Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area | The Cedarberg Wilderness Area in the Western Cape | Game Reserves Lodges Western Cape

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area

Western Cape, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA SEARCH BY MAP REGIONS HOTELS ACCOMMODATION TOURS TRANSPORT WEDDINGS CONFERENCES INFO

western cape  garden route  eastern cape  kwazulu natal  mpumalanga  gauteng  limpopo  north west  free state  northern cape  |  namibia  |  botswana

Cape Town Tourism
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area >
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area | Western Cape Reserves and Parks: The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, with its extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes, lies about 120 km north of Cape Town. It is situated in the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, north of Tulbagh and east of Porterville.

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area:
The greater Groot Winterhoek conservation area comprises 30 608 ha, of which 19 200 ha was declared a wilderness area in 1985. The conservation area is particularly important for the conservation of mountain fynbos and wildlife, as a source of clean water to the Cape metropole and the west coast, and for outdoor recreation. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, with altitudes of 1 000 to 2 077 m above sea-level. The rock formations consists mainly of Table Mountain sandstone. This sandstone weathers easily, and exceptional rock forms which have been shaped by the elements are a special feature of Groot Winterhoek.

Vegetation: Mountain fynbos is the predominant vegetation. Various rare, threatened and endemic species occur here. The threatened Sorocephalus scabridus, a member of the protea family, grows at Kliphuisvlakte. A large variety of red disas flower in abundance along the streams near the reserve office in January and February. Many erica species occur and flower virtually throughout the year. The ericas are particularly beautiful in the summer and the veld resembles a colourful patchwork.

Animals: Klipspringers, grey rhebok and grysbok are abundant and easily seen. Leopard, Caracal, wild cat, mongoose, genet and other predators are found here, but are seldom seen. About 100 bird species, including the endemic Cape rockjumper and numerous raptors like black eagle, goshawk and jackal buzzard, occur here. Tortoises are absent and snakes scarce, because of the high altitudes and cold winters, although sandsnakes and boomslang are occasionally spotted. A few rare lizard species occur, most notably the southern rock lizard, Australolacerta australis.

Rock Art: Various examples of rock art, believed to be between 300 and 6 000 years old, can be found in the area. Rock paintings illustrate the religious and social life of the Bushman or San, whose ancestors have lived in southern Africa for more than 100 000 years. All rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act, and it is an offence to damage rock art. Groot Winterhoek offers unsurpassed opportunities for outdoor recreation. Various day and overnight hikes of differing lengths and with wonderful swimming pools traverse the area. Parts of the greater conservation area like Sneeugatrivier and the mountain peaks are a true wilderness.
Reservations and Enquiries: +27 (0)22 931 - 2900
Overnight at Breede River Valley accommodation.

« Western Cape Tours | South Africa Game Reserves | South African Safari »

General Information / Western Cape
Information for Tourists and Visitors
Tourist Attractions and Destinations
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Accommodation
Western Cape Search by Map
Cape Town Search by Map
Cape Town Guest Houses
Cape Town Bed and Breakfast
Cape Town Self Catering
- Cape Town Holiday Houses
- Cape Town Apartments
- Cottages and Chalets
» Game Reserves and Lodges
Accommodation by Special Category
Cape Town Health Resorts and Spas
Search by TGCSA Star Grading
Special Accommodation Offers
Conference Venues and Services
Wedding Venues and Services
Honeymoon Venues and Destinations
Package Tours, Day Trips and Guides
Transport and Travel Arrangements
Golf Courses, Tours and Lodges
Backpackers Tours and Lodges
Cape Town Maps
Venues by Alphabetised List
Cape Town Annual Events
Urlaub in Kapstadt

Cape Town Car Hire: Hire from international and local companies, which offer a wide range of cars, from budget to luxury. For the best deals we recommend you book your car before travelling.
Go to » Car Rental South Africa

South Africa Accommodation & Travel Network of Web Sites brought to you by and © SA-Venues.com and Suedafrika-Reise.net

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area | The Cedarberg Wilderness Area in the Western Cape | Game Reserves Lodges Western Cape

South Africa AccommodationSouth Africa TravelSouth Africa HotelsSüdafrika ReiseSüdafrikaTravel Resources
Site by DTP OrbitAdvertiseContactSitemapCreditsCopyright noticeDisclaimer