NATURE RESERVE This is a World Heritage Site GAMKABERG GAMKABERG

amkaberg is an isolated mountain range in the is of particular interest to botanists. Here, four of the Klein , lying between the Swartberg and South African biomes are represented, namely , OuteniquaG mountains. The name Gamka is derived from , Subtropical Thicket and Evergreen the Hottentot word ‘gami’, meaning lion. The Gamkaberg Forest. The best times of the Nature Reserve (10 430ha) is located 33km south-west of year to visit are in Spring and and 32km south-east of . It forms Autumn but visits throughout part of the 80 000ha Gamkaberg Conservation Area the year can be rewarding. which is made up of various categories of protected areas, The rare and endangered Cape including privately owned stewardship nature reserves. In mountain zebra, leop ard and 2015 Gamkaberg Nature Reserve was included as one of honey badger are some of the the protected areas making up the Cape Floral Kingdom reserve’s fauna highlights. Other Protected Areas World Heritage Site, declared South mammals include eland, kudu, Africa's 6th World Heritage Site in 2004. These areas are red hartebeest, grysbok, grey considered to be some of the most important and repre- rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, NATURE RESERVE sentative examples of the Cape Floral Region. steenbok, baboon, caracal, aard- vark, aardwolf, black-backed Gamkaberg was established in 1974 in order to con- jackal and numerous smaller species. The reserve is host serve a local population of endangered Cape mountain to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and insects. zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged with mountainous plateaux incised by deep ravines. The major Gamkaberg is also rich in Khoisan rock art and early rock formations are Table Mountain quartzites and shales, marine invertebrate fossils. and Bokkeveld sandstone and shales.

TheExploring reserve is openthe dailyreserve from sunrise to sunset. Day GamkabergClimate lies between winter and summer rainfall visitors can browse the information centre, enjoy a medi- regions, experiencing gentle soaking rain in winter, and tative walk through the new labyrinth, thundershowers in summer. The annual rainfall take short hikes including the averages 500mm at the summits and 300mm karoo bossie identification on lower slopes. Summers can be very hot, trail and use the pic- but generally the climate is suitable for nic or braai facilities. visits throughout the year. The reserve is ideal for the visitor who enjoys peace and SituatedWhat withinto see the Cape Floral tranquillity. Kingdom, which hosts one of the richest flora on earth, the reserve The Labyrinth

ThisZebra moderate Crossing ±3 hour out-and-back4x4 Route route starts at the reserve office and winds its way up Gamkaberg for about 16km to Oukraal camp. From here you can explore the rugged plateau and ridges for another Sweet-thorn Eco-Lodge ±20km to Mathee se Hek. Alternatively, take the road to the Southern Gate where the newly added 11km GamkabergAccommodation aims to provide visitors with a first class Fontein Loop is one of the nature experience while at the same time creating aware- highlights, offering a good ness about treading lightly on the environment. With chance of seeing zebra SAY RAM OTT PHOTO: SC this in mind, accommodation facilities are comfortable, and eland herds near the yet all about rustic charm. Carefully constructed along waterpoints. Guests can a network of pathways, the three Eco-Lodges (Tierkloof, overnight at any of the Sweet-thorn and Fossil Ridge) consist of safari-style tents Eco-Lodges, the Stables or DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY on decks, splash pool and a kitchen/lounge area with at Oukraal. adjacent lapa. All persons entering this conservation area and using its facilities, do so entirely In addition, the Stables and Campsite offer comfortable at their own risk. The Nature Please observe the following guidelines to make facilities with all the basics in place. If you are a keen Conservation Board and/or its employees and/ sure you have minimum impact on this pristine hiker or have a 4x4, venture out to the remote Oukraal, or agents and/or its successors in title shall environment: which has a primitive stone shelter with a hearth, sur- not be liable for any damage, loss, theft, injury, • Stay on the existing tracks - careless driving accident or death suffered by any person, rounded by four herder's huts. Firewood is available for through the veld destroys plants and small howsoever caused. sale at the reserve office. creatures. • Prevent soil erosion by avoiding wheel spins. Right of Admission Reserved. Tierkloof Hiking Trail • Use biodegradable cleaning materials and take (DAY ONE 13,2 km, DAY TWO 11,6 km) your refuse away with you. Starting in succulent karoo, this is a moderately strenu- • Do not throw cigarette butts into the veld. ous trail taking hikers through a deep, forested ravine to a • Only make fires in demarcated areas. The fynbos-rich mountain plateau. Here they overnight at the vegetation here is extremely flammable and remote Oukraal camp and enjoy spectacular views of the ENQUIRIES uncontrolled fires are devastating to the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. Tel: 044 203 6300 environment and costly to bring under control. eswanepoel@.co.za Oukraal • Please respect all plants and animals.

RESERVATIONS Tel: 021 483 0190

www.capenature.co.za www.capenature.co.za

CapeNature 5/2017 MAIN ENTRANCE GATE Sweet-thorn Eco-Lodge

Fossil Ridge Eco-Lodge Visitors’ Gate Stables & Campsite Staff Village MAIN ENTRANCE GATE

To Calitzdorp & Oudtshoorn Roads Day trails Office, Parking, Info Centre Workshop Laundry Manager’s residence Tierkloof Eco-Lodge

RIETFONTEINR I E T F O N T E I N

BOSCHKLOOFB O S C H K L O O F Die Hoek

Fontein Loop Mathee se Hek SCHNEGANSKOPS C H N E G A N S K O P

Oukraal ZOUTKLOOFZ O U T K L O O F

TRAIL PROFILES Southern boundary EXIT GATE 4X4 ROUTE TIERKLOOF HIKING TRAIL Bakenskop LEGEND Oukraal Reserve boundary Roads 4x4 Route Tierkloof Hiking Trail Southern Boundary Day 1 - 13,2 km Exit Gate Day 2 - 11,6 km Tierkloof Eco-Lodge Waterpoint Information Centre & Office Main Entrance Gate