Nestled in the northern slopes of the Winterberg mountain range is the Tsolwana Game Reserve, situated between Cradock and Queenstown, near Tarkastad. The reserve was proclaimed in 1979, and its name is derived from the Xhosa word for "spike", referring to the prominent hill which can be found there. It is 8500ha in size and marks the start of the Karoo plains.

The Tsolwana Game Reserve is situated in a mountainous region, and consists of a number of grassy plains and acacia thornveld which supports a wide variety of wildlife, allowing for some of the most excellent game viewing possible. The reserve is home to a wide and impressive array of wildlife which includes the white rhino, giraffe, eland, blesbok, mountain reedbuck, Cape mountain zebra, black wildebeest, springbok, chacma baboon, bat-eared fox and ostrich, to name but a few.

The reserve serves as an ideal destination for the keen outdoor enthusiast with a variety of activities available which include walking trails, game viewing, vulture viewing, horse riding, mountain trails, rock art sites, all combined with magnificent scenery. Walking trails in the Tsolwana Game Reserve allow visitors to walk the trails unaccompanied, or one can be escorted by an experienced and knowledgeable ranger. Visitors to the reserve can hike to any of a number of picnic sites in the area, where chopped firewood is provided.