the reserve.

Beaverlac has been touted as a haven for nature lovers and is highly rated amongst botanists.

Aside from the waterfalls there are also some incredible rock formations and bird life that includes sightings of the black eagle.

Evenings are filled with the sounds of frogs – there are two rivers, the Olifants and the Ratel (honey badger) that run through the reserve – nocturnal birds and the rustling of other night animals, and to ensure peace, no radios or music are allowed in the reserve.

Beaverlac lies virtually behind Porterville, up in the mountains and has a lovely campsite in the shade of pine trees for those wanting to overnight. One of the best walks available in the reserve, which is actually situated on Grootfontein farm - a natural heritage site in its own right -, is the Leopard Trail. It isn’t long for starters (those wanting to attempt more strenuous tasks will be keen to try the Dwars River Trail or Olifants Trail) but it does take one through a sequence of pools along the Ratel River and allows one to easily make a day of it.

If you are interested in going to Beaverlac, please call: 022 931 2945, or visit www.beaverlac.co.za