Potberg Centre
Two environmental education centres are housed on the De Hoop Nature Reserve, that lies on the southern Cape coast, about 50 km east of Bredasdorp. Potberg is the main centre with Klippies as the smaller research centre. De Hoop's diversity of landscapes, ranging from mountains, fresh water streams and a large vlei, to a long stretch of coastline, is ideally suited for environmental education.
De Hoop is 36 000 ha in extent, with over 1 500 plant species, 86 mammal species (including the rare bontebok and Cape mountain zebra), approximately 260 bird species (including the Cape vulture) and nearly 50 reptile species. The adjacent De Hoop Marine Protected Area is one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world.
The Potberg area is steeped in history. Early indigenous people were attracted by the supply of fresh water and the plentiful game. The first recorded European inhabitant of the area was a Christoffel Groenewald who was granted a grazing license in 1730. Anders Ohlsson of Ohlsson's Breweries fame built the original Cape Dutch thatched homestead in the late 1800s. Potberg has many interesting features, one being the San (Bushman) painting in the cave above the homestead. Scattered throughout the reserve are other signs of their existence, including shell middens on the sand dunes and in the caves along the limestone cliffs on the coast.
Cape vultures are often seen soaring overhead the Klipspringer Trail, either on their way out to forage or returning to the kloof.
Programme method
Our approach to environmental education is based on active participation where learners are encouraged to learn about the environment through discovery, questioning, problem solving and critical thinking. An informal relationship between students and centre staff is encouraged. Learning is stimulated through adventure and fun activities:
- To facilitate the development of learners to value the environment and to provide them with the knowledge and skills so that they can be committed to work towards solving environmental problems
- To enhance an awareness and understanding for the environment
- To motivate learners to actively get involved in their environment
- To provide opportunities and facilities for nature-orientated outdoor recreation and interpretation, as well as for formal and informal programmes
- To promote training opportunities
School Environmental Programmes
Both Potberg and Klippies centres are available for self-guided environmental programmes for schools and research institutions. The following resources are offered to include in your programme:
- Choice between two mountain trails (Potberg Trail of 6.5 km and Klipspringer Trail of 6.1km with self-guided information pamphlet)
- Night trail activity
- Resource library
- Wildlife and ecology videos
Environmental presentations and morning excursions are offered to assist with your programme. This should be arranged with the Potberg environmental education officer prior to your arrival.
Accommodation, arrival and departures
Potberg accommodates 25 to 60 learners plus two to four programme co-ordinators (maximum of 65).
Klippies accommodates 10 to 18 learners plus two programme co-ordinators (maximum of 20)
Arrival at 2pm and departure at 10am
Please note:
Potberg does not provide transport for visiting groups and therefore your own transport is required for the duration of the group's stay.
Acceptance of self-guided booking applications is subject to the submission of a course plan approved by the centre's staff.
Gate times
Potberg gate is locked at 6pm (please inform the centre of late arrival).
The role of the programme co-ordinators and group leaders
At least one participating group leader for every 15 students is required. The programme co-ordinator is responsible for the supervision and discipline of the course participants. They will also be expected to participate fully in all the activities during their stay and are therefore required to be walking fit. Leaders must ensure that everyone visiting the centre has a completed indemnity form (completed by parents or guardians). They are also responsible for organising evening and free time activities.
Other responsibilities of the group leaders include:
- the carrying of a first aid kit at all times and the administering of first aid;
- the provision of toilet paper, dish cloths, dish towels, detergents, matches and refuse bags.
What to bring
- Raincoat, jacket, jersey
- Walking shoes for mountain hiking and "strops" for wading in rock pools
- Swimming costume, swimming towel, hat and sunblock
- Sleeping bag, pillow, extra blanket in winter
- Toiletries
- Plate, mug, cutlery, lunch box, water bottle
- Pen, paper, book to read
- Torch
- Medication for asthma and allergies must be carried at all times
- Optional extras, such as binoculars, camera, pocket money, musical instruments
Facilities at Potberg
- Eskom power
- Public telephone (028) 542 1991
- Dormitories sleeping 20 and 40 people respectively
- Group leaders' quarters with four beds
- Ablution facilities with hot water showers
- Microwave oven, electric fridges, freezer, electric and gas stoves
- Kitchen equipment such as pots, pans, preparation and serving utensils are available on request
- Braai facilities (including an initial supply of wood)
- Large lecture room/dining hall
- Contact numbers for caterers in the area can be obtained from the Potberg office
Facilities at Klippies
- Eskom power
- No public telephone but calls can be made at Potberg Centre
- Four bedrooms with bunk beds and one room with double sleeper couch
- Ablution facilities with hot water showers
- Electric fridges, freezer and electric stove
- Kitchen equipment such as pots, pans, preparation and serving utensils are available on request
- Braai facilities (including an initial supply of wood)
- Dining room, outdoor recreation room and lab room with space for own computers
- Contact numbers for caterers in the area can be obtained from the Potberg office
Do's and don'ts
The following rules apply to all visitors to ensure their safety and the sustainable use of the environment:
- No littering - litterbugs are not welcome here! Make it your mission to pick up any litter, even if it is not yours and correct anyone you see littering
- Do not pick, hurt or destroy anything in the reserve
- Keep to the paths and roads to prevent erosion and to avoid snakes
- All buildings, except the education and information centres, are strictly out of bounds Keep noise levels down - radios and Walkmans are not permitted
- Use water and electricity sparingly
- Pets are not allowed
- No alcohol is allowed
- Smoking is not allowed in the buildings, and it is a fire hazard on the reserve - please be cautious
- No firearms are allowed
- No casual visitors except for course participants
- Arrival and departure times must be adhered to in order to give the staff time to prepare the centre for the next group
Making a booking
Bookings are taken from the first working day in January in the calendar year of the group's visit to Potberg or Klippies. A nominal fee is charged for every person staying at the centre. Groups are required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure a booking.
The centres are essentially environmental education and research facilities. Groups that are not attending a bona fide environmental education programme will be charged visitor rates.
