Bosch Luys Kloof Private Nature Reserve - Klein Karoo

Bosch Luys Kloof Private Nature Reserve is situated in a remote area in the Karoo that was always very sparsely inhabited. The reserve is adjacent to a World Heritage site at its Eastern and Northern borders and is 70% surrounded by State Nature Reserves. Bosch Luys Kloof is of considerable natural beauty and interest in respect to geology, fossils, botanical value, scenic beauty, etc. There are various sedimentary formations running across the area as well as rapid changes in soil and vegetation. The reserve delivers varied flora species and its these features that are there to enjoy all year round.

The Bosluiskloof-pass which you follow from the entrance gate will immediately wake your awareness to the plant and soil variances and the existence of fossils. Some of the sedimentary rock types in the area include the Table Mountain type, Bokkeveld group and Witteberg group and fossils have been found here like the Trilobites which extend back some 250 to 500 million years. The reserve includes interesting ecosystems and veld types including Renosterveld, Klein Swartberg fynbos, succulent Karoo, Rivierbosveld, Gannaveld and Spekboomveld.

Bosch Luys Kloof was the name given to pieces of land that were consolidated in the 20th century. These pieces of land comprised of Ladismith, Matjiesvlei, Olyvefontein, Langfontein, Dwyka Rivier, Roode Rand and Lange Rug. The reserve itself lies on the northern slopes of the Swartberg mountain range and includes the foothills of the Groot Swartberg. To the south of the reserve lies the well known Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), on the eastern border is the Gamkapoort Dam and to the north is the Elands and Blouberge partly owned by the State and held as nature reserves.

Bosch Luys Kloof is on the border of the Klein and Groot Karoo and only 4km south-west of the entrance gate is the beautiful and well known Seweweekspoort. There is a rumour of a Gouritz River Mega Park Initiative, which could mean that the Northern border of the park could be close to Bosch Luys Kloof. The height above sea level varies from 500m to about 1400m at the highest point, which is a clear indication of the hilly landscape of the reserve.

If ever there was a variety of activities to keep visitors busy, this would have to be the one with the following to offer:

Nature Drives
With ten nature drives that include Big Five look out points and cover nearly 50 kilometers, Bosch Luys Kloof offers guests the excitement of discovering special Karoo plants and enjoy beautiful vistas, endemic game and a diversity of bird species. Nature drives are enjoyed in open Land Rovers and usually takes 2.5 hours.

Nature Walks
The walks were carefully developed to give visitors a broad exposure to the many of natures wonders. The six routes differ in grading and can take from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. They have to be undertaken with a guide and the choice of the day can only be made here taking cognisance of the weather and natures elements. You may however also talk to staff about easy walk-abouts that you can do on your own. The scenic 4x4 routes/trails are also open to guests who love hiking and who would want to explore other parts of the reserve.

Scenic 4x4 Routes
The 4x4 routes are developed to be an enjoyable, scenic experience for the whole family to experience nature and the landscape. The aim is to offer a scenic trail or route with some historical significance over each of the three main different vegetation areas and landscape types on the reserve to guests. Routes include To Hell and Gone, the Shepherd's Trail and the Wagon Route to Beaufort. These routes are also open to our guests for hiking.

Mountain Biking
Guests can also enjoy the beauty of Bosch Luys Kloof on a Mountain bike ride. Bring your own bike - and all you may need - and discover the unique Karoo landscapes and vistas.

Water sport and Freshwater angling
Guests can do some paddling in a canoe or kayak in the Gamkapoort Dam right on our border. Its surface area is 600 hectares when full! Seasonal fresh water angling can be done as well, mostly bass and carp. There are a variety of birds on the Dam and it offers a wonderful opportunity to view the three main rock formations of the Cape Supergroup folded and twisted into layers. No motorboats or jet skis are allowed on the Dam that is managed by Cape Nature.

Stargazing
Bosch Luys Kloof is far from any air pollution and city lights that could spoil a stargazing experience. The number of clear sky nights on the Reserve is by far in the majority.

Big Five Lookout Points
Visit Bosch Luys Kloof and experience the unique Big Five, something very few people experienced before! Depending on the length of your visit you can visit one or more while you enjoy your nature drive. The reserve management have carefully selected the top five lookout points on the Reserve to compile Bosch Luys Kloofs Big Five. Every look out point is unique with a charm of its own. The views are really special and will imprint images in your mind that will linger on for long after your visit!