About Swartberg Nature Reserve
The Swartberg Nature Reserve is a narrow 121 000 hectare finger of land that divides the Groot and Klein Karoo, lying between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn.
Did you know? Gamkaskloof is no longer hidden from the rest of the world. It is, however, quite a feat to reach the little valley and the greater Swartberg Nature Reserve, but well worth the effort, if escaping from it all is high on your list of priorities.
Flanked to the north by the Gamkapoort Nature Reserve, and west by the Towerkop Nature Reserve (neither of which is open to the public) the three reserves function as one large mountainous conservation area of 180 000 hectares.
The Swartberg Pass cuts the reserve almost in two whilst further east, Meiringspoort wends its way through the Swartberg Nature Reserve before it reaches De Rust.
The Swartberg Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site (one of eight regions that collectively protect the Cape Floral Region, renowned for its biodiversity).
It boasts a sense of vastness, a peaceful atmosphere that appeals to hikers, or to those simply after a tranquil picnic at the picnic and braai spots in the reserve. The Gamkapoort Dam, in the north western corner of the reserve, provides ample opportunity for fishing, canoeing and sailing.
The reserve is most famous for the trail of the same name, the three-day hiking route that takes hikers into the heart of unspoilt mountain fynbos via caves filled with San rock art with overnight huts at Ou Tol and Bothashoek and views of the Cape fold mountains.
Gamkaskloof, also known as Die Hel, lies isolated within the reserve in the wedge of the Gamkaskloof valley south of the dam. A Cultural Historical Site in its own right, Die Hel's community remained undiscovered for years, with little communication with the outside world. The valley now has nine restored historical cottages, as well as camp sites, available in which to stay and one reaches it only via the Swartberg Pass.
Need to Know
WhereSwartberg Nature Reserve, Oudtshoorn, 6620, Karoo / Route 62, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Prince Albert Accommodation, Western 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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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.
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Lying in the Little Karoo is the remote Gamka mountain range, isolated because of the conduit of the Gouritz River that slices between the Gamkab...
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Lying in the Little Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains, lies an inselberg or monadnock - an isolated hill or small mountain that...
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Accommodation near Swartberg Nature Reserve
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