In the heart of ostrich country near Oudtshoorn lies the Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve, home to a population of endangered Cape mountain zebra. A stay in the safari-styled Tierkloof Bushcamp are the ideal base from which visitors can explore the rugged area, with its mountainous plateaux and deep ravines
The Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve was established in the Gamka mountains between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp (4 hours from Cape Town) to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. Gamka Mountain is an isolated mountain range in the Little Karoo, lying between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains.
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 terrain, with its mountain fynbos, arid fynbos, succulent plants and riverine vegetation, can be explored on foot as part of a hiking trail, on the route of a 4x4 trail or on a mountain bike. Gamka Moutain is host to leopard and honey badger, eland, red hartebeest, grysbok, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, baboon and caracal, as well as a wide variety of birds, reptiles and insects.
Nowhere else will your sense of tranquillity be greater than after a few days' stay at the Tierkloof Bushcamp, set at the foothills of the mountain amongst shady trees. The complex is wheelchair-friendly.
A welcoming lapa, with its own table, chairs and braai area, holds the possibility of many late-night stories being told under Africa's starry skies. The facilities are constructed of thatch, wood and reed. The spacious and comfortable main hut has one double bed and two singles. Within this hut is the kitchen, with utensils, gas fridge and stove, and gas water heater at the sink. There is a food preparation table and a dining table. A further four beds in two semi-permanent tents are pitched under their own reed roofs a short distance from the main hut.
The reed and thatch ablution facilities lies along a pathway lit by a hurricane lamp. Gas and paraffin lamps are provided.
A nearby cement dam with a sheltered deck will refresh visitors after a day's hike. A romantic bench under a shady tree is the perfect place from which to watch the sun set over the Little Karoo.
The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day visitors have access to the information centre, which is definitely worth a visit, as well as short hikes and picnic and braai facilities. Ablution facilities and shaded parking are provided at the information centre.
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