Witfontein is a non-commercial, privately owned wildlife estate.
This website provides general information about Witfontein Private Game Reserve, serving as an educational resource for those interested in nature and wildlife. Visitors to this website can explore various aspects of the reserve, including its wildlife, conservation efforts, and the unique ecosystem that thrives within its boundaries. Whether you're looking to learn more about sustainable practices in wildlife or simply wish to experience the beauty of nature, the Witfontein Private Game Reserve website offers valuable information for all age groups.
Our Commitment to Nature and Conservation
Witfontein Private Game Reserve is dedicated to providing an exceptional wildlife experience while promoting conservation efforts. Our farmstay focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that our family and friends enjoy the beauty of nature responsibly.
Witfontein Homestead is a 180-year-old original colonial farmstead surrounded by 125 hectares (308 acres) of private land, with traversing rights across the entire 2000-hectare (5,000-acre) reserve. So in essence, we personally own one twelfth of the estate, where abundant wildlife roams freely. There are endangered Cape Mountain zebras and a myriad of antelope, including eland, gemsbok, and kudu, as well as waterbuck, nyala, lechwe, and reedbuck.
The reserve is fenced for the safety of wildlife and residents, but individual properties are open to game. This is a magical place for children to roam freely, ride mountain bikes, go fishing, explore the nearby waterfall, and discover ancient rock art. There are views as far as the eye can see. Wander a few steps further for a dip in the pool, all the while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Here, your worries are forgotten faster than a zebra kick. It’s absolute nirvana for nature lovers and the epitome of a wildly beautiful lifestyle.
No matter how long we spend at Witfontein it never seems to be long enough.
Wildlife gem of the Western Cape
Bird life
The list of birds to be found on the Swartberg estate is growing all the time.
Over 200 species can be found on and around the estate.
Wildlife
The Swartberg Wildlife Estate is home to between 850-900 animals, mostly antelopes.
The species found:
1.Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra)
2.Giraffe (Girafe camelopardalis)
3.Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
4.Blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas)
5.Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
6.Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis)
7.Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
8.Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
9.Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
10.Gemsbuck (Oryx gazelle)
11.Eland (Taurotragus oryx)
12.Springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis)
13.Mountain Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula)
14.Common Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum)
15.Vaal Reedbuck (Redunca redunca)
16.Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)
17.Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii)
18.Cape Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis)
19.Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)
20.Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris)
21.Vaal Ribbok (Pelea capreolus)
22.Bat Eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis)
23.Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)
24.Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
25.African Wildcat (Felis lybica)
26.Honey Badger/Ratel (Mellivora capensis)
27.Cape Hare (Lepus capensis)
28.Black Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas)
29.Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis)
30.Caracal (Felis caracal)
31.Small Spotted Cat (Felis nigripes)
32.Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
33.Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus)
Many of the animals are regular visitors to our small dam and the lawns around the house.
Nearby Attractions
- Swartberg Pass – A World Heritage site - 15-minute drive
- Kango Caves – 20-minute drive.
- Calitzdorp – a small town famed for its wine and port – 40-minute drive.
- Oudtshoorn – Centre of South Africa’s ostrich farming industry – 40-minute drive.
- George and the Garden Route – 90-minute drive.
- George Airport – 90-minute drive.
- Karusa Premium Wines & Craft Brewery - Wine/Beer/Gin/Restaurant - 30-minute drive.
- De Kombuys Estate - Wine and Wagyu Farm - 20 minute drive
- Patat Restaurant - Patat, the Afrikaans name for 'sweet potato', is a hidden gem at the foot of the Swartberg mountains. Authentic South African cuisine with a modern fusion - 10-minute drive.