17 December 1660: Following the treacherous Bushman trails through the mountains, the scouts on horseback had been sent by Jan van Riebeeck in search of the fabled ivory trails and gold mines of the Kingdom of Monomotapa, but instead encountered treasure of a different kind

This was a fertile valley through which meandered a river – which they called Olifants River after the herd of over 300 elephant seen on the bank. Also other game as far as the eye could see.

Where they stood became Modderfontein Farm in 1725, the gateway to the Olifants River Valley, where wagons traversed breakneck mountain passes in order to ply their trade - the first centre of commerce and communication in the Valley, steeped in history, and set against the rugged majesty of the Cedarberg, with views sweeping across the valley to the Olifants River and the misty mountains beyond.

The Old Village on Modderfontein has been lovingly restored to its former authentic glory, brick by original brick, and is re-launched as a venue, conveniently situated on the N7 and the Spring Flower Route, with up-market guest cottages and an elegant country restaurant and pub with the highest quality food and service.

From Bushman art etched into prehistoric rock faces eroded by time; to original wagon trails that carve their way along treacherous passes through the surrounding mountains; to the dramatic Grey’s Pass, built by convicts under the supervision of Thomas Bain; here, in the silence of nature, under the enormity of the African sky, one is given the opportunity to relive the experiences of adventurers of old.