13 Jul Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Oorlogskloof Hike
This amazing reserve show us more than 1350 plant species along the Bokkeveld Plateau, the majority of them are of the bulb variety as it made possible its survival in the arid climate and the extreme temperatures with tremendous changes along the year. More than eighty species are endemic to the area, and you must go in the “secret season” to discover the colorfulness of this amazing piece of earth.
The Reserve is also ¨the place to go” for watching bird lovers with at least 148 species such as Cape Sugarbirds, Martial eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Kestrels, Southern black korhaan and Cape clapper lark.
The Rock Pigeon Route through Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve near Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape is one of South Africa’s best multi-day hikes. But it doesn’t come easy.
The five-day, 52km circular trail starts and ends at Groot Tuin, where there’s safe parking for vehicles and an overnight hut. Groot Tuin is the only place where fires are allowed. You receive a detailed map and route description on arrival and there are markings along the trail.
Some hikers describe this relatively unknown hike as one of the best in South Africa, because it is so well sign posted and designed (there are even distance plaques to help you along).
Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve is 16 km outside of Nieuwoudtville, 4 776 hectares of mountainous terrain through which the Oorlogskloof River, its source in the Roggeveld Mountains, flows through a dramatic gorge. Hikers overnight in four camps set up with dome tents and foam mattresses, so you do not have to carry tents and mattresses.
We will start and finish in the Groot Tuin, walking 55 km over 5 days.