Rock art – Colour Dots

Ardvark Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:09:47 +0000

Ardvark Nature Reserve lies in the Succulent Karoo, a desert biome with a great diversity of succulents. Fantastic bird, reptile, mammal, and insect life. Fossils and unique rock art are to be seen here. There is a great variety of smaller creatures, ranging from rodents, dassies, porcupines, honey badgers, Cape foxes, caracal plus of course aardwolf and aardvark. Antelope species found here are red hartebeest, kudu, springbok, duiker and steenbok. Situated 40 km from Riversdale on R323. nadia@naturecollege.co.za

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Beaverlac campsite

carynkaleido — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:23:28 +0000

Beaverlac campsite is where you can come and fly the skies where black eagles soar, hike the paths of the leopard, climb the rocks where baboons play and spend some time at a rock pool each day. There are various hiking trails and caves, some of which are decorated with rock art dating back thousands of years. Tucked high up in the Olifants River Mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins to maximize your enjoyment of nature. Situated in a secluded 5000-hectare valley surrounded by mountains, Beaverlac is blessed with two rivers, the Ratel (Honey Badger) and the Olifants. The rustic and tranquil campsite surrounded by wild mountains offers peace and quiet and a beautiful mountain pool with a waterfall is a 5-minute walk away. Those who don’t want to camp can book one of our cottages. Dogs are allowed in the campsite, but not in the rock pools where people are swimming. The site is not open to day visitors. There is no wifi and cellphone reception is not good. Beaverlac Campsite, Porterville, via N7 beaverlac.kantoor@gmail.com

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Cederberg Heritage trails

carynkaleido — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 11:22:30 +0000

The Cederberg Heritage trails organisation is a group of volunteers that was established in 2007. They arrange multi-night hiking trails in the beautiful Cederberg mountains. Most of the Cederberg mountains are an undisturbed Wilderness area. The rugged terrain where the roads are poor has been preserved. The trails are slackpacking trails which make this beautiful area more accessible to walkers. You can stay overnight in the charming community guest cottages or homestays in the Moravian Mission villages of Heuningvlei, Brugkraal, Kleinvlei, Eselbank, Langkloof and Wupperthal Cederberg Heritage trails The Donkey Cart Trails and other activities You can also take the Donkey Cart Adventure from the Pakhuis Pass to Heuningvlei or the Three-Day Donkey Cart Trail from Wupperthal via Kleinvlei and Heuningvlei to the top of the Pakhuis Pass. There are options for guided rock art walks on most of the trails. bookings@cedheroute.co.za Clanwilliam

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Donkey Cart hike in the Cedarberg

carynkaleido — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 13:10:11 +0000

Donkey Cart hike in the Cedarberg: Donkey carts are the traditional way to travel in the Cederberg – locals used to use donkeys to carry their produce to Clanwilliam. The route begins at the top of Pakhuis Pass, where you can leave your car. Begin the hike at the Heuningvlei village which is one of 14 outposts begun by the Moravian mission. The local economy survives by producing dried fruit and rooibos tea. It is possible to stay over before making the return trip, there is a guesthouse and a community guest lodge. There are rock art sites to see and you can visit an organic rooibos tea farm. The donkey cart adventures are run by the local Heuningvlei community : chrtrails@gmail.com

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Elands bay beach

carynkaleido — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:42:16 +0000

Elands Bay beach is a must-visit if you’re a keen surfer. The beach is locally known as (e-bay ) It’s such a great surf area as the waves are left breaking on an often semi-deserted beach. The Baboon Point cliffs are interesting too, and the Bobbejaanberg Cave features shell middens and rock art dating back hundreds of years Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide With a license to dive for crayfish, there are wonderful diving opportunities during the season. The town is small, and the locals are friendly. The beach at Elands Bay is also a great location for whale watching and fishing. The Point surf report Check the sea temperature here Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Elands Bay Cave

carynkaleido — Tue, 10 May 2022 18:51:57 +0000

Elands Bay Cave is near the Verlorenvlei estuary. There is evidence that human hunter-gatherers have inhabited episodically since the Later Pleistocene age. Deep within the cave are beautifully preserved cave paintings by ancient San folk. Look out for the tiny handprints and also the portrayal of humans. Much in the way of archaeological remains from the area help us to learn about the people and the role of the landscape and the changing climate had on them. The climate has gradually become more arid since the Later Pleistocene which lasted from two and a half million years ago to roughly twelve thousand years ago. During this time there were several ice ages. The inhabitants of the cave were mostly pastoralists (Nomadic people who herded cattle) the animals herded will have included cattle, camels, goats, yaks, llamas, and sheep The inhabitants who stayed intermittently also exploited marine food. Elands Bay Cave was declared a provincial heritage site in 2009. The site was first occupied during the Middle Stone Age about 80 000 years ago, and intermittently during the Later Stone Age until possibly 500 years ago. Rock paintings include large images of eland that were regarded by the San as spiritual creatures, as well as images of smaller antelope and other animals. There are also many small handprints on the cave walls, some are believed to be those of children and young teenagers. The site is open to the public free of charge, but visitors are requested to stay on the demarcated path and not touch the rock art since this may cause irreversible damage to the paintings. To get to the cave drive past the crayfish factory then drive around the point until you pass three ruined WWII buildings and a gravel road. Drive as far as you can and then walk to the cave. 17° 44′ 20.4″, -32° 19′ 1.2″ s.

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Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area

carynkaleido — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:40:35 +0000

The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness is known for its rugged, wild landscape, The greater area is particularly important for protecting mountain fynbos and wildlife. It is also one of Cape Town’s sources of fresh, clean water, and is a World Heritage Site. The landscape is filled with fynbos . The Protea Pool and Disa Pool are a short walk from the parking lot. There are some ancient San and Khoi rock paintings to be seen, also the oldest farm was established here by settlers in 1875. Early settlers in the area used animals to transport produce and supplies between Porterville and Saron, the tracks are still visible above Driebosch and Weltevrede.. There’s plenty to do in Groot Winterhoek, including various day and overnight hikes. De Hel natural pools are some of the largest in the Cape, on the much longer De Tronk trail. These are harder to access via a very steep path. However, the water is crystal clear. Note that there is no reception inside the park, which means management won’t allow lone hikers. Dogs are not allowed on Cape Nature trails. There is an entrance fee and booking and permits are required There is no cell phone reception inside the park, and for this reason, management won’t allow you to hike alone. The area is great for mountain biking. Hiking. Office: 087 087 8250 (permits & accommodation bookings) GPS: 33.073519 S 19.163143 E De Hel natural pools are some of the largest in the Cape, on the much longer De Tronk trail. These are harder to access via a very steep path. However, the water is crystal clear. Note that there is no reception inside the park, which means management won’t allow lone hikers. Dogs are not allowed on Cape Nature trails. There is an entrance fee and booking and permits are required . Hiking. Office: 087 087 8250 (permits & accommodation bookings) GPS: 33.073519 S 19.163143 E via N1, R44, R365 and Dasklip Pass/Cardouw turn-off reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

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Kamanassie nature reserve

carynkaleido — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 14:15:24 +0000

Kamanassie nature reserve is a trove of Khoisan history, the name means “Mountain of water” in the Khoisan language. The area is dotted with caves with many examples of rock art. This area receives rain throughout the year. This sustains the vegetation, which in turn supports and sustains the small herd of endangered Cape mountain zebra, which are greatly dependent on water. These animals were nearly hunted to extinction when they were used as a resource to feed the servants of farmers in the area. The zebra at Kamanassie are descended from a pure gene pool as no animals have been introduced. However, from just 6 animals in the 1970s, there is now a herd of over 40. The reserve office is in Uniondale, where you can get an entry permit for the reserve. There is also a self-catering guesthouse at this venue. The perimeter of the reserve is 131.8 km. The total area of the mountain range, managed by CapeNature is 49 430 ha, of which 22 374 ha is privately owned. The remaining 27 056 ha is state-owned land. coordinates 33°33’50”S and 33°37’10”S and 22°27’29”E and 23°01’55”E. Trails in the reserve Wapadsnek pass

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Limietberg Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:16:26 +0000

Limietberg Nature Reserve Limietberg Nature Reserve is a pristine area tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Mountains. The reserve stretches from Franschhoek in the south, eastwards towards Groot Drakenstein Northwards as far as Voëlvlei Dam, and it is a World Heritage Site. The area is an important water catchment for the Breede and Berg Rivers. The catchment also feeds the Wemmershoek, Stettynskloof, and Brandvlei dams. Some 102,000 ha of fynbos-covered mountain slopes, challenging cliffs, and indigenous river valleys make up the reserve. There are several hikes through steep kloofs and deep valleys within the reserve. Du Toits Peak, at 1 996m, is the highest point within the reserve. Visitors can see the many historical sites along the trails, including ancient rock art, a disused manganese mine, and the graves of convicts who helped build the Bainskloof Pass. Animals you may see include small antelope, baboons, and the occasional caracal and leopard. You may also be lucky enough to spot endemic birds such as the Cape sugarbird and the protea canary, as well as the majestic black eagle The hike along the Witte River runs through the Bainskloof Pass. You can stay for the day or spend the night. There are pristine camping spots and natural swimming pools. While it gets really hot in Summer, the area can get unexpectedly cold, so pack some warm clothes. The hiking path leads up a river to two spectacular rock pools, which can be icy even when it’s warm. The walk itself isn’t too long, so you can spend plenty of time swimming in the mountain pools. .The Krom River trail is a 7 km five-hour hike, it guides you past waterfalls and deep, translucent rock pools that are clear enough to snorkel in. While the water may be ice-cold, it will certainly be a welcomed relief after enduring a long hike in the gruelling heat. come prepared. You need to walk about 2,5km from the starting point to reach the first waterfall – but the second waterfall has a large plunge pool. Follow the Krom River signs. The path is pretty straightforward and is marked with little white boot prints painted onto the. The trail initially leads up over a small cliff (there is a great swimming spot ) and then follows the river on the right. You’ll crisscross back and forth over the river a couple of times. The path turns up the ravine to a deep rock pool with a waterfall. The next waterfall is reached using up a chain. This will take you to an even bigger pool with an even bigger waterfall and is worth the climb. The water is clear enough to snorkel, however, it is ice cold The route up can be difficult and slippery and isn’t recommended unless you’re a reasonably able climber. This isn’t a circular route, so you will need to take the same path back down the river. Pets are not allowed in Cape Nature reserves. There is an entrance fee for the reserve. Permits can be purchased at Du Kloof Lodge (just after the tunnel on your left) However, Only 24 permits are issued per day to prevent overcrowding. The Witte River runs through the Bainskloof Pass, past the Huguenot Tunnel. It is also part of the Limietberg Nature Reserve and has pristine camping spots, hiking trails and natural swimming pools. Day visitors are welcome, though spending the night is advised. Du Toitskloof (parking to the left after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel), The Bobejaansrivier trail reservation.alert@capenature.co.za Pets are not allowed in Cape Nature reserves. There is an entrance fee for the reserve. Permits can be purchased at Du Kloof Lodge (just after the tunnel on your left)

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Matjies River Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:13:49 +0000

The Matjies River Nature Reserve, located in the semi-arid Cederberg region, offers remarkable geological and archaeological heritage. It showcases formations dating back 300 million years and San rock art, including depictions of elephants, estimated to be 5000–300 years old. Key attractions include the Stadsaal Cave and the Truitjieskraal Interpretive Trail. Visitors need a permit, which can be obtained at the Cape Nature offices or private tourism offices within the Cederberg Conservancy. GPS: 32° 30’ 0.5’’ S 19° 20’ 10.0’’ E Clanwilliam

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