Porterville

Porterville is a scenic town situated close to the Olifants River Mountains. It is described as a place characterised by diversity, authenticity and excellent hospitality. The area is world-renowned as being the only place in South Africa where you can see fields of Dias Uniflora, which is an extremely rare flower. Thanks to the powerful thermals to be found here, Porterville is well-loved by paragliding and hang-gliding enthusiasts.
 

A brief history of the area

The area's original inhabitants were San Bushmen tribes, who lived here centuries ago, leaving behind some notable rock art paintings and other relics of the past. The town was officially established in 1863 after an 1820 settler by the name of Frederick John Owen subdivided his farm. The town owes its name to the Attorney General of the Cape - Sir William Porter.

Climate

Porterville's mercury rises to approximately 35°C in January and February, which are the hottest months of the year. Winters are cold, with snow often visible on the distant peaks.

Schools in the area

Primary schools in the area include Berghof NGK Primary School and Willems Vallei Primary School. Most teens residing in Porterville will attend Hoerskool Porterville.

Healthcare in the area

Residents of Porterville are served by Lapa Munnik Hospital, which is a government hospital. A number of doctors, dentists and other medical professionals can be found in Porterville.

Shopping centres

There are a variety of places that residents of Porterville can stock up on their groceries - there is a Usave and a Spar amongst various other retailers. A variety of clothing stores, such as PEP, Foschini and Ackermans have branches here.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

The driving distance from Porterville to Cape Town International Airport is just over 140km. In average traffic, it will take you about one hour and 40 minutes to get there. The Cape Town CBD is approximately 145km or one hour and 45 minutes away.

Restaurants

There is no shortage of great restaurants and cute coffee shops in Porterville. At Koppikofi, you can enjoy anything from a hearty breakfast to a traditional South African favourite such as bobotie. When you're in the mood for something more casual, the Porterville Fish and Chips Shop is a great place to go. Pizza World has your needs covered when you're in the mood for a taste of Italy.

Special attractions

Looking for a fun way to spend a day in and around Porterville? There's plenty to do!

1. Porterville Farmers' Market
Come and get your organic essentials, as well as fruit and veggies, at amazing prices at the Porterville Farmers' Market! It's on every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, and there's even a pre-market Farm Run and Walk, which starts at 8am.

2. Beaverlac
Residents of Porterville have a little piece of paradise right on their doorsteps. Beaverlac, situated high in the mountains above Porterville, offers a wide array of hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as rock pools for visitors to explore. There are also cabins and camping opportunities, ensuring that locals and visitors really get to make the most of everything that Beaverlac has to offer.

3. Paragliding and hang-gliding
The Porterville region offers varied terrain to those wishing to take to the sky. The best conditions can be found between November and March. The area is arguably South Africa's best-loved free-flying region, and a number of competitions have been held here.

Make Porterville your home. Let it be your story.

There's loads to love about Porterville, and about the Western Cape as a whole. Porterville offers boundless charm coupled with loads to do if you enjoy the great outdoors. Seeff Porterville has a variety of properties for sale and to rent in Porterville. Contact the Seeff team and allow them to help you find your dream home today.