Glen Avon Falls, Somerset East

This waterfall, the scale of which is only appreciated from close up, has the reputation of being one of the highest drops of water on private land.

A refreshing dip in the pool below the falls awaits you at your destination.

Alternatively one can hike to the top of the mountain and down into the gorge above the falls.

From the falls the river runs through a gorge with spectacular pools.

Further downstream the gorge widens up into a lush valley.

From there the water is directed to a series of farm dams. Water from the falls was also used by Robert Hart for a watermill which he constructed between 1822 and 1825.

Machinery and equipment for the Mill was shipped from England and transported by oxwagon via the old Zuurberg Pass from Port Elizabeth.

At Glen Avon the Mill was assembled and installed. All the woodwork in the Mill is of Yellowwood that was cut on Boschberg.

The water from the dams is also used for agricultural purposes resulting in ideal pastures for the Merino sheep farmed since the 1820s.

The Mill can be viewed by prior arrangement with Glen Avon Farm.

Entrance to the Falls must be organised by contacting Reg and Vivian Playdon at Avon Heights - 042 243 3555, 082 756 1495 - as access to the foot of the Falls is through their farm. On payment of a deposit, a key to the locked gate can be obtained from him, there is a small charge per person. From the gate, suitable vehicles can drive nearer to the Falls, or the entire distance can be hiked. By request of Nature Conservation, due to the presence of a rare mollusc at the Falls, no braais or fires are allowed at the site.

Glen Avon Falls Gallery