History of Jongensfontein

Province: Western Cape
Garden route
Coordinates:34°26′S 21°20′E
Area:2.34 km2
Municipality – Hessequa

Humans have lived in this area for millennia. There is evidence that about 2000 years ago domesticated cattle were introduced.
An expedition of Dutch settlers in 1713 discovered a freshwater spring near the beach, they also encountered Khoi people. However, the Khoi population was decimated by smallpox that same year.
The oldest deeds record of the area is dated 1762 and is for a farm Swarte Jongens Fonteyn. The area however later became known as Groote Jongensfontein.
The spring that the early settlers found is a few hundred metres from the beach. Ryk Tulbagh granted Michiel Muller permission in 1762 to use the farm and its supply of fresh water for grazing. The farm became an erfpagplaas (perpetual tenure) for a group of farmers.

Jongensfontein has been a holiday destination ever since the spring was subdivided in 1916. 31 people got property rights and permission to build small mud and reed houses which were sometimes leased as holiday accommodation. Later mud houses made way for double-story holiday and retirement homes.
. Groot Jongensfontein and its sister town Stillbaai could only be reached by boat. A ferry service was opened in 1932 over the Kaffirkuils River which is now called the Gouka River The ferry shuttle closed in 1951 but that year it carried 3000 vehicles over the river.

Things to see and do in Jongensfontein

Hessequa art route
The Jongensfontein Nature Reserve has some great hikes and trails. The Eden 4×4 Sand Route is a popular venue for camping and 4×4 enthusiasts. The “Speelgat” will test any driver’s skill and the performance of your vehicle. The Jongensfontein Municipal Caravan & Camping Park is well-maintained and affordable
A library has been opened in the historical roundabout which is the oldest building in Jongensfontein and it dates from 1932. The library operates on the basis of borrowing a book or books, reading them at your home or caravan, and bringing them back. There is no supervision and the Management relies on the honesty of borrowers. Feel free to bring books with you as a donation.