Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is situated in the Langeberg, between Swellendam, Suurbraak and Heidelberg and comprises 250 ha of afromontane forest. The indigenous forest is the most noteworthy in the southwestern Cape and the largest remaining example in the Langeberg. Two-day walks and a short cycle trail wind through Knysna high forest and mountain fynbos, with excellent bird-watching opportunities, bird hides, a campsite and accommodation available.
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is situated in the Langeberg, between Swellendam, Suurbraak and Heidelberg and comprises 250 ha of afromontane forest. The indigenous forest is the most noteworthy in the southwestern Cape and the largest remaining example in the Langeberg. Two-day walks and a short cycle trail wind through Knysna high forest and mountain fynbos, with excellent bird-watching opportunities, bird hides, a campsite and accommodation available. History The land on which the forest is situated was originally called Melkhoutskraal, and was assigned to Roelof Oelofse in 1723. He was known as the "Groot Vader", a title subsequent owners inherited. The adjoining Boosmansbos Wilderness area was proclaimed in 1978 and Grootvadersbosch was put under the control of Cape Nature Conservation in 1986.
Climate and Geology The Langeberg lies in the transitional zone between winter and all-year rainfall regions. Grootvadersbosch has an average annual rainfall of about 1 050 mm. Drier periods are from May to July and December to January. Berg wind conditions prevail from May to July.
The southern slopes are covered with sandy soils derived from Table Mountain sandstone and are often strewn with rocks and boulders.
Plants and Animals
Most of the 35 typical forest tree species are present, including stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the dominant ironwood.
During 1896 to 1913 exotic trees such as camphor, Australian blackwood, bluegum, ash, Californian redwood and oak were planted to cover the areas denuded by woodcutters. Cape Nature Conservation is reclaiming these areas for indigenous forest.
A small campsite is available and should also be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Ten tent sites are available, with ablution facilities and thatched lapa area for braaing. Accommodation is available in a cosy three-bedroomed house overlooking the forest. It has a fireplace and is well-equipped.
Bushbuck are abundant and were first described in 1780 from a specimen collected at Grootvadersbosch. Cape grysbok occur on the forest fringes and in adjacent fynbos. Baboons and small mammals are plentiful while evidence of leopard is also occasionally found. Birds are abundant and 196 bird species have been recorded. A subspecies of the ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly occur only in this forest.
Walks and other Facilities The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails offer day walks varying from 2 to 15 km. A short section of the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy's cycle trail falls within the reserve boundary and may be utilised by reserve visitors. Groups are restricted to 12 people, and permits for walks are obtainable at the reserve.
In the adjacent Boosmansbos wilderness area the total number of people per day is restricted to 12 and these walks must be booked in advance.
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