Things to Do in Little Karoo

Deep in the Langeberg Mountains and part of Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is the hiking paradise Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. As part of the Cape Floral Region, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fragrant mountain fynbos and indigenous kloof forest characterize the lovely landscape. Some incredibly rare species of Ericas can be found. The ravines are populated by stinkwood, yellowwood, Cape holly, red alder, beech, white alder and candlewood trees. If you're a tree-spotter, look out for a thicket of mountain cypress growing on a cliff edge. Wildlife that you may encounter includes grey rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons, leopard, mongoose and genet. The area boasts numerous birds with 184 recorded species including black, martial, crowned and booted eagles, redwinged and redneck francolins, blackrumped buttonquail, striped flufftail and Layard’s titbabbler. Popular with hikers, the main attraction here is the lack of infrastructure and remoteness. Paths are unmarked and huts provide only basic shelter and no toilet facilities. Hikers need to be well-equipped for all weather and must carry an accurate map. Hikers may choose their route from 64 km of paths. A circular two-day route of 27 km follows an old jeep track up Loerklip and back down Saagkuilkloof. Advance bookings are essential. +27 021 659 3500 bookings@capenature.co.za

Rust en Vrede is a lovely little waterfall that runs 365 days a year – even though it is found in the Klein Karoo. During the summer many people enjoy a picnic or braai under the trees at the entrance followed by a walk and a swim at this gorgeous little spot.

Excellent bird watching, gorgeous indigenous Knysna forest and mountain fynbos characterize this CapeNature reserve in the Langeberg. The 250-hectare forest is situated 22 km northwest of Heidelberg and is considered the best and largest woodland in the south-western Cape. The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails (2 – 15 km) and the short mountain bike trail through high forest are wonderful options to explore this stunning reserve. Permits for these trails are available from the CapeNature office. Forest tree species that you will see are stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the ubiquitous ironwood. Wildlife that is often encountered includes bushbuck, Cape grysbok, Cachma baboons, various small mammals like mongoose and genet. Occasionally leopard can be seen. Rich in bird diversity, the reserve boasts no less than 196 bird species. Twitchers will be gripping their binoculars to spot endemics like the Knysna woodpecker, Knysna warbler, Victorin’s warbler, forest canary and Cape Siskin. Other forest specials to look out for are the Narina Trogon and majestic Crowned Eagle. And what else is there to brag about? Grootvadersbosch is home to a subspecies of ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly.

Experience the thrill of being almost tooth-to-tooth with a Nile crocodile or wrap yourself with a python at the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients in the heart of the Little Karoo!Far more than just a petting zoo, this endangered species breeding facility is the oldest and largest cheetah contact centre on the planet. Visitors have the opportunity of interacting with hand-reared cheetahs as well as getting actively involved in conserving endangered species.Take a stroll on the ‘catwalk’ and view lion, cheetah, puma, white Bengal tigers, meerkats, pygmy hippos and many bird species. You can also visit rare and rather large reptiles at the snake park and crocodile pools.Run the race against extinction whilst having the time of your life and get involved with the Cheetah Preservation Foundation. Founded in 1988, the principal aim is to ensure the survival of the cheetah and other endangered species, as well as educating visitors as to the plight of the these animals.

Dramatic gorges, stunning mountain scenery, amazing wildlife and birds characterize the Tierkloof Hiking Trail in Gamkaberg Nature Reserve. This moderately strenuous trail starts in the Succulent Karoo biome before heading into a lush, forested ravine. Here a melodic chorus of forest songbirds rings in the kloof – particularly the vocal Bokmakieries and Southern Boubous. A pair of breeding Black eagles have claimed the cliffs for their eyrie and can often be seen soaring in the thermals. The two-day trail eventually leads hikers onto the fragrant fynbos-clad mountain plateau. Spectacular views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains can be enjoyed from the far-flung overnight stop at Oukraal camp. The camp provides beds, mattresses, gas fridge, stove, fireplace and ablutions. Permits can be obtained from the CapeNature Booking Office. Day One 14.5 km, Day Two 13 km.

Visit a sparkling ancient African cave system in the Karoo. One of the major attractions in the Garden Route and Oudtshoorn area is the Cango Caves, which extend for kilometres into the extensive limestone hills. Situated in the Swartberg Mountains, 30km north of Oudtshoorn are the 20 million year-old Precambrian caves. Africa's largest show cave system is definitely worth a visit just to see the beautiful crystal and flow structures alone. Although the massive system of tunnels and chambers stretch for over four kilometres, only a quarter of this is open to visitors. You can do a guided standard one hour tour or tackle the more adventurous one and a half hour tour, which includes some tight squeezes.

Take the kids to enjoy a quiet, relaxing farm environment and wide range of animal interactions at Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm. Meet horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, an angora goat, sheep, miniature pot bellied piglets, guinea pigs and rabbits. Come and pet them and feed them and even have a ride on one of the horses. It's an amazing, unique, interactive experience for the whole family!Older kids can walk with the horses and everyone can feed and pet the donkeys, sheep and goat or cuddle one of the friendly guinea pigs or the rabbit. Also on offer are short horse rides led by the owner in an enclosed camp - which makes for many great photos and memories.Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm help neglected and abused animals. The Greek word for horse is Ikkos, it also means the "Great Light", and the sanctuary aims to provide visitors with an enlightening all round equestrian experience.So, what goes on at Ikkos Equine Sanctuary?Rescue of abandoned and abused equines and other animals.Ikkos equine therapy - come and walk with their equines as well as groom, feed them and get to know them.Ikkos riding tuition - learn about horses in a fun and interesting way AND learn to ride.Ikkos eco horse riding trails and tours – absolutely stunning trails in natural veld private game reserve with a variety of game and stunning views!Adopt an equine or another animal here at the sanctuary – a unique gift for yourself or a loved one.Need to know? If you would like to make a booking (at least the day before) please send an SMS mobile text message to 076 6001115 to confirm your visit and get directions. The cost is R50 entrance fee that includes a tour round the farm to meet the animals, there is the option of pony riding at R40 per person and feeding the animals at R20.All entrance fees and donations go directly back into Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm for the care of the animals and towards the rescue of other animals in need of help.

Nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains in the Klein Karoo, this remote mountain reserve is definitely worth a visit. Most folk who venture to Gamkaberg Nature Reserve come to soak up the peace and tranquillity. The best season to go is in spring although any time of the year is worthwhile. Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which boasts one of the richest floras on earth, Gamkaberg is a botanists paradise. Here you will find four of the South African biomes – Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Subtropical Thicket and Evergreen Forest. Home to the endangered Cape mountain zebra, honey badger and leopard, the reserve is an important refuge for rare Western Cape wildlife. Other animals you can spot include eland, red hartebeest, grysbok, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, baboon, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf, black backed jackal and many small mammals. The reserve is also host to numerous birds, reptiles and insects. Day trippers can look around the information centre, meander through the labyrinth, explore the short footpaths and use the picnic or braai spots. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.