Articles
"Heaven or Hell"
Article
By: Sam Reinders
"The Lure Of
An Isolated Valley"
Article By: Engela Duvenga
Gamkaskloof - Heaven or Hell?
To answer this question you have to pay us a visit and decide for yourself.
Gamkaskloof, approximately 100 kilometers from Oudtshoorn in South Africa, also known as ("Die Hel") is surrounded by the Swartberg Nature Reserve.
Fonteinplaas, GPS Lat: 33°21'30.68"S - Long: 21°41'23.22"E, privately owned by Annetjie Joubert (neé Mostert) offers visitors overnight facilities in two historic farmhouses as well as on shaded campsites. You can read more about the Fonteinplaas accommodation options on the accommodation page. Accommodation is on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis with self catering an option. Meals are served in the "Oude Klowers Plaaskombuis" our fully licensed restaurant that specializes in traditional Gamkaskloof meals. We also cater for functions and weddings - read more here.
At Fonteinplaas you will find Annetjie, the only remaining, born and bred Gamkaskloofer at her Kiosk, where you can get anything from firewood, witblits, cold beer and cold drinks, to a variety of Gamkaskloof curios and organically grown fruit, both fresh (in season) as well as preserves. The latest specialty : Aloe Verox jam!
There you can chat and listen to Annetjie and relive the rich history of the Kloof, illustrated by various photo albums, books, magazine articles and of course the Kloof itself....
Interesting Facts
Gamkaskloof or "Die Hel" as it has become known, is a hidden valley, deep in the heart of the formidable Swartberg Mountain Range. The fertile valley runs in an east-west direction and is approximately 20 km long and 600 meters wide.
The Kloof gets it's name from the Khoisan word for Lion - Gamka - also the name of the river that enters the valley from the north. There are about 153 species of bird-life in Gamkaskloof, even the fish eagle makes it's appearance from time to time. Wildlife includes - Klipspringers, Grey Rhebuck, Rooikat, Porcupines, Leopard etc.
The Valley features the Gamka River, Camp sites, Picnic Sites, several historic houses and outbuildings, a school, a cemetery, and old norse watermill a landing strip and a curious history.
