The WildNet Africa on-line directory of destinations, safaris, products and services available in Africa.THESE DIRECTORY ENTRIES PROVIDE BASIC CONTACT DETAILS ONLY. VISIT THE WEBSITE IF AVAILABLE. THE WILDNET AFRICA HOME PAGE WILL LEAD YOU TO DESTINATIONS AND SERVICES WITH FULL ON-LINE INFORMATION.  DOUBLE DRIFT GAME RESERVEPostal address: P.O. BOX 186, BISHO, 5605, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA Tel (International): +27-401-952115 Tel (South Africa): 0401-952115 Fax (International): +27-401-92756 Fax (South Africa): 0401-92756 Tel (Cellular): e-Mail: Web Home Page: Our situation/ areas of operation:EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICAOur type of wildlife enterprise:GAME/ NATURE RESERVEOur wildlife products and/or services:NATURE EXPERIENCE, BIRDING Although not finalised at the time of writing, the conservation authorities intend consolidating the Double Drift Game Reserve (in the former Ciskei), Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve and the Sam Knott Nature Reserve under a single management body. The three reserves share common boundaries and cover in total more than 45 000 ha. The principal physical feature of the area is the Great Fish River, with Double Drift lying on its eastern bank. The terrain ranges from open plains to rugged valleys and gorges. The vegetation, classified as Fish River Valley Bushveld, consists of very dense, semi-succulent, thorny scrub averaging some 2 m in height. There are patches of forest in gorges and ravines, karroid scrub elements, open grassland and, of particular interest, euphorbia 'forest'. This area has a low annual rainfall (less than 500 mm), most of which occurs in summer. A number of game species that once roamed the area, including black rhinoceros, buffalo, hippopotamus, warthog, eland and blesbok, have been re-introduced. Within the Double Drift sector several species that have been introduces probably never occurred in the area; these include giraffe, plains zebra, blue wildebeest and impala, and future management programmes will possibly result in their removal. A number of larger ungulates such as greater kudu, springbok and common duiker occur naturally in the area. The common predator is the black-backed jackal, but small numbers of leopard, caracal and Cape clawles otter also occur. Baboon and particularly vervet monkey are commonly seen. Almost 200 species of birds have been recorded from this reserve complex, and visitors will find bird-watching especially rewarding along the Great Fish River and in the gorges. Fish, black and martial eagles occur, as do several smaller raptor species. Others to watch for include whitebacked night heron, crowned hornbill, rednecked francolin and brownhooded kingfisher. Location: South-central part of province; north-east of Grahamstown. Access: From Grahamstown follow the N2 towards King William's Town for about 3 km, then turn north onto the R67 and drive for about 22 km; turn right towards Committees Drift and follow the signposts for 4 km to one entrance. Approach and internal roads are gravel but usually in fair condition. The main gate is further along the R67 past Fort Brown for 15 km and turn right at reserve signpost; entrance a further 6 km. Double Drift Game Reserve can be reached from the west bank (only when the river is not in spate); alternatively from Peddie drive along N2 for approximately 8 km and turn left onto the R345 to Breakfast Vlei, which lies on its southern boundary. The public road passes through reserve to Alice, via Lekfontein and Victoria Post. Accommodation: In Double Drift sector Mbabala Lodge sleeps 10 and is fully furnished and serviced; Double Drift Lodge is on the hiking trail and can accommodate 10 people; Mvubu Bush Camp is located on the bank of the Great Fish and offers accommodation for 8 people in 4 stone and thatch huts; there are also 6 fully-equipped chalets (each accommodating 4 people). A basic campsite (pit toilet) is located on the river's west bank; 4 4-bed cabins accommodating at Botha's Post: Tel (0461) 27909. Other facilities: Network of gameviewing roads; 1- to 3-day guided hiking trails (Contour); picnic sites at Double Drift on the river; fishing (a licence is required); game- and bird-watching hide (west bank). Other activities are in the planning stage, and as management is likely to make changes, we suggest you contact the authorities directly. Open: Throughout the year. Opening time: 06h00 to 18h00, public roads open 24 hours. Speed limit: 30 km/h |
