Nature Reserves
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Kleinpoort Koffylaagte Game Reserve is a pristine and historic private reserve conveniently situated 130 km from Port Elizabeth. The reserve is named for its colourful history as the resting place of the early settler traders who travelled between the vicinity and what is now known as Nelson Mandela Bay.
The original 1870s farmhouse enjoys spectacular views of the landscape, heightened by the lonesome old ox-wagon, a remnant of the early pioneering days.
Dedicated to wildlife management and breeding programmes, the land has been stripped of residues from its early farming days and converted back to its magnificent fauna and flora. Today Koffylaagte is a serene place where you can rest your mind, body and soul.
The reserve is home to abundant wildlife including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, some 22 species of South African antelope, warthog, bush pig, mongoose, fox, and porcupine, jackal, meerkat, baboon and vervet monkey.
The birdlife is prolific and it’s not uncommon to spot the majestic black eagle and other birds of prey. The spectacular Karoo flora resembles a natural succulent garden with aloes, euphorbia, spekboom, rare cycads and Elephant’s Foot.
Things to do near
Kleinpoort
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserves
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Addo (3.2 km from Kleinpoort) Discover the magic of the Karoo with a unique wilderness experience at the exclusive 5-Star Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve.
Bordering the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers malaria-free wildlife viewing of a wide variety of game.
Professional rangers will introduce you to lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on interesting game drives.
An awesome thing to do is go on a walking safari to shadow cheetah as they prowl for their prey.
Four By Four Trails
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Kirkwood (43.1 km from Kleinpoort) Bedrogfontein Route 4x4 Trail has amazing scenery and also passes the Sundays River. It forms part of the Addo Elephant National Park; it is a self-drive route between Kabouga and Darlington. The 45 km trail requires a 4x4, low range, high clearance vehicle. Bedrogfontein Route has a grading between 2 and 4 and takes approximately 6 hours to finish.
Four By Four Trails
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Patensie (43.3 km from Kleinpoort) Gonjah 4x4 Trail offers two trails of 12 km and 20 km, and each takes 4 hours to complete. It is located 12 km from Patensie and is next to the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. The 12 km trail leads to the top of a mountain with stunning views. The 20 km trail is more technical and is mostly within the game camp. The trail offers great views of the Gamtoos Valley with lots of twists as it descends into a kloof. The trails have a grading of 2 to 3 and a low range vehicle is required for these self-drive tracks. Please call for further information.
Animal Parks
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Kirkwood (52.3 km from Kleinpoort) Be enchanted by the Harley-Davidson purr and graceful moves of the spotted felines at the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an interesting, personalised tour and the chance to interact with the cheetah. Visitors are encouraged to touch the cats and have photographs taken with a few of them.
Established in 2001, the project started with only three cats and has grown in leaps and bounds. The maintenance of pure genetic lines and public awareness of the importance of conserving this amazing species is the chief focus.
The Cheetah Walk experience costs R150 and includes a slice of cake and beverage at the Padstal. Walks need to be booked at least two days in advance. Children 12 years of age and older are allowed to participate.
Open seven days a week, the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project can be found on the R75 National Highway 80 kilometres from Port Elizabeth Airport. On site is The Padstal offering light meals, refreshments and a gift shop.
+27 (0) 42 2320 539
Golf Courses
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Hankey (55.1 km from Kleinpoort) Hankey Country Club's course is rated as one of the best 9-hole courses in the country. This charming old club in the Gamtoos Valley plays host each year to the Hadeda tournament.
Hiking Trail
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Uitenhage (63.1 km from Kleinpoort) Located about 8 km out of Uitenhage is the Groendal Wilderness Area, which features many lovely walking trails.
The Blindekloof Trail is 16 km long, which will take about 4 hours to complete. An easy day’s walk, the trail starts from the office parking area, leads through succulent thicket and forest, following the Blindekloof Stream to Crystal Cavern Pool. Hikers return along the same route.
The Upper Blindekloof Trail is a 2 day, 32 km long trail. This is a fairly difficult hike. From the parking area it leads uphill for 16 km, then descends steeply to Blindekloof Stream. Hikers follow the stream until the Paardekloof junction. Hikers will then climb steeply out of the kloof, and downhill back to the parking area. This route involves many compulsory swims.
To organize your hike, contact the reserve manager.
Animal Parks
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Thornhill (69.8 km from Kleinpoort) African Dawn is set in a tranquil valley. This beautiful bird and wildlife sanctuary features an endangered cat breeding program and rehabilitation centre. The on-site restaurant offers good meals.
Open daily 09:00 - 17:00.
Popular Attractions
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Uitenhage (70.2 km from Kleinpoort) BallynaFagh Farm offers visitors a relaxing setting to enjoy a wonderful outride on well-schooled horses.
Explore this little bit of African bush and country lanes on horseback. Rides are about 1.5 hours in length with something to suit all levels of experience. If you're new to horse riding, lessons can be arranged.
Beaches
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Gamtoos Mouth (73.1 km from Kleinpoort) At the mouth of the Gamtoos River lies a stunning beach with a huge stretch of soft white sand, perfect for lengthy strolls. The scenic lagoon and river offer safe swimming, boating and canoeing.
Nature Reserves
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Port Elizabeth (73.1 km from Kleinpoort) Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve was established in 1951 and is situated 40 km from Port Elizabeth. It is one of the top places to see lowland fynbos, flowering proteas and a variety of other endemic fynbos. Visitors can see a large variety of vegetation in the various habitats of the escarpment. There is an abundance of succulents, ericas, leucadendrons, and other indigenous flora.
The reserve aims to protect the large variety of bird, plant and animal species within the area. Bird watchers can feast their eyes on more than 170 bird species and a number of raptors frolicking in their natural habitat along the rocky gorge. This includes the forest buzzard, jackal buzzard, booted eagle, African crowned eagle, peregrine falcon, black sparrowhawk, and lanner falcon. There is an indigenous coastal forest along the gorge of Van Staden's River. It is home to the Knysna turaco, the Knysna warbler, and the sombre greenbul, among many others.
There is also a nursery in the reserve which sells indigenous flora, and scenic picnic sites on the plateau that are perfect for relaxing over a meal. There are two hiking trails for those who want to explore the reserve. The River Walk is four kilometres long and the Forest Walk is six kilometres. Mountain bikers can explore the plateau section of the reserve, and there are easier sections which are ideal for families to cycle on.
Nature Reserves
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Jeffreys Bay (74.2 km from Kleinpoort) Enjoy clip clopping along untouched beaches and through indigenous vegetation with well-schooled horses and experienced guides. All rides start on the farm Papiesfontein between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous Rivers, 10 km from Jeffreys Bay.
The 13 km trail leads over pretty dunes to the river mouth and a long stretch of beach – perfect for an exhilarating gallop. Along the way you’ll see abundant birdlife, animals and marine life. Bookings are essential.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (75 km from Kleinpoort) The quaint Old Railway Station Museum is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa. On display are two vintage locomotives, a number of coaches, period furniture and equipment that capture the nostalgia of the pioneering days of steam locomotives. In addition to the station office, the building includes a residence, waiting room and tearoom.
Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:30.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (75 km from Kleinpoort) The Drostdy Museum forms part of the Uitenhage Museum, as does the Cuyler Manor Museum and the Old Railway Station Museum. The Drostdy Africana Museum focuses on the development of the city and how it grew through the introduction of industries ranging from clothing, furniture and other items.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (75 km from Kleinpoort) The AutoPavilion, place of cars and legends, first opened its doors in 2004. This modern, state-of-the art heritage centre replaced the existing museum that housed Volkswagen SA's old vehicles. The multi-million Rand attraction is unique as it is the only automobile discovery centre in Africa and only the 5th worldwide.
Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00.
Golf Courses
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Uitenhage (75.2 km from Kleinpoort) Uitenhage Golf Club features a full 18-hole course in the lovely garden city of Uitenhage.
Club facilities include a bar, halfway house, and a boardroom with function facilities. Vistors are welcome everyday.