African wildlife, wildlife services, African wildlife safari travel destinations and accommodation, and wildilfe products in Africa. All on WildNet Africa - Your link with Africa's Wildlife.


The WildNet Africa on-line directory of destinations, safaris, products and services available in Africa.

GOEGAP NATURE RESERVE

Goegap Nature Reserve (14 860ha) consists mainly of sandy plains interspersed with rocky outcrops and represents a large variety of typical Namaqualand habitats. Currently visitors only have access to a small part of the reserve, but there is a chance of this area being enlarged in the near future.

During spring this harsh landscape is transformed into a fairyland of wild flowers painting the sandy plains in gay colours. The rest of the year small shrubs and succulents, including the kokerboom (quiver tree), are more obtrusive. The reserve is home to numerous mammal species, including eland, gemsbok, springbok, klipspringer, Hartmann's mountain zebra, rock dassie, yellow mongoose, dassie rat, honey badger, Cape fox, aardwolf and baboon. The reserve is frequented by several bird species, among them Cape eagle owl, black eagle, pied barbet, spotted dikkop, Karoo korhaan, and ground woodpecker. The best way of exploring the reserve is to walk along the Ian Myers trail which meanders through this arid landscape. Apart from three short hiking trails, there are various overnight wilderness trails (check with reserve). Another option is to travel on horseback, by 4X4 or on a mountain bike along the respective routes designed for this purpose. Visitors must supply their own horses. As summer days can be scorching hot, visitors are advised to carry water on the trails.

The reserve itself offers no accommodation, but there are hotels and a camping site in the town of Springbok nearby. The reserve has picnic sites with shelters, fireplaces and water. Guided tours are conducted during flower season. During flower season (August and September) the reserve is open every day. The rest of the year visitors are allowed on weekdays only. Weekend visits can be arranged in advance. Opening time: 08h00 to 16h30.

How to get there:
From Springbok drive eastwards towards the airport on the R355. After approximately 4km turn left to the Goegap Nature Reserve's gate.

Contact details:
Postal address:
Private Bag X1, Springbok, 8240, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-251-21880
Tel (South Africa): 0251-21880