Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Nieuwoudtville
The 5575ha Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve is one of the South Africa’s most unique nature reserves – characterised by deep ravines, cliffs, caves and rock art, and a diverse mix of flora and fauna characteristic of four differing biomes: lush Afro-montane, fynbos, mountain shrub and shale renosterveld.
Oorlogskloof is well known for its challenging hiking trails, including 2 x 4-day 50km trails. In addition to its topographical offerings the reserve boasts an abundance of flora and fauna, including several very rare bird species such as the black stork and black eagle.
The reserve is part of the Bokkeveld Mountain Range – the northernmost part of the Cape Cederberg, and the ‘broken’ topography ranges between 530 to 915m above sea level. Viewpoints on the reserve look over the ‘knersvlakte’ plains – the ‘crunch plains’ named for the sound the Voortrekkers wagon wheels made over the broken quartz on the ground.
There is a unique mix of flora includes several very rare and endemic species. Animals that can be seen include black-back jackals, bat-eared foxes, rock hyrax, otters, weasels, polecats and klipspringer antelope. There are also many reptile and snake species and many Raptor and water bird species.
The Reserve is set up for hikers with marked trails, and accommodation consists of one very basic hut at the common starting point for the trails, and very basic overnight camps, some with tents and mattresses, through the rest of the trail routes. These are the only facilities on the reserve. If you are not a hiker, a short 2-3 hour trail will allow you to experience some of the reserve.
Entry is not permitted without a permit, which can be obtained in Nieuwoudtville.
For more on Oorlogskloo contact W. Pretorius or call +27 (0) 27 218 1159
Getting there: Take the R27 south toward Calvinia. The entrance to the Reserve is 10km from Nieuwoudtville.
| More info on the town of Nieuwoudtville | More info on the Hantam Karoo area |
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