A FAMILY THAT LOVES THE OUTDOORS
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we are the versfelds
Ian Versfeld has been farming on Vadersgawe since 2003. Originally a wheat farm, he gradually swapped over to deciduous fruit, establishing fruit orchards and increasing the size of the different water sources. When Nina joined him in the Warm Bokkeveld, she added her equine passion into the mix. You will rarely find a Versfeld indoors; for many years the freshwater lake was their own personal watersports haven before they decided to share it with the world. Nina is an avid waterskier, and sons Luke and Ben are already making waves, having competed in national waterskiing tournaments.
the warm bokkeveld
The Warm Bokkeveld is a lush valley tucked away in South Africa’s Western Cape mountains. It’s nestled between various picturesque mountain ranges – the Hexrivier Mountains to the south, Witzen- and Skurweberge to the west, and the Gydo- and Waboomberge up north. To get here from any direction, you’ll need to wind through at least one mountain pass (Gydo, Michells, Karoopoort, or Theronsberg).
Our region is all about adventure – think hiking, camping, zipping down zip lines, quad biking, abseiling, horseback riding, fishing, or even checking out ancient bushman rock art. And if you stay at Vadersgawe, you can add watersport to the list. If you’re around between December and April, don’t miss out on savouring some of the local fruit from the surrounding farms. And if you love cherries, head over to Klondyke Cherry Farm from mid-November to the end of December for some awesome cherry picking. An added bonus is the award-winning ciders of Loxtonia, just across the road, which can be sampled at the Tasting Room along with various Van Loveren wines and a snack menu. Eselfontein, also just down the road from us, offer legendary MTB single-tracks if you need another endorphin hit.
Note: Despite its name, the Warm Bokkeveld can experience snow on the surrounding mountains from July to September, adding a unique charm to this already stunning landscape.
faqs
How many people can you accommodate?
The campsite has three terraces that can accommodate a maximum of 6 family groups. To ensure privacy, the entire campsite is rented out to only one group at a time.
What do your ablution facilities look like?
We have a beautiful converted container building with two full bathrooms with wash basins, flush toilets, good water pressure showers, and ample railing and shelf space for towels and toiletries. The water is heated by gas, making sure that you can soothe those aching muscles after a day on the lake. An unexpected bonus is the view from the bathroom – offering a birds-eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We can’t comment on the view inside ☺
Is there a kitchen?
Our lake house (Lapa) has a kitchen with a two-plate gas hob for cooking, two fridge-freezers for food and drinks, cutlery and crockery for 12, with basic pots, pans, braai grids and utensils. An electric kettle, microwave and toaster is available for your convenience. Nespresso machine for the coffee aficionados. There is a dining table that can comfortably seat 8. The Lapa also has an indoor fireplace for braaiing (cooking meat) or to keep you cosy during the winter months.
Are there any lounge areas?
Inside the lake house we have a comfortable couch and two incredibly comfortable vetsak® bean bags. These may be moved onto the paved area outdoors. Trust us, once you sink into them, the only thing that will get you up is the lure of the water.
Is the site accessible to caravans?
The road to the campsite is accessible by any vehicles (2X4 and 4X4). The hill down the terraces are quite steep, so it is advisable to have a vehicle with some power if you want to get your caravan or camping trailer back up to the main road.
Is there enough shade?
On the edges of the different terraces we have planted Weeping Willows and Chinese Poplar trees that already provides shade till mid-morning and from early afternoon. As they grow, the shade will improve further. Have a look at our gallery to see the shade quality that we already offer.
Can I launch my boat with ease?
Our concrete slip launch ramp makes it easy for you to launch your boat into the lake. No 4×4 needed. Please note, no wake boats allowed.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Being offline is a luxury these days, but Wi-Fi is available should you need it. We’ll even hide the Wi-Fi password from your children if you want them to have the full unplugged experience ☺
Is there power supply?
We have six electricity connections on the camping terraces and the lake house has ample electrical sockets for your charging needs and to power the appliances we offer. In the now inevitable case of Eskom shedding the load, we have generator power (although this comes with a bit of ambient noise). The bathroom has gas geysers, so warm water will not be an issue.
Do you offer equipment for watersports?
We ask that our camping guests bring their own equipment and make sure that they are water-safe before using the lake.
Do you offer any water-safety services?
As this is a private freshwater lake there are no lifeguards or NSRI rescue services available. As with any open body of water, safety must come first. We strongly recommend that anyone who is not an exceptionally good swimmer wear a life jacket when close to the lake. Small children in particular should constantly wear properly fitted life vests and be supervised. A life jacket is required for anyone on the lake.
What should we provide if we have our own vessel?
You are more than welcome to bring your own vessel, but must provide the following documentation: COF and Skipper’s license. Please note – not wake boats.
Is your slalom course homologated?
Yes. There is both a full as well as a half-course, enabling skiers of all levels to try their hand at it. The course consists of six turn buoys, with three on each side. At the beginning and end of the course, there are entrance and exit gates. The gate buoys are also aligned with a series of centerline buoys that help guide the boat’s path.
Can we fish?
The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, tilapia, blue gill and grass carp. It is strictly catch-and-release.
Do you have firewood available?
You can order bags of wood and ice before you arrive. Contact us if you want our groundskeeper to fire up the 8-seater woodburning hot-tub (2.4m diameter) prior to your arrival.
Are you pet-friendly?
As this is a working farm, we unfortunately cannot accommodate pets of any size.
How close is the nearest shop?
Ceres has all the major grocery stores, as well as great restaurants and coffee shops. Only 8km away.
Ian Versfeld has been farming on Vadersgawe since 2003. Originally a wheat farm, he gradually swapped over to deciduous fruit, establishing fruit orchards and increasing the size of the different water sources. When Nina joined him in the Warm Bokkeveld, she added her equine passion into the mix. You will rarely find a Versfeld indoors; for many years the freshwater lake was their own personal watersports haven before they decided to share it with the world. Nina is an avid waterskier, and sons Luke and Ben are already making waves, having competed in national waterskiing tournaments.