Jongensfontein, Western Cape, South Africa

## Overview The small coastal town of Jongensfontein, nestled along the Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa, takes its name directly from a modest but reliable natural spring. The name "Jongensfontein" translates roughly from Afrikaans as "boy's fountain" or "young man's spring," a nod to the water source that has defined this place for centuries. The spring has a deep and sobering history. It was long used by the indigenous San people as a vital freshwater source. During the colonial era, Dutch settlers displaced the San from the area — often violently — and by the early 1900s the indigenous community had been driven away entirely. Today, the spring remains as a quiet reminder of that history and of the land's original stewards. The spring still flows steadily and is currently an untapped natural resource. It runs through the Jongensfontein campsite grounds, making it accessible primarily through the private campsite area. While the water has historically been used as a drinking water source, its current quality has not been independently verified — visitors should exercise their own caution. ## Directions 1. From the **N2 highway**, take the turnoff toward **Stilbaai** (Still Bay). 2. Follow the road into Stilbaai town. 3. Once in Stilbaai, follow the signposts directing you toward **Jongensfontein** (approximately 7 km south of Stilbaai along the coast). 4. The spring is located within the **Jongensfontein campsite** grounds. Upon arrival in the village, ask locally or at the campsite reception for specific directions to the spring itself. *GPS coordinates: -34.428249, 21.329216* ## What to Expect Jongensfontein is a quiet, scenic seaside village with dramatic rocky coastline and unspoiled beaches — a far cry from the busier Garden Route towns. The spring itself is small but flows steadily year-round, emerging naturally within the campsite area. Because the spring runs through the Jongensfontein campsite, access is tied to the campsite's operations. The spring area is reported to be accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though visitors should confirm current access arrangements with the campsite, especially during peak holiday seasons. The surrounding area offers excellent coastal walks, rock pool exploration, and whale watching in season (June–November). Stilbaai, just a short drive away, provides shops, restaurants, and additional amenities. The village of Jongensfontein itself is small and residential, so plan accordingly — there are limited services in the immediate area. For those interested in the cultural and historical significance of the spring, the broader Hessequa region (which includes Stilbaai and Jongensfontein) has a rich archaeological record of San and Khoi habitation stretching back thousands of years.