This study proposes a simple method for assessing the potential available monthly and annual recharge in a small crystalline basement aquifer catchment, taking into consideration the rainfall and the physical characteristics of the catchment. By studying the geology, land use and rainfall, and applying different techniques for estimating recharge, it has been deduced that occurrence of groundwater recharge, and hence the potential for recharge, is controlled by the rainfall regime and evaporative fluxes, whilst the geology and vegetation characteristics of a catchment influence the mechanism and magnitude of actual recharge.