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Bartholomeus Klip Nature Reserve, with its characteristic
Fynbos and rare renosterveld vegetation, forms part of the
Cape Floral Kingdom. Bartholomeus Klip has been declared a National Heritage Site in recognition of
its importance as the last major habitat of the geometric tortoise, one of the
world’s rarest reptiles as well as for the rare renosterveld that can be seen
there.
At Bartholomeus Klip the animals are easy to spot on the
game
drives in the low-growing Fynbos, especially since there are more than
1000 head
of game. The reserve, in spring, is a “flower heaven” as one guest called it,
with sheets of colour and a myriad of different bulbs, orchids and daisies to be
discovered on closer inspection.
An interesting and unusual project at Bartholomeus Klip is
the breeding of disease-free buffalo, which was embarked on in 1999. As most of
the buffalo in Southern Africa are infected with corridor disease and foot and
mouth disease, ‘clean’ animals from Bartholomeus Klip are in great demand on
game ranches especially as buffalo are one of the ‘Big Five’ (the others being
lion, elephant, rhino and leopard) that tourists always want to see. The
breeding programme has been managed along basic farming principles since the
original founder herd of 20 buffalo calves were raised on dairy cows. The herd
is now breeding at a sustainable rate and numbers are kept at around 60 animals,
with offspring being sold to areas that need stocking.
This programme provides a wonderful insight into the
successful combination of modern farming and conservation, as well as allowing
you the chance to get up close to view these magnificent animals.
More than 160 species of birds have been identified at Bartholomeus Klip, among them the endangered
Blue Crane and the African Fish
Eagle as well as the ostrich, frequently seen in the reserve.
6 000 acres of productive farmlands surround Bartholomeus
Klip, with wheat being the major crop and oats, canola and clover pastures grown
on a rotational basis. On an operation of this size there is always something
interesting happening, especially in autumn when the crops are planted and early
summer, when they are harvested. The 4 000 merino sheep are kept primarily for
their wool, which is sold on auction in Cape Town. Guests at Bartholomeus Klip
particularly enjoy the lambing time (usually after the early winter rains, when
there is grazing for the ewes), and visiting the shearers in the big shed near
to the farmhouse, where the wool is shorn, graded and packed into bales.
Bartholomeus Klip Nature Reserve is situated 120km’s from Cape Town. A typical
day safari to Bartholomeus Klip will include the following:
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Return transfers to the reserve from your hotel or guest house |
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4x4 game drive where you will see mostly antelope, birds and flora |
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Amazing lunch (3 course set menu OR picnic lunch) |
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For those guests that would like to overnight at
Bartholomeus Klip there are the option of either staying in the guests
house or to stay in Wild Olive House – the self catering house on the
farm. |
The Bartholomeus Klip Day Safari is conducted by La Rochelle Tours.
Enquire Now :
Bartholomeus Klip Day Safari Tour
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• Please note that the
above itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.
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All our rates are based on a minimum charge of 2 paying adult guests.
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Special group rates are based on the information provided by the guests.
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Our rates can change to our normal, full rates should the number of
guests decrease.
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Availability can change from day to day and without notice until a tour
is confirmed.
• Cancellation fees will apply. |
Also visit
SA Travel Desk
and
Danélle Botha Photography
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