| Name | Deelfontein Guest Farm & Dome Arts Centre (DGF) |
|---|---|
| Type | Trail Association, Guides & Tours |
| Activities |
|
| Website |
| Phone | +27 83 280 9784 |
|---|---|
| Geo | |
| Address |
Deelfontein Guest Farm
Vredefort Dome
9595
South Africa
|
The farm Deelfontein, which covers 170 hectares of near-pristine bushveld in the Bergland mountain range in the Vredefort Dome, a geologically unique formation about 120 km southwest of Johannesburg, on both sides of the Vaal River. The farm lies on the southern side of the river between two of the concentric ridges typical of the Dome. Deelfontein is 20km from Parys, 14km from Vredefort, and 45km from Potchefstroom in the Free State.
Mountain Biking (to see hiking trails, select hiking in the dropdown menu at the top of the screen)
On the farm a network of picturesque farm roads and challenging single track trails offer the mountain biker unforgettable cycling experiences in the safety of this beautiful nature area. The MTB trails traverses challenging mountainous terrain, in near-pristine bush- and grassveld. The routes include dirt roads, farm tracks and single track sections. The grading varies from easy to highly technical.
Cyclists are welcome to use the trails at any time - a day rate of R100.00 applies and booking telephonically or by email is essential. The trails are well mapped on the Trailforks App, which works on all IOS and Android devices - no cell signal is required. Changing rooms, showers and braai facilities are available next to the swimming pool and overnight accommodation is available in several guest houses and a bush camp (details below).
About the land
The height above sea level varies between 1400 and 1600 metres, and the climate is continental. In the wet and hot but never blistering summers, the Dome is transformed in a lush and green paradise. Characteristic for the winter, dry and mostly sunny, are the large daily temperature differences, from freezing at night to comfortably warm during the day. In the fertile and deep soils of the valley, maize and fruit were produced. Since many years, however, the old fields have been lying idle and are slowly invaded by the indigenous grasses and thorn trees.
The stone ridges are covered with the tree veld characteristic of the Dome, in which Acacia caffra dominates. Various animals occur naturally: Small mammals such as hares and porcupines, antilope species such as duiker, hartebeest, reedbuck and kudu, as well as predators like lynx and leopard.
Due to the limited agricultural potential of the area, nature has remained largely intact in the Dome. Most of the owners are keenly aware of the threats to the environment and the land use tends toward eco-tourism, ensuring a sustainable future for the area. Various game farms and tourist enterprises offer outdoor activities such as bow hunting, hiking, rowing and adventures. Also at Deelfontein, activities are limited to those that are environmentally friendly, such as hiking and mountain biking, and the necessary development is done using the latest green technology.
However, the beautiful natural surroundings, the quietness and the seclusion have more than just tourism potential. It also offers ideal circumstances for effective and concentrated learning far away from the distractions of the city.
Dome Arts Retreat
At the Dome Arts Retreat, concert projects, master classes and educational and recreative courses in music and the arts are presented for professional and amateur musicians, students and the interested public. This year's programme, activities and current courses is published on the website.
The facilities are available to organisers who wish to present seminars, courses, functions and other events at Deelfontein.
The aims of the Early Music Forum Africa are promoting performance of non-contemporary music on period instruments and according to historical performance practice, as well as organising master classes and educational projects in early music. These activities form the mainstay of the Arts Retreat programme.
Accommodation at Deelfontein
Experience peace and quiet far from the distractions of the city - tourist accommodation on the secluded farm Deelfontein, situated in the heart of the Dome. Accommodation options include
- Deelfontein Court (under construction)
- Oom Kosie se plaashuis (Guest House, 11 beds)
- Oom Hannes se plaashuis (Guest House, 16 beds)
- Break-away Rondavel for 2 (Double bed)
- Deelfontein Bush Camp (16 beds)
Deelfontein offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities:
- Swimming in the 15 m pool
- Hiking on a variety of shorter and longer day hikes or on the five day Meteorite hiking trail
- Mountain biking on more than 50 km of trail, ranging from easy to extreme.
- Stargazing in the equipped observatory
- Birdwatching in a variety of habitats
Deelfontein Observatory
Equipped with a 12" Schmidt-Cassegrain-telescope and several other telescopes, the observatory at Deelfontein offers research opportunities and stargazing outings. Prior booking for stargazing (at least 30 days in advance) is essential, and use of the telescopes is possible only under expert supervision or after training.
Deelfontein Veteran Car Museum
The collection of oldtimer cars include a Pontiac (1931), De Soto Airflow (1934), Mercedes Benz (1959), Jeep Wagoneer (1964), Ford Thames Trader (1961) and a Fordson Dexta (1961). The museum building is under construction.
Farming Activities
Deelfontein covers 170 hectares bushveld in the Vredefort Dome. Herds of indiginous goats, Damara sheep and Nguni cattle are held. Animals are available from time to time. Raw honey from beekeeping on the farm is offered for sale.
source: Deelfontein Website
Mountain Biking (to see hiking trails, select hiking in the dropdown menu at the top of the screen)
On the farm a network of picturesque farm roads and challenging single track trails offer the mountain biker unforgettable cycling experiences in the safety of this beautiful nature area. The MTB trails traverses challenging mountainous terrain, in near-pristine bush- and grassveld. The routes include dirt roads, farm tracks and single track sections. The grading varies from easy to highly technical.
Cyclists are welcome to use the trails at any time - a day rate of R100.00 applies and booking telephonically or by email is essential. The trails are well mapped on the Trailforks App, which works on all IOS and Android devices - no cell signal is required. Changing rooms, showers and braai facilities are available next to the swimming pool and overnight accommodation is available in several guest houses and a bush camp (details below).
About the land
The height above sea level varies between 1400 and 1600 metres, and the climate is continental. In the wet and hot but never blistering summers, the Dome is transformed in a lush and green paradise. Characteristic for the winter, dry and mostly sunny, are the large daily temperature differences, from freezing at night to comfortably warm during the day. In the fertile and deep soils of the valley, maize and fruit were produced. Since many years, however, the old fields have been lying idle and are slowly invaded by the indigenous grasses and thorn trees.
The stone ridges are covered with the tree veld characteristic of the Dome, in which Acacia caffra dominates. Various animals occur naturally: Small mammals such as hares and porcupines, antilope species such as duiker, hartebeest, reedbuck and kudu, as well as predators like lynx and leopard.
Due to the limited agricultural potential of the area, nature has remained largely intact in the Dome. Most of the owners are keenly aware of the threats to the environment and the land use tends toward eco-tourism, ensuring a sustainable future for the area. Various game farms and tourist enterprises offer outdoor activities such as bow hunting, hiking, rowing and adventures. Also at Deelfontein, activities are limited to those that are environmentally friendly, such as hiking and mountain biking, and the necessary development is done using the latest green technology.
However, the beautiful natural surroundings, the quietness and the seclusion have more than just tourism potential. It also offers ideal circumstances for effective and concentrated learning far away from the distractions of the city.
Dome Arts Retreat
At the Dome Arts Retreat, concert projects, master classes and educational and recreative courses in music and the arts are presented for professional and amateur musicians, students and the interested public. This year's programme, activities and current courses is published on the website.
The facilities are available to organisers who wish to present seminars, courses, functions and other events at Deelfontein.
The aims of the Early Music Forum Africa are promoting performance of non-contemporary music on period instruments and according to historical performance practice, as well as organising master classes and educational projects in early music. These activities form the mainstay of the Arts Retreat programme.
Accommodation at Deelfontein
Experience peace and quiet far from the distractions of the city - tourist accommodation on the secluded farm Deelfontein, situated in the heart of the Dome. Accommodation options include
- Deelfontein Court (under construction)
- Oom Kosie se plaashuis (Guest House, 11 beds)
- Oom Hannes se plaashuis (Guest House, 16 beds)
- Break-away Rondavel for 2 (Double bed)
- Deelfontein Bush Camp (16 beds)
Deelfontein offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities:
- Swimming in the 15 m pool
- Hiking on a variety of shorter and longer day hikes or on the five day Meteorite hiking trail
- Mountain biking on more than 50 km of trail, ranging from easy to extreme.
- Stargazing in the equipped observatory
- Birdwatching in a variety of habitats
Deelfontein Observatory
Equipped with a 12" Schmidt-Cassegrain-telescope and several other telescopes, the observatory at Deelfontein offers research opportunities and stargazing outings. Prior booking for stargazing (at least 30 days in advance) is essential, and use of the telescopes is possible only under expert supervision or after training.
Deelfontein Veteran Car Museum
The collection of oldtimer cars include a Pontiac (1931), De Soto Airflow (1934), Mercedes Benz (1959), Jeep Wagoneer (1964), Ford Thames Trader (1961) and a Fordson Dexta (1961). The museum building is under construction.
Farming Activities
Deelfontein covers 170 hectares bushveld in the Vredefort Dome. Herds of indiginous goats, Damara sheep and Nguni cattle are held. Animals are available from time to time. Raw honey from beekeeping on the farm is offered for sale.
source: Deelfontein Website