ietfontein, farm was purchased by us in 1996 as a de-stress getaway destination. It was the most Easterly farm of a range of farms once owned by James Douglas Logan and inherited by his grandson, Major John Buist together with the village of Matjiesfontein, now owned by the legendary David Rawdon. We started sheep farming with 100 pregnant Dorper ewes, old Abraham Adams and his wife Susan and the extended family. A small herd of Springbok roamed the slopes of Ghaapkop and there were the usual indigenous game such as Steenbok, Klipspringer, Grey Rhebok and Duiker in small quantities.

By 1998 we were learning and discovering more and more about the area in respect of the fauna and flora and felt that it was such a special and unique piece of land with its diversity of biospheres ranging from succulent Karoo to several kilometres of riverine area to mountainous fynbos vegetation that it was worth saving from grazing and rehabilitating naturally for posterity. The sheep were sold in April 1998 and more Springbok were introduced, some Gemsbok and Blue Wildebeest too. Good consistent rainfall over the following few years resulted in a remarkable re-growth in the veld with an increase in sightings of indigenous game.

In 2001 we approached Cape Nature Conservation about the possibility of having the farm declared a Private Nature Reserve. Cape Nature Conservation together with a botanist visited the farm, and both agreed it was indeed worthy of Private Nature Reserve status. Our proposal was accepted and we were thrilled to receive confirmation of our status on 13 September 2002.

he cottage which we built on the reserve near the main homestead has attracted an interesting group of visitors and nature lovers, many of whom have become friends. We have also renovated five, two bedroomed self-catering cottages which are over 100 years old on our boundary at Matjiesfontein which are also available for rental. Rietfontein also has a mini conference facility / lecture room.

The charming historical village of Matjiesfontein is situated at the entrance to Rietfontein Private Nature Reserve and is a most alluring attraction boasting a museum with a unique collection of items collected by David Rawdon, a Vintage car museum, pub and excellent coffee house. Matjiesfontein is famous for its breakfasts.

We regard ourselves as custodians for the time being of this lovely part of the semi-arid Karoo and feel privileged to share it.

ontact us

info@rietfonteinreserve.co.za
www.rietfonteinreserve.co.za

Tel: 021 852 5667
Fax: 021 852 5251