About Blaauwkrantz Nature Reserve

The Blaauwkrantz Nature Reserve was proclaimed for the sole purpose of conserving the habitat of the largest known anabantid fish (or Eastern Cape rocky - Sandelia bainsii), found in a few isolated areas in the Eastern Cape.

Did you know? The Eastern Province rocky, also known as Rocky Kurper, is a species of fish in the Anabantidae family. It is endemic to South Africa.

The reserve lies roughly 22 kilometres south east of Grahamstown in the Blaauwkrantz Gorge on the Bloukrans tributary of the Kowie River system, a 200 hectare reserve. As well as its central focus, the reserve is also beautiful – thornveld vegetation and over 200 plant species that include incredible aloes and tree euphorbias, also called candelabra trees.

The rocky of Blaauwkrantz Pool faces extinction largely due to the catchment of water upstream of the reserve, the lack of adequate sewage treatment in Grahamstown, and the use of fertilisers and agricultural run-off, which all affect the water quality.

Excess nutrients stimulate an overgrowth of the red water fern (Azolla filiculoides), which then covers any available water surface affecting more than just the rocky – fish eagles and kingfishers too have difficulty finding food, and have been scarce as a result, as well as otters and water insects like dragonflies who need open patches of water to find food.

The rocky, when young, feeds on plankton of which they are deprived when the fern reduces the amount of light entering the water. Their survival is dependent on groups of volunteers who clear alien vegetation. Long-term Grahamstown needs an upgrade of their sewage treatment and water pollution needs a clean up.

Need to Know

Where22 kilometres south east of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa

OvernightStay in Grahamstown Accommodation, Eastern 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.

Feedback?

If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Grahamstown

Things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation near Blaauwkrantz Nature Reserve

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Frontier Country Accommodation / Grahamstown Accommodation

Grahamstown as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Grahamstown property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Game Reserves
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.