Limietberg Nature Reserve
Limietberg Nature Reserve
- Picture Seraj Gool
Limietberg Nature Reserve lies in the Du Toitskloof mountains near Paarl, forming a part of the greater Boland mountain range. The reserve stretches from Franschhoek in the south, eastwards towards Groot Drakenstein, and northwards as far as Voëlvlei dam, covering an area of some 117 000 ha. The terrain is rugged, with steep kloofs and deep valleys. Du Toits Peak at 1996m is the highest point within the reserve. Limietberg is an important water catchment for the Breede and Berg rivers which flow through the reserve, and feed the Wemmershoek, Stettynskloof, Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei dams.
The weather conditions in these mountains vary from very hot and dry in the summer months, to extremely cold and wet during the winter, with snow on the higher peaks. Hikers are cautioned to heed weather reports, as many hikers have been caught out by dangerous and often unpredictable conditions. The mountainous terrain makes rescue operations very difficult!
The vegetation is predominantly mountain fynbos with remnants of indigenous forest in some of the wetter kloofs. Alien trees, including black wattle, hakea and pine have invaded sections of the reserve.
Various mammals occur, including dassie, klipspringer, baboon and the occasional caracal and leopard. Two endemic birds, the Cape sugarbird and the protea canary, as well as black eagle and various other raptors may be sighted. Three endemic and increasingly threatened fish species occur in the Berg and Breede river systems. Trout (an exotic species) were introduced prior to the establishment of the reserve, and occur in most of the rivers and streams.
- Pictures by Damien du Toit
A number of interesting historical features may be seen while hiking in the reserve. These include Bushman paintings, a disused manganese mine, the original toll road from Franschhoek to Villiersdorp known as Catspad, and a cross erected by Italian prisoners of war. In the Bains Kloof pass, graves can be seen of convicts who helped to build the road, while there was an old prison at the Tweede Tol campsite.
Day visitors for picnic to the Tweede Tol picnic area are no longer required to book their entry as this will be done on a strict first come first served basis.
Limitations will still be enforced, that is only 120 people will be allowed per day. It is suggested that members of the public get to the picnic area gate as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
The Nature Reserve stretches over a part of the Boland Mountain range and contains 9 different hiking trails through fynbos rich areas. The Tweede Tol campsite-cum-caravan park of 25 mostly shady sites is in Bainskloof Pass. The park is on the site of the old camp at which the prisoners who built the pass were kept, but things are more comfortable now. The ablution facilities, for instance, have hot showers.
Also part of the park is a day picnic site that can accommodate up to 120 people. Short, enjoyable hikes with stunning views are available to the camper, as are clear rock pools to cool off in on hot days. Peace and tranquility, especially during the week or outside of school holidays, is a certainty. There are a number of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountains and some of the most exquisite species of wildflowers can be seen at certain times of the year. Please obtain a permit from:
DIRECTIONS
From Cape Town: Take the Klapmuts/ Wellington turn-off on N1. Turn left and drive for 20km until you get into Wellington. At the third set of traffic lights, turn left into Piet Retief Street and then right at the next set of traffic lights into Church Street. This will lead you into Bainskloof Pass towards Worcester. Tweede Tol will be on your left, approximately 16km from Bainskloof Pass” signboard, outside Wellington. Drive cautiously as the road through the pass is narrow and potential dangerous.
Reservations
For further information or to make a booking contact Cape Nature on 021 482 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za Visit their website at www.capenature.co.za