Swartberg Mountain Complex

About Swartberg Mountain Complex

Any travellers that are visiting the Western Cape or staying in the Karoo will know the breath-taking scene set by the mountains of the Swartberg. So, it is no surprise that the Swartberg Mountain Complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only six botanical kingdoms on earth. This is no mean feat, considering that it only occupies 0.04% of the surface of the earth, which testifies to just how awesomely diverse the kingdom is.

Did you know? The rare protea (Protea Montana) and the endangered Protea Venusta can be found in the Swartberg protected areas.

The Swartberg Mountain Complex comprises three nature reserves, of which only one is open to the public.

The reserves are

1. Swartberg Nature Reserve – nestled between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, this reserve divides the Klein Karoo and is bisected by the Swartberg Pass. During the winter months, this stunning pass is often blanketed by snow, luring visitors from all over the Karoo and Garden Route to see the icy beauty. There are a number of hiking and walking trails in the reserve, as well as picnic and braai areas. Fishing and canoeing on the Gamkapoort Dam on the reserve's border are perfect on hot Karoo days, while the ancient San rock art is always impressive.
2. Gamkapoort Nature Reserve – situated north of the Swartberg Nature Reserve, Gamkapoort is not open to the public as its ecosystem is being protected. Still, a visit to the Gamkapoort Dam is permitted.
3. Towerkop Nature Reserve – occupying a mammoth 51 000 hectares, this reserve is not open to the public because its precious array of fynbos is being protected. But, there are some hiking trails that wind through it for committed hikers that want to experience its beauty.

The Swartberg Mountain Complex showcases one of the best examples of exposed mountain folds on the planet, which is always a treat to see for its drama and rugged beauty. These mountains extend 230 kilometres, stretching between Uniondale and Willowmore in the Eastern Cape to Laingsburg in the Western Cape.

The vegetation here is a unique medley of species, the most significant of which is the fynbos. Fynbos is endemic to South Africa (particularly the Western Cape), and is incredibly diverse and hardy. The Swartberg Mountain Complex has no fewer than 680 different plant species. The animals here range from zebra and baboon to leopard and caracal.