Solitude In The Klein Karoo

There is a place in the Klein Karoo, a place of solitude and peace, where mountain zebra roam. A place very close to South Africa’s port capital, Calitzdorp, and yet so quiet at night that you’d never guess a town lies within 30km of its boundary. It’s called Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, a real gem in the Cape Nature stable.

- Axel Jooste

Gamkaberg is an isolated range lying between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. The reserve covers more than 10 000ha of rugged plateau, incised by deep ravines. Since 1974 it’s been set aside to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra. Four South African biomes are represented: fynbos, succulent Karoo, subtropical thicket and evergreen forest.

And one can camp here! However, the two sites (maximum four people each) are more suited to tents or a camping trailer, than a caravan. The access road to the reserve may be a bit of a bother to a tar-road caravan. Square concrete slabs have been laid, complete with eyelets for the guy ropes, cemented in – a very thoughtful idea. A covered area is provided, with two deck chairs and a picnic table at each site. Apart from the portable braais, there is also a communal braai area. Electrical plug points are a new addition. Water is on tap.

Lamps guide the way at night to the modern and spotless ablution block. Although only one toilet, basin and shower is available at either gents or ladies, there will never be more than 16 visitors at a time in the area. Hot water is provided at the ablutions.