Gamkaberg Nature Reserve

Gamkaberg Nature Reserve Hotel / Lodge accommodation in Knysna Western Cape

Description

Gamka Mountain is an isolated mountain range in the Little Karoo, lying between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. The name Gamka is derived from the Khoekhoen (‘Hottentot’) word gami, meaning lion. The reserve was established in 1974 in order to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged, with mountainous plateau incised by deep ravines.

The reserve was established in 1974 in order to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged, with mountainous plateaux incised by deep ravines. The main rock formations consist of Table Mountain quartzites and shales, and Bokkeveld sandstone and shales.

The reserve lies between the winter and summer rainfall regions, experiencing gentle soaking rain in winter and thundershowers in summer. The annual rainfall averages 500mm at the summits and 300mm on the lower slopes of the mountain. Although summers can be very hot, the moderate climate allows for visiting throughout the year (malaria-free area).

The reserve has four main vegetation types, namely mountain fynbos, arid fynbos, succulent karoo and riverine vegetation. Many interesting plants occur, including the famous golden mimetes. A member of the protea family, this species was discovered in 1988.

The rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra, leopard and honey badger occur in the reserve. Other mammals include eland, red hartebeest, grysbok, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, baboon, caracal and numerous smaller species. Gamkaberg hosts a wide variety of birds, reptiles and insects.

The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day visitors have access to the information centre, short hikes and picnic and braai facilities. Ablution facilities and shaded parking are provided at the information centre.

The Tierkloof bush camp provides rustic accommodation with a fridge, stove, lamps, beds and ablution and braai facilities. Tents can be pitched at Oukraal, which also has a primitive stone shelter, veld toilet and hearth. Firewood is for sale on the reserve. Mountain climbing, kloofing, hiking, mountain biking (on certain routes), bird-watching and photography may be enjoyed from the overnight sites.

This pristine environment is best enjoyed on foot. Starting in succulent karoo, a moderately strenuous trail takes hikers through a deep, forested ravine to a fynbos-rich mountain plateau. The Oukraal camp is on this plateau and offers beautiful views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges.

Accommodation

Tierkloof Eco Lodge

Rustic accommodation built from thatch & reed situated in Sweetthorn thicket at the foot of the Gamkaberg.  We take only one group at a time so it’s the ideal private getaway for family and friends.  Various day hikes can also be done from here.  The main hut consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living area with a Jet master for the cold winter nights (two seating areas that can double up as two single beds are also in the living area).  Separate to this are three tents pitched, with two single beds each and one with a double bed.  The bush camp boasts a swimming reservoir, shaded deck, big lapa and braai area with hammocks.  Come and soak up the peace!

What we provide:

• Beds, mattresses including bedding
• Gas fridge and hob
• Cutlery and crockery (for 8 people)   
• Braaigrid
• 3-legged Pot (No 4)  
• Kettle
• Camp chairs, tables, hammocks and benches
  in the lapa     
• Flush toilets
• Lanterns (solar electricity) 
• Warm water showers
• Firewood for sale (R15.00 per 5kg bundle)  

Fossil Ridge Eco Lodge (sleeps max 4 people)

Rustic accommodation built from thatch & reed situated next to the fossil rich ridge at the foot of the Gamkaberg. We take only one group at a time so it’s the ideal private getaway for family and friends. Various day hikes can also be done from here. The main hut consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living area. Separate to this are two tents pitched with two single beds each and one and a king sized bed in the other. The bush camp boasts a swimming reservoir, shaded deck, and lapa and braai area.

What we provide:

• Beds, mattresses including bedding
• Gas fridge and hob
• Cutlery and crockery (for 4 people)
• Braai grid
• Kettle
• Camp chairs, tables and benches in he lapa area
• enviro dry toilets
• Lanterns (solar electricity)
• Warm water showers
• Firewood for sale (R15.00 per 5kg bundle)

Sweetthoorn Eco Lodge ( sleeps max 6 people) 

Rustic accommodation built from thatch and reed situated in Sweetthorn thicket at the foot of Gamkaberg. We take only one group at a time so it’s the ideal breakaway for friends and family. Various day hikes can also be done from here. The main hut consists of a kitchen/dining room and a living are. Separate to this area are three tents pitched, with two single beds each and one king size bed. The bush camp boasts a swimming reservoir, shaded deck, and lapa and braai area.

What we provide: 

·  Beds, mattresses including bedding

·  Gas fridge and hob

·  Cutlery and crockery (for 6 people)

·  Braai grid

·  Kettle

·  Camp chairs, tables and benches in he lapa area

·  enviro dry toilets

·  Lanterns (solar electricity)

·  Warm water showers

·  Firewood for sale (R15.00 per 5kg bundle)

Stables room (max 8 people)

Situated at the foot of the Gamkaberg overlooking the valley and the Swartberg Mountains, the stables accommodation consists of three areas:

This is the ideal spot if you don’t want the hassle of pitching your own tent! The old horse stables have been converted into two separate ‘rooms’, each room sleeps 4 people and each has its own entrance. The two rooms are rented out to only one group at a time. Between the two rooms is a ‘kitchen’ area with a table, chairs and a 2-plate gas stove and gas fridge. Water is available but no electricity so remember to bring your torches. Mattresses are provided for the beds but you will need to bring your own bedding. A sheltered lapa/braai area is situated just in front of the stables.

Gamkaberg campsite:

Looking for some peaceful camping? This is it! Close to the two Stables, is an un-demarcated area in which to pitch your tent. Together with the guests in the stables, there should be only about 20 people at a time in the  area. Portable braais are provided in order for you to set up your own little ‘camp’. Water can be collected from the kitchen at the ablution facilities but there is no electricity.

Ablution facilities:

The tent sites and stables share a warm-water ablution facility consisting of gents & ladies shower and toilets and a ‘kitchen’ with a work-surface and zink (about 80 m from the site).

Oukraal Campsite: (sleeps max 8 people)

This is a very remote camp site at the top of the mountain plateau (1.5 hours by 4x4). Visitors need to take all their supplies along as nothing is provided other than 4 hiker’s foam matrasses, limited water and limited wood. There is a long drop toilet and no shower so visitors need to bath in a basin. We recommend that visitors stay for 2 nights at a time and only stay longer if they are seasoned to spending time in the wilderness.

The campsite consists of a basic but quaint stone shelter with two ‘rooms’ and a hearth, situated on fynbos plateau on top of Gamkaberg with spectacular views over the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains. Tents may be pitched in the dedicated areas by the shelter. The campsite is booked out to only one group at a time and is only accessible via the 4x4 trail or via a 12km hike. Guests going up by 4x4 must please arrive no later than 15:00. Keep your eyes open for the elusive endangered Cape Mountain-zebra’s!

What we provide:

• Braaigrid (wood provided on request)
• 3-legged Pot (No 3)
• Long drop toilet
• Water tank with rain water (use sparingly)

What you need to bring:

• Bedding & mattresses & Towels
• Lighting & wood
• Warm clothes (temperatures may drop rapidly)
• Drinking water

Please note: a minimum of two night stay is required.

Arrival and Departure:
Guests can arrive any time from 14:00 but before 18:00 as gates are closed. If you are taking the 4x4 route up to Oukraal campsite please arrive by 15:00.
Departure time is 10:00 from the accommodation units.
If you decide not to take up the booking on the day of arrival, please let the reserve office know.

Things to Remember:

• Remember to take your booking confirmation as this is also your entry permit.
• Food and drinks (No cafes or restaurants close by).
• Outdoor gear (e.g. walking shoes, hats, binoculars, torches, reading material, swimming costumes & toiletries)
• Please remember that you are in a nature reserve. No fauna or flora may be damaged, removed or disturbed in any way.
• General: Wood can be purchased from the office so please do not take wood from the surrounding areas for your fire, remember you are in a nature reserve and each peace of wood creates a home for some or other creature.
• A reasonably high clearance vehicle is advised for Gamkaberg

Directions