So much to do & see in the Gamtoos Valley

Guarded by the majestic Cockscomb mountain the Gamtoos Valley, Eastern Gateway to the Baviaanskloof, offers visitors a range and diversity of activities to enjoy…from mountain biking, hiking, 4×4-routes, cycling, kayaking, fishing, bird-watching, game drives, photo safaris and day trips into the Baviaanskloof.

The Gamtoos Valley boasts a warm, pleasant climate all year round and is free from tropical diseases, such as malaria. The average summer (October to February) temperature is 27°C. To many March to April signal idyllic weather, summer heat subsides and the wind settles. Winter’s (May to July) temperatures range from 3°C lows at night and a comfortable 19.2°C by day. However, with the onset of spring (from August to October), the fast-retreating winter merges with the summer sun, bringing forth some of the world’s most spectacular wild flower displays.

Tia Ghee Tented Camp – Tia Ghee is the Khoi for “secluded” and no word could describe it better. This bush camp is in such forested terrain at the foothills of the Elandsberge that you could be in the middle of nowhere if it was not so conveniently located. In this natural forest the only sounds to be heard are the birds calling, the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees, occasionally the distant bark of a baboon and the chuckling of the stream which runs right through the camp (when there has been rain).

All sorts of life are abundant here. The emerald spotted wood dove is frequently heard, the Knysna Loerie may sometimes be spotted feeding on the fruits of the trees and forest buzzards are almost certain to be seen, to name just a few. Impala, Nyala, and caracal also inhabit the forest and keen eyes can sometimes spot a bushbuck, even on the very fringes of the camp itself. Those who enjoy South African trees and wildflowers will enjoy exploring the forest with its Yellowwood, Wild Fig, Forest Eelder, Stinkwood, Sneezewood, Cape Ash, Wild olive, Plumbago and many more.

inniKloof, situated just outside Hankey on a working citrus farm, will surprise you with fauna and flora unlike you have ever seen, with over 140 bird species already identified. It will be difficult to beat inniKloof for peace and tranquility. There is no cell phone or TV reception, so you can really escape from everything.

Capture the nature moment at Pabala Private Nature Reserve situated in the Loerie district, just outside Hankey. Experience magnificent bird watching, photo safaris and wild game. Experience this beautiful landscape with wild animals roaming freely. We are situated in the Fynbos Biome area, known for the sustainability of most plant and bird life, and which is well known for the diversity of plants and bird life, especially the Protea species. Come and experience breath-taking mountains views through your camera lens, where nature and conservation is in total harmony.

Bergrivier, situated between Thornhill and Loerie, will surprise you with 158 bird species, whilst hiking on the farm. Experience a true eco-retreat where you can relax in one of the most tranquil and relaxing settings nature could offer. This is a paradise for birdwatchers. The beautiful Knysna Loerie is seen quite often. Crown Eagles have nested in the “kloof” close by, so you often see an eagle soaring over the hills. The call of the Fish Eagle is also occasionally heard. At night you could hear the call of the Night Jar.

You will often hear the whistle of the Bushbuck. Rhebuck, baboon, monkeys, bush pigs and porcupines are also indigenous to the area. You could enjoy the many hiking routes along the river where you might see the endangered little fish, the Red-winged Minnow. Our guests are always talking with great admiration of the beautiful views from the hills and of the waterfall and mountain pool down in the valley.

At Simbonga Game Farm come disconnect from the fast-paced city life while you relax and enjoy the private tranquil surroundings and get lost in majestic mountain views and vast open plains filled with zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, blesbuck and various other antelope species. All wildlife at Simbonga, are free-roaming throughout the entire campsite and game reserve.

At Intle Game Lodge we love that our animals roam freely around our farm and we invite you to take a walk around our farm along the pathways and see how many of our wild life animals you can get to spot.

If you don’t like walking, then of course we can take you for a drive through the farm. The choice is yours.

The advantage for us not having any of the dangerous animals on our farm allows you the freedom to explore our nature, keep up your fitness, go for a walk, basically be free! Animals you might spot are: Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Kudu, Blesbuck, Impala (Rooibok), Blue wildebeest, Bushbuch, Blue duiker, Waterbuck, Nyala and Porcupine. Birds species roaming are the Secretary Bird, Spotted Eagle Owl, Barn Owl, to name but a few.

At Gonjah Chalet & Campsite you stand a good chance of spotting a variety of native wildlife including Nyala, Bushbuck, Rooibuck (Impala) and birds such as the elusive Knysna Loerie, Hawks and Eagles to name a few, you may even spot a Gonjah after which the accommodation has been named – Gonjah is the indigenous word for grasshopper. So, it’s well worth remembering the binoculars!

At Gonjah a list of 53 indigenous trees are found as well as 61 bird species.

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