Experience  the beautiful scenes at the Outeniqua Nature Reserve

Geographical Area :

The Outeniqua Nature Reserve lies on the Garden Route in the southern Cape, near the town of George. It is easily accessible from Mossel Bay, Knysna and Oudtshoorn. The reserve of 38 000 hectares, is fragmented over a series of rugged mountain ranges which lie parallel to the coast. The reserve supplies the region with fresh water from its catchments.

History :

The name Outeniqua is thought to be derived from that of a Khoisan tribe once resident in the mountains and means "they who bear honey". Paintings formed an important part of the culture of these people, and their images of animals, hunters and honeycombs may be found on secluded rockfaces throughout the reserve. The rugged Outeniqua mountains proved a huge hurdle for the early settlers who wished to move from the coastal regions into the hinterland. In the western part of the reserve, the Attakwaskloof, which was originally a thoroughfare for herds of elephants, was first used by settlers in 1689 to travel inland. In 1813 the Cradock Pass was built through the Outeniqua mountains, but was so steep that some travellers considered it only fit for baboons to climb! During 1844 work began on the Montagu Pass, eventually providing travellers with a safer and quicker route through the mountains.

Plants & Animals :

The reserve lies between the high-rainfall coastal region and the dry Little Karoo. The vegetation in this mountainous area is diverse, and the moist southern slopes are predominantly covered with mountain fynbos. It is particularly attractive in September and October, when many of the proteas and ericas are in flower. The northern slopes are much drier, and accordingly the vegetation is sparser, blending with hardy, drought resistant Karoo veld. The Outeniqua mountains are host to a variety of animal species. Mammals include the klipspringer, grey rhebuck, numerous small rodents and the elusive leopard. Birds include large raptors such as the black eagle, as well as smaller typical fynbos birds like the Cape sugarbird.

There are numerous Day/Overnight Hiking Trials to choose from.

Or get the African Experience at one of these   Game Lodges nearby

Garden Route game Lodge and Hot Springs situated in the heartland of the world famous Fynbos Botanical Route, welcomes you to the majestic beauty that fauna and flora has to offer. Come and view the Big Five at Garden Route Game Lodge, in a malaria free environment, world renowned for its excellent climate. Share in the exciting experience of seeing the first lion and elephant in our region this century. Other species also to be found at the game lodge are antelope, crocodile and leopard... Visit our newly planned reptile park where a highly qualified Herpetologist will introduce you to 53 different species of snakes. Garden Route Game Lodge adheres to optimal conservation practices to create a balanced Eco-system. Facilities and options on offer at the Garden Route Game Lodge: -16 en-suite double rooms, tastefully decorated in a blend of "old African" and Western style. - 15 Five star-decorated log cabins, ideally designed for couples. - 60 seat Conference Centre overlooking the waterhole and stunning Langeberg mountain range. - Tasty traditional cuisine is served in our Inyama Restaurant or open air Boma around a campfire. - Early morning or evening game drives, morning walking trails, bird watching, horse riding, reptile park, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, swimming pool, curio shop and much more. - Cheetah and Caracal Rehabilitation project. - Only 348 km. from Cape Town - 4X4 Motorbikes for hire.

The Garden Route Game Lodge

Experience close encounters with buffalo, giraffes, nyala, sable impalas, kudu, waterbuck, zebra etc. and rare birds such as teh fish eagle and secretary bird. Enjoy our diverse wildlife species in their natural habitat on our guided game drive. Our bushcamp offers self catering accommodation in thatched private chalets or tents. Creating a comfortable and luxurious wildlife experience. Nyaru Game Lodge is nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, 10 minutes drive off the N2 between Mossel Bay and the scenic Outeniqua Mountains

Botlierskop Game Farm is situated on the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, overlooking the deep blue sea in a secluded valley only 10-min drive off the N2 between Mosselbay and George. We are only 20 minutes drive from George Airport and 4 hours from Cape Town, and situated in the malaria free Garden Route. On the Ranch we have an estimated figure of 1000 animals, which consists of more than 17 different species, such as lion, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and mountain zebra. We are also running a breeding program for the very rare black impala of which there are only ± 200 in the world.

At Botlierskop Game Farm we offer a 3-hour guided game drive that is professionally organised on this 1500 ha (3700 acres) Ranch. The animals are free roaming with a separate lion sanctuary. Guests can experience our natural fynbos and have close encounters with wild animals. Rides might include beautiful sunrises or sunsets. These exciting drives happen twice a day and are a photographer's dream. Our friendly and personal service is all part of the Botlierskop experience. Well-informed guides give our guests a behind the scenes look into the game farming industry of South Africa. We eagerly share our knowledge regarding managing, breeding, translocation and conserving of our wonderful wildlife in a sustainable way.

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