Eenboom Game Farm

Eenboom Game Farm

Description

The farm’s registered name is Vlakterand, but locals have for centuries referred to it as Eenboom, a name it derived from a very big and ancient old blue gum tree that was visible for miles around. Local lore has it that the name was first given by a Khoisan tribe that inhabited the area at the beginning of the 19th century. While the original Eenboom tree still stands, today, however, there are more large blue gum trees on the farm.

Millions of years ago the entire area was covered by the sea, which, after having receded, left behind the natural rock and soil formations so typical of the region. At some point a massive volcanic eruption also added its artistry to the spectacular scenery of the area. A map dating back to 1843 shows the name for the larger area as being Kannaland. The name Kannaland is derived from ganna, a species of succulent. Ancient people living in the area discovered that when chewing the ganna, they experienced hallucinations.

Once the haunt of wandering tribes of Khoi and San (Bushmen), the area was later settled by European settlers and their descendants.
The farm of Eenboom was settled along with other farms in the area after 1700 when the settlers attracted to the remote corners of the Overberg, closer to the coast, began searching for new land to farm. Their requirements were an ample supply of water and the soil had to be fertile. The area between Barrydale and Montagu, where Eenboom is situated, was found to be particularly desirable. Eenboom was first settled by farmers of European origin around the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century. While most of Eenboom remained totally unspoilt wilderness area, the small part that had once, many years ago been farmed commercially, had long ago been returned to nature after farming activities ceased .

The farm also lies within the Cape Plant Kingdom, an area of "Meditteranean" vegetation that is found in the southwest and southern Cape, and is recognised as one of the Six Floral Kingdoms of the world. It has a rich and varied plant life, with about 8 600 kinds of flowering plants.

Average rainfall for the area is around 350mm per year with sunny skies for most of the year. Moderate temperatures are the order of the day, although highs of 35°C are not uncommon during the summer months, which are from November to mid-April. Spring is from mid-August to November with pleasant temperatures reaching midday highs of around 15 to 20°C. Winter days can be quite cold in the early mornings but usually develop into bright sunny days with temperatures of around 15 to 18°C.

WHAT EENBOOM OFFERS …

Besides the unbelievable beauty, sunsets and clean air one can enjoy:

• Enchanting walks in the mountainous nature along   15km of trails
• Adventurous hikes into the many ravines
• Cycling, walking and jogging along well-kept paths
• Game and bird watching
• Fishing (during summer)
• Studying of exotic wild veld flowers and fynbos
• Collecting rocks and stones shaped by an ancient   volcanic eruption
• Searching for the elusive Bushman rock art said to   be in the area
• Viewing the old buildings and ruins on the farm,   dating from the mid to late 1800’s
• Trips to the nearby towns of Barrydale and   Montagu that offer many interesting sights and   experiences
• Hikes in the nearby Langeberg mountains and   Tradouw Pass
• All the places of interest along the nearby Route 62
• Swimming in our dams in summer
• Clean, serviced and well-appointed   accommodation
• Conference facilities
• Friendly atmosphere and hospitality
• A safe environment, crime free and with nearby   medical facilities
• Excellent service and personal attention

 Accommodation

Two of the cottages have cosy fireplaces in the kitchen for those chilly winter evenings. Television is installed in the lounge area of each cottage. Two cottages have 2 bedrooms each, while the other three have 1 bedroom each. Bedrooms are airy and modern, complimented by clean bathrooms. In each cottage an open plan kitchen is well fitted with microwave ovens, fridges, crockery and cutlery. Two cottages sleeps 4, one cottage sleeps 3 and two cottages sleeps 2.

 Outside there are barbecue facilities for that favourite South African culinary pastime, the braai. After a long day in the veld, just pull up a chair, pop the cork off a chilled local wine, sit back and enjoy… the silence, or the sounds of birds, spectacular sunsets, great vistas, clear blue skies, the smell of meat on the coals or the warm sunshine.

Contact Details Karl Smith 028-5721862 028-5721862 + 27 ( 72 ) 906 6221 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

GAME, BIRDS AND WILDLIFE …

Eenboom offers ample game and wildlife viewing. Visitors can drive or cycle to numerous viewing points or watch the wildlife at several dams, from vantage points on the hills, or from the many hiking trails. Some of the game even at times venture right up to the guest cottages. At present there are five buck species on the farm, namely Bontebok, Springbok, Duiker, Mountain Reedbuck (Rooi ribbok), Cape Grysbok and Red Hartebees. More species will be introduced from time to time.

Other game that can be seen on the farm include the very shy Cape Leopard, Caracal (Rooikat), Jackal, Porcupine, Bushpig, giant Mountain Tortoise, smaller Veld Tortoise and Water Tortoise. In addition numerous snake species are found at Een Boom, such as the majestic Cape Cobra, the lazy Puff adder, the well-camouflaged Boomslang (tree snake) and more.

For bird lovers there is an abundance of wild bird life. Listen to the calls of the Hadeda ibis flying overhead as they return to their roots in the area. Spot the elegant Blue Crane as it meanders along, pausing on one leg. Or locate the many raptors and vultures in the mountains and hills, or circling high up in the air looking for prey.

Furthermore, what is known as the Cape Plant Kingdom is a "Meditteranean" vegetation that is found in the southwest and southern Cape, which includes Kannaland and the district where Eenboom Game Lodge is situated. It is recognised as one of the Six Floral Kingdoms of the world. Despite being relatively small it has a rich and varied plant life, with about 8 600 kinds of flowering plants. There are many evergreen shrubs as well as the vast number of indigenous species known as fynbos . Visitors can walk in the veld and admire the many plant species. More adventurous guests can also venture to the nearby Langeberg mountains where they can engage in hikes or climbs of varying degrees of difficulty.

Facilities

Assistance with planning of daytrips to surrounding places of interest is available by arrangement.

These include, 4X4 trips, Ouad bike adventure trips, restaurants cellars tours etc

FACILITIES…

In addition to accommodation, Eenboom also boasts excellent conference facilities that cater, among other things, for:

• Conferences
• Seminars and workshops
• Executive planning sessions
• Team-building events
• Year-end functions
• Birthday parties
• Wedding receptions

Special offers

Directions