South Africa Overview
'I believe that South Africa is the most beautiful place on earth. Admittedly, I am biased, but when
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In and Around
South Africa
Provinces Through Routes Tourism Regions World Heritage Sites
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This incredibly scenic park of more than 28000 ha varies from grass-covered plateaus to wooded ravines and provides a sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra. It is also home to herds of eland, springbok, kudu, black wildebeest, blesbok, cape buffalo and red hartebeest, to name but a few, and smaller predators such as the cheetah, caracal, brown hyena, African wild cat, bat-eared fox and aardwolf.
Over 250 bird species have been recorded here. In the park one really feels close to nature. There are opportunities for game viewing from your own vehicle, riding in the bracing mountain air, walking along several nature trails, or undertaking the 3 day hiking trail. (With overnight huts).
Visitors to the park can overnight in the rest camp’s caravan park or self-contained chalets. The park also offers a licensed restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pools, fuel pumps and a shop for provisions and souvenirs. An unforgettable experience is a stay in the Doornhoek farmstead, which houses 6 persons, dates from 1836, and lies hidden in a secluded valley. It is a national monument, furnished with beautiful antiques. If you’ve travelled far to get away from the city, a visit to the Mountain Zebra National Park is a must.
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Can you hear the stars sing or feel the earth spin? If you need to get your mojo back with a quiet escape in wide open spaces then pack your karretjie and head to the Tankwa Karoo National Park for a weekend. Just a four hour drive from Cape Town brings you to this unique national park situated within the Succulent Karoo Biome.
Here you can spot rare and fascinating plants, numerous endemic birds and creatures big and small from the magnificent oryx to energetic suricate families. The sweeping landscapes are inspiring and varied, from the sharp crags of Roggeveld Escarpment to the gentle moonscapes of the Tankwa Desert. And at night the jostling crystalline Karoo stars will sing a new song to you.
Tankwa Karoo National Park is situated between the Northern Cape and Western Cape with the Roggeveld Escarpment in the East, Cederberg in the West, and Klein Roggeveld Mountains in the South. The park is still in a developmental phase and is the perfect place for star gazers, twitchers hoping for a chance sighting of a rare endemic bird or perhaps nothing more than a silence that reaches deep into the soul…
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Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.
Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods.
The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors.
Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
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With hundreds of bird species, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is a twitchers delight as well as a stunning place to chill out in nature for the day. This 'island' of coastal evergreen forest, bush and grassland mosaic, streams, dams, marshes in a 'sea' of sugarcane, gum plantations and tribal lands. This 2 139 ha oasis is home to over 300 bird species, 100 of which can easily be recorded in a summer morning's birding. These include a number of forest and grassland specials and the magnificent African Crowned Eagle and Martial Eagle.
Other fine feathered friends to look out for are the Black Sparrowhawk, Lemon Dove, African Emerald Cuckoo, Green Malkoha, Narina Trogon, Brown Scrub-Robin, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, Black-bellied Starling, Green Twinspot, Red-winged Francolin, Broad-tailed Warbler, Short-tailed Pipit, Plain-backed Pipit, Lazy Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Mountain Wagtail, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Greater Honeyguide and Lesser Honeyguide.
Need to know? The Reserve is managed by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Facilities include good gravel roads, walking trails, picnic sites and toilets, and a small hutted camp. Day visitor Entry fee: R10 per adult R5 per child. Gate Opening and Closing Times: Summer (October to March) 06h00 to 18h00 Winter (April to September) 06h00 to 17h00.
Check out http://wiki.sabirding.co.za
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When the mighty Orange River is in full flood the sound of water thundering down the 56 m Augrabies Waterfall is deafening. It’s an awesome experience at any time of year.
The Khoi San people called it Aukoerebis, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18 km spectacular granite abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and prehistoric looking kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive.
Home to a diversity of species, the thundering Augrabies Falls and its spectacular granite gorge, has great birding, some small game and a fun hiking trail. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to fascinating succulents, numerous birds, reptiles, springbok, gemsbok and giraffe.
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Managed by Cape Nature, Walker Bay stretches along the coast from De Kelders to the Hermanus Lagoon. Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers much for the whole family. From wide beaches to sea caves, good fishing grounds to pretty fynbos and hiking trails.
A 24 km hiking trail hugs the coastline and there are several beaches and protected coves. Die Plaat, a vast area dominated by drift-sand can be seen from the other side of Walker Bay.
The entrance to the reserve is on the northern edge of De Kelders. The famous Klipgat Cave can be reached by a boardwalk and steps from the entrance.
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Padlopers, birds, butterflies and blomme Just 17km northwest of Kamieskroon is the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park. Twitchers and butterfly afficionados love it and it's worth spending a few days here - even in ‘bad years’ the sandy plains are plastered with vivid orange.
The dirt road that circles Skilpad takes you an overwhelming five kilometres through magnificent blooms. Halfway through is the “Roof of Africa” viewpoint, an area of huge granite domes affording panoramic views of the reserve and Kamiesberg mountains.
Skilpad is situated on a ridge of hills that capture most of the rain blowing from the west coast. Because of this the flowers are consistently spectacular, even when other areas are not. Outside of springtime much of this area is used as grazing land for sheep, clearing the bushes that would suppress the growth of the annual daisies and break the continuity of colour.
Adventurous and energetic? Try the new 4x4 trail, the Caracal Ecoroute, which opened during July 2009 at the Namaqua National Park. The 153 km trail stretches from Skilpad in the Northeast to Groen Rivier in the south, and will enable visitors to enjoy previously inaccessible spectacular areas of the Namaqua. You can also do the 50 km 4x4 eco-route or get on your bike for the 6 km mountain bike trail. Bikes can be hired in the park.
Skilpad? Namaqua National Park is home to the world's smallest tortoise, the Namaqua Speckled Padloper!
Hot tips for flower gazers
Get up close and personal - explore on foot and go down on your hands and knees! Closer inspection reveals a multitude of little floral treasures that hide among the daisies. Happy flower gazers have pollen dusted noses and grubby knees. Take a magnifying glass along.Plan to drive with the sun behind you - generally from north to south and westward in the morning, eastward after noon.
On a sunny day the flowers are fully open for five hours between 11h00 and 16h00.
Two days is ample for a region if you have good weather but don’t rush it.
Get a multi-day weather forecast at www.weathersa.co.za
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The riot of colour in Goegap Nature Reserve is a magnet for artists, photographers and anyone seeking some nature therapy. Kaleidoscopic fields of vivid purple mesembryanthemum, yellow Namaqua daisies and orange gazanias all turn their happy faces towards the sun.
Lying about 70 km north of Kamieskroon and 15 km southeast of Springbok, Goegap Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to kick off your flower trip. Bearing in mind that the best route to travel for a flower trip is north to south so that you see the flowers facing the sun.
“Goegap” derives its name from the Nama word for waterhole and there are plenty supporting the bird and animal residents. The Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden has a wide and interesting selection of Namaqualand succulents. There’s a 17 km drive that sedans can negotiate and an 80km 4x4 route. The landscape of granite boulders and sandy plains makes for stunning scenic driving on the narrow untarred roads. You could also hop onto the three hour guided truck tours during the flower season.
Funky feathers? Look out for the Namaqualand Sandgrouse which has an amazing ability – it can store water in its breast feathers and fly as far as 40 km to quench the thirst of its nestlings. Twitchers will be kept busy with spotting all 94 recorded bird species! Home to 45 mammalian species, you will have a chance of spotting gemsbok, springbok, Hartman's Zebra, bat eared foxes and aardwolf amongst the incredible number of floral species.
Saddle up and ride on the wild side in this magnificent landscape. Contact Namaqua Horse Trails Tel: +27 27 718 3583. On the milder side of keeping your carbon footprint down why not get on your bike and cycle the 17 km sedan route?
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Visit South Africa's own natural Jurassic Park, the Modjadji Cycad Forest, which has the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. This stunning 530 hectare reserve is home to some of the oldest and largest cycads in the world - some up to 13 metres high and bearing cones weighing in to up to 34 kilograms.
Mysteriously situated near the home of the fabled Modjadji Rain Queen in the misty Lobedu Mountains, it's an awesome place to go walking or to chill out with a picnic basket. Between December and February these living fossil plants are in seed. When the mist lifts there are sweeping views over the cycad forest to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park.
Well constructed walks meander from the cycad forest to the acacia and grass lands below. Here you can spot large game such as blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, impala and bushbuck. There's a good chance of seeing monkeys, dassies and bushpigs too. The birding is fantastic with over 170 species recorded.
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From ancient mariners to modern adventurers, the quest has always been to reach the poles, sail around the tips of continents, conquer the highest peaks and dive to the ultimate depths. This is the same spirit that captivated the explorers of yesteryear who braved one of the most challenging sea crossings of their time, the Atlantic-Indian Ocean crossing via Cape Agulhas.
Geographical extremes capture the imagination. As the southern-most tip of Africa, it has always had its mysteries and adventure, and still captures the imagination of contemporary explorers.
Amongst the mysteries associated with this region, is the legendary 'Cape of Storms' which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas.
Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. The archaeological middens remind contemporary man of a successful hunter-gathering culture that was in harmony with its natural environment; and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps.
This windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain at the southern-most tip of Africa, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park.
There are several small towns in the area encompassed by Agulhas, but no park run camps as yet.
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Offering numerous scenic walks and viewpoints, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is a haven for twitchers and jaded urbanites right in the heart of the suburb of Kloof. The spectacular Kloof Gorge is part of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, and is one of the few places in Durban where Knysna Turaco can be found, along with a number of forest birds and the magnificent crowned eagle. The attractive Everton Conservancy is also part of the Kloof area, and to crown these ecological attractions – the spectacular Valley of 1000 Hills Tourism Experience starts in Kloof. A magnet for eco-tourists, Kloof is also a welcome retreat for business executives visiting the nearby industrial areas of Pinetown and Hammarsdale. Need to know? Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is open from 6am to 6pm daily. Entrance is free excepting for a small fee charged at the Kloof Falls picnic site on weekends. Please ensure that you are familiar with your hiking route prior to departure, as it is fairly easy to get lost in the gorge. Guided walks: 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 8 am. Cost is R30 per person and booking is essential for these walks. The walks leave from the main picnic site in Kloof Falls road. Should you require further information about any of the walks or trails telephone the Officer in Charge: (0) 31 764 3515.
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Set within the stunning Wilderness National Park and on the shores of Langvlei, the Malachite Bird Hide is definitely worth a visit for twitchers and nature lovers. Spend some time watching the numerous waterfowl, kingfishers and other birds in this beautiful environment.
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The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools and deep gorges. In the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast - there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.
Need to know? Opens at 8am, closes at 4:30pm on weekdays and at 5pm on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 6pm in winter and 7pm in summer.
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Get up close and personal with rare white lions! The Lion Park offers terrific close encounters with lions, other predators and large herbivores indigenous to Africa. You can also expect some superb filming and photographic opportunities.
The Lion Park is home to over 80 lions including the rare white lions and many other carnivores such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, striped hyena, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, and a wide variety of antelope which roam freely in the antelope area.
Visitors have an opportunity to interact with some of the animals in the Cub World area. A giraffe feeding platform puts you at eye level with the tame resident giraffe creating a fun experience for all ages. The hugely popular cub interaction allows guests to touch the cubs and take photographs.
Need to know? The Lion Park is open every day of the year! Weekdays 08:30 to 17:00;
Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays 1 Sep to 30 Apr 08:30 to18:00; 1 May - 31 Aug 08:30 to 17:00.
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The most popular walking spot in Plett, Robberg Peninsula is an excellent view site for dolphins, whales and sharks. Seals are always seen from the trail and you can often spot big game fish from the cliffs. The peninsula is covered with coastal dune fynbos. Choose from three circular walks of various lengths. Interesting information about Robberg's geology, archaeology and marine life can be found on boards along the trails.
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A top spot for families, Jubilee Creek is probably the most beautiful picnic spot in the indigenous Knysna forest. Situated alongside a stream in two forest clearings, this site is very popular with young families. The stream is perfect for playing, exploring and walks along the river. Hidden in the forest, you might even sight a rare Knysna elephant - one of the Knysna elephants was actually seen here in March 2007!
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Discover Elandsfontein’s fossil heritage on a guided Quad Bike Fossil Safari. The dunes on Elandsfontein are the final resting place of early humans and animals that date back to the early Stone Age. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served. All quad bikes have fully automatic gearboxes to ensure that even novice riders can enjoy this unique experience. To manage the impact on the dunes the number of quad bikes is limited to eight, but each quad bike is big enough for two passengers.
Cost: R550 per person, refreshments included, for day visitors.
4x4 Nature Drive As the home to the largest inward migration of game in the history of the Western Cape, Elandsfontein is waiting to be discovered by nature lovers. Some of the species that guest may expect to see on the 3 hour nature drive include eland, hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, kudu, bontebuck, springbuck and Cape buffalo, the first of the big five to be reintroduced into the reserve. Unspoilt nature and rich and diverse birdlife complete the experience. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served.
Cost: R550 per person, refreshments included.
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Situated in the Kleinrivier Mountains on the northern side of Hermanus, Fernkloof Nature Reserve incorporates mountain fynbos as well as a pocket of evergreen forest. A 60 km network of trails provides the opportunity for people to go out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. These trails offer stunning panoramic views of Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.
The reserve is a haven of biodiversity with 1474 species of plants recorded. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated. This means that the coastal area with its unique fynbos, the mountain fynbos as well as the sensitive lagoon area is now linked.
Keep your eyes open to spot grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie. Birds that you are most likely to see are Cape sugar birds, sunbirds, rock thrush and rock jumpers. Raptors include the jackal buzzard and black eagle. You can also spot seed and insect-eating species such as Rameron pigeons, canaries, flycatchers and white-eyes in the patches of forest alongside streams.
Need to know? Fernkloof Nature Reserve is open from 7:00 to 19:00
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Noordhoek is situated at the foot of the Silvermine Nature Reserve which forms part of the Table Mountain National park. There are many trails for walking or hiking and a detailed map of the trails can be purchased from Noordhoek Village tourism office for a nominal fee.
The Silvermine Hiking trail allows one to see some of the world’s most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery which is rich with a variety of flora as well as bird and small animal life. There are a large number of different Proteas and other fynbos species, flowering throughout the different seasons; making this an enjoyable and interesting walk at any time of the year.
One of the easiest and most accessible walks leads from the car park at the top of the mountain to the Silvermine Reservoir. This is an easy walk with a duration of some 1- 1 ½ hours and a suitable for all members of the family. If one drives to the top of Ou Kaapse Weg you will see the Parks signboard on your left with directions to the parking area.
From the parking area the trail is well marked and heads predominantly uphill though it is not particularly strenuous. The trail winds through remarkably different vegetation and you will enjoy a number of boardwalks over the streams. On a summer day you will find the wooded banks verdant with tree ferns a pleasantly cool and peaceful spot to linger. Surprisingly the trail heads through some small forest glades. The path wends its way up well-maintained wooden walkways and the occasional rustic bridge until one reaches the dam wall itself. Stop along the way to admire the beautiful and spectacular views across False Bay where on a clear day you can see clear across to Gordon’s Bay.
A number of quaint stone benches and tables are dotted along the path where one can picnic or braai. It would be best to check at the ticket office - lighting of fires may be prohibited depending upon the season. The trail leads to the large Silvermine reservoir which was built sometime in the 1890’s to supply water to Cape Town. During hot summer days people often take a cooling swim in the clear water. At the far end is a rich growth of water lilies spreading under a wooden bridge. During early autumn there are an amazing variety of flowering plants including Proteas.
On the opposite side of Ou Kaapse Weg, just after the apex is another entrance manned by the Parks board where one can park and walk up Silvermine River Valley to a small waterfall, passing a number of old ruins. The waterfall offers the perfect spot to take in the sounds of nature. Like so many of the waterfalls on Table Mountain, this one is only seen in its full glory in winter, but it is also a great peaceful picnic spot.
Need to know? The entry fee is R10 or free for wildcard holders (limited to cape Town residents). There are toilet facilities at the parking area. GPS: 34º 05' 135" S 18º 25' 144" E
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In the heart of South Africa's lush Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains – all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During spring, a carpet of flowers, further enhance the verdant beauty of this national park.
Looking for an action packed holiday adventure? Then, Wilderness is your playground. Experience whales & dolphins from Dolphin Point. Hire a canoe or bicycle, go abseiling, kloofing, paragliding or hang-gliding. Go boating, fishing at Island Lake or hike to the waterfall above Ebb & Flow Restcamp. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are activities for young, old, energetic or idle: take a stroll along a forest path or visit the bird hide and discover the wealth of bird life. Lie back in a canoe on a quiet backwater and watch the world float by.
Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve, giving welcome protection to five lakes and the Serpentine, which is the winding strip of water joining Island Lake to the Touw River at the Ebb-and-flow Restcamp.
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The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is a place of special beauty, an escape into a mountain range of great natural appeal and an ideal destination for a days outing.
There is a self drive route on tarred roads which link a number of picnic sites and view points.
It is also a great place to walk and enjoy the wildlife - and especially the resident sable antelope.
Twitchers will have much to twitch about with over 320 species having been recorded including a breeding colony of cape vultures. Nesting pairs of martial and black eagles are also of great interest.
Walking on the wild side The reserve caters for a wide range of interests and is famous as a hiking destination. Two trails are open to the public.
These overnight trails are extremely popular and early booking is essential.
The Summit Route is 25,3km and, for the first time, includes the Natural Pools in which swimming is permitted.
The Baviaanskrans Route is 19,5km and includes the Waterfall View and the Garden of Remembrance. The trails have amenities to accommodate 12 hikers.
The Peglarae Trail is a day excursion of approximately 5,5km over fairly steep and rocky terrain.
The shorter Vlei Ramble, just 2km, takes visitors to a viewing hut on the vlei - a favourite spot for the many birders who enjoy the reserve.
Need to know? Gate Times
05:30 - 19:00 Summer
06:00 - 18:30 Winter
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Famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds, Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the north eastern Free State. Its no surprise that the park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's cliffs, paticularily the imposing Brandwag rock.
This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals – black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra as well as unusual birds, including the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Try to visit the Vulture Restaurant!
Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. Other stunning lookout points are the Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint (third highest point in the park); Oribi basin and Drakensberg view. Hikers can chose from various day trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours) or the awesome two day Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night).
Up for an African cultural experience? Get to experience the Basotho way of living dating back to the sixteen century by tasting traditional cuisine and learn about the traditional equipment and weapons at the Basotho Cultural Village. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to the medicines that were (and still are) used by the African Traditional Healers.
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Underberg is a newly discovered jewel in the far west of KwaZulu-Natal. It is situated against the southern foothills of the Drakensberg. The ‘Berg’ (Drakensberg) and area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It enjoys special protection by the United Nations Conservation treaty. Many pollution free rivers cascade down the sides of the Berg then along the Umkomaas, Umzimkulu Polele, Umzimvubu Rivers and further north to the Tugela.
This area contains two of the highest peaks in the Drakensberg, the Hutchinson’s Peaks. The height of the south peaks, 3252 m, the north peak at 3258 m. These can be seen from a long distance away. There are several smaller nature reserves within the uKhahlamba World Heritage Area - Cobham, Loteni and Vergelegen Reserves.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts. Rolling high altitude grasslands, the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges also contribute to the beauty of the site. The site’s diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally threatened species, especially birds and plants.
Many caves and rock-shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of the Sahara are found here. Created by the San people over a period of 4,000 years, the rock paintings are outstanding in quality and diversity of subject and in their depiction of animals and human beings. They represent the spiritual life of the San people. Scenes of the first white settlers and the Nguni settlers from East Africa are depicted in some paintings.
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The magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall forms the backdrop to this lovely botanical garden covering almost 300 hectares of both landscaped and natural veld areas.
Previously called the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden, the natural vegetation of the area is known as the "Rocky Highveld Grassland" and consists of a mosaic of grassland and savanna, with dense bush in kloofs and along streams. The variety of habitats accommodates over 600 naturally occurring plant species. seasonal highlights.
These fabulous gardens are also home majestic Black Eagles (Verreaux's Eagles), who nest on the cliffs alongside the waterfall. The garden has an abundance of wildlife. Together with the other 220 bird species, there are also a number of reptile and small mammals, including small antelope and jackal, which occur naturally in the Nature Reserve.
Take a stroll Several short walks run through the gardenand the surrounding natural areas. The SASOL Dam & Wetland has a boardwalk through the wetland and a bird hide. The JCI Geological Trail gives visitors the opportunity to not only walk along the Roodekrans Ridge and in the Nature Reserve portion of the Garden, but also to learn something about the fascinating geology of the area. Guided tours can be arranged for groups.
Need to know? The Garden is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, no entry after 17:00. R23 for adults, R13 for students (with a valid student card), R7 for scholars (children), R2 for pre-school groups (per child). Children under the age of 6 and Botanical Society members (with valid cards) have free entry.
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This is one of the best places on the West Coast to see fields of wild flowers! The Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park is only open to visitors during spring. You can also do some game viewing from your own vehicle - spot various antelope from Africa's largest, the eland, to pronking sprinbokkies or maybe a shy little greysbok. Ostrich and their chicks wander about and if you've got sharp eyes you will discover tortoises, field mice, mangoose and myriads of birds, bees and butterflies. There are also some great whalewatching areas.
Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities are available for day visitors. There is a shop at the entrance that sells various field guide books.
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