Bartholomeus Klip Renosterveld Reserve, Western Cape (original) (raw)

The Bartholomeus Klip Renosterveld Reserve is a large wheat and sheep farm within which is a nature reserve that stretches into the Elandskloof mountains. The Fairtrade in Tourism private game reserve is just over an hour from Cape Town and day visitors are welcome.

Did you know? The most important inhabitant of the Bartholomeus Klip Renosterveld Reserve is a small creature: the endangered geometric tortoise, one of the world�s rarest reptiles, safe here in its last remaining viable habitat.

Enjoy guided tours of buffalo and quagga breeding programmes; track the rare, endangered geometric tortoise in an open vehicle ... On Bartholomeus Klip's grassy plains you will find wild animals in one of the last spaces, so close to a city, that still allows for game to freely graze as they might have done years ago.

The quagga breeding programme brings together pairs of zebra that display traits closest to the now extinct quagga � no or few stripes on the legs and rump (zebra are regarded as the closes living relative of the quagga). Antelope, such as springbok, black wildebeest, bontebok and zebra, are easy to spot, whilst bat-eared foxes, lynxes and other smaller species might be harder to find, but also make the reserve their home.

Leopards enter the reserve - night cameras have captured photos... Strategically placed night cameras have taken pictures of leopards in the reserve - these more reticent creatures usually keep to the higher reaches of the mountains. Birds seen at the lake closer to the Farmhouse include fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans and the odd spoonbill.

Walk through the fynbos, ramble the jeep tracks, and stay for lunch. Bartholomeus Klip's flora is largely highly endangered renosterveld - so special it has been declared a provincial nature reserve, as well as a Natural Heritage Site. The reserve's rare and unusual plants are part of ongoing studies by local universities and institutions as a result.

To fully appreciate the reserve and all the Riebeek Valley has to offer, we recommend a stay of a few nights. SA-Venues.com proudly features a range of accommodation options within the reserve to suit all travel needs and budgets. Discerning travellers will appreciate the peace and quiet in the exclusive five room Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse. If you prefer to cater for yourselves, see Wild Olive House & Cottage.