Nature Reserves
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
The land forever heightens our sense of exploration with its expanses and its wilderness. And with the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve in the Little Karoo, we need not go far to find a place with such space and detachment. The brooding Gamkaberg, together with the equally mysterious Rooiberg, appear to have been laid down as one over the lowlands of the Little Karoo. The Gamka is therefore a range in isolation and its name is derived from the Khoisan, gami, meaning lion, where the Cape Lion – now extinct – once so successfully wondered here.
Die Poort Private Nature Reserve
An ideal retreat, for peaceful and isolated tranquility in a magnificent mountain and river environment. It borders onto the Greater Swartberg Protected Area (a World Heritage Site) and is situated within three international biodiversity hotspots, (the Succulent Karoo, the Cape Floristic Region and Thicket). The farm overlooks and includes the Gamka River where it leaves the Swartberg Mountain after its journey of 23 km through Gamkapoort, the last 5 km of which fall within the boundaries of Die Poort. We are the southern neighbors of Gamkaskloof, also known as “The Hell,” although separated by a tough 14 km hike. In addition to the main house, there are 3 historic, self-catering guest cottages, resembling the type of dwellings in Gamkaskloof. Each has its own charm and beautiful view of the wonderful surrounding mountains and river.