Campsite Spotlight: 22 Waterfalls, Porterville

We head to 22 Waterfalls at foot of the Olifantsrivier Mountains near Porterville to explore a magical hiking trail and set up camp at “Stompkamp”, one of the farm’s off-grid and off-site camping options…

“A waterfall wonderland for campers and hikers!!”

Situated just outside of the peaceful town of Porterville in the Western Cape, 22 Waterfalls is a privately-owned family-working farm, just an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. The Waterval farm is also proclaimed a private nature reserve that is home to one of our favourite hiking trails…

“Waterfall vacation farm is not just a bussiness, it is our home. We are a close family who want to share all of God’s beautifull nature with others. In our family we love, serve, teach, and learn from one another. We share our joys and our sorrows.” – 22 Waterfalls

The Campsite

Although we opted for ‘Stompkamp’, (more about this later), 22 Waterfalls has a number of different campsites – with or without electricity – to choose from. All campsites are situated along the river and under beautiful, tall shady trees with breathtaking views of the mountain in front of you. The 4×4 Camp and Stompkamp are located off-site and although both are still as beautiful and scenic as the main campsite, they cater to those looking for a bit more privacy. 

Stompkamp 

Once you’ve signed in and collected your firewood (take more than you think you’ll need if it’s winter), a short scenic drive along a gorgeous forest trail will lead you to Stompkamp, our personal favourite of all the campsites at 22 Waterfalls. En route, you’ll pass the small communal ablutions before reaching 4×4 Kamp, followed by Stompkamp. 

Stompkamp is our kind of campsite: rustic, off-grid and off-site. Unless the entire farm is fully booked, which is unlikely, you’ll feel as though this little piece of the forest is all yours – with no one around but the birds and the sound of the river rushing past.

Being off-grid means you’ll need to be pretty fully self-sufficient, with your own source of power and lighting. A battery pack, solar panels and a working light are enough to keep you charged and ‘lightened up’ for a weekend. Each stand at Stompkamp has its own rubbish bin, as well as a braai, but you will need your own grid and braai equipment. 

Need battery and power solutions for your next camping trip? Click here to RENT it all from Go Camp

The stream alongside Stompkamp offers delicious fresh drinking water and runs consistently in winter, so you don’t need to worry about taking extra water with you. 

WATCH: Camping & Hiking at 22 Waterfalls

Activities

Hiking

As the name suggests, the out-and-back hiking trail ascends from the main camping area onto a fairly steep mountain trail along 22 beautiful waterfalls. The +/- 7.4 km trail is considered moderate-difficult and can become more challenging, particularly after Waterfall 3 and if you’re inexperienced or with young children.

If you want to manage all 22 of the trail’s waterfalls you’ll need to plan for at least a half day’s hike and be sure to stick to the yellow-painted markers along the route and not get confused with the circular route.

Food and beverages (other than water) are prohibited from the trail and although some might argue, we did notice how much more serene a litter-free hiking trail can be, and it stands out magnificently with crystal clear rock pools sparkling along it!

Other activities to enjoy (if you have time and energy after hiking) include mountain biking on the farm (single track with tactical areas) as well as freshwater bass fishing in the farm dams. During your stay, be on the lookout for some of the lesser spotted animal life at the farm, like the Klipspringer, Cape Leopard and Ribbok. 

Porterville is rich with fun activities and fantastic new experiences and is one of the best places to spend your holiday. Click here for more information.

Location

What you need to know:

The Stompkamp Camping area is a no-electricity campsite
Campsites with electricity are available at the main campsite
No pets are allowed
NO music or late-night noise is tolerated at any of the campsites
Children have to be accompanied by an adult at the waterfalls and when swimming at the dams

More info:

Pricing

From R350 per night for 1 – 4 persons (children 2 years and older seen as a person)
(Please confirm the above pricing with the establishment).

Contact

Phone: Cell +27 82 878 1358

Disclaimer: We do our best to ensure that the information we feature on Go Camp is correct at the time of publication. However, these details provided to us are subject to change over time. Please verify any pricing or locations ahead of a trip with the relevant establishments.

Also see: Setting Up Camp at Kleine Paradys, Piketberg

This campsite was recommended by Bergrivier Tourism. For more campsite recommendations from Bergrivier Tourism click here.