| Contact
Details |
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| Swartberg Nature Reserve - Cape Nature |
| Swartberg Mountains, |
| between Prince Albert and |
| Oudtshoorn |
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| Private Bag X6546 |
| George 6530 |
| South Africa |
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| Phone +27 (0)21 659 35 00 |
| Fax +27 (0)44 802 53 13 |
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Swartberg Nature Reserve lies in the Oudtshoorn district between the Great and Little Karoo.
A highlight of the reserve is the remote and isolated Gamkaskloof valley which, for more than a century, was home to a self-sufficient farming community. Today it remains an important ecological, archaeological and cultural-historical site. |
Vegetation is diverse, featuring renosterveld, mountain fynbos, Karoo-veld, spekboom veld, and numerous geophyte species. Most plants flower in spring, but many protea species flower in early autumn attracting large numbers of sugarbirds and sunbirds.
In spring, the wild pomegranate produces a flurry of yellow flowers, while the Chinese lantern or "klapperbos" is notable for its pretty seed capsules in shades of pink. |
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Animals include various antelope, lynx, mongoose, African wildcat, baboon, otter, honey badger, ant-eating aardwolf, porcupine, lizards, tortoises and snakes.
More than 150 bird species can be seen, including black and fish eagles. The black crake and boillo's crake are considered very special inhabitants of the area.
Approximately 20 species (total 130) of antlion (13-80 mm) are represented in the valley and nearly 100 species of spider have been identified - the most interesting being the six-eyed crabspider which does not build a web but captures its prey. |
Visitors can enjoy an interpretative day hike providing information about the valley and its history while overnighters can camp or stay in one of the restored, equipped farmhouses that sleep between four and seven people.
Activities include swimming, hiking, fishing and mountain biking. |
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