Extraordinary sunsets and landscape consisting of vast, open grassland with low “koppies” (small mountains) makes Oviston Nature Reserve truly part of South Africa’s “Big Sky” country. Situated in the north-eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province along the southern shoreline of the mighty Lake Gariep, Oviston covers an area of approximately 16 000ha and stretches from the dam wall in the west, to the Bethulie railroad bridge in the east. Lake Gariep, which spans the borders of the Free State and the Eastern Cape, lies approximately two hours south of Bloemfontein.
Activities:
Camping
Self-drive game viewing
Bird-watching
Picnicking
Walking trails
Hiking
Rock art
Fishing (permit required from Free state Post office only)
This is the Wild Coast at its most spectacular. The Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland between Port Edward and Port St Johns, is a 7 720ha coastal reserve with open grasslands, dotted with indigenous forest patches and swamp forests and flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Of the many rivers running through the reserve, the Mkhambathi is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls.
Activities:
Picnics
Bird-watching
Swimming
Walking Trails
Self-guided game viewing
Fishing(permit required and at designated areas only)
Surrounding the Groendal Dam and protecting the important water catchment area of the Swartkops River is the 30 000ha unspoiled Groendal Nature Reserve. Characterised by rugged terrain, streams and vast ravines, the reserve is encompassed by the Groot Winterhoek Mountain range and is a beautiful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Groendal Nature Reserve falls within the surrounding Greater Baviaanskloof Cluster, the third largest conservation area in South Africa.
Lying roughly between Fort Beaufort and Adelaide, Fort Fordyce is situated on the Amatola escarpment with magnificent views of the Hogsback and Katberg mountains.
The area is of great cultural and historical significance. Evidence of the earliest inhabitants of the area, the San, is found in the fine examples of rock paintings discovered within the reserve.
