Gamkaberg Nature reserve
The brooding Gamkaberg, together with the equally mysterious Rooiberg, appear to have been laid down as one over the lowlands of the Little Karoo. The Gamka is an isolated range emerging in isolation, lurching suddenly from the land. Its name is derived from the Khoisan “gamka”, meaning lion. The area was once the hunting grounds of the now-extinct Cape Lion. Although it was too late for the lion, Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, now a World Heritage Site, was established in 1974 to conserve a small, remnant herd of endangered Cape mountain zebra The herd numbered just five in 1974, but due to dedicated conservation efforts, herd numbers have increased, and Gamkaberg remains a haven for these rare creatures.
Trails in Gamkaberg: The easy 4.1 km Piet Barbet trail takes 2.5 hours
Within the reserve is the Xami eco-lodge
GPS coordinates: 33 40 17.51 S, 21 53 18.37 E
