PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVES

BAVIAANSKLOOF (WORLD HERITAGE SITE)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Cape Floristic Region protected area, Baviaanskloof (Valley of the Baboons) is a magnificent mountain kingdom spanning 2 040km. In addition to the scenic splendour of the region, Baviaanskloof is fast gaining recognition as one of South Africa’s premier adventure destinations. Traversing this reserve by 4×4 or on mountain bike up rugged mountain passes, through rivers and across the plateau, is an unforgettable true wilderness experience.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Komdomo Office: 087 286 6494
Senior Reserve Manager: 079 496 7978

GREAT FISH RIVER

The Great Fish River has a rich and varied history, forming a boundary between settler and Xhosa territories in the 19th century. Memories of turmoil have been replaced by tranquillity in this vast and spectacular reserve that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is known to have significant plant biodiversity and is a birder’s paradise with 245 bird sightings.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Main Office (Senior Reserve Manager):
087 286 6545 | 079 496 7883 l 071 442 0776
Conservation Manager: 066 484 8364

GROENDAL

Although it is situated just 50km from central Port Elizabeth, it is characterised by unspoiled landscape including deep kloofs, gushing streams, ravines and crystal-clear pools. Groendal is important to our cultural heritage, as the protected San rock-art in the area provides an invaluable record of the earliest inhabitants of this region. Groendal is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Nelson Mandela Bay area and the predominantly fynbos vegetation is home to a diverse range of bird and animal species.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Groendal Office: 087 086 2499
Reserve Manager: 071 609 1383
Section Ranger (alternative): 073 378 4324

ONGELUKSNEK

The Ongeluksnek area was so named in about 1860 after one of the trekkers in the Griqua trek to ‘Nomansland’ died from a gunshot wound. The reserve forms part of the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) and is renowned for its natural beauty, verdant wetlands and perilous mountain pass. This reserve is a hiker’s paradise – with trails to suit all levels of competence. There are a number of marked trails, ranging from 1km to 12km in distance, as well as longer trails that require a good contour map and experienced mountaineers.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Manager: 079 496 7954
Hospitality Supervisor: 082 056 1500
Office: 087 086 2503 | 039 492 0076

ISLAND

480ha of indigenous Alexandria coastal forest, where ancient Outeniqua yellowwoods, hard pear trees and white milkwoods create a wonderful ‘enchanted wood’. The central part of the reserve is a popular picnic site, with spacious braai facilities, wooden tables and seating. Expect to rub shoulders with a sizeable population of vervet monkeys, who share their lush surroundings with bushbuck, bush pigs and numerous colourful bird species.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Island Nature Reserve: 087 086 2498
Reserve Manager: 071 609 1383

THOMAS BAINES

Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for those wanting to explore the rich historical, cultural and geological history of South Africa’s famed Frontier Country. The 1 000ha reserve teems with birdlife, and the 15kms of dirt tracks make for excellent game drives, nature walks and mountain biking. Scenic but basic, non-powered campsites on the banks of Settlers Dam offer a rustic charm, in close proximity to excellent fishing, sailing and hiking sites.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Manager: 079 496 7979
Section Ranger: 079 423 3492
Office: 087 285 7399 / 7398 / 7397

DOUBLE MOUTH & CAPE MORGAN CONFERENCE CENTRE

Double Mouth Nature Reserve is one of the Eastern Cape’s premier coastal camping destinations. Thirty beautiful camp and caravan sites enjoy spectacular sea views and easy access to both the beach and the Quko River Mouth, making this the ideal camp for fishing and water sport enthusiasts. The Cape Morgan Conference Centre is a multi-purpose conference venue with state of-the-art conferencing facilities and catering services.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Manager: 071 476 4418 l 087 286 6519
Double Mouth: 087 285 7385
Cape Morgan: 043 841 1188

COMMANDO DRIFT

The central feature of the Commando Drift Nature Reserve is the Commando Drift Dam – providing an abundance of wildlife, including the endangered mountain zebra. Among the most striking features of the reserve is a series of spectacular dolerite and sandstone cliffs, as well as numerous popular hiking and off-road trails.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
TEL: 087 286 6404

MPOFU – FORT FORDYCE

The reserve is situated 25km northwest of Fort Beaufort, on the escarpment and lower valleys of the Amathole catchment, with magnificent views of the Katberg and Amathole Mountains. The reserve is of great cultural and historical significance, with incredible San rock-art and sites of the 8th Frontier War. The indigenous forest hosts amongst the most diverse and richest species in southern Africa and the reserve serves as an excellent birding, bass fishing and rock climbing destination.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Office: 087 086 2500 l 087 286 6500
Reserve Manager: 079 496 7818 l 073 950 1155

TSOLWANA

Tsolwana is situated on the northern slopes of the commanding Winterberg mountain. The landscape is strikingly beautiful. Tsolwana, the Xhosa word for spike, refers to a conical shaped hill within the reserve. Game viewing and birding are major attractions at Tsolwana. The climate can be extreme, with greatly varying temperatures and unpredictable heavy summer rainstorms with hail. In winter, snow falls frequently – so be prepared!

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve: 087 285 7400

OVISTON

Oviston is a secluded, peaceful reserve situated on the southern shores of the Gariep Dam. The Karoo climate is characterised by blazing hot days, followed by cool evenings and extraordinary sunsets. The Gariep Dam is perfect for watersports, boating and swimming and is an excellent fishing destination. The highlight of a day at the reserve is a sunset cruise on the peaceful dam.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Office: 087 285 7390
Reserve Manager: 066 484 8364
Fax: 087 287 9293

DWESA – CWEBE

The Dwesa and Cwebe Nature Reserves are situated in one of the Eastern Cape’s most unspoilt coastal conservation areas. Birdlife at these reserves is truly incredible. Situated on the edge of a tranquil lagoon, seven exquisite timber chalets are hidden deep in the trees. A short walk through the dune forest reveals a perfect, unspoiled shelly beach with fascinating rock pools.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Admin Office: 087 286 6536
Reserve Manager: 079 496 7923 l 087 286 6535

HLULEKA

Hluleka is a 772ha coastal paradise. From the top of the grassy hill at the entrance to Hluleka, an incredible panoramic view along the coastline sets the scene for a perfect getaway with coves, white sandy beaches lined with palms, and magnificent indigenous coastal forest. Hluleka is an excellent birding destination and sightings of dolphins and whales add to the joy of the wildlife wonder that Hluleka offers.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve: 087 285 7784
Reserve Manager: 079 4933 566
Admin Clerk: 082 056 2637
Hospitality Supervisor: 078 541 1676

LUCHABA

The charming 460ha Luchaba Nature Reserve is made up of a series of wetlands and grasslands and is home to a variety of wildlife. The landscape is made up of dolerite dykes, rocky outcrops, shale and sandstone, as well as regions of highland sourveld. Two conference halls make up a beautiful conference centre for 150 guests. The restaurant, catering for 136 guests, looks out over the dam. A marquee is also available for 600 guests.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Luchaba Nature Reserve:
087 286 6527 l 082 304 4228
Email: nobusika.makeleni@ecpta.co.za

MKHAMBATHI

The reserve is situated on the coast of northeastern Pondoland, between Port Edward and Port St Johns. The Mkhambathi River makes its way through the reserve, over a series of cliffs forming breathtaking waterfalls and a series of pools. Mkhambathi has a diverse natural habitat – ranging from grasslands and wetlands, dune forests and swamps to indigenous forests. It is an International Bird Area and also offers great game viewing opportunities.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Office: 063 698 1556 l 087 285 7752
Reserve Manager: 063 698 1558
Hospitality Supervisor: 079 496 7824

SILAKA

Silaka is an idyllic coastal reserve, seven kilometres south of Port St Johns. The pristine beach is perfect for fishing and swimming. Hiking trails lead up onto the bluff, affording incredible views of the coastline. The Gxwaleni River flows through the valley, trickling through a wetland and forming a small lagoon before entering the sea. Silaka is an excellent birding destination and a haven for many species of wildlife.

RESERVE CONTACT DETAILS
Reserve Office: 087 286 6526
Reserve Manager: 071 607 6690