What's new

Rietfontein in the News: “The Best in the Western Cape” African Bowhunter Magazine June 2011 – download pdf

New Management:

Rietfontein is very pleased to welcome Albert and Nadia Swart, a young couple who took over the management of the operation from the end of May 2011. They are young and energetic and will bring a wealth of new ideas and experience. Albert is not only a professional hunter, but qualified in Agriculture and Agri-tourism at Stellenbosch University. Apart from a love of cooking, Nadia has extensive qualifications in Game Lodge Management and has experience gained both in South Africa and neighbouring countries, as well as in the UK hotel industry.

Rare Ethiopian Boran cows:

A small stud herd of rare Ethiopian Boran cows that are scientifically bred by means of embrio transplantation science as part of a greater breeding project. These hardy cattle from the Boran Plateau in Southern Ethiopia have been naturally selected over more than five thousand years for their ability to thrive in extremely harsh conditions and their ability to live in close proximity to people. The cattle are run on the Lemoenrietfontein portion of the farm and utilise the Stipagrostis Namaquensis and Eragrostis Curvula grass species that are not ultilised by any game species other than other bovines such as buffalo. It is hoped that this project will in time make a contribution to sustainable cattle farming in the drier areas of South Africa where sheep farming is traditionally dominant but where predation by jackal and baboon has rendered sustainable farming impossible.

New Bow Hides:

We have some new hides and have refurbished some existing ones to include one-way tinted Perspex windows. Now you can have a wider field of sight, and be able to see animals approaching from further away.

We have installed stealth cameras outside the hides to improve our knowledge of frequenting animals as well as automated game feeders so we can improve the Bowhunter’s success rate.

The Old Stables Hunter’s Camp:

The Old Stables Hunter’s Camp has had a facelift in the form of a new stone walled sheltered braai area, with a new braai platform. It is now conveniently close to the house, much more sheltered from the prevailing winds, buts still overlooks the river, and is ideal for catching the morning sun.

Lemoenrietfontein:

We have recently enclosed the 22m-long Verandah at Lemoenrietfontein with a glass curtain, as well as adding a Swedish wood-burning stove to the Stoep and an indoor braai hearth. The glass enclosure will turn the verandah into a warm and cosy entertainment area that will be a part of the house, and not only an extension of it; making this the place to be this winter.

Rietfontein Butchery:

The butchery and slaughter area has recently been refurbished and is now on a par with the best in the industry.