About Akkerendam Nature Reserve
Akkerendam Nature Reserve lies just outside the little town of Calvinia, which is found at the foot of the Hantam Mountain (mountain of the red bulbs) that towers over the town, roughly 400 kilometres outside of Cape Town.
Did you know? The sterboom or star tree is unique to this region and grows needle-like leaves in a spiral star shape around the stem.
Akkerdam, also known as the Akkerendam Nature Reserve, is practically a requisite visit during the flower season around September, but if you get there a month earlier, there is also the Hantam Meat Festival for meat lovers, held in Calvinia.
Whilst it is literally only 2 kilometres outside of Calvinia, you might want to make sure of directions to the nature reserve, as it sometimes eludes visitors. The Akkerendam Reserve, which protects the already fragile ecosystem of the Hantam Mountain, is also a Karoo scrub sanctuary (what appears to some as little more than semi-arid landscape) that includes ten floral species unique to the Hantamsberg.
Akkerendam is a particularly attractive reserve with beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and lovely hiking trails. But spring, when the entire reserve bursts into flower, gives rise to a carpet of wild flowers that is truly unequalled in beauty.
Bird watchers enjoy the Karoo lark - the scrub at the entrance to the reserve is a great place to spot this bird - whilst the rocky kloofs are good for spying the cinnamon-breasted warbler. Other birds include the fairy flycatcher, the black-headed canary and Layard’s tit-babbler.
There are two hiking trails across the Hantam Mountain in the reserve that promise incredible views, and a possibility of locating the sterboom or star tree, which is unique to this region and grows needle-like leaves in a spiral star shape around the stem.
Need to Know
WhereAkkerendam Nature Reserve, Upper Karoo, Northern Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Calvinia Accommodation, Northern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
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Additional Reading
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Hotels & other accommodation options in Calvinia
Calvinia Hotel
When entering the Calvinia Hotel, visitors are still welcomed with true warm country hospitality. Formed in 1851 on the Oorlogskloof River and na...
Die Blou Nartjie
The Blou Nartjie welcomes you to the heart of Calvinia. We would love nothing more than to host you and be the home of your Karoo experiences. Th...
African Dawn B&B
African Dawn B&B is a tranquil retreat, a place to relax and unwind in the heart of the Karoo. We offer quality, spacious and private accommodati...
Katryn's B&B
Katryn's B&B is located perfectly between Cape Town and Upington and is within easy reach of Akkerendam Nature Resort. This is the ultimate spot ...
Calvinia Magic Garden
Calvinia Magic Garden offers accommodation just a short distance from the Calvinia Museum, Dutch Reformed Church and tourist information centre. ...
Kleinplasie Bed & Breakfast
Situated on a small holding just on the outskirts of Calvinia, Kleinplasie offers accommodation and a warm and welcoming place, ideal for that mu...
Elandsberg Wilderness Camp
Elandsberg Wilderness Camp is located in the Tankwa Karoo National Park. The magnificent Tankwa Karoo National Park straddles the border of the N...
Tankwa Tented Camp
Tankwa Tented Camp offer Calvinia accommodation in permanent rip stop canvas tents and en-suite chalets. The original farmhouse (Hartebeeshuisie)...
Things to do in the area
Oorlogskloof Rameron Pigeon Trail
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Calvinia Museum
Visit the Calvinia Museum in Church Street which is housed in the old synagogue. The Calvinia museum aptly illustrates the history of sheep farmi...
Calvinia Post Box
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Hantam Huis Restaurant
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Oorlogskloof Rock Pigeon Hiking Trail
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Noteworthy attractions
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Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Just 10 kilometres outside of the little town of Nieuwoudtville, between the towns of Van Rhynsdorp and Calvinia, lies the Oorlogskloof (war gorg...
Hantam National Botanical Garden
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Accommodation near Akkerendam Nature Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Northern Cape Accommodation / Upper Karoo Accommodation / Calvinia Accommodation