Oorlogskloof Rock Pigeon Route

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Northern Cape

OorlogskJoof Nature Reserve is situated approximately 16 km from the town of Nieuwoudtville on the Bokkeveld plateau. It comprises 4 776 ha of one of the most varied botanical areas in the Northern Cape. OorlogskJoof con tains Bokkevcld Sandstone Fynbos, Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville Shale Renostcrveld, Kamiesberg Moun tains Shrubland and Afro-montane plant communities.

The Oorlogskloof River, originating deep in the Roggeveld Mountains near Calvinia, flows through a deep, spectacular gorge, carving its way through a layer of Table

Mountain Sandstone and quartzite.

Fauna

The OorlogskJoof area is characterized by unique fauna (36 species) including Smith’s red rock rabbit, porcupine, Cape clawless otter, Cape fox, baboon, rock hyrax and klipspringer. Leopard roams the mountains, their presence indicated by spoor and dung. There are 94 bird species including the shy Rameron pigeon, Cape batis and Southern boubou. There are a large number of reptiles on Oorlogskloof Nature Re serve, as well as three endangered fish species.

Flora

The exceptionally high diversity of plant communities and species makes OorlogskJoof one of the Northern Cape’s most unique nature reserves. This could be ascribed to the location of the reserve, which is in the transition zone of the Fynbos and Karoo Biomes, as well as to the diverse broken topography. A section of the reserve forms part of the northernmost extension of the Fynbos Biome and includes various endangered species.

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve is a hiking reserve. Some of the overnight camps have been provided with tents and mattresses. Other camping sites are very basic.

Trail Details:

(4 nights / 5 Days; 52.2 km)

Day one and two can be combined but this is not advisable.

Day 1:

Groot Turn to Brakwater (4 km: 2 – 3 hrs). The trail passes ruins and leads to the edge of the Saaikloof, with stunning views of the gorge.

Day 2:

Brakwater to Kameet se Gat (8.5km: 6 – 7 hours)

A ladder and a rope will give you access to the plateau. At the “last water” sign you can enjoy your last swim of the day. San rock paintings occur at three sites at Driefontein camp site.

Day 3:

Driefontein to Doltuin (12 km: G – 8 hrs)

At Kameel se Gat there are several large stone structures erected by pioneering farmers, with a cemetery across the river. Access to the top of the gorge is through a chimney. The geology is revealed in the form of bands of quartz pebbles and sandstone.

Day 4:

Doltuin to Pramkoppie (17 km: 6 – 8 hrs)

The trail passes through 10 rock arches, some of which you can crawl through. Arrie se Punt is the highest point (915 m) with a magnificent view over the Knersvlakte.

Day 5:

Pramkoppie to Groot Ruin (10.7 km: 5 – 7 hrs).

At the 44 km marker the track leads past an old stone leopard trap, a relic from the early farming da) s. Further on the trail seems to come to a dead end at a sheer cliff, however, inspection reveals a chimney with a descending ladder.

Pertinent Information:

Min of 3 hikers
Max of 16 hikers
Water is available on nights 1, 2 and the last night. Water will be left for you on the other nights.
NO FIRES ALLOWED ON THE TRAIL